Faculty & Affiliations
Members of our faculty and staff are dedicated to the philosophy and vision of The Providence Institute and our standard of excellence in education. Our faculty is made up of highly qualified instructors whose depth of experience and enthusiasm provide a personal and supportive learning environment. All Providence Institute instructors maintain private practices or employment in their respective fields.
Robert Birnberg, Yoga has been an important part of Robert’s life for twenty-five years and counting. He has studied extensively in America and in South India at the KYM, an institution regarded globally for Yoga education and therapy. His personal teacher/mentor is Kausthub Desikachar, grandson of the legendary Yogi, T. Krishnamacharya. Robert works therapeutically with individuals, trains Yoga teachers, conducts international seminars, is a regular contributor to various Yoga magazines and is currently working on a variety of other writing projects. He also works extensively with Yoga for addictive/compulsive disorders, and designs programs for drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers.
Kevin Bowman, LMT, Certified Zen Shiatsu Practitioner, Tai Chi and Chi Gong teacher. Graduate of the Providence Institute Massage and Shiatsu programs. Kevin enjoys teaching people how to create positive change in their lives through movement, body mechanics, breath and awareness. He currently works at the Providence Institute and has a private practice.
Jaime Chandler, LMT has been studying and practicing shiatsu and massage at the Providence Institute since 2002. She also practices out of her studio, Elemental Arts. Jaime incorporates meridian massage, I-Ching studies and craniosacral work in her practice. She enjoys acrobatics, bicycling, eating tacos, exploring Tucson and recently took a more thorough exploration of her inner world with the help of the I-Ching.
Yvonne M. Esker, LMT, member of the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals. She received her certification from The Providence Institute in Tucson, AZ. Yvonne provides integrated massage therapy at The Providence institute, Desert Palms Physical Therapy, and in her own private practice. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and experience as a Teaching Assistant for Hydrotherapy, Massage I, and a variety of other classes at the Providence Institute. As a founding member of the Tucson Christian Bodyworkers Alliance she provides bodywork services to churches and retreats. Under the tutelage of Daya Fisch of the Breast Health Project, Yvonne teaches breast health awareness and techniques via community workshops.
Theresa Fine, LMT, graduated from Desert Institute of the Healing Arts 1995. She did continuing education in Deep Core massage in 1996 learning to work with the intrinsic muscles of the thorax and abdomen. This led her to the study of Chi Nei Tsang in 1997 and birthed her passion for connecting to the core. Since then, her education and practice has evolved through studying Shiastu, Unwinding the Belly and Craniosacral Therapy. Theresa began working at the Providence Institute in 1999 where she currently maintains a private practice and enjoys celebrating life!
Donna Goodhart, BA, RYT-500, Yoga Teacher Trainer Program Director, has been studying yoga since 1970. She teaches privately, as well as several group classes at the Institute. Donna is one of a few worldwide to become a certified yoga instructor by Mr. TKV Desikachar and the Krishnamacharya Healing Yoga Foundation in Chennai, India. She is also registered as an E-RYT 500 through Yoga Alliance. Donna has been studying exclusively with the Desikachars in the U.S. and at the KYM - Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram - a Yoga Education and Healing Center in Chennai, since 2002. She is currently participating as a student with the Desikachars in their first International 4-year Yoga Threrapist Training. Her mentor is Kausthub Desikachar, son of TKV Desikachar, and grandson of the late legendary Yoga Master T. Krishnamacharya. The focus of her study, practice and teaching is to maintain the integrity of the ancient teachings while making the many tools of yoga as a healing and transformational paradigm accessible and relevant to individuals in their everyday modern lives.
Kacey Grissom, LMT, has been practicing since 1997 in clinic, spa, and private practice settings. She holds a B.A. in Holistic Health and is currently pursuing an M.A in Eco-Somatic Psychology, emphasizing Sustainable Health and Wellbeing. Kacey is currently in private practice. Her work provides Alignment via Eco-Somatics, Neuromuscular Therapy, and Permaculture/Environmental Design. She spends her free time with her family cooking, getting dirty and riding bikes.
Calvin Hammond, Director of Providence Fitness, Co-Director of the Personal Trainer Program, Training Technique Instructor. Calvin has been a National Strength and Conditioning certified Personal Trainer for ten years. He was the Southern Arizona Fitness Association’s Rookie Trainer of The Year for 1998. Calvin is a Native Tucsonan who continues to train a wide and diverse demographic of people in the community. His training methods and techniques span across the world of movement, integrating basic resistance training with pliability, core strengthening, balance, and endurance. He also incorporates a hybrid approach to training, utilizing Yoga, Combative/ Martial Arts exercise techniques, Restorative training methods, and Sports Specific exercise techniques. He is committed to the strength and healing benefits of exercise, and will continue to share them with the world.
