SLC: 1-800-407-3251

Orem: 1-800-864-0012

Faculty & Administration
Orem Branch Campus

Our faculty consists of contract working professionals unless otherwise stated.

Kay Alder, LMT, CMLD, has worked in her private practice since graduating from Healing Mountain in 2021. She is passionate about the work she does with trauma/addiction recovery in-patients as well as her Birthing Doula work. She loves learning and descries herself as a “forever student.” Kay is the Spa Manager and teaches Communications 1 & 2 at the Orem Campus and serves on the Orem’s Board of Directors.

Megan Allen, Megan Allen, LMT, graduated from UCMT in 1993. Megan has been working in various areas in the field and instructing for 25 years. She became a birth doula in 2014 and specializes in Prenatal and Infant Massage. She currently teaches Massage 1, Hydrotherapy, and Prenatal at our SLC campus as well as the Ethics of Touch online course.

Liz Coleman, LMT, M.A.S.E., is a Reiki Master who incorporates a variety of techniques and modalities in her private massage practice. She is a motivated and active learner who is continually expanding her expertise into new areas of practice. She won teacher of the year multiple years in her work as a transition teacher of young adults in the Alpine School District Special Education program. Liz currently teaches Massage, Reiki, Craniosacral, Lymphatic, Anatomy & Physiology, Reflexology, Pathology, Ethics, Universal Standard Precautions, Aromatherapy, and Hydrotherapy at our Orem Campus.

Candice Covington is a certified aromatherapist and energy worker. She received her aromatherapy certification at the American College of Healthcare Sciences, and completed her initial training in massage therapy and energy work at the Utah Collage of Massage Therapy. She also completed additional training at the Chopra Center to become a panchakarma and Ayurvedic massage therapist. Before coming to the Chopra Center, Candice served as an instructor at Ashmead College, where she taught Ayurvedic theory and aromatherapy. She is the author of Essential Oils in Spiritual Practice and Vibrational Nutrition and founder of Divine Archetypes an essential oil and flower essence company. Candice teaches Aromatherapy and Crystal Healing at our Orem campus.

Alishisa Devey, LMT, graduated from Healing Mountain in 2020. She is a Certified Sound Therapist and maintains a growing private practice. She has a deep desire to help others and impact their personal growth while they embark on their healing journey. As a graduate of Healing Mountain Massage School herself, she is excited to share her passion and knowledge with students so that they too can contribute to making the world a healthier and more whole place. Alishia teaches Massage 1 & 2, Shiatsu, Hydrotherapy, and Prenatal.

John Edwards, BS, graduated from Utah Valley University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. He worked as a cost accountant, an accountant, and for the past several years as a charter school “Business Manager”. In John’s free time he enjoys being in nature with his family scuba diving, underwater photography, skiing, bicycling, hiking, and camping. John is the School Accountant working out of the SLC campus.

Mimi Flower, LMT, is a 2009 graduate of Healing Mountain Massage School. After graduation, Mimi went on to train extensively in structural integration modalities including “Integrative Neurosomatic Therapy” through Paul St. John in Florida. She currently teaches Anatomy & Physiology and Massage Therapy III at the Orem campus.

Dea Giokas, BS, LMT, graduated from the Massage Therapy program at Idaho State University. She worked and travelled with the football team at ISU before moving to Utah, where she continued to specialize in sports, deep tissue, and rehabilitative bodywork. She is passionate about student success and support, fully embracing her role in each student’s journey. In addition to being the Program Supervisor at our Salt Lake City campus, Dea teaches Licensing Exam Prep and Ethics and the Law.

Markelle Jensen, BA, graduated from BYU in 2021 with an English degree. She has experience in the field of education and is passionate about helping students achieve their educational goals. Markelle is the schools Admissions Director.

Sapphire Hodges, LMT, BA, MA, graduated from UCMT in 2009. Massage Therapy has been an important part of Sapphire’s life, even while she has gone on to pursue other interests in linguistics. She has taught a variety of subjects including Anthropology, English as a Second Language, Dance, and Reflexology. Sapphire is passionate about education and the way both learning and school experiences can help students achieve their life goals.

Michelle Hutchens, LMT, graduated from Broadview University in 2009. Before entering the world of spa, Michelle enjoyed a successful career in the banking industry. Michelle’s unique blend of expertise from both the spa and banking sectors has equipped her with a valuable perspective in delivering exceptional service. Michelle teaches Ethics of Touch, Energetic Anatomy, and Med Terminology for the Orem campus.

Jeremy Kellum, MBA, LMT, graduated from Healing Touch School of Massage Therapy in 2003. He got his Bachelor of Science with an emphasis in Athletic Training from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2012 and his Masters of Business Administration from Western Governors University in 2022. He specializes in connective tissue and injury-related massage. He has worked in the rehabilitation of professional and semi-professional athletes and has been a massage instructor, beginning in the state of Mississippi, since 2006. Jeremy is the SLC Campus Director and serves on both the SLC’s and Orem’s Board of Directors.

Nerissa McNeil, AS, graduated from BYU-Idaho with a degree in Marriage and Family Services. She is passionate about helping others achieve their goals and love seeing people flourish and pursue their dreams. When she isn’t working, Nerissa enjoys spending time with her husband and little girl at a lake or at the sand dunes. Nerissa is an Admissions Representative for the Orem Campus.

Dr. James Mohebali, L.Ac., is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine with extensive training and clinical experience in multiple styles of Chinese massage (tui na), qigong, and Chinese medical use of crystals. He believes that the most important part of any manual therapy is the healing power of touch, and that refining the nature, intention, and wisdom behind one’s touch would result in superior clinical results. To that end, he has always been drawn to bodywork in his practice. Dr. Mohebali teaches Craniosacral Therapy at our Orem Campus.

