“A Professional and Personal
Path for Helping Others Holistically” ™
Our highly trained instructors are dedicated to supporting the development of our students. Our instructors use proven methodologies and both highly effective training and curriculum to help our students develop a conscious awareness and method of delivering a caring touch that effects healing and balance in body, mind, and spirit. We regularly participate in professional development in order to improve our skills and offer a better learning experience for our students.
Madonna R. Polley CMTI, CHT
Director and Founder
Madonna has been a holistic healer and certified massage therapist for over 30 years. Her journey began in 1970, under the personal instruction of Connie Voutas, a massage therapy instructor and friend who to this day remains near and dear to her heart. She has received extensive education in many advanced bodywork modalities and is an expert at Pre Natal/Post Natal Massage & Labor/delivery Assisting. Madonna is a Third Degree Reiki Master Teacher, Hypnotherapist, Reflexologist, Certified Advanced Therapeutic Touch Practitioner and an Advanced Chiropractic Assistant.
In 1976 Madonna studied with the East West Academy of Health Practice for Massage, gaining state board certification and her license. Always motivated toward helping and sharing with others, she opened and ran her very own successful massage business, and in 1979 instituted and taught her massage program at Mount HoodCommunity College.
In 1980, Madonna and her husband, Dr. David Polley, opened their business called Fair Oaks Chiropractic and WellnessCenter which they still operate to this day. They work as a team, combining therapeutic massage and chiropractic care. She founded and opened the Fair Oaks Massage Institute in 1998, where she teaches massage certification and advanced workshops. Working with and caring for others is Madonna’s forte, it is who she is. Come in and meet her, it will definitely be a joyful experience!
Fair Oaks Massage Institute is an approved school by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education in the Department of Consumer Affairs and the California Board of Registered Nursing for continuing education units.
Jeffery Bassett CMTI, BS-Biology
Core Program Instructor
Jeff received his Massage Therapy Certification in Texas and has completed over 1,000 hours of training in various bodywork modalities. He teaches Anatomy, Physiology, Deep Tissue Massage and Trigger Point Therapy to the beginning and advanced massage therapy students and our graduates. He currently maintains a private practice with an emphasis on rehabilitation and pain relief. Jeff also works in conjunction with a Doctor of Chiropractic in the Sacramento area and has been a Certified Massage Therapist for 15 years.
Marion offers classes in all levels of Usui Reiki and Karuna Reiki. Her training is for those who wish to become Reiki practitioners or teachers, massage therapists who want to integrate Reiki with massage, and those who are working on self healing and personal empowerment. She also teaches Raindrop Technique, Healing Oils of Ancient Times, and Reiki Drumming. Marion provides her students with resources, guidance and support for integrating a spiritual foundation in the massage or Reiki body work practice and in their daily lives. She has a private therapeutic practice that focus on using Reiki, Reiki drumming, essential oils, and therapeutic massage. Her 14 years of related experience, training and knowledge also includes a background in hypnotherapy, cranial sacral therapy, Bowen therapy, Therapeutic Touch and spiritual healing. Marion is a Registered Karuna Reiki™ Master Teacher for the International Center of Reiki Training, a California approved Instructor for the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education in the Department of Consumer Affairs, and she has been a Reiki instructor for the Fair Oaks Massage Institute since it opened several years ago.
Natalie Gougeon has studied extensively in India and Nepal under the supervision of several doctors from the BenaresAyurvedicUniversity. She studied massage at the Thamel Pancha Karma Clinic with Dr. Rajesh Shrivasta as well as Dr. Joseph in Kerala,India. She is the author of the "Ayurvedic Principles Guide," an educational reference chart available at her courses. Natalie also self published an incredible and very informative DVD called "Bringing Health Through Balance." The DVD comes with an instruction booklet available to her workshop students.
Casandra is a top graduate from N.H.C., Instituteof Therapeutic Massage, and has had her private practice; Hands 4 Light ~ Holistic Therapies, in Fair Oaks, since 2000.
