Sedona / Verde Valley Campus

ASIS instructors engage with their students because they believe in the importance of this work. We offer a diverse group of qualified practitioners, who believe in high standards, kindness, and generosity. With excitement for their respective fields and commitment to a collaborative educational process, our teachers choose to teach because they believe in the possibilities of their students, and massage therapy jobs as a profession.

“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.”
– Henry Brooks Adams

ASIS Founders

Joseph and Jamie Rongo

Joseph and Jamie are co-founders, curriculum directors, and directors of teacher training for the Arizona School of Integrative Studies (now ASIS ). Their energetic and creative style of living is reflected throughout their work in both the classroom and the business world. Together, and in partnership with all the ASIS staff, they envision massage therapy education and practice to be concrete steps toward self-empowerment and world peace. Joseph and Jamie are parents to three wonderful, individual children, and as a family they live in their hand-built home overlooking the Verde River in Clarkdale, Arizona.

Instructors

Kathleen Armstrong, NBCR, RMT, CTHt
www.kathleenarmstrong.com
Kathleen, a professional in the field of Holistic Health since 1992, is a National Board Certified Reflexologist & Instructor, Reiki Master Teacher & Certified Hypnotherapist. She is also certified in Acupressure, Jin Shin Jyutsu, & Healing Touch. She teaches the Healing Arts privately, at spas, massage schools, hospitals & healing centers. At ASIS Kathleen teaches reflexology. She maintains a private practice in Sedona, Arizona at Kathleen’s Healing Sanctuary.

Elena Bullard
Elena began her Yoga training at the age of four when her Grandmother taught her Sanskrit chants. Influenced by her father who studied Sanskrit, Yoga worked its own way in and out of her life for the next 48 years. After receiving a B.A. in Archaeology, and an M.A. in Sociology, Urban Planning and Architecture, Elena spent the next 25 years in the corporate world finding herself constantly on airplanes, traveling around the globe. For three of those years, Elena was Adjunct Faculty at Arizona State University. In 1995 she finally settled with her husband in the Verde Valley, first telecommuting for a high tech company and then pursuing Yoga full time, becoming a Certified Instructor.

Layna Cirelli, BA, LMT
Layna is a Certified KMI Structural Integrator, Myofascial Therapist and Movement Educator. She has been in private practice since receiving her Certificate in Therapeutic Massage from the Massage Institute of New England, Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1995, specializing in Structural Integration and Deep Tissue Myofascial Techniques. Layna received her Certificate in Kinesis Myofascial Integration from Tom Myers, The Kinesis Institute. Layna has also undertaken additional training through The St. John Neuromuscular Institute, The Upledger Institute and Judith Aston Therapeutics. In addition, Layna has 30+ years of professional training in ballet, modern and contemporary dance, as well as a lifetime study of yoga, pilates and martial arts.

Anne Conway, BA Ed., LMT
Anne received her teaching degree from ASU and has taught elementary education for 24 years. She was also a volunteer EMT for the Sedona Fire District for several years. After adopting three children, night ambulance runs became too much, so she began teaching first aid and CPR. For the past 14 years she has taught adults and children these life saving skills. She is also the faculty coordinator of prevention programs for Clarkdale-Jerome School. In this capacity, she coordinates K-8th graders age appropriate HIV-AIDS instruction.

John Conway, LMT, NCTMB
John is a graduate of the Arizona School of Integrative Studies. John also has a digital recording studio where he does voice-overs, narrating commercials and videos. Prior to going into business for himself, John spent twenty years with the Sedona Fire District (SFD). As a part of that career, he wrote a textbook, taught in the fire service and was responsible for the district’s public education efforts. John retired in 1999 as the Assistant Fire Chief. John’s connection to healing and helping goes back farther than his involvement with Emergency Medical Services through SFD, however. His father was an osteopathic surgeon and his mother’s motto was “Whom can we help today?”. Massage has become a natural path for John, who continues to practice the beliefs instilled in him by his parents.

Tanya Downey, CMT, B.S.
Tanya is a graduate of ASIS, where she teaches Swedish Massage and Herbal Hydrotherapy classes. She is an herbalist, a lover of animals and children, music, dance, and diversity. A long-time facilitator of dance, martial arts, and movement therapies, she brings a strongly kinesthetic approach to her engagement with the learning process. As a bodywork practitioner, she incorporates therapeutic herbal remedies with deep tissue and connective tissue therapy, craniosacral therapy, and energy work. In the classroom, she brings poetry and movement to integrate a deeper awareness of our selves, our environment and community, with an unconditionally loving approach to relations with all life. It is by far her favorite job.

