Faculty & Affiliations
Members of our faculty and staff are dedicated to the philosophy and vision of The Providence Institute and our high standards of 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.
Tom Beall has been practicing yoga since 1971 and has been teaching since 1977. For 30 years he worked as a professional counselor and first taught yoga in the psychiatric and chronic pain ward at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix where he taught for four years. Tom has a background in Iyengar and Kripalu primarily with experience in Kundalini, Anusara, Yin, Ashtanga, and other styles of Yoga. He received his 200 hour and 500 hour certifications in Kripalu Yoga in 2000 and 2003 respectively. He is registered with the Yoga Alliance at the 500 hour teacher level. He now teaches yoga at the Providence Institute, Tucson Yoga, Pima Community College and the Tucson Raquet & Fitness Club. Tom is part of the core staff of the Yoga Teacher Certification at the Providence Institute.
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 incoporates 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.
Gina Doran began her career at the Providence Institute as a yoga instructor and has continued to work for them ever since. She received her massage therapy license in 2000 and continued her education at the Providence in Zen Shiatsu in 2002. She currently works professionally as both a massage therapist and a zen shiatsu practitioner. Taking knowledge from massage, shiatsu and yoga, her body work is a blend of all three. Her most recent work has been as an instructor in both the Massage and Shiatsu Programs at the Providence Institute. Here again, she combines her knowledge of anatomy, movement, prana and qi and brings them together into her teaching style. She loves to teach from her heart and emphasizes the joy that body work can bring oneself and others.
Theresa Fine, LMT, graduated from the Desert Institute of the Healing Arts in 1995 and 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. Theresa received training in Hot Stone Massage while employed with Miraval Life in Balance resort where she currently maintains part of her practice. Theresa attended a Shugyo Shiatsu study program at the Providence Institute in 1999 and maintains a private practice at home and at the Providence Institute.
Brook Gauthier, certified Shiatsu Practitioner & educator, received her training from the Desert Institute of the Healing Arts and an apprenticeship with acupuncturist and healer, Ellen Shefi. Her journey into the depths of Eastern holism began with Taoist studies as part of her B.A. in Mythology from Willamette University (1999), where she also earned a degree in Studio Art. She now serves as Education Chair for the Arizona Chapter of the AOBTA and is very passionate about teaching an integrated approach to Shiatsu as both science and art form. Specialized training in prenatal bodywork, Chi Nei Tsang & Reconnective Healing enrich her thriving Shiatsu practice in Tucson, AZ. Brook also offers Five-Element consulting, lectures at Canyon Ranch and the Desert Institute.of the Healing Arts, and teaches Asian Medical Theory at the Providence Institute.
Donna Goodhart, BA, director of Yoga Teacher Training at the Providence Institute, began her yoga study as a high school student. The traditions she has been involved with over the years include Kundalini and Iyengar. In 2002, after being certified through the American Yoga College, she went to India where she met the Desikachar family. She studies with them regularly at The Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram in Chennai India, as well as in the U.S. Her teacher is Kausthub Desikachar. She teaches classical yoga at The Providence Institute, as well as privately.
Kacey Grissom, Massage School Director, 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.
Isaac Hendler, Movement/Meditation Instructor, Certified Yoga Teacher, Mount Madonna Center, Watsonville, California, 2000. Certified Thai Massage Therapist, Chakra Traditional Thai Massage School, Koh Pangan, Thailand, 2001-2002. BA Natural Healing, TESC, Olympia, Washington, 2002. Candidate for Masters of Acupuncture, Asian Institute of Medical Studies, Tucson, Arizona, 2006. Certified Tera-Mai Reiki and Tera-Mai Seichem Master/Teacher, 2006. Isaac began studying yoga and natural healing in 1994 after contracting Lyme disease. He was cured through natural means. Subsequently, he met his Tai Ji, Qi Gong, and Gong Fu teacher with whom he studied daily for three years. He practices and teaches the lessons passed on to him by his teacher and is dedicated to offering natural healing to his community.
Charlotte Holst-Reilley, Oriental body therapist. Shiatsu, Thai massage, Chi Nei Tsang, and Oriental foot massage practitioner. She began her study of reflexology as a child in Copenhangen, Denmark. Certified in shiatsu, Thai massage, and Chi Nei Tsang, with Allison Post of Chi Paradigms, San Francisco, CA. Charlotte studied Tzu-jan Tao with Stephen Cavaliere from Chi Paradigms and assisted his classes in 1998. Charlotte was part of the original Oriental bodywork department founded by Allison Post at Miraval - Life in Balance from 1997 to 1999. She now maintains her practice at the Providence Institute and at home.
