Administration at Healing Arts Institute
Jodi L. Romaker, B.S., LMT, LST, NCTMB
President and Founder
Jodi
graduated in 1989 from the Desert Institute of the Healing Arts in
Tucson, Arizona. While in Tucson, she worked at five star resorts Canyon
Ranch and Westin La Paloma while also gaining experience working with
professional golfers and football players. Her sports massage experience
has included working at the International Weightlifting Championships,
the International Judo Championships, and the Jamie Farr Golf
Tournaments. As the touring manager of a dance troupe, in 1989 Jodi
followed the company to New York City where her massage therapy practice
focused on performing artists such as actors, musicians, and
professional dancers.
In
1990 and 1991, Jodi lived and worked on a five star cruise ship as
Massage Therapist and Spa Manager. While aboard ship, she had the
opportunity to work with professional basketball players, sponsors of
the Barcelona Olympics and cruises of celebrities. After almost 2 years
aboard ship, Jodi then backpacked around the world for 6 months while
exploring various body/mind therapies and philosophies in other
countries.
From
1992, Jodi began to specialize in sports and accident-related injuries
and physical rehabilitation through the referrals of physicians. She
also performed corporate chair massages for corporations, including
Jeep/Daimler Chrysler within their wellness program. Her massage
practice also included working with patients recovering from Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder, addictions, and grief/loss. In 1992 she
co-founded a company called Back to Back, which employed and managed
massage therapists.
Jodi's
continuing education has included studies in La Stone Therapy,
Alexander Technique, Dr. Vodder's lymphatic drainage, hydrotherapy,
sports massage, neuromuscular therapy, positional release, Thai massage,
aromatherapy, and myofascial release, to name a few. She has many years
of experience working with many types of patients, including cancer
patients, the elderly, and children, physically challenged individuals,
athletes, people with emotional disorders, people recovering from
addictions, persons recovering from accidents and/or traumas and working
on animals.
In
1993, Jodi received her National Certification in Therapeutic Massage
and Bodywork and became licensed by the State Medical Board of Ohio. She
also has a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Supervision, and has been
a member of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) since 1989
and is currently a member of the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT)
in the United Kingdom. Ms. Romaker founded Healing Arts Institute in
1997.
Debra A. Keller, L.M.T., NCTMB
Director of Education
After
working of six years with large accounting firms, Deb attended Healing
Arts Institute and graduated in 2000. In addition to being licensed by
the Ohio State Medical Board as a massage therapist, she is also a
LaStone Therapy Insturctor, Certified in Prenatal Massage and is
Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.
In fall
2000, Deb founded and opened HMH Wellness Center, Inc. HMH Wellness
Center is a holistic wellness center dedicated to the health and
wellness of women in the child bearing years, before birth and beyond
while focusing on the treatment of stress and anxiety. Deb has had
extensive training and specializes in prenatal, fertility, post partum
and infant massage and co-founded the Toledo Maternity Network, an
organization to help pregnant women connect with the community. She is
also trained in various specialties such as: LaStone Therapy, Thai
Massage, Myofascial Release, Cancer Massage, Trigger Point Therapy,
Chair Massage, and Spa Treatments. Deb has served as an Advisory Board
Member for the Certified Networking Program and Mercy Medical College
and is a Professional Member of the Associated Bodywork and Massage
Professionals.
Katelynn Taylor, L.M.T.
Dean of Students
Katie’s
experience and educational background reflect a diversity of interests.
Having lived and traveled in different areas throughout North America,
Katie comes from an eclectic background. Her passion for making a
positive change in the world is reflected in her interests, which have
included her involvement with the Kiwanis Club, an international
organization dedicated to improving communities on a global scale.
During her studies, she was Treasurer of International Studies Club and a
member of the Future Business Leaders of America and was accepted into
the University of California as a Computer Science major. Throughout her
education, Katie has always demonstrated academic excellence,
graduating from high school as Salutatorian. During her attendance at
Healing Arts Institute, she made the Dean’s list every quarter and
maintained perfect attendance. Having proudly graduated from HAI, Katie
understands the challenges and demands of the program and the needs of
the students and is dedicated to her role. Based on her background and
being a licensed massage therapist, Katie is able to balance her
respected position in a professional and compassionate manner.
Jane Mytyk
Financial Aid Administrator
After
graduating from High School, Jane enlisted in the Army Reserve and
served for 3 years as an Intelligence Specialist, while working in the
accounting department of a small manufacturing company. She then became
a Legal Secretary for a large medical malpractice law firm until her
husband was transferred. Jane has worked for 7 years as Office
Manager/Accountant for a local mortgage company and 1 year as Spa
Manager for HMH Wellness Center .
Lynn Lehnert, L.M.T.
Student Services Coordinator
Lynn has been a Licensed Massage
Therapist with the State of Ohio since 2000 after graduating from Healing Arts
Institute. In addition to her private practice, she has been providing massage
therapy services at Visions Salon and Spa in Perrysburg since 2001. Lynn is certified in Neuromuscular Massage,
LaStone Therapy, Mindful Touch, Reiki, Belavi Facelift Massage, Aromatherapy,
Prenatal, and has attended classes in Reflexology. Along with 8 other local
massage therapists, Lynn had a life changing experience in 2001 as she provided
massages on firefighters in New York City at Ground Zero after 911. Lynn is a member of Alternative Balance or
ABLLC for health and beauty professionals.
Lynn's calling led her to work for Hospice at Promedica for four years
as well as private patient care. Lynn
has worked at Healing Arts Institute as a Continuing Education Coordinator
before her position as Student Services Coordinator.
Ashley Hirzel, L.M.T.
Office Manager
After
graduating high school in Rhode Island, Ashley moved to Ohio to
continue on with college where she received an Associates Degree in
Communication of Arts from Owens Community College.
After
finishing her degree at Owens she continued her education with Healing
Arts Institute to be able to enhance the lives of the people that
surround her. Graduating in 2011 and is now a licensed massage
therapist by the State of Ohio Medical Board. She specializes in
Pregnancy prenatal, postpartum and labor massage. With additional
training in Sports, Myofascial and aromatherapy massage. She is also
currently working on getting Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage
and Bodywork. Ashley is a professional member of the Associated
Bodywork and Massage Professionals.
Michele G. Ferrell, LMT
Student Account Specialist
Michele is a graduate of Owens Community College with an Associates Degree in Accounting Technology.
Michele
attended Healing Arts Institute and graduated in April 2010. She is
licensed by the Ohio State Medical Board as a massage therapist. Michele
is certified in LaStone Therapy and Therapeutic Chair Massage and is a
professional member of the Associated Bodywork & Massage
Professionals.
Michele
enjoys helping people heal through Swedish, Hot/Cold Stone Massage and
Aromatherapy Massage. She hopes to be certified in Cancer Massage by the
end of 2011.