She began her path by focusing primarily on healing through touch, working with chronic pain clients and accident and injury victims.The more she worked in massage, the more she began to see connectivity between the physical health and emotional or mental “stress” of her clients that could not be ignored. She became in intensely interested in studying different modalities to find the best ways to assist her clients not only through their immediate pain, but to heal their lives as well.In this effort she furthered her studies by pursuing certifications in Myofascial Release, with the John Barnes Foundation, Jin Shin Acupressure, Facial Acupressure, Acupressure Massage, and The Windows of the Sky (Acupressure for past life regression), through the Jin Shin Do Foundation, and energy work such as Usui Shiki Ryoho, and Karuna Reiki, through the William Rand foundation, and at the private instruction of Marion Hakata. She then became a Master and Instructor, teaching her clients, friends and the general public.
She has also received training in Cranial Sacral, Reflexology, Polarity Healing, Deep Tissue, Raindrop Technique, Shamanistic Healing, Energy Medicine, EFT, Chakra Balancing, and Crystal Therapy. She also has made an ongoing, in depth study of “The Emotional and Mental Causes behind the Physical Symptoms”.What she has found was that she was able to intuitively combine her knowledge of 5 Element Theory, Acupressure, Anatomy, Reiki, Bodywork, Energy work, Holistic Counseling, and a natural Clairvoyance to assist her students and clients in healing not just physical illnesses, but also “dis-eases” of the emotional/mental and spiritual bodies, thereby allowing them to release the need for their bodies’ physical pain.
She continues her ongoing learning and knowledge by taking courses with, and studying the works of Authors, and leading edge thinkers such as Carolyn Myss, Carol Ritberger, Louise Hay, Neale Donald Walsch, Miguel Ruiz, Donna Eden, Barbara Brennan, Dr. Masaru Emoto, and Anodea Judith, to name a few, as well as privately studying intensively with 3 Shaman’s in the Sacramento area, for the past 20 years. Thus, Casandra’s practice focuses on using a combination of Holistic Counseling, and any and all other modalities required to assist a client, in releasing bodymindspirit pain and increasing overall health and well-being.Teaching has become a passion for her, and she is honored to increase her ability to spread knowledge through teaching the Jin Shin Acupressure Certification Course at the Fair Oaks Massage Institute. Her mission statement: To teach, guide, and assist others through their journey of self-discovery, self acceptance and healing in mind, body and spirit.
Rebbeca Lavadia Head Aromatherapist of Bekah’s Naturals Global Herbs & Essences Aromatherapy for Personal Use, and Aromatherapy Treatments (for Massage) Instructor
Over the years, Rebbeca has practiced and studied with Masters and Medicine Teachers receiving certifications as a Massage Therapist, Reiki Practitioner, Aroma Therapist, in Naturopathic Manipulations, Soft Tissue Pain Relief Therapy, Holistic Health / Disease, Diagnosis & Remedies, Crystals / Gem Therapy and in Cross-Cultural Shamanism.
As a body worker, Rebbeca’s inability to find the type of aromatherapy products to readily assist her in her practice inspired her to create a line of aromatherapy products that could be used by the professional practitioner and lay person alike.“When bodywork of any kind is combined with the mood-enhancing properties of essential oils, we are nurtured on every level of our being, be it mind, body or spirit.Magic happens when involved with this ancient practice of blending. When incorporating intuition, science and intention, I am filled with an abundance of gratitude for the gift to work with essential oils and herbs.I give my heartfelt thanks to all the teachers in my life who have inspired me and continue to inspire me to be the greatest I am.” – Rebbeca Lavadia
Stuart Taws Soft Tissue Release Instructor
Stuart Taws is a Sports Rehabilitation Therapist from England. The Soft Tissue Release techniques he teaches have been proven in World-Class athletic competition and in the Pain Clinic environment. They have, over the years, been simplified and distilled so that they are easy to comprehend and apply. And Stuart’s public speaking experience lends a lively, fast paced quality to the workshops. They have repeatedly been described as “the best learning experience ever!”
