Janet Alexis, AAS, LMT
Director

Hudson Instructor: Swedish massage, Health Service Management, Emergency Interventions, Ethics

Janet was a member of the first graduating class in 1984 and since then she has been involved in all areas of the successful running of NHITA including administration and teaching. She currently holds the position of Director. Janet built her massage therapy practice in conjunction with chiropractic referrals and maintains her practice within Merrimack Valley Integral Health Center. Recently, she has been certified as a "Touch for Health Practitioner". When not working, she enjoys creating stained glass artwork and spending time with her dog.

"I have known both Dr. Berube & Dr. Cowan prior to the founding of NHITA. I found them to be knowledgeable, caring and demonstrating high integrity as people. Those qualities were used to create a solid curriculum with the intent of offering massage therapy training that was rich in all aspects of education and offered inspiration to be excited about anatomy, to understand what healing is, and to demonstrate professionalism. These are the qualities and the type of caring I continue to support within NHITA's curriculum, faculty and student body. It is with pleasure that I have been part of the process and growth of NHITA."

Karen Schilling, MS, LMT, RD

Bridgton Instructor: Ethics, Health Services Management, Nutrition, Anatomy & Physiology, Sports Massage and Kinesiology

Karen came to massage therapy after 15 years as a CPA. After graduating from NHITA in 1995, she pursued further education in the field of nutrition and has since added RD to her credentials. Along with teaching duties at NHITA, Karen is Associate Director, responsible for curriculum development. When she is not teaching or working as an RD at a hospital in Portland, Karen finds time to speedskate, bicycle and hike.

"Teaching is the ultimate pursuit for me. I love to make complex subjects easy to learn through humor and play. For me watching people develop a passion for this great profession is its own reward."

Ellen Chapman, MBA, LMT

Bridgton Instructor: Anatomy and Physiology

Ellen left the corporate world in Human Resources to become a massage therapist and graduated from NHITA in 1997. She has established a busy massage therapy practice in Portland, Maine and enjoys her diverse client base in which she treats people of all ages recovering from injuries as well as those in need of a "time out" from their busy schedules. Ellen has advanced training in myofascial massage, orthopedic massage and massage therapy for people with cancer. When not working, Ellen can be found in her fabulous gardens.

"It is a gift to teach A & P because I feel so strongly about its central role in the therapeutic application of massage technique. I love teaching at NHITA because the curriculum seamlessly weaves anatomy and technique together to produce massage therapists who are skilled and able to work with people with any condition. I appreciate the quality of the students that are attracted to our program; they are committed, mature and open to new ideas."

Liz Como, BA, EMT-B, LMT, RN

Bridgton Instructor: Emergency Interventions and CPR/First Aid, Neuromuscular Technique and Trigger Point

Liz has worked as an instructor for the Hurricane Island Outward Bound School since 1984. She has a BA in English Literature and secondary education. After graduating from NHITA in 1999, Liz returned to school to become an RN and works as a Labor and Delivery Nurse at a busy hospital in Portland. When Liz is not working she enjoys her sled dogs. She has been mushing since 1989 and recently began racing mid distance events.

"I think that most of my life I have been naturally drawn to teaching. As an instructor at NHITA I have the pleasure of helping new massage therapists create a picture of holistic health for future clients as well as themselves."

Brenda Donnelly, BA, LMT

Bridgton Instructor: Swedish Massage

Brenda has a BA in Music Education from Northern Michigan University. In addition to teaching at NHITA and working as a massage therapist, Brenda has been working as a hiking guide for the last 17 years traveling to places like Hawaii, Great Britain and throughout the US. She enjoys working with people and has a teaching style that easily blends theory with technique.

"NHITA has provided me with a profession that allows me to offer people an avenue to benefit their health and well-being. This is an incredible tool, and I am honored to have the opportunity to continue the channels for future massage therapist and their networks to benefit from this invaluable work and education."

Wendi Griswold, LMT

Bridgton Instructor: Circulatory and Lymphatic Drainage Massage techniques

Wendi has advanced training in Health Sciences and is a graduate of NHITA. Wendi's teaching style allows students to easily integrate the Anatomy & Physiology with the specific medical Massage Therapy techniques that she teaches.

"My experiences at the Institute as both a student and instructor have enriched my life tremendously. It is a privilege to be a member of the fine faculty at NHITA, but an even greater privilege to be able to witness and assist others as they travel the journey through massage therapy school. There is no greater sense of accomplishment than to share the gift of knowledge with the therapists of tomorrow...and no better place to do so."

Aaron D. Howard, PTA, DC

Hudson Instructor: Anatomy & Physiology II, Nutrition I and II

Aaron graduated from New York Chiropractic College. He completed his doctoral rotation at the Levittown Health Center in Long Island, New York. Aaron holds a Bachelor degree in Professional Studies with a concentration in Human Biology and is licensed to practice as a physical therapist assistant. Aaron has completed post-graduate work in Whiplash, Applied Kinesiology, Pediatrics, Sacro-occipital Technique, CranioSacral Therapy, Herbology and Therapeutic Nutrition. He has a continued interest in naturopathic medicine and a holistic approach to healing. Aaron is currently enrolled at the University of Bridgeport's Naturopathic Medical program.