Mira Bai Fairlight    
www.movewithease.massagetherapy.com

MiraBai received massage therapy training at the NM Academy of Healing Arts in Santa Fe, NM in 2001. Since then she has focused on strengthening her skillset in Sports Massage through continuing education in myofascial release and active isolated stretching, the Mattes Method, During an internship with a Sedona Chiropractor, MiraBai has gained much knowledge in the field of injury rehabilitation and has used that knowledge as a volunteer for the Sedona Marathon and local athletes, cyclists, and triathletes to identify and resolve chronic injuries and pain patterns. Through her current work in Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy (barefoot massage) she has been able to effectively reduce low back pain and fascial adhesions. She teaches Sports Massage at ASIS. In addition, MiraBai is an Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapist.

Sara Freeman, BA, CMT
Sara is the administrator and director of ASIS in Prescott. She is a graduate of Southwestern University with a BA in Biology and holds advance certifications in NMT, Teacher Training, and Sports Massage. Ten years of a massage practice in Texas and Arizona helped her discover a way of seeing through her fingertips. Her love for the human form and feel has influenced her as an artist. Currently, she creates figurative and abstract sculpture, with an emphasis on human form, as well as functional pottery commissions. With enthusiastic energy, good-will, active outdoor pursuits, and great quality of life, Sara brings an exciting learning experience to NMT and Therapeutic Processes.

Kelly Grey, LMT
Kelly (Kirati) has been teaching and studying Yoga and Ayurveda for over 15 years. She is a Master Teacher of Wise Earth Ayurveda, carefully trained by Sri Swamini Mayatitananda. She is an advanced teacher in Sivananda Vedanta, a Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapist and a Reiki Master. She is a certified Ayurvedic Massage practitioner through Dr. Negundi in Kerala, India and just recently finished her massage training at the Arizona School of Integrative Studies. Kirati’s main focus is in Wise Earth Ayurveda, with its grassroots origin in Sadhana. These profound teachings focus on our relationship to nature and to the cultivation of inner awareness and harmonious lifestyle practices.

Kim Whitefeather Guisinger, LMT, NCBTMB
Kim has been a licensed Massage Therapist since 1984. She is a certified therapist and instructor of Neuromuscular Therapy for IANMT. Kim also teaches NMT. In her clinical practice Kim integrates neuromuscular therapy, lymph drainage, craniosacral therapy, reflexology, and whatever other techniques are suitable for the individual’s needs. Kim has been associated with the formation of an integrative medicine clinic and administers massage at the Cancer Center at Sedona for the clients and their families.

Sybil Larney, B.A.,M.A., AOBTA C.P.
www.zenshiatsu.biz
Sybil’s 15 years of study in the Ancient Chinese Five Element Theory facilitates communication and understanding of the bridge between Western and Eastern thought on energy work and self healing. Her experience as both student and teacher coupled with her keen sensitivity and perception supports her skills in sharing the philosophy and techniques of Shiatsu with others. Sybil has studied with Sensei Waturo Ohashi, founder of the Ohashi Institute, and Diane Connelly, author of “The Law of the Five Elements” and Matthew Sweigart author of “Touching Chi”. Sybil is a graduate of the Ohashi Institute. Sybil’s rich variety of life experience in Education, Fine Arts, Reiki, Jin Shin Jytsu and meditation enhances her work on the creative level. She believes understanding the concept that “the giver is the first receiver” is a corner stone to effective bodywork. Her Shiatsu classes are taught on a futon on the floor and increase the giver’s strength and personal movement, opening and stretching all the pathways (meridians) of energy. The receiver experiences a rejuvenating sense of balance and a restorative experience thus supporting self-healing. Using the Five Element Theory as a guide to self awareness and personal growth is of glorious benefit when working with another human being. Originally from Evanston IL, she now lives in Sedona AZ with her husband.

John Morris, M.div.
John has a multifaceted career in educational and therapeutic settings. His compassionate approach is reflected in his personal commitment to take responsibility for his own life and learning. John is committed to his work in promoting positive change in his role as Drug Court Coordinator, working with a team of professionals to offer hope and healing. He is also an instructor at the Probation Officer’s Academy of the Arizona Supreme Court and a certified instructor for Yavapai College. John is married to Greta Stromberg and has two daughters and two grandchildren, all of whom he is exceedingly proud. He also enjoys hiking, reading, writing, laughter, and the preparation and taste of good food.

