Meet our Faculty
Katie Mickey |
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Director, Instructor CAMTC #18289, HHP, RPP
Somatic Educator since 1986. Essential Oils, Ethics, Clinic Supervisor, Deep Tissue, Neuroendocrine Physiology/Pathology, Pregnancy, Reflexology, Shiatsu, Swedish Massage
Owner, director and lead instructor of the Santa Barbara Body Therapy has trained thousands of students in massage therapy and bodywork. Katie has overseen tens of thousands of massages to the greater SBBTI community through SBBTI’s student clinic and community outreach. She has also provided training for Ojai Valley Spa, Valle Verde and Hospice of Santa Barbara. Her graduates are successfully practicing throughout the tri-counties in spas, physical therapy offices, corporate massage venues, and various private practices.
Kathleen's educational background includes: The Institute for Holistic Studies, The Santa Barbara College of Oriental Medicine, The School of Intuitive Massage, The Body Therapy Institute, The International Institute of Reflexology, The Alive Polarity Foundation, The International Academy of Holodynamics, The Upledger Institute, The Integral Institute of Tai Chi and Qigong, The Center for Nonviolent Communication, Access Consciousness, Landmark Education and Leadership Santa Barbara. In addition to her full schedule as Director and Instructor for SBBTI, Katie currently serves on the school advisory board to the California Massage Therapy Council and advisory board to Ophora Water Technologies.
Somatic Educator since 1986. Essential Oils, Ethics, Clinic Supervisor, Deep Tissue, Neuroendocrine Physiology/Pathology, Pregnancy, Reflexology, Shiatsu, Swedish Massage
Owner, director and lead instructor of the Santa Barbara Body Therapy has trained thousands of students in massage therapy and bodywork. Katie has overseen tens of thousands of massages to the greater SBBTI community through SBBTI’s student clinic and community outreach. She has also provided training for Ojai Valley Spa, Valle Verde and Hospice of Santa Barbara. Her graduates are successfully practicing throughout the tri-counties in spas, physical therapy offices, corporate massage venues, and various private practices.
Kathleen's educational background includes: The Institute for Holistic Studies, The Santa Barbara College of Oriental Medicine, The School of Intuitive Massage, The Body Therapy Institute, The International Institute of Reflexology, The Alive Polarity Foundation, The International Academy of Holodynamics, The Upledger Institute, The Integral Institute of Tai Chi and Qigong, The Center for Nonviolent Communication, Access Consciousness, Landmark Education and Leadership Santa Barbara. In addition to her full schedule as Director and Instructor for SBBTI, Katie currently serves on the school advisory board to the California Massage Therapy Council and advisory board to Ophora Water Technologies.
Brandon Cope
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Instructor, CMT, CPT
Courses: Muscle Physiology Pathology, Muscle Testing, Trigger Point, Orthopedic Massage Bodyworker since 2012.Brandon is a graduate of SBBTI’s 550 program. Along with his certification in Personal Training, Brandon has also studied Neurokinetic Therapy (NKT), for which he continues to co-lead the Santa Barbara NKT study group, host an NKT podcast and assist in the NKT seminars throughout California. As a lifelong athlete, Brandon understands kinesiology from a personal perspective, competing in SB’s league beach volleyball tournaments and runs multiple Tough Mudder’s each year. Brandon has worked at UCSB in their many programs including: the Athletic Performance Center, Workstrong Occupational Health and Wellness, Student Health and Supervising the Wellness and Fitness Institute and its Health Coach internship. He currently conducts a private practice in Orthopedic Massage and Deep Tissue. |
Michael Gurka
Instructor, CPI, Bodyworker since 1976
Michael Gurka has been amazed and inspired since childhood by the design and magic of the ensouled human body. He has recently surpassed 50,000 hours of service as a naturopathic bodyworker to his family, friends, and clients - and about half that time as probono gifts to the many amazing beings who collectively inspire his touch. Great healers have been his most profound and revered teachers, and hopefully guide him in every therapeutic and instructional opportunity. His practice embodies the received experience of reflexology, connective tissue therapies, craniosacral therapy, acupressure, breathwork, postural alignment, guided meditation, and especially selfcare education. He specializes in the treatment of Pain & Stress, Injury, Surgical & Dental Trauma, TMJ Disorders, Migraines, Hangovers, and Facial Aging.
Michael Gurka has been amazed and inspired since childhood by the design and magic of the ensouled human body. He has recently surpassed 50,000 hours of service as a naturopathic bodyworker to his family, friends, and clients - and about half that time as probono gifts to the many amazing beings who collectively inspire his touch. Great healers have been his most profound and revered teachers, and hopefully guide him in every therapeutic and instructional opportunity. His practice embodies the received experience of reflexology, connective tissue therapies, craniosacral therapy, acupressure, breathwork, postural alignment, guided meditation, and especially selfcare education. He specializes in the treatment of Pain & Stress, Injury, Surgical & Dental Trauma, TMJ Disorders, Migraines, Hangovers, and Facial Aging.
Keld Hove
Instructor, CAMTC #47659, Bodyworker since 2009
Courses: Ethics, Table Thai/Compressive Deep Tissue
Keld is a graduate of SBBTI’s 550 hour Massage Therapist Program. Keld is involved in a variety of community building efforts. He serves as an instructor for the Police Academy in community relations and specializes in helping mentally ill and homeless individuals reconnect with society. He runs a nonprofit that teaches bread baking in natural disaster areas, such as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. He is also a former martial arts instructor. Keld conducts a private practice in Deep Tissue, Trigger Point, Thai and Barefoot.
