Instructors

Debbie DeNardo BS, LMT

Debbie earned her B.S. degree from Northern Illinois University and received her massage therapy education at East West College of the Healing Arts in Portland, Oregon. After 20 years of dedicated professional and managerial work in the insurance industry, Debbie’s passion for healing and helping others led her into the field of massage therapy. She has over 25 years of expertise in the profession and continues to operate a home-based private practice.

In 2008, in addition to her massage therapy work, Debbie began working as a teaching assistant and marketing manager to massage educator Lolita Knight. Upon Lolita’s retirement in 2010, Debbie became an NCBTMB Approved Provider bringing Lolita’s, as well as her own, unique and beneficial classes to the massage community. Debbie has presented over 350 classes to more than 3600 licensed massage therapists and estheticians nationwide. As Debbie now embarks upon her own retirement journey, she has hand-picked instructors with the same dedication and enthusiasm to carry on her work.

Debbie’s company, Massage CE Solutions, will continue to be an active NCBTMB approved organization for years to come. Debbie will provide guidance and mentorship to the exceptional team of instructors who are taking over the instructional responsibilities. LMTs and estheticians can continue their CE journey through classes designed to deepen their skills, further their growth and connect them more meaningfully with their calling.

Li Andra (Andi) Johnson LMT, BCTMB

Li Andra (Andi) Johnson is a Licensed Massage Therapist with over 12 years of private practice experience in various therapeutic modalities. She has built a reputation for her expertise and dedication to holistic healing. Andi’s journey into natural health and her learning of bodywork began over 25 years ago with a deep dive into Reiki, herbology and Chinese medicine. Her passion for holistic wellness has only grown, leading her to explore Ayurveda, where she is currently pursuing certification as a practitioner and yoga instructor.

Andi is a proud graduate of the Sage School of Massage in Oregon where she was invited to return as a guest speaker for the student body. Her passion for education began while home schooling her children and teaching anatomy for the STEAM program at an elementary school. As an NCBTMB Approved Provider, Andi feels privileged to teach classes nationwide that honor the enduring contributions of Debbie DeNardo and Lolita Knight. Her dedication to sharing these beautiful techniques ensures that more people can benefit from their profound healing effects.

When not embracing her roles as a mom, wife and LMT, Andi dedicates her time to herbology. This ongoing commitment to natural health and wellness is a testament to her belief in the power of nature to heal and rejuvenate.

Marissa Emery BA, LMT, BCTMB

Marissa grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii with a mission to make the world a better place. She earned her B.A. from Beloit College in Beloit, Wisconsin and later graduated from East West College of the Healing Arts in Portland, Oregon.

Marissa earned her massage therapy license and became a mother in 2009. The intersection of these major life events led her in a new direction, both personally and professionally. After the birth of her second son she launched her massage practice, Mama Needs Massage, where she continues to support mamas with deep rest and recharging.

Since 2014 Marissa has been teaching massage to laypeople, professional nurturers, and even in schools to children. Now an NCBTMB Approved Provider, she is presenting her own perinatal classes as well as Ethics and various classes previously taught by Lolita Knight and Debbie DeNardo to a highly engaged and receptive massage community. She believes that the power of touch can heal the world, and loves sharing her passion and experience with students.

Katie Kahle LMT

Katie will be offering Ethics CE courses exclusively. Katie has been an LMT since 2006. She graduated top of her class with honors from Pioneer Pacific College. She has worked in spas with relaxation techniques and chiropractic clinics with treatment based massage work. Katie had her own practice where she combined all her skills. One of her favorite modalities was learning Maya Abdominal Massage. She used this in depth training to work with birthing centers. Her learning journey has led to energy work and becoming a Reiki Master. She has also studied psychology and believes the body-mind connection is important in the healing process. Her inspiration is to share her holistic healing and knowledge with others.

In her spare time Katie enjoys exploring the outdoors with her family and dogs. She loves growing vegetables, herbs, and flowers and also rehabs and builds houses for fun.