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. She is currently the Coordinator of the Bodytherapy Center at the Providence Institute. Erin’s studies and work are grounded in the belief of the body’s wisdom and inherent capacity to heal itself.
Rebecca Hyson, LMT, holds a BA in Psychology/Social Work, magna cum laude, from Western New England College. Her first experience receiving bodywork sparked her interest in pursuing a career in massage therapy and she moved from Western Massachusetts to Tucson to follow her dream at the Providence Institute. She began classroom assisting before graduating, has continued as a Teaching Assistant, and enjoys a private practice in which she integrates Swedish massage with her love of specific work. Gratefully, Rebecca is able to bring her passion for bodywork into her work with adolescent girls with behavioral health issues such as eating disorders, substance abuse, and self-harm. In her free time she loves yoga, kickboxing, hiking, and rock climbing.
Vicki Jackson was first introduced to yoga in 1979 and began teaching in1983 at the invitation of her teacher, Betsy Albright. Vicki continued her exploration of yoga in several traditions until 1998 when she began her studies with Gary Kraftsow . She is certified through the American Viniyoga Institute and is RYT 500 hrs. Vicki continues studying in the Krishnamacharya lineage of complete yogic teachings bringing the many tools of yoga to her students. “When you know through experience, how fully holistic yoga is, and how it supports the individual, you can’t help but want to share it.” Vicki teaches in various venues including high schools, golf courses, privately, and community schools. She and her husband, Mark P.G.A., 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 1983. Yarrow has developed a holistic approach that integrates specific massage techniques with an intuitive sensitivity. Teaching is an inspiration and a passion in her life. Other interests include dance, personal discovery, community-building, fun, and learning.
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.
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.
Maria KaliMa has been an avid practitioner of yoga for over 30 years and teaching for over 20 years. Maria received her 200 hour teaching certificate from Mount Madonna, and her continuing 500 hour studies with Integrative Yoga Therapy. She is currently enrolled in the 800 hour level course with Mukunda Stiles in Structural Yoga Therapy, and has recently received her Ayurvedic Certificate from Robert Svoboda. She is a Registered Nurse with a background in rehabilitation and women’s health. Maria also maintains a private yoga therapy practice. Maria combines an eclectic balance of hatha yoga styles and pranayama techniques, along with ayurvedic knowledge; sequenced to provide flexibility, toning, and subtle body connection. Maria is on the faculty of the Yoga Teacher Certification program at Providence, as well as with Integrative Yoga Therapy - teaching anatomy of movement, and classes in ayurvedic yoga principles.
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.
Teena Jo Neal, Business & Marketing Manager of the Providence Institute. Honors B.A. in International Development and History, University of Guelph, Canada. Studied Chi Nei Tsang with Allison Post, third level, 1997/98, and Zen Shiatsu at the Providence Institute, 2001. Teena has worked in a managerial capacity for a number of alternative and health related businesses. She also loves working in photography, graphic design and art education with youth.
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, Shiatsu, Craniosacral and LMT, yoga instructor. B.S. in Biology, Cornell College, Mt. Vernon, Iowa. Certificate in Massage, Desert Institute of the Healing Arts. Certificate in Shiatsu, Desert Institute in the Healing Arts, Tucson, AZ. Study in Visionary Craniosacral with Hugh Milne. She has taught anatomy and physiology in various settings to body workers and yoga instructors. She developed and taught Shugyo Shiatsu as continuing education, maintains a practice in holistic body therapy, and with her husband Noah, is Co-Director of the Providence Institute.
Noah Providence, Shiatsu and Craniosacral therapist. A.A.S., Respiratory Therapy, Pima Community College, Tucson, AZ; Certificate in Zen Shiatsu, Desert Institute of the Healing Arts, Tucson, AZ; Studied with Hugh Milne, Milne Institute, Big Sur, CA. Noah began his healing career as a respiratory therapist, St. Mary’s Hospital, Tucson. His practice then evolved to shiatsu and craniosacral therapies. Noah developed and taught Shugyo Shiatsu as continuing education, maintains a practice in shiatsu and craniosacral therapy, and with his wife Jennifer, is Co-Director of the Providence Institute.
Paul Reeder has been providing spiritual astrology services in Tucson, Arizona, for over 20 years. Combining the models of astrology, yoga, and depth psychology, Paul has developed his skills to serve those who wish to become more fully conscious, more fully alive. His work is empowering and uplifting even in challenging situations. Paul is on the faculty of the Providence Institute Yoga Teacher Training program, and is an inspiring teacher of yoga philosophy, spiritual psychology and mysticism.
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.
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.
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, Zen Shiatsu, 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.