Kristen Stephens Executive Director
Hello and Welcome! Thank you so much for taking the time to learn more about us! My mission at East-West School is to inspire students to use their gifts and talents to heal and enlighten the world while experiencing love, joy, passion and peace. We want to train you so you can help others to live a happier life with more joy and less pain. I look forward to having you join us! I believe we will exceed your expectations. Please be sure to review our faculty page, as our team of instructors is the best in the state!! We are the premiere school in the area. Thank you for choosing us!
- Owner/President & Executive Director of East•West School and Pioneer for the integration of Western and Eastern healing modalities locally and world wide.
- Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce member since 1995 and recently nominated as “Business of the Year” for 2008.
- Advocate for Body, Mind & Spirit Education throughout the world with primary focus on the Midwest.
- Volunteer Advisory Board Member for the Womens Wellness Program at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
- Advisory Board Member/Design & Curriculum Consultant for the famous $10,000,000.00 Deepak Chopra Center for Living in San Diego, CA. in 2005. (Dr. Deepak Chopra, M.D. is a famous physician from India who has written more than a dozen best selling books and has been on shows such as Oprah and Larry King discussing his beliefs on the benefits of holistic medicine and healing.)
- Life & Business Coach with Inspired!, inc.
- Graduate of The Anthony Robbins Mastery University Leadership Academy and Platinum Partner.
- Guest speaker and lecturer for the University of Iowa Small Business Development Center Entrepreneurial Program.
- Award Winning Executive and Best Selling Published Co- author.
- Instructor for Leadership Courses and Business Courses locally and abroad.
- Kristen was born and raised in the Iowa City area and she enjoys traveling, working out at CORE fitness with her two teenage sons and singing the National Anthem at many University of Iowa sporting events throughout the year. She loves to read and learn new things and is passionate about her career.
“Kristen is awesome and truly cares about everyone’s success. She goes above and beyond.”
Lisa Beckman, Fall 2006 Student
Victor, IA
Responsibilites: Business Courses, Life Coaching, Your Best Life 101", President/Executive Director~ Registration & Orientation.
Craig Steuer LMT
Craig Steuer, LMT is a third-generation massage therapist, and grew up in a home surrounded by massage therapy. He has been practicing bodywork since 1998, and has focused on Sports and Medical Massage since 2002. As an Eastwind Alum, Craig combines both Eastern and Western techniques to give client-specific treatments with the hope of achieving the fastest results. He believes that we should never work on the body, but rather with it. Since 1998 Craig has been active in community service, dedicating at least 70 hours a month to a volunteer teaching program.
Responsibilities: Sports Massage, Soap Charting, Medical Massage, Technique
Mary Thompson, MA
Mary Thompson, MA
Tranquility…through healing touch
Usui/Tibetan Reiki Master Teacher
Karuna Reiki Master Teacher
Reflexology Plus
Healing Touch Spiritual Ministry, Advanced Practitioner
Mary Thompson comes with a rich background exploring western and eastern healing arts. With a masters degree in Speech Pathology, Mary previously devoted years to helping others in a clinical setting. In the year 2000, while confronting a major illness, Mary began exploration and training in natural healing modalities to supplement and compliment her medical care. In that same year, she began treating others as a way of ‘giving back’. She has served as a Reiki teacher since 2002. It is her desire to assist others in maintaining health, inner peace, and tranquility… through healing touch.
Mary and husband Donald are parents of four and proud grandparents of two. They live in North Liberty with son Ben.
Responsibilities: Reiki I, Reiki II, Energy I, Energy II
Like He, L.Ac., Dipl.O.M.
Like He, L.Ac., Dipl.O.M.
Is a licensed acupuncturist and certified in both Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology by NCCAOM. Like has a unique integrative approach to healing due to his diverse background and experience: he completed medical school in China 1995 and had been an orthopedic surgeon prior to coming to the United State in 1998. He then obtained his master degree in oriental medicine and became a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist in California in 2002. His experience includes working with the Integrated Pain Management Department, Kaiser Permanente Hospital to conduct clinical research and acupuncture management for chronic pain; with Village Health Foundation, a private non-profit holistic clinic to manage the patients suffering from substance addiction, chronic illnesses, obesity and allergies with acupuncture, herbs and nutritional supplements; teaching and supervising acupuncture students at Samra University of Oriental Medicine. He recently relocated to Iowa and started his acupuncture practice in Carew Chiropractic Clinic. He is a firm believer that prevention of the disease is the most important part of health care, while dietary and life style modifications are the two most important factors for the prevention of the diseases.