"I am a strong believer in a holistic and natural approach toward healthcare and medicine. I am proud to be able to contribute to the education of quality Massage Therapists."

Janna Kucharski-Howard, PT, DPT, MSM

Hudson Instructor: Anatomy & Physiology I, Kinesiology I and II, Neurology, Muscle Physiology

Janna is a practicing physical therapist. She specializes in manual therapy in both the pediatric and orthopedic settings. In addition to being a NHITA graduate, she has a Bachelors degree in Exercise Physiology, her Masters and Doctorate degrees in Physical Therapy from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. She also holds a Masters degree in Management from Emmanuel College. She brings her extensive background of anatomy and clinical practice to Anatomy and Physiology at the Hudson campus.

"Anatomy is the foundation of Massage Therapy. I am honored to provide the springboard for students to excel in their career as a Massage Therapist. The NHITA program provides students with a solid background in science and a wide repertoire of Massage Therapy techniques, all in a positive and nurturing environment."

Gretchen Loeffler, BS, LMT

Bridgton Instructor: Neuromuscular Technique, Hydrotherapy

Gretchen has a degree in Elementary Education and pursued massage therapy as a second career. She has been with the school since 2001 after she graduated from the program. Gretchen is very creative in her teaching and utilizes experiential learning whenever possible. When not teaching or serving the school as an administrative assistant Gretchen enjoys hiking with her dog, cross-country and telemark skiing.

"I am very excited about the education I received at NHITA. I liked the well-integrated focus on science and clinical experience as well as the very tangible aspect of the hands-on experience. I feel I am meant to be a teacher and appreciate being able to share the education I found so valuable at this school."

Gayle Miller, B.A., LMT, CMTPT

Bridgton Instructor

Gayle worked in social services for 20 years before leaving to pursue a career in therapeutic bodywork. She is a graduate of NHITA and the Pittsburgh School of Pain Management. She holds national certification in massage therapy and in trigger point therapy. Gayle specializes in the use of massage therapy in the treatment of pain. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Southern Maine and maintains a practice at the NHITA Bridgton clinic. In her free time Gayle enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.

“From the moment of my interview through my graduation day and beyond, I have been very impressed with the quality of the education and the faculty of NHITA. I have experience with similar institutions and firmly believe that NHITA offers a far superior education. I enjoy teaching and mentoring, and was very honored to become a part of this dedicated teaching staff. My goal as a teacher is to continue learning, to share my knowledge and love for this work, and to inspire students in this exciting journey”.

Paula Tate, LMT

Hudson Instructor: Sports Massage and Shiatsu

Paula has been practicing massage therapy since 1988 when she graduated from NHITA and maintains a busy practice at Muscular Rehabilitation Center of New England in Hudson, NH. She is also a certified Nutritional Consultant and a Certified Personal Trainer. She furthered her education and graduated from New England Institute for Oriental Arts. She holds a black belt in American Parker Kenpo System of Self Defense. Paula's passion for fitness is reflected in many bodybuilding titles received from 1982-1991. She is the Northeast program director for the AMTA sports team.

"My continued commitment to teaching at NHITA is due to the great faculty and educational program that NHITA has in place. I remain dedicated and excited to student's learning massage therapy and I feel that teaching lets me give back to the profession that I so deeply love."

Marni Thibault, BA, LMT

Hudson Instructor: Swedish Massage

A 2003 graduate of NHITA, Marni is nationally certified and licensed as a massage therapist in both New Hampshire and Maine. She holds a BA degree in Women's studies from the University of New Hampshire.

"I enjoy teaching at NHITA because I believe in the school's mission statement - to teach massage therapy within the larger context of healthcare. I try to instill in my students that massage therapy is more than just a treat or for spoiling yourself; you are truly investing in your whole-health and well being with each session. I feel fortunate to be able to educate future therapists, as well as give them the skills to educate people about the importance of massage therapy."

Nancy Tripp, LMT

Bridgton Instructor: Swedish Massage, Circulatory and Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Nancy has been teaching at NHITA for over 10 years after leaving a career as an innkeeper. She brings her excellent people skills to the classroom as she gently teaches multiple subjects. Nancy is also an Ayurvedic Consultant. She graduated from the Kripalu School of Ayurveda's. She is certified to practice as an Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultant through in-depth studies which include Vedic philosophy, yogic psychology, Ayurvedic anatomy, physiology and herbology, with a focus on constitutional analysis. Nancy specializes in Ayurvedic massage and instructs the various massage techniques that comprise the Ayurvedic approach to massage therapy.

She has a very busy massage therapy practice in Bridgton and Conway NH, also specializing in Eldersage. When not working or going to school, Nancy enjoys horses and gardening.

"My decision and commitment to teaching was inspired by great teachers who have opened doors to new pathways for me. I enjoy working with people, and when I went through my training in Massage Therapy at NHITA I was inspired to pass this transformative information on to others."