If you subscribe to Massage and Bodywork, you will have had the opportunity, in the spring 1998 issue, to have read Mr. Taw’s compelling article in which he shared the effective treatment of Piriformis Syndrome. He has also done extensive writing on the subject of massage and the treatment of fibromyalgia. If you peruse previous issues of Massage and Bodywork you will easily find what others are saying about Mr. Taws and his workshops. In the winter 1997 issue, the article “What Doctors Don’t Want You to Know about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Tendonitis,” details the success that the author, Michael Young, has had in treating such conditions; often times with only one or two sessions. He goes on to reveal that he learned how to do so in June of 1996 in one of Mr. Taw’s workshops. In the article “In the Treatment of Chronic Fatigue,” Houston LeBrun gives special notation to Stuart Taws and his previous articles on CFS and MFS. Listed on pages 121-122 you will find Mr. Taws in a profile of eight people chosen by the editors of Massage and Bodywork to have made a difference in the somatic profession during the last decade! The fact that Mr. Taws is ranked equally among such honorable names as Dr. Tiffany Field (Touch Research Institute), Ben Benjamin, Ph.D., and others will give an idea of the caliber of this instructor… and this workshop!
Stuart Taws is a Sports Rehabilitation Therapist from Great Britain, and the only instructor of Soft Tissue Release® in the United States. He has worked with the prestigious Santa Monica Track Club and has used STR® with great success on the world’s fastest athletes. He is also a ‘Category A’ provider for the National Certification Board.
Jody has been a Certified Massage Therapist since 1993. She has a private massage practice in Sonoma, CA, which includes seniors, injury related cases, chronic illness and simple stress reduction for all ages. The tow main massage loves for her are Therapeutic Touch and Day Break Geriatric Massage. Jody has studied with Dietrich Miesler and worked with Dietrich to form the teacher training program for Day Break. She has been teaching senior massage since 1995 at various massage schools throughout the country. “I love working with the Elder population, they are quite remarkable people. It is very gratifying to be able to provide relief from pain and caring human touch to people who are usually forgotten in our society.”
Jody has also studied Therapeutic Touch since 1994. She has attended Intermediate and Advanced classes with Dolores Krieger and Dora Kunz since 1997, and has been a Mentor at the Intermediate classes numerous times. Jody has been teaching Therapeutic Touch at massage schools since 1997 and is very interested in helping Therapeutic Touch to be better understood in the massage world. She has been published in the Massage & Bodywork Journal.
Melissa Brown CMT, Esthetician & Make-up Artist Core Program Instructor
Melissa Brown is an esthetician, massage therapist, makeup artist and owner of Alchemy Day Spa & Boutique and Melissa Brown minerals.She has over 2000 certified education hours, a traditional education in business and over 8 years full-time experience.Melissa and Alchemy have been voted Best of Sacramento and Folsom and Business of the Week by The Folsom Telegraph as well as being featured in The Sierra Style Magazine and Folsom Living.Melissa is dedicated to providing distinctive, luxurious and reliable spa treatments, products and education for the body, skin, soul and home that address the complexity of each client and student’s individual needs and aspirations.
John Prior CMT, Rossiter Certified Rossiter Coach and Instructor Rossiter System® Instructor John Prior is a certified massage therapist and educator from the National Holistic Institute. He is also a NCBTMB approved provider, certified Rossiter Coach and instructor, practicing in the greater San Francisco area for the past 8 years. He is currently the president of the American Massage Therapy Association-CA East Bay Unit with over 500 members.
John's passion is to have every massage therapist know Rossiter.Rossiter allows you to get great results in your clients without compromising your body.
Jim
Gilkeson, B.A., C.M.T, C.S.T.
Energy/Active Cranialsacral Course I-III Instructor Jim is a creative bodywork therapist, teacher of
energy healing, and the author of A Pilgrim in Your Body: Energy Healing and
Spiritual Process (iUniverse) and Energy Healing: A Pathway to Inner
Growth (Marlowe & Co.), which the "Father of bio-feedback,"
Elmer Green, Ph.D., called "the best book I've seen on this subject."
A
former brother in a semi-monastic spiritual order, Jim was a co-founder of the
Institute for Healing Studies. In his private healing practice, Jim combines
subtle energy therapy with cranio-sacral work and therapeutic massage.
His
background in meditation and spiritual practice and his love for experiential
learning have made him keenly attentive to the developmental and initiatory
dimensions of bodywork and energy healing. His teaching style is warm, personal
and fun, reflecting his passion for inspiring participants to find their unique
qualities and callings, as well as for teaching solid principles and practices
of energy healing.