Olga M. Morris, RN, FNP, NCTMB www.healingartscenteraz.com/imt
Olga is a Family Nurse Practitioner and Certified Massage Therapist in a family practice office. She integrates massage modalities in a nurturing and supportive manner and has introduced Infant Massage through the local hospital services. Olga brings over twenty years of clinical medical practice and application, as well as an enthusiasm and honor for the process of relating the structure and function of the human body to the practice of massage. She is currently facilitating the Pregnancy, Infant and Elder experiences at ASIS. She is an instructor through Infant Massage USA. www.infantmassageusa.org

Carmen Mouritsen, LMT is a 2004 graduate of ASIS. She teaches Swedish Massage at the Clarkdale campus.  She is the mother of two lively and lovely children, and she enjoys rainstorms, fresh food, and hanging out with cowboys.

Peter Ney, DC

Peter is a Holistic Chiropractic Physician in Sedona. He has taught nutrition classes at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon and at the Polarity Institute of California. He continues to bring his knowledge and experience to ASIS . Peter is a DC, a massage therapist and an acupuncturist.

Shaylana Kristina Rogers L.Ac.

Kristina has been practicing acupuncture for 25 years. She holds a National Acupuncture license, a Chinese Herbology license and an Arizona Acupuncture license. She has taught at several acupuncture schools, and at community colleges in Arizona and Idaho. Her work is a collage of multiple techniques that address physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Kristina brings a verve and aliveness to her practice that encourages inner transformation. When not working, you can find her outside in the garden or near the water soaking up nature’s delight. She teaches in Prescott.

Heidi Nobantu Saul, MA, CMT www.nobantu.com
Heidi has an MA in Human Resource Management and a BA in Business Administration. She has many years of experience in the Human Resource Development field in the resort industry. Heidi has also applied her skills in other less conventional venues with equal enjoyment and challenge. She believes this ability to cross between two seemingly different worlds affords her the opportunity to learn from and contribute to both; and to participate in the creation of a bridge of tolerance and understanding. At ASIS , Heidi teaches business and management class.

Sally Stone, LMT, NCTMB
Sal is a business owner in Lake Havasu City. She enjoys helping her clients feel better on a daily basis. She began her studies in Chakras, Aura and Healing Energy with Roselyn Bruyere. Sally integrates energy healing with massage in order to reach and help her clients. Sally’s special interest has been Energy healing, or hands on healing, along with Thai Yoga & massage cupping, Five Element Shiatsu & La Stone Therapy. She is also certified in La Stone Therapy. Sally is a graduate of ASIS, Sedona/Verde Campus  and currently teaches Five Element Shiatsu.

Susan Stratton, ND

Dr. Susan Stratton is a licensed naturopathic physician and lives with her sweet family in Sedona, Arizona. After seven years of clinical practice, Dr. Stratton has embarked upon sabbatical, working as a consulting physician for Herbal Vitality, Inc., researching and teaching. Susan earned her B.S. from Willamette University in Salem, Oregon in 1991. She graduated with a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington in 1998, where she received honors in counseling and also completed a post-doctorate clinical residency. Susan’s continuing education emphasis is in women’s health, endocrinology, pharmacology, and botanical medicine. Dr. Stratton continues to explore integration of mind-body-spirit and connection with nature and divine as fundamental aspects of health and medicine. Susan teaches Anatomy and Physiology at ASIS Massage.

Greta Stromberg, MS, LISAC, LMT
Greta holds a Masters of Science in Health and Human Services, is a Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor (LISAC), a Licensed Massage Therapist and a certified holotropic breathwork practitioner. Greta owns and operates a private practice in Prescott, where she utilizes a holistic approach to healing. She conducts counseling sessions, bodywork, breathwork and lectures at local treatment centers. On the Prescott campus of ASIS , Greta teaches personal growth, communications, problem-solving and overall being human courses. Her passions are her family, friends, and her dog Bailey. She loves the outdoors, hiking, biking and swimming.

Kyle James Weir, M.DIV., LMT
Kyle graduated from the Arizona School of Integrative Studies in 2003. He was the ASIS workshop coordinator, and now is the school’s clinic Coordinator, and holds an honorary roll of spiritual guide. In 2005, Kyle took a sabbatical as a Presbyterian Minister. In his private practice in massage therapy, he pursues his passion of assisting people to reconnect to themselves within their body, mind and spirit.

“Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”
– Albert Einstein

We explore human anatomy and physiology, personal awareness and communications skills, along with  a wide variety of massage modalities, all while heightening our sensitivity to the human soul.

In a safe, supportive, yet evocative setting, we wish to prepare students to meet the challenges they will face as contributing members of the health care system.

ARIZONA MASSAGE SCHOOLS