Patrick Heacock began his study of Zen Shiatsu at the Providence Institute in early 2005, after receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts with focuses in Humanities and Asian Studies at the University of Arizona. After graduating from the Zen Shiatsu Program, he was hired at the institute as a therapist and earned his national certification. Shortly following this hiring Patrick began assisting with the institute’s lead Shiatsu instructor, Kristin Schaefer in Shiatsu introduction and technique classes. Other roles have ranged from Classroom Assistant and Teaching Assistant for Shiatsu Technique, to tutor, substitute instructor and discussion section facilitator for the program’s Asian Medical Theory classes. His passion for this modality is ever expanding and deepening, and he looks to share that passion with all who are interested in bodywork.
Jennifer Higgins, is a nutrition educator and counselor. She received her M.S. from Southern Illinois University and pursued the study of holistic nutrition from the foundation of a naturopathic approach to healing at The Nutrition Therapy Institute in Denver, CO. Her experience with her own children led her to realize the profound role of diet. Her experience in the studies of soils and environmental contamination led to a focus on the connection between our food production and farming methods and the health of the people who eat that food. She teaches nutrition for the Providence Institute Personal Training Program and sees private clients for nutritional counseling and education.
Kandy Hirsch, MA, LAC, LMT, is a Licensed Psychotherapist and a Business Coach in Tucson, AZ. Prior to becoming a coach and counselor, Kandy had a successful 18 year career as a Licensed Massage Therapist. She built and sold 3 private practices. She secured and managed the contract for massage at Marriott International Corporate Headquarters in Bethesda, MD. She opened and managed the “Massage Shoppe,” a seated massage concession in Baltimore Washington International Airport. Ms. Hirsch holds a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from the University of Florida, a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from St. Martin’s University and obtained her Coach’s training from the College of Executive Coaching.
Erin Hughes, Director of Education, LMT, began practicing massage in 1994 and then studied Shiatsu, Thai Massage and Chi Nei Tsang with Allison Post and Stephen Cavaliere intensively for two years. She began studying craniosacral therapy with the Milne Institute in 2000 and completed a 130 hour mentor program in Biodynamic Craniosacral work with Charles Ridley in 2006. Erin has worked as both a bodyworker and manager at a number of spas and resorts across the country. Erin’s studies and work are grounded in the belief of the body’s wisdom and inherent capacity to heal itself.
Rebecca Hyson, LMT and Certified Zen Shiatsu Therapist, has been practicing and instructing at the Providence Institute since her graduation in 2005. She holds a BA in Psychology/Social Work from Western New England College (1993), and worked for more than a decade with at risk youth and their families before making the decision to become a body worker and healer. In 2003, she moved from Western Massachusetts to Tucson to follow her dream. In addition to her work here at The Providence Institute, Rebecca maintains a very fulfilling private practice in which she is able to blend her love for anatomy, massage, and shiatsu. When not working she loves being outdoors, drumming, traveling, and playing with her cat, MAX.
Vicki Jackson was first introduced to yoga in 1979 and began teaching in 1983 at the invitation of her teacher, Betsy Albright. Vicki continued her exploration of yoga in several traditions and in 1998 began her studies with Gary Kraftsow. She is certified through the American Viniyoga Institute and is a RYT at the 500 hr. level. Vicki continues studying in the Krishnamacharya lineage of complete yogic teachings bringing the many tools of yoga to her students. Vicki teaches in various venues including privately, in high schools, golf courses and community schools. She and her husband, Mark Jackson, PGA, developed and teach Yoga for Golf here in Tucson. She also is a faculty member of the Providence Yoga Teacher Training program.
Yarrow King, LMT, has more than 15 years experience as a professional massage therapist and educator. She graduated from Seattle Massage School in 1992. Yarrow has developed a holistic approach that integrates specific massage techniques with an intuitive sensitivity. Yarrow’s classroom style is based in experiential education and incorporates activities and exercises to help students learn and practice presence, self-awareness, compassion and self-confidence. Yarrow’s interests also include dance, discovery, community-building, and fun.