Responsibilities: Eastern Theory, Nutrition, Intro to Herbalism,
Pamela Sabin, BA, LMT
Licensed massage therapist. Massage therapist/Asian bodywork therapist, 1999. Reiki II practitioner. Medical Intuitive Training. Extensive experience in formulating self-care products.
Responsibilities: Integrative Massage and Aromatherapy.
Kristin Bergman BA,LMT
Licensed massage therapist, 2001. Massage therapist/Asian bodywork therapist. B.A. 2000 (University of Iowa). Doula, 2002.
Kristen has her own massage practice and has done extensive work in the community and and the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in the areas of massage and pregnancy.
Responsibilities: Pregnancy Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Western Massage I & Western Massage II and Clinic Technique Assistant
Patricia Barrance CRR, CMA
Certified registered reflexologist, certified medical assistant. The International Institute of Reflexology, 1987. Healing Touch practitioner (level III-A). Trained in massage therapy and chiropody. Reiki Master.
Responsibilities: Reflexology
Dr. R.I. Stephens
Dr. R.I. Stephens PhD
Dr. Stephens has been teaching for over 50 years and is an award winning professor at the University of Iowa. He has a natural ability to inspire students to motivate themselves to become leaders in their field of choice. His love for life, family, exercise, learning, teaching and race car driving still at the age of 74, leaves his audiences enthusiastic and ready to succeed. Dr. Stephens is the guest speaker each term at our graduation celebration and is involved throughout the term on occasion. He is also on the school’s advisory team.
Responsibilities: Graduation
Mary Audia D.C.
Licensed Doctor of Chiropractic, Palmer College, Davenport, 1996.
10+ years in practice; Internship in Multi-Disciplinary Sports Medicine Clinic, Myrtle Beach, SC 1996; Associate Doctor in Multi-Physician Family Practice, Auburn, WA 1996-1999; Owner/President of Family Practice Clinic, Austin, TX 1999-2005. Currently, Owner/President of Corridor Chiropractic of Iowa located in the Body and Balance Women’s Fitness Facility, Coralville, IA . Advanced Training in Auto Accident Injuries and Upper Cervical Techniques.
Responsibilities: Anatomy, Anatomy and Physiology.
Joan D'Sousza
Joan D’Sousza is a skilled Homeopathic physician with experience and continued education in Yoga, Acupressure, Nutritional Sciences, Clinical Research and Drug Safety. Extensive knowledge of homeopathic medicines, drugs and variety of therapeutic areas. Skilled in developing and designing performance based training, interactive training and teaching curricula. Interpersonal skills with the ability to work well with diverse groups of people.
Responsibilities: Intro to Homeopathy
Kimm Harris, B.G.S.
Kimm Harris, B.G.S, University of Iowa
Kimm is President of IPC of Iowa inc., a software company founded in 1993. Her interest in human relations, communications and business created opportunities for her to teach Entrepreneurial Classes through Small Business Development Center and in the Business Department at Kirkwood Community College. IPC of Iowa inc. was selected for an Entrepreneur of the Year Award through the Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce in 1999.
Personal growth is a passion for Kimm and has lead her to participate in courses throughout the country related to healing, meditation and personal growth. Her most recent coursework has included Primordial Sound Meditation, Synchrodestiny and Journey into Healing offered by the Chopra Center in Carlsbad, CA.
Tanya R. English D.C.
Tanya R. English D.C.
Over 20 years of experience in healing arts has given Dr. Tanya English a unique perspective. After finishing an undergraduate degree in theatre production she pursued a career in massage therapy at the Swedish Institute in New York. After working in many settings on the east coast she made her way to the “mid-coast” to study at the fountainhead of chiropractic, Palmer College of Chiropractic. Her interest in quantum healing became a serious pursuit when she began studying with Dr. M.T. Morter, Jr. and earned a Master’s degree in Bio Energetic Synchronization Technique. Dr. Tanya coaches her practice members in the Six Essentials of Life: what you eat and drink, how you exercise and rest, what you breathe and think. She now teaches, writes and takes care of practice members at Quantum Healing Chiropractic. www.blest4today.com
Responsibilities: Intro to Healing
Jason Auer-Sears LMT
Jason Auer-Sears, LMT
Chosen to lead the massage group for the Lance Armstrong team during Ragbrai. Ragbrai is a biking event known throughout the world that takes place every year in Iowa with about 30,000 riders.
Licensed Massage Therapist, Reiki Master, Sacred Centers Chakra Teacher, Active Isolated Stretching: The Mattes Method – Certified Coarse Instructor, Certified Chiropractic Assistant.