David W. PolleyDC, CMTI
Co-Director and Instructor
In 1971, Dr. Polley studied massage with Madonna Polley and Connie Voutis in Fair Oaks, California. He also trained with Laren Barry and was taught other therapies through the Western Massage Society. He practiced massage therapy while attending AmericanRiverCollege. As a young child, Dr. Polley had migraine headaches and was referred to see a Chiropractor. It was then that he decided to become a Chiropractor himself. In 1976, he moved to Portland, Oregon to attend the WesternStatesChiropracticCollege. After graduating from WesternStatesChiropracticCollege, Dr. Polley then trained with his uncle, Dr. Cleo Polley in Cottonwood, CA.
In 1979, he and Madonna started a massage therapy program at Mount HoodCommunity College. Then in 1980, he opened Fair Oaks Chiropractic and WellnessCenter with his wife, Madonna. He continues to have a thriving practice and uses all his training to help others heal. Dr. Polley has been Doctor of the Year and past President of the Sacramento Valley Chiropractic Society. He enjoys teaching the students, at Fair Oaks Massage Institute, their classes in Chiropractic Assistant for the Massage Therapist, Sports Balancing Massage, Palpatory Anatomy and Orthopedic Massage Therapy.
Suzanne P. Reese is in high demand as a Certified International Infant Massage Educator and Trainer, Parent Educator, Author, Speaker and Humanitarian. Her undergraduate degree in Child Development and her 10+-year career in complimentary care as a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist, Holistic Health Practitioner and Registered Yoga Teacher offer an ideal blend of formal knowledge and practical experience for her work in infant massage. That combined with her deep commitment, Suzanne delivers her mission with an undeniable passion in her service to families and babies. Her professional baby massage affiliation in the United States is with Infant Massage USA. Her audience and students represent countries from all over the world. She trains and certifies practitioners and clinicians representing pre and postnatal, family, child and infant related fields as parent educators of infant massage. Suzanne is the author of Baby Massage: Soothing Strokes For Healthy Growth by Viking Press. Suzanne joined the first humanitarian medical team to serve abandoned children in Vesnova, Belarus with the Chernobyl Children’s Project International. Her work with this project was featured in a 6-page article in the April 24, 2006 issue of People Magazine.
For over 20 years, Heather has been supporting and empowering people. Her journey has led her to work with all varieties and needs, from supporting children with Autism, massaging clients with terminal illnesses, to empowering families at home as babies are being born.
Heather holds a B.A. in Psychology and is a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist from the Boulder School of Massage Therapy’s 1000 hours program. She holds certifications in CranialSacral therapy, Energy medicine, Lymphatic Drainage and Infant Massage Instruction. She is a Certified Massage Doula, which is a 250 hours course emphasizing the pre and post partum period.
Weaved throughout Heather’s work is her passion for Natural Medicines. Her studies have taken her on Ethnobotanical adventures to Costa Rico, Guatemala and Belize. While in Belize, she had the honor to become an apprentice to Dr. Rosita Arvigo. There, Heather studied Maya Abdominal Massage, herbs and other traditional Mayan therapies. Her Herbal studies also include time at Tai Sophia, where she studied with many herbalsits, Jim Duke and Simon Mills to name a few; Rosemary Gladstar, Jeanne Rose and Kami McBride are also honored for their teachings.
Heather currently is an apprentice as a Home Birth Midwife. She plans to sit for the medical Boards in 2010. She continues to teach and give back, in honor of her elders who have so graciously taught her.
Ruth Magan Laughing With Angels Instructor
Ruth Magan travels the world sharing spiritual knowledge through workshops and seminars—all presented with a lighthearted touch.She is the author of: Laughing With Angels, My Angel, My Friend (for children), and Visions of the 4th Dimension, Earth Beyond 2012.Ruth feels that a lighthearted approach to spirituality helps one to lighten up and paves a smoother path toward enlightenment. After she completed Laughing With Angels, which is a blend of spiritual wisdom and humor, her spirit guides encouraged her to write a gentle angel book for children. My Angel, My Friend was published a year later.
With her spiritual mentor, Dawon Washington, she wrote the latest book, Visions of the 4th Dimension, Earth Beyond 2012.This book takes us from where the Mayan Calendar leaves off and gives powerful insights as to what is coming in 2012 and beyond.