Sanjay Manchanda grew up in India and came to this country in 1982. As a young man he looked to science for answers, and became a professor of Computer Science. After 25 years of academic achievements, he re-evaluated his life and realized he was not following his inner calling. He began meditating extensively. His path led him to become a meditation teacher, spiritual psychotherapist and bodyworker. Sanjay has been offering his services in Tucson for the past 15 years. He is deeply interested in the integration of eastern and western expressions of the perennial wisdom on the Nature of the Self.
Kyla Macario, began yoga practice in 1975 to control stress from working as a neonatal intensive care nurse. As a gymnast in high school, she developed an intense interest in anatomy and physiology. As a young adult she trained as a power lifter and body builder at competition level. After a catastrophic trauma, intense body work and yoga restored her health and full body functioning. She returned to college earning advanced degrees and began teaching. She completed the Providence 250 hour Yoga teacher training program in 2005 leaving immediately to study in Chennai, India at the KYM. She is a substitute yoga teacher at Providence and on the YTT faculty. She maintains an on-going interest and study in ayurveda and is a certified Reflexologist. Currently, she is in the Personal Trainer Certification Program at Providence. Her vision is to “give back” the incredible body healing assistance she received to others who through illness, injury or trauma are experiencing a lower than desired quality of life.
Eric Mackey, LMT, NCTMB, is a graduate of the Desert Institute of the Healing Arts, where he went on to teach Injury Management & Rehabilitation and Sports Massage, working with amateur, collegiate, and professional athletes. A native Tucsonan and Reiki Master Teacher, Eric divides his time between his private practice, his work at the Westward Look Resort’s Sonoran Spa, and his continuing work with athletes at local training camps, triathlons, and El Tour de Tucson. Eric currently teaches Sports Massage at the Providence Institute.
Keith & Mindy McDaniel, are both certified Aquatic Massage and Waterdance therapists. Keith, an LMT with over 24 years of experience currently works at Canyon Ranch, and also has a private practice. Mindy is a Pilates instructor which she has been doing since 1995. She has a private practice for both the water and Pilates work. They enjoy working in the water, both giving sessions as well as teaching Aquatic Massage work. They look forward to sharing this wonderful work with students.
Jane Meyers, PhD, Curriculum Specialist, Educational Consultant, yoga practitioner. Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI. M.S. in Education, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL; B.S in Elementary Education, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL. Jane has more than 20 years teaching and teacher supervision experience at elementary, middle and high school, as well as university level. She is currently Curriculum Specialist in Tucson Unified School District, Tucson, AZ.
Ann Mihina, Massage School Director, LMT, graduated from the Desert Institute of the Healing Arts in 1994 and began her career as a professional massage therapist. Her love of water and earth-based therapies led her to become a Certified Kneipp Hydrotherapy and Spa Therapist. She also earned a certification in LaStone Therapy. Ann has written curriculum for and taught foundational courses in massage therapy, hydrotherapy, aromatherapy, hot and cold stone and spa for over 12 years. Additionally, she presents continuing education workshops which include a Desert Botanical Series, a Lotions & Potions series, Hydrotherapy & Thermodynamics, and Hot and Cold Stone Therapy.
Kevin Nichols, Co-Director of the Personal Training Program, Nationally Certified Trainer by the American Council of Exercise, Graduate of the Personal Trainer Program at Providence, BA in Elementary Education. Kevin currently is a Personal Trainer at Providence Fitness and teaches in the Personal Trainer Program. He integrates his knowledge of athletic strength and conditioning to create programs that help people of all ages move and feel like athletes. Kevin enjoys working with people of all ages but specializes in working with young children. He currently teaches 1st grade at Van Horne Elementary in the Tucson Unified School District. Kevin uses his personal training knowledge to design Physical Education Programs that teach students the importance of physical activity and how to make exercise FUN!
Gary Olsen, Body Therapy Center Manager, LMT, graduated from the Colorado Institute of Massage Therapy in 1996 with a technique base of Swedish Massage and Neuromuscular Therapy. He has done massage in a variety of settings including private practice, a chiropractic office, and health resorts. He has been working at Providence Institute practicing massage and managing the Body Therapy Center since the summer of 2006.
Jason Michael Pederson graduated from the Desert Institute of the Healing Arts in 1997 and has studied with CORE Institute of Myofascial Release, and Upledger Institute. Jason has been a Massage Therapist at Miraval, Canyon Ranch, Loews Ventana, University of Arizona, and is now in private practice. Currently Jason balances his time as consultant, student of Traditional Chinese Medicine, massage instructor, and massage therapist.