Courses: Ethics, Table Thai/Compressive Deep Tissue
Keld is a graduate of SBBTI’s 550 hour Massage Therapist Program. Keld is involved in a variety of community building efforts. He serves as an instructor for the Police Academy in community relations and specializes in helping mentally ill and homeless individuals reconnect with society. He runs a nonprofit that teaches bread baking in natural disaster areas, such as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. He is also a former martial arts instructor. Keld conducts a private practice in Deep Tissue, Trigger Point, Thai and Barefoot.
Daisy Mohrman
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Instructor, CAMTC, Bodyworker since 2016
Courses: Swedish, Deep Tissue, Neuroendocrine Physiology & Pathology Daisy Mohrman hails from San Jose, CA and received her BA in Dance and Holistic Health from Chapman University. She graduated from Santa Barbara Body Therapy Institute’s 550 hour program and has worked in a variety of environments including spas, healthcare settings, and private practice. Her approach to bodywork is clinical and orthopedic in nature, yet compassionate. She is a long-time biology tutor, instructor and professional dancer. |
Vishal (Paul A. Slidders)
Instructor, L.Ac., Dipl. OM, Bodyworker since 1997
Courses: Tui Na, Medical Qigong Essentials
Vishāl was born and raised in Scotland. In 1997 he graduated from the University of California Santa Barbara with a degree in Communication. He then attended the SB Body Therapy Institute to complete the 200 hr Massage Technician program. In 2007 he graduated with Honors from Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College in Berkeley, California and was Licensed to practice medicine. While in acupuncture school he taught yoga classes and worked alongside Dr. Bruce Del Fante, a seasoned Chiropractor, administering Tui Na, the ancient practice of Chinese Therapeutic Massage. Vishāl successfully treated over 7000 patients who suffered from acute or chronic pain or other internal medical illnesses. This inspired Vishāl to pioneer the system of combining Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine with Therapeutic Yoga and Massage. Today, Vishāl’s comprehensive and integrative approach to the practice of Acupuncture distinguishes him in his field.
Courses: Tui Na, Medical Qigong Essentials
Vishāl was born and raised in Scotland. In 1997 he graduated from the University of California Santa Barbara with a degree in Communication. He then attended the SB Body Therapy Institute to complete the 200 hr Massage Technician program. In 2007 he graduated with Honors from Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College in Berkeley, California and was Licensed to practice medicine. While in acupuncture school he taught yoga classes and worked alongside Dr. Bruce Del Fante, a seasoned Chiropractor, administering Tui Na, the ancient practice of Chinese Therapeutic Massage. Vishāl successfully treated over 7000 patients who suffered from acute or chronic pain or other internal medical illnesses. This inspired Vishāl to pioneer the system of combining Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine with Therapeutic Yoga and Massage. Today, Vishāl’s comprehensive and integrative approach to the practice of Acupuncture distinguishes him in his field.
Steve Shepherd
Instructor, CMT, Neural Palpation Therapist CAMTC #78790
Courses: Business Skills
After 30 years in communication and marketing in the tech sector, Steve, at the urging of his wife, began his training at the Santa Barbara Body Therapy Institute with a focus on neuromuscular therapy, intra-oral work, and TMJ dysfunction therapy. Since graduating from Santa Barbara Body Therapy Institute, he has continued his education with a focus on TMJ dysfunction and training in intra-oral work: locally with his mentor Rachael Douglas, LMT and instructor Jordan Shane Terry, LMT, and at TMJ Mastery in London, ON with John W. Corry, RMT. More recently Steve has been certified as a Neural Palpation Therapist with Carolynn Thompson, D.N., LMT, Cranial and Spinal Specialist. Steve Shepard conducts a private practice in Montecito working with local dentists, chiropractors, and ENTs specializing in TMJ dysfunction and orofacial pain. He is also teaming with Brandon Cope CMT, CPT to co-host a podcast focusing on the business of bodywork.
Courses: Business Skills
After 30 years in communication and marketing in the tech sector, Steve, at the urging of his wife, began his training at the Santa Barbara Body Therapy Institute with a focus on neuromuscular therapy, intra-oral work, and TMJ dysfunction therapy. Since graduating from Santa Barbara Body Therapy Institute, he has continued his education with a focus on TMJ dysfunction and training in intra-oral work: locally with his mentor Rachael Douglas, LMT and instructor Jordan Shane Terry, LMT, and at TMJ Mastery in London, ON with John W. Corry, RMT. More recently Steve has been certified as a Neural Palpation Therapist with Carolynn Thompson, D.N., LMT, Cranial and Spinal Specialist. Steve Shepard conducts a private practice in Montecito working with local dentists, chiropractors, and ENTs specializing in TMJ dysfunction and orofacial pain. He is also teaming with Brandon Cope CMT, CPT to co-host a podcast focusing on the business of bodywork.
Mary Sullivan
Instructor, LAC, MFCC, RPP
Courses: Polarity, Cranial Sacral, Lymphatic Drainage, Pregnancy
Bodyworker since 1977. Her educational background includes the Alive Polarity Foundation, a Master’s
Degree in Counseling Psychology and a degree from the Santa Barbara College of Oriental Medicine and
extensive training through the Hugh Milne Institute in Craniosacral Therapy. She maintains a busy private
practice as a licensed acupuncturist and bodyworker in Santa Barbara, Fresno and North Fork.
Courses: Polarity, Cranial Sacral, Lymphatic Drainage, Pregnancy
Bodyworker since 1977. Her educational background includes the Alive Polarity Foundation, a Master’s
Degree in Counseling Psychology and a degree from the Santa Barbara College of Oriental Medicine and
extensive training through the Hugh Milne Institute in Craniosacral Therapy. She maintains a busy private
practice as a licensed acupuncturist and bