Cheryl Melanson, Director, LPN, LCMT

Hudson Instructor: Anatomy & Physiology I/II, Kinesiology, Cancer Massage, PH&H, Clinical Assessment

As Director of the school, Cheryl works closely with the Executive Director, Dr. Patrick Cowan, to provide administrative direction for both schools. She is a nationally certified massage therapist licensed in the states of New Hampshire and Massachusetts, where she maintains a private practice. Prior to studying massage therapy at NHITA, Cheryl has worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse for over 26 years. She brings those experiences into her teaching.

"I decided to attend massage school when I no longer had the direct contact with my patients that I loved. Massage has given me back that contact with a rewarding feeling of accomplishment with every client I touch."

Karen Schilling, MS, RD

Bridgton Instructor: Ethics, Health Services Management, Nutrition, Anatomy & Physiology 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.

"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."

Rhonda Cavers, LMT

RJ is a nationally certified graduate of NHITA who maintains an associate practice with a local chiropractic office specializing in sports, general injury and health maintenance. She is also a nationally certified educator of infant massage by CEIM and an internationally certified infant massage instructor by CIMI. RJ instructs techniques courses at the school.

"I very much enjoy teaching massage therapy. I look forward to seeing bright, eager faces at my introdcutory classes."

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.

"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.

"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."

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.

"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."

Darryl Lundeen, RN, BS, LMT

Darryl is a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist licensed in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts where he currently maintains a private practice as well as working at at a Chiropractic office and a Wellness Center.

Prior to studying massage therapy at NHITA, he has worked as a Registered Nurse for 28 years with a background in Critical Care and Nursing Management.

In addition to his Nursing Degree he holds a Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Services from New England College.

"When I made the decision to go to school and become a Massage Therapist, I interviewed at a few different programs. I ultimately chose NHITA not only because of it's reputation for educating massage therapist but also because of it's desire to help students embrace Healing Arts as a whole. As a Nurse and Massage Therapist I truly believe that Therapeutic Touch is the cornerstone to a life of health and well-being."

Gayle Miller, B.A., LMT, CMTPT

Bridgton Instructor: A & P I and II, Kinesiology I and II, Trigger Point Therapy, Lymphatic Massage, Circulatory Massage

Gayle holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Southern Maine and worked in social services for 20 years before leaving to pursue a career in therapeutic bodywork. She is a graduate of NHITA and of the Pittsburgh School of Pain Management. She holds national certification in massage therapy and in trigger point therapy. Gayle maintains a practice at the NHITA Bridgton clinic. Her primary passion in her work is in helping her clients to address pain issues through therapeutic massage and trigger point treatment.

"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".

Carol Peterson, BA, MSA, LMT

Hudson Instructor: Sports Massage, Health Services Management, Hydrotherapy, Neuromuscular Technique and Trigger Point Therapy

Carol is a nationally certified massage therapist licensed in the States of New Hampshire and Massachusetts, where she maintains a private practice. Prior to studying massage therapy at NHITA, Carol spent over twenty years in the technology industry, and draws on those experiences in her teaching. In addition to being a graduate of NHITA, Carol also holds a B.A. from the University of Maine and a Masters degree in Administration from Boston University.

"When I decided to leave the technology industry and become a massage therapist, it was very important to me that I get the best training possible. NHITA provided that and more. In addition to learning healing massage techniques, NHITA provided me with a solid foundation on the business of massage. As an instructor, I am pleased and excited to share my experiences with students as they enter this rewarding profession. "

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.

"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."