Jennifer Providence, Director of Providence Institute, BA, LMT, CSP. Bachelors of Science in Biology from Cornell College, 1993, Certificate from the Desert Institute of the Healing Arts in massage and in shiatsu, 1994, 1995. Study in craniosacral therapy with the Milne Institute, 1997. Jennifer strives to make her classes about the living, moving, healthy body. Her holistic approach brings anatomy from the textbooks to life and onto the massage table or into the gym. Jennifer teaches anatomy and physiology in the massage and personal trainer programs. Along with her husband, Noah, she is Co-Director of the Providence Institute.
Noah Providence, Director of Providence Institute, Co-Director of Personal Training Program, Shiatsu, Massage and Craniosacral Therapist. A.A.S., Respiratory Therapist, Certified Personal Trainer A.C.E. Studied with Hugh Milne, Milne Institute, Big Sur, CA. Noah began his healing career as a respiratory therapist at St. Mary’s Hospital, Tucson. His practice then evolved to shiatsu, craniosacral and other holistic modalities. Along with his wife Jennifer, he is Co-Director of the Providence Institute.
Jeff Rogers, LMT and craniosacral practitioner since 1991. In addition to maintaining a practice in Tucson, Jeff has worked at the Upledger Institute in Florida as a visiting therapist in the brain and cord injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Vietnam Vets Intensives, as well as assisting Dr. John Upledger in his private practice. Jeff incorporates didgeridoo playing into his practice. Initiate in Kriya yoga in 1986, Vipassana. Since becoming a bodyworker, Jeff has explored the fascial components of the body and working with it as a source of information and healing potential. Jeff has had a show on local community radio since 1989.
Carolina Safar, MA, Admissions Director, grew up in Brazil, but has called Tucson home for over ten years. She took her first yoga class at the Providence Institute soon after it opened, and has been involved with the Institute ever since. She started working at the front desk in 2005, while finishing her Masters in Geography at the University of Arizona. She has a strong background in education, having taught teenagers and adults in a variety of settings and capacities. Working at Providence has given her the opportunity to redirect her career towards helping others promote positive change in their lives. She also loves Afro-Brazilian dance and drumming.
Kristin Schaefer, Oriental body therapist, Certified Massage Therapist, Chicago School of Massage Therapy, 1987; Zen Shiatsu training with lokai-trained Geoffrey Beach, with Matthew Schweigart at the Ohashiatsu Center of Evanston; advanced mentoring with Rosa Schnyer, Lindy Ferrigno, Ping Lee and Patricia Singer. Five years/1500 hours as lead Zen Shiatsu Technique teacher at the Desert Institute of the Healing Arts. Fifteen years of body therapist practice. Hatha yoga and cooking instructor for the Himalayan Institute for Yoga Science Philosophy 1987-89. Kristin began her path in body therapy as a Dance major at Barat College in 1985.
Todd Stellfox, BA, MA, has been a student of Yoga for over 11 years. In 2001 he traveled to India to pursue further studies in the field of Yoga and his experience changed his life. He subsequently left the business world to dedicate his life to the study and teaching of Yoga. His studies include two years of intensive study with the Desikachar family and at the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram in Chennai, India. He regularly travels back to India to continue his studies with his teacher, Kausthub Desikachar. He currently resides in Santa Barbara, CA, where he works with students on a one-on-one basis through his Yoga Therapy practice.
Christiane Testa-Rekemeier, LMT, NCTMB. After 20 years of working as a PE Teacher and fitness instructor in Germany, London/England and aboard Cruise Ships, Christiane moved to the US in 1997. She graduated from DIHA in 1998 and has been in private practice ever since. Her continuing education includes Neuromuscular Therapy (#1 – 5 with Paul St. John), Myofascial Release Techniques and Hot Stone Massage. She believes in utilizing a variety of techniques and modalities in her treatments in order to meet each clients needs. Next to maintaining a busy massage practice, she has been a Massage Instructor since 2000 (DIHA/Cortiva). Christiane is passionate about teaching and loves seeing her students develop into caring, compassionate and knowledgeable therapists. In her private life she enjoys climbing, step aerobics, hiking, yoga and spending time with her husband and “four legged” daughter Samira (a beautiful rescue dog).
Amy Timmons, Graphic Designer and Marketing Manager. Amy holds Bachelor Degrees in Advertising and in Art Studio, emphasis Graphic Design, with a minor in Creative Writing. She has worked in non-profit organizations, art galleries, design firms and was a free-lance graphic designer and writer for 3 years before coming on board at Providence Institute. Amy implements marketing strategies and graphic design solutions that have a positive impact on our society and the environment. Her love for yoga and meditation led her to complete a 10-day Vipasana Meditation in Igatpuri, India and a 200-hour Kundalini Yoga Teacher Certification with Yoga Grace in Tucson, AZ. She is currently pursuing a 250-hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Certification at Providence Institute.