She and her husband, Mike, live half the year in Sacramento, California and the other half in Tasmania, Australia. Ruth recently returned from Kenya, Africa where her gentle picture book, My Angel, My Friend was blessedly received in villages, orphanages and schools. As a former elementary school teacher, she recognizes their need for school supplies. She has organized shipments of books, materials and funds to go directly to impoverished African children.Her passionate curiosity for understanding humanity, higher truths and All That Is, keeps her on the eternal quest to find answers through spirituality.
As a body intuitive, vibrational healer and massage therapist Mona Klinger has been a remarkable body worker for over 20 years. In addition to her experience in Reiki, polarity therapy, structural therapy and vibrational medicines, Mona has had the unique experience of studying with Cherokee medicine woman, "Double Eagle" Karen Land and spent time studying in Hawaii for eight months on the Big Island in Hilo to learn directly from Lomilomi masters and Kupuna to bring back the traditional Hawaiian healing that carries the knowledge that all healing comes from love. Along with Vibrational Medicine, Mona has taught classes entitled Truth or Consequences of the Human Body, The Truth's in You at libraries in Hilo, Hawaii; From Depth to Peace in Eugene, Oregon and is currently doing talks entitled Intuition for Health in Bend, Oregon. Seminars and workshops in Body Intuition and Lomilomi were held in Hilo, Hawaii and are currently underway for Oregon. Mona's insight, knowledge, and direction have been well received throughout the west coast.
Sandy received her Bachelors of Science degree at PepperdineUniversity in Southern California and her Massage Therapy Certification at Fair Oaks Massage Institute, where she now is an instructor. With over 20 years of experience, Sandy brings expertise in Swedish Massage, Myofascial Massage, Prenatal Massage, Geriatric Massage, Reflexology, Hypnotherapy, Reiki (Usui and Karuna Reiki Master), Rejuvanescence, Animal Bodywork, and other therapies to the Fair Oaks Massage Institute’s academic environment. In class after class, Sandy ’s students comment about her ability to convey course material clearly, so they can perform massage techniques with confidence.
Bradley Gilbert BA, EFT-CC, MMQ
Five Element Qi Massage Instructor
Bradley Gilbert has been in the health field for over 12 years. He has a BA in Psychology and practiced as a Licensed Social Worker in Ohio for 7 years. Since then he graduated with a Masters in Medical Qigong (MMQ) from the International Institute of Medical Qigong. He began practicing and teaching Medical Qigong Therapy and instruction in 2001. Since moving to Sacramento in 2003, Bradley has taught Qigong theory, exercise and meditation classes, and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) classes in the Sacramento area at: Avalon Arts Center, Lotus Garden, Whole Foods, Sacramento County Drug Court, Health Associates, UC Davis, East West Books; and in Sedona, AZ at Hart Family Chiropractic.
Monica has pursued her passion for holistic health practices throughout her adult life. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Studio Art and a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology. She served as program director and psychotherapist for social services in Montana for 17 years. There she used a variety of alternative interventions including TFT (Thought Field Therapy), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), guided imagery, art therapy, nutrition and yoga. In recent years Monica has shifted her focus to education and treatment regarding energy management and bio-magnetics. She is an active practitioner of EMF Balancing Technique, Passion of Life Power Breathwork and Bio-Energy. Monica is dedicated to assisting others in their healing journey toward fulfilling their highest potential.
Tiffany Cano BA
Pranic Healing Instructor
Tiffany attended the University of the Pacific in Northern California, where she studied Sports Medicine and achieved her Bachelor's Degree. Though her formal education is in Sports Medicine, she has always been fascinated with the alternative healing arts and the ability to combine Eastern and Western Medicine. As early as her teen years, she studied Reiki, Gemstone Healing, Massage, Shamanism, Reflexology, and the Alexander Technique. Pranic Healing, however, she found to be the most comprehensive and effective modality because it addresses physical, emotional, mental, financial, and/or spiritual issues. Tiffany was trained directly by Grand Master Choa Kok Sui, the modern day founder of Pranic Healing and Arhatic Yoga, and Master Stephen Co, the U.S. Representative of Pranic Healing. She is licensed by the American Institute for Asian Studies and teaches Pranic Healing throughout Northern California. To aid her further, Tiffany also incorporates her natural born gift of clairvoyance when she offers in-person and distant Pranic Healing Sessions working on people and pets.