Bryn Nielson, AS, LMT, graduated from Cortiva in 2019. Focuses on Neuromuscular & injury therapies in her private practice. Bryn teaches Massage 1 and 2, Hydrotherapy, Universal Standard Precautions, and Licensing Prep at the Orem campus.

Jesse Nikola, BFA, LMT, graduated from Healing Mountain in 2000 and furthered his education from Salt Lake Community College with an Associate of Visual Art and Design in Multimedia, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from UVU in Graphic Communication. He worked as the SLC campus Spa Director for eight years and SLC Campus Director for seven years. He currently is the school’s President and Chief Operating Officer.

RJ Nikola, JCD, BA, LMT, is the founder and CEO of Healing Mountain. He graduated from UCMT, has a JCD in Education and a BA from BYU. He is the author of Japanese Full-Body Shiatsu, and Creatures of Water. Randy served as a commissioner for the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools – ABHES from 2009-2017, and is currently a member of the Utah State Massage Board.

Char Olenik, LMT, graduated from UCMT in 1995 and has practiced massage therapy in various settings throughout Utah. She specializes in spa modalities, and has worked in many high-end resort spas, including the Remede Spa at St. Regis Deer Valley, Solitude Mountain Spa, and Brick Canvas Spa. Char has a passion for education and started teaching for UCMT in 2007, and became Director of Education for Cortiva Institute in 2014. She has served as a content specialist for the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET), and served as a member of the Utah Massage Education Peer Review Committee. Char teaches Massage I, Sports Massage, and Business & Professionalism.

Brynnley Pyne, AS, LMT, graduated from Myotherapy in 1997 and has worked in a variety of settings since. She has a passion for prenatal massage, injury rehabilitation, sports rehabilitation, and energy work. She previously worked as a regional recruiter and trainer for Massage Envy Utah, and attended many Program Advisory Committee meetings, class panels, and has been a guest speaker in many massage school classes. She also acted as the industry expert in Massage Envy’s Total Body Stretch, where she trained hundreds of LMTs during their rollout. She is dedicated to enhancing the well-being and education of all students in her current role as Orem Campus Director and Board Chair on the Orem Board of Directors.

Maria Stephenson, LMT, graduated from Healing Mountain Massage School in 2009. She has worked in chiropractic, corporate, private, and spa settings in Salt Lake and Utah Counties. She recently relocated to Florida with her family and has joined the Healing Mountain teaching Pathology, Career Development, and Applied Anatomy at the Orem Campus.

Liz Strange, LMT, is a Healing Mountain Alumni who specializes in Prenatal and Sports Massage. She has excellent customer service skills that lead to high-repeat appointments in the Chiropractic clinic where she practices. She teaches Sports 1 & 2 at our Orem Campus.

Desttany Suaava, BS, graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Political Science. She is enthusiastic to support students in their academic journey, and is excited to see their progression in Healing Mountain, and beyond. When she isn’t working, she enjoys reading and playing volleyball with friends and family. Desttany is the School Registrar and Distance Education Specialist for both campuses.

Julie Swenson, BS, LMT graduated from BYU and later, Myotherapy College. She has worked in hospice doing massage therapy for terminal patients for the last 10 years. She is trained and experienced in Craniosacral Therapy. She is also certified as a Qigong practitioner. She is experienced in energy and emotional healing work, as well as essential oil use. She loves teaching and encouraging students to gain confidence in the healing arts. Julie teaches Craniosacral at our Orem campus.

Ronda Tracy, LMT, graduated from UCMT in 2009. She has a passion for teaching and has taught for the past 6 years. She has completed several CE courses including cranial sacral at the Upledger Institute. She teaches Massage 1 and Sports 2 at the Orem campus.

Teri Thomas, LMT, is an owner/operator of a lymphatic care center and massage clinic. She has advanced certifications in lymphatic drainage for post-operative clients and as a treatment for lymphedema. Teri is a Lymphatic instructor for our Orem Campus.

Ronda Tracy, LMT, graduated from UCMT in 2009. She has a passion for teaching and has taught for the past 6 years. She has completed several CE courses including cranial sacral at the Upledger Institute. She teaches Massage 1, Cranialsacral, and Sports 2 at the Orem campus.

Beth Williams is a Reiki Master and Psychic Healer with extensive experience as a practitioner and instructor. She enjoys teaching yoga and is adept in working with addictions as well as neurodiverse populations across all ages in a variety of settings. Beth teaches Reiki at our Orem Campus.

Melissa Welter, BSBM, MBA, graduated from the University of Phoenix in 2011. Melissa has previously worked for Utah College of Massage Therapy as a Regional Financial Aid Director and has been in the financial aid field for almost two decades. Melissa is our school Financial Aid Administrator.

Molly Wozab, completed our Crystal Healing course in 2021. Since then, she has been immersed in the practice and teaching of Crystal Healing and Chakra Balancing with students, clients, and practitioners alike. Molly teaches the Crystal Healing and Chakra Balancing course at our Orem campus. She also manages the crystal shop there, with 5+ years of crystal knowledge and experience.

Rashelle Youngdell, LMT, graduated from Healing Mountain Massage School in 2015. Rashelle has 10 years prior experience in sales, marketing, training, billing, and bookkeeping. Rashelle is dedicated to spreading the knowledge of not only the physical, but also the emotional and intangible (or spiritual/energetic), aspects of a healthy and vivacious lifestyle through massage. Rashelle teaches Business Basics, Reflexology, Shiatsu, Thai Yoga Massage, and Hydrotherapy at the SLC campus, as well as Energetic Anatomy online.

Page updated: 11/22/23