Amanda Tronsdal, BA, RYT, Front Desk Manager, Yoga Studio Coordinator, Yoga Instructor. Amanda has worked at the Providence Institute front desk since August 2005. She has held management positions in Seattle and Tucson since 1997. Amanda began practicing yoga in 2000. She currently holds a 250-hour Yoga Teacher Certification from the Providence Institute. Her education includes a Bachelor of the Arts from the University of Arizona.
Heather Walker, LMT, is a licensed Massage Therapist and Shiatsu Practitioner, practicing deep specific massage, craniosacral massage and Zen Shiatsu with Anma technique. She has been working at the Providence Institute for the past 5 years doing bodywork and teaching in their programs periodically. Heather also studies the Urasenke tradition of Japanese tea ceremony, under guidance of Donald Kimon Lightner, LAC.
Heidi Wilson, craniosacral and shiatsu therapist and instructor, Tai Chi and chi dance teacher, playback theater performer. Heidi has studied music and dance since childhood. She was a modern dance major at the University of Arizona from 1973-77 and was a founding member and performer in the improvisational duo “Eneke-the-Bird” 1977-2000. She has over 30 years of study and practice of Tai Chi Chuan and other internal arts that involve the experiences of energy. Certification in Shiatsu, 1993, the Desert Institute of the Healing Arts. She has studied craniosacral since 1994 and is certified in Visionary Craniosacral Work with Hugh Milne of the Milne Institute and has also studied biodynamic craniosacral work with Charles Ridley, Franklyn Sills, Michel Shea, and Debra Meness, D.O. She has developed a series of continuing education workshops called “Riding the Wave, Touching Stillness”, a course in craniosacral work with a biodynamic perspective. www.heidiwilsonfluidhealing.com
Professional Affiliations
The Providence Institute offers diplomas and certification in Massage Therapy, Yoga Instruction and Personal Training through programs licensed by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education.
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS
National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)
All graduates of the Providence Institute Massage programs will be Nationally Certified as part of tuition and course work. Providence is the only school in Tucson from which all graduates are nationally certified. NCBTMB offers an examination (NCE) that is recognized on a national level as setting standards for knowledge in therapeutic bodywork. At the time of publication, 32 of the 35 states, which regulate the practice of massage, use the NCE as their written test for licensure.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Successful completion of our programs qualifies students for voluntary membership in professional associations supporting their field. These organizations offer professional liability insurance to members.
The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA)
The Providence Institute is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) Council of Schools and has developed its curriculum and training under the guidelines of the AMTA, exceeding the national standard of a 500-hour program. The AMTA is the oldest and largest national organization representing the massage therapy profession. The AMTA plays an important role in ensuring high standards and ethics in the practice of massage therapy.
The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)
NCBTMB is a nationally recognized organization that sets the standards for knowledge in therapeutic bodywork. In most states this national certification is required to obtain a massage license. The Providence Institute?s massage and shiatsu programs exceed the educational requirements set by the NCBTMB and all graduates of these programs are nationally certified.
The Association of Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP)
The ABMP is a professional membership organization for bodywork professionals. The ABMP was founded to provide practitioners with services and information to support them in their practice. Its membership exceeds 29,000 in the United States. Becoming a Certified or Professional member of the organization requires completion of a 500-hour or more bodywork program. The Providence Institute?s massage and shiatsu program graduates qualify for ABMP membership.
National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
The NSCA offers professional membership and gives you access to a multitude of opportunities and member services. Becoming a Certified Professional member requires passing the NSCA’s rigorous written exam. With nearly 30,000 members worldwide, the NSCA is the most respected authority on strength and conditioning. The Providence Institute?s personal training program graduates qualify for NSCA membership.
Yoga Alliance (Y.A.)
The Y.A. was established to support yoga teachers and the integrity of yoga. The Yoga Alliance registers individual yoga teachers who have completed a 200-hour or more program that meets the standards established by the organization. The Providence Institute’s yoga teacher certification program graduates qualify for Yoga Alliance membership and the Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) credential.
Massage Licensing
To practice massage in Arizona therapists must be licensed by the Arizona Board of Massage Therapy. There is an application process and filing fees to the state board. Providence obtains the necessary paperwork and guides its students through the process of applying to the state. If graduates plan to practice outside of Arizona, complete information can be obtained from the appropriate city and/or state governments.