Responsibilities: Active Isolated Stretching, Intro to Chakras
Marcia Brandt, BA, LMT
Marcia Brandt, BA, LMT
Certified Light Language teacher and Light Language Teacher Trainer for North America. Marcia began her massage therapy practice in 1986. She has taught at a massage school a variety of classes, including energy healing, Brain Gym, therapeutic touch and color therapy. She is a MariEL practitioner and energy healer. Since “retiring” from massage in 2007, Marcia has focused on teaching classes that empower others to achieve success, happiness, health, wealth and delightful relationships. These transformational classes include Light Language, Radiant You, and Joyful Living Now. Marcia is a “natural” at sharing wisdom in an easy to understand style that is life changing and also fun!
Responsibilities: Light Language.
Joan Donovan, BA, CPT
Joan Donovan, BA, CPT
Certified Light Language teacher and Light Language Teacher Trainer for North America. She is a Light and Energy Weave practitioner, an energy technique that works with the multidimensional strands of DNA, Reiki Master, MariEL practitioner, Certified Polarity Therapist and Advanced Torus teacher. Along with co-teacher Marcia Brandt, she teaches classes weaving energy and spirit into our daily lives using easy, “time conscious” techniques designed to blend into today’s fast paced world.
Responsibilities: Light Language.
Joyce McKinley BA, LMT
Joyce McKinley BA, LMT
Finding massage therapy, bodywork and the healing arts in 1993, Joyce remains perpetually fascinated with all there is to learn in a constantly expanding profession. Initially trained through the Sr. Rosalind Gefre School of Professional Massage Therapy and Minnesota School for Shiatsu Study in the Twin Cities, Joyce maintains a private practice of mixed modality; sessions governed by what the individuals needs. Joyce is a Licensed Massage Therapist, Traditional Usui Reiki Master/Teacher; also attuned/ trained in Tera Mai, Ahavat Olam, Light Language, Namikoshi Shiatsu, Swedish and Deep Tissue massages, SRA and a range of effective massage and energywork techniques. Happy to be working with EastWest School and looking forward to being able to make a valuable exchange with students, Joyce is a Board Member with the American Massage Therapy Association’s Iowa Chapter.Responsibilities: Massage Clinic
Effective Treatment of Common Pain Patterns: Triggerpoint, NMT, DeepTissue.
Kristen Richardson,MSN
Kristen Richardson, MSN
Received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from the University of Iowa, College of Nursing, specializing as an Advanced Practice Nurse in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing. Kristen is Nationally Certified as both a Family Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Child and Adolescent Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing. She has a private practice where she sees children, adolescents, adults, couples and families for outpatient therapy, medication management and Healing Touch. Kristen Richardson’s, ARNP, PC practice is located in the Eastwind Healing Center in downtown Iowa City.
Responsibilities: Psych Aspects
Susan Bender, LMT
Susan Bender, LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist and Asian Bodywork Therapist, 2003. Home-based private practice specializing in Focused Touch Shiatsu – an eclectic blend of Eastern and Western modalities.
Susan’s education background, in addition to her commitment to life-long learning, are utilized to empower others to dignity, learning and wholeness.
Diane Koch, LMT, RM
Diane Koch, LMT, Reiki Master
Diane has been a licensed massage therapist since 2004 and is a Reiki Master. She also holds a degree as a Practical Nurse. Her specialties include Swedish Massage, Energetic Healing and Reiki. She enjoys helping her clients become more aware of natural and holistic alternatives to healing and has her own massage therapy business. Diane loves helping people and enjoys working with students.
Responsibilities: Clinic Instructor, Student Advisor
Carol Ann Flack, LMT, CHTP/I, RM
Carol Ann Flack, LMT, CHTP/I, RM
West Branch, Iowa, USA
Carol Ann is a Licensed Massage Therapist and is Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB).
When she took her first Healing Touch class in 1999 she felt as though she had “come home” as she felt a real connection with Healing Touch and with fellow students. Through her own journey of experiencing, giving and teaching Healing Touch Carol Ann’s own connection with the work continues to deepen.
Since 2000, Carol Ann has volunteered her services to the patients, families, staff and volunteers of a local not-for-profit hospice. She loves that Healing Touch serves these patients through end of life helping in their transition. She also has a private practice where she combines therapeutic massage, Healing Touch, Reiki and Reflexology in her sessions. She provided Healing Touch to University of Iowa, Stage IV cervical cancer subjects on a NIH biofield research grant in 2003-2004 and found working with these women both rewarding and educational. She loves that the therapy she offers allows the patient/client to feel inner peace and well-being. It takes them to the place within that allows them to do their self-healing.
Carol Ann is a student in the Authentic Power Program of the Seat of the Soul Institute with Gary Zukav and Linda Francis. She finds that as she is taking responsibility for healing her soul/spirit, she is better able to mentor others in their own self-healing.
Responsibilities: The Healing Touch Certificate Program