SCHOOL FACULTY

(Our faculty consists of contract working professionals unless otherwise stated)

Taylor Bates, is a graduate of Healing Mountain Massage School, and is finishing up his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology at the University of Utah. He has worked at the University in their Biology Department’s cadaver labs. Taylor teaches Kinesiology at our SLC Campus.

Chris Call, LMT, NCTMB graduated from Healing Mountain. She has further training in Craniosacral from the Upleadger Institute. Chris currently teaches Craniosacral Therapy at the SLC campus.

Kami Carillo, LMT, NCTMB Reiki Master teaches Reiki / Energy Healing and Lomi Lomi at the SLC campus. She is a graduate of Healing Mountain Massage School. Kami also teaches continuing education in the SL county area.

Eva Chavez, has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of New Mexico. She majored in Organizational Management with a concentration in Entrepreneurial Studies. She has over 8 years of experience in the Financial Service industry and over 3 years with a top Fortune 100 company. Eva graduated from Healing Mountain Massage School and teaches Accounting and Marketing at the SLC campus. Eva has also worked in Admissions, and currently serves on the School’s Advisory Board.

Michael Colvin, LMT, NCTMB is a graduate of Healing Mountain. He has further training from Myotherapy College and the Deon Thai School in Thai yoga therapy. He maintains a private practice in SLC. Michael teaches Sports massage as well as NCE prep at Healing Mountain’s Salt Lake City campus.

Wendy Edwards, LMT, NCTMB graduated from Healing Mountain Massage School and is currently studying with the Institute of Trigger Point Therapy. She has done advanced training in Sports Massage as well as Reiki. She teaches Massage III at the SLC campus.

PJ Hair, LMT graduated from UCMT & received advanced training in craniosacral from both Milne & Upledger Institutes. She served on staff at the Milne Institute coordinating advanced level workshops. She has received training in oriental medical theory and has studied Chi Nei Tsang with the Healing Tao Institute. PJ is the Director of Education at our main SLC campus where she teaches Cranial, Reflexology, Shiatsu and NCE Review. She has a successful private practice in addition to her full time duties. PJ serves on the School Board of Directors at the SLC campus.

Lars Hansen, LMT, NCTMB is a graduate of Healing Mountain in private practice. He has spent years as a volunteer with the Utah AIDS Foundation, and on the Board of Directors for People with AIDS Coalition. He teaches our HIV Awareness course in SLC.

Westie Bergan King, BS, LMT, NCTMB, Certified Reflexologist, graduated SUU with a BS in Psychology emphasis in Counseling, and Healing Mountain. She has received advanced training in MyoNeural Kinesis as well as Aromatherapy. Westie is the assistant to the education director at our main SLC campus where she also teaches Reflexology.

Margie Leystra, LMT, NCTMB, graduated Awakening Spirit Massage School, is certified in Craniosacral Therapy, Shiatsu/ Oriental Medicine, Therapeutic Touch, and is a Reiki Master. She teaches Lymph Massage, Prenatal Massage, Crystal Healing, and Sales & Marketing at the SLC campus.

Jeremy Miller, LMT, graduated from Healing Mountain. He currently practices and instructs in the SLC campus’ spa as the lead therapist. He has received advanced training in Sports Massage and currently teaches Hydrotherapy & Spa Techniques at the SLC campus.

Jesse Nikola, LMT, graduated from Healing Mountain, Salt Lake Community College with an Associate in Visual Art & Design, and a BFA from UVU in Graphic Communication. He worked as the SL Campus Spa Director for eight years and now currently holds title of School Director. Jesse serves on the School Board of Directors for the SLC campus and is their in-house Graphic/Web Designer.

RJ Nikola, LMT, BA is the school director for Healing Mountain. He graduated from UCMT, has a JCD in Education and a BA from BYU. He is author of Japanese Full-Body Shiatsu and Creatures of Water being used at massage schools in the US & Canada. Randy is an accreditation evaluator and is currently serving on the ABHES Executive Committee as well as a Commissioner for ABHES.

Tasha Pierson LMT, NCTMB is a graduate of UCMT. She has done advanced spa training through The Steiner Institute and The Advanced Spa Therapy Education Certification Council. Tasha has worked in many aspects of the resort spa industry for over 10 years and is currently the Spa Director at the SLC Campus. Tasha teaches Seated Chair Massage at our Salt Lake Campus.

Susan Sharp began her exploration of aromatherapy and essential oils nearly 20 years ago as the founding owner of a Salt Lake City boutique specializing in natural body care products.  She has studied under renowned international aroma therapists throughout the years.  She shares her enthusiasm and expertise with each graduating class - stressing the safety precautions of using essential oils with clients.

Alea Schmuker, BS, LMT, NCTMB is a graduate of Healing Mountain and SUU with a composite Bachelor’s degree in Psychology & Sociology. She works full time as a Financial Aid Rep and payroll processor for the Salt Lake Campus. Alea teaches Thai Yoga massage, Massage I, Zen Massage and Communications for the Salt Lake campus.  

Joni Whiting is currently a student in the University of Utah College of Nursing. She has taught anatomy in a lab setting since 2011. She teaches anatomy and kinesiology at the SLC campus.