"Learn as though you would never be able to master it: hold it as though you would be in fear of losing it." -Confucius, Chinese Ethical teacher, philosopher (551-479 BC)
~Updated 12/14/2008~
Faculty
...Experienced…Professional…Credentialed…Traditional…and So Much More
Teachers at NIM engage with their students because they believe in the importance of their work. A diverse group of exceedingly qualified practitioners, the NIM faculty believe in high standards and generous support. Excited by their respective fields and committed to a collaborative educational process, individuals choose to teach at NIM because they believe in the potential of their students.
Click on a faculty member's name to read an individual profile.
* Graduates of a licensed massage therapy training program.
Administration & Faculty
Administration
The following are people to whom you, as a student, may be referred at one time or another for assistance. Each may be contacted either directly or through the receptionist in the bookstore office.
President, Curriculum Coordinator, Continuing Education Coordinator, Stephen Perkinson, B.A., L.M.T: Oversees development and implementation of the curriculum and coordinates instructors’ work through planning, meetings, and evaluations. Schedules and oversees all required and elective seminars.
Director, Financial Aid Officer,
Dan Bilich, B.S.: Oversees and directs all aspects and functions of NIM. Implements all school and office policies, procedures, calendars and personnel. Counsels students on academics, leaves of absence and certain areas of financial aid.
Dean of Students, Ewa Perkinson: Sees and advises students throughout the entire
educational process through graduation. Counsels students on academics, leaves of absence and certain areas of financial aid.
Administrator, Independence location,
Bookstore Manager, Judy Lehman, L.M.T., N.M.T., A.P.P., Reiki Master: Oversees policies and personnel at the Independence branch. Orders all required texts, learning materials, books, oils, tables, supplies, music, etc., that are useful for Massage Therapists.
Faculty
Stephen Perkinson, B.A., L.M.T., began studying massage and neo-Riechian bodywork in 1975 and has worked as a Licensed Massage Therapist since 1979. Since 1986 he has taught and developed faculty training programs and curricula in all aspects of Massotherapist training. His deep commitment to improving the quality of education in massotherapy resulted in the founding of the National Institute of Massotherapy in 1991. He continues to serve as a member of the faculty.
Erin Barnard, B.S., L.M.T. received her degree in Biology from the University of Akron where she is currently completing work on her M.S. degree in physiology. She has taught the laboratory section of histology (microanatomy) at UA and currently teaches Anatomy and Physiology at NIM.
Dan Bilich, B.S., earned his degree from the University of Akron. Science and mathematics teacher for 13 years, also serves as the Director and Financial Aid Officer of the institution.
Maria Danko-Kracker, L.M.T., graduated from the National Institute of Massotherapy in 2000 and is licensed in Ohio and West Virginia. In West Virginia, Maria owned and operated Elements Massage Therapy and was an instructor of Anatomy/Physiology/Advanced Massage. She is certified in Somatic Release/Neuromuscular Therapy, Geriatric Massage and First Degree Reiki.
Julie Loeffler, B.S., L.M.T., received her
degree in Human Physiology from Boston
University in 1996 and has been a licensed
Massage Therapist since 2005. After spending two years working in a medical environment, she joined NIM in 2008 to teach Anatomy, Physiology and Medical Terminology.
Randall Gibson, M.Ed., L.M.T., licensed Massotherapist since 1982 and Touch For Health instructor since 1984, is certified in Neuromuscular Therapy, postural integration and many other approaches to bodywork and natural healing. He has taught both Anatomy and Massage since 1989.
Susan M. Magee, L.M.T., has been a Licensed Massage Therapist since 1995. She is certified in Myofascial Release, Mastectomy & Reconstruction Massage, Exam & Diagnostic Techiques, Fibromayalgia, Aromatherapy, Lomi Lomi and Stone Massage. Susan has had a private practice since 1995 and has taught massage therapy since 2003.
Glenn Rexroad, L.M.T., a Licensed Massotherapist since 1989, is trained in Neuromuscular Therapy, Touch For Health, Sports Massage, CranioSacral Therapy, Visceral Manipulation, and Reiki. He has taught Anatomy and Massage since 1996.
Marcia L. Vahila, B.S.Ed., L.M.T., is a Licensed Massotherapist with her B.S. in Vocational Education. She is trained in many approaches to bodywork, spa therapies, and natural healing. Marcia has worked full time as a therapist since 1984 and has taught at NIM since 1993.
Ewa Perkinson, B.A., B.S., R.D., L.D., received her degrees in Spanish and Nutrition from the University of Akron. She is a Registered Dietician, licensed in the state of Ohio since 1994. She was a pracitioner of massage in the state of Illinois. She has taught Anatomy and Physiology, Food Safety, and General Nutrition .