Dr. John Hubbard BA, DC
Core Program, and Pathology Instructor
Dr. Hubbard earned a B.A. in Physical Sciences from SacramentoStateUniversity. He began his teaching career in elementary education and later attended WesternStatesChiropracticCollege where he received his Doctor of Chiropractic Degree. He has been a practicing Chiropractor in Portland, Oregon; Sacramento, California; and Assisi, Italy. Dr. Hubbard is a diplomat of the NBCE, OBCE and CBCE, and during his years of practice was a member of the Oregon Chiropractic Physician’s Association as well as the California Chiropractic Association. He is the recipient of the Johns Hopkins University Outstanding Educator Award, and was a participant in the Fulbright Teacher’s Exchange Program through which he was assigned to teach in England . He is trained in Diversified, Sacral Occipital and Applied Kinesiology Techniques. Dr. Hubbard currently is an instructor in Beginning and Advanced Anatomy and Pathology.
Gina Beck CMT
Core Instructor: Egyptian Meditation Movement & Grounding, and Egyptian Viseral Manipulation & Toning of the Belly
Gina is trained in Classic Egyptian Dance, and a graduate of Jodette's Belly Dancing Academyin Sacramento. She has twelve years experience with world class instructors from all over the US and the Middle East. Gina is the proud owner of Gina's Belly Dance Studio, and the creator of the Belly Fit program used in health clubs all over the Sacramento area.
Danielle Stephenson, CMT Core Instructor: Business Marketing, Oncology Massage, Fibromyalgia Release and CPR
Danielle has been a professional marketer for over 20 years. She began at an early age marketing herself as a professional vocalist, touring with her own band overseas and in the U.S.She has been involved in many facets of senior living and has marketed other corporate products. She is a graduate of Fair Oaks massage institute and has completed both her CMT and Deep Tissue courses.
She is well versed and knowledgeable about many aspects of how to market yourself and how to start your own business. You can take what you have learned in class and turn it into a living - she can show you how.
Sharon Lindenfeld CCH, HP, Masters in Social Work & LCSW Hypno-Doula Instructor "Hypnobabies" Program
When my youngest son turned four years of age, I went back to work and continued my career as a medical assistant. After a few years, I began to feel that there was something missing. There was something else I was supposed to accomplish, so I decided to go to school. I had a long hard road ahead of me. I was in school for seven years. I graduated from California State University at Sacramento with a Masters degree in Social Work. In 1994, I received my License in Clinical Social Work and my dream was to open a Women's Clinic. Instead, I started working for Sacramento County Child Protective Services. I worked with abused women and children, attempting to keep families intact. After a few years I switched focus and started working in Adoptions and Post Adoptions Services. In 2001, I once again, switched my focus and began working with Adult Protective Services. During those six years, I, once again, started longing to go back to my original dream working for a Women's Clinic.
"What a joy to learn that there really are choices for women and childbirth. It was a long road, but I can truly say that I am home.
In 2004, Sharon became a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist and a Holistic Practitioner. She started her own practice named Avalon Hypnotherapy, to help women with medical issues such as, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, high blood pressure, stress and the list goes on. She also practices ThetaHealing, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) and Reiki. In November of 2006 her life changed again. She found Kerry Tuschhoff and her wonderful Hypnobabies Program. When she was accepted into her program, she knew that this is what she had been looking for all those years.
Gary Gilbert
RN,
NCTMB,Certified Advanced Rolfer®
and Rolf Movement Practitioner
Madonna R. Polley 
Jeffery Bassett 
Marion Hakata BA, HMP, CMTI, RMT 
Natalie Gougeon
Casandra K. MacAlan CMT, Acupressurist, Usui & Karuna Reiki Master/Teacher
Rebbeca Lavadia
John Prior CMT, Rossiter Certified Rossiter Coach and Instructor
Jim
Gilkeson, B.A., C.M.T, C.S.T. 
David W. 
Suzanne P. Reese HHP, NCBTMB, RYT
Ruth Magan
Mona Klinger Brown LMT, Medical Intuitive 
Gina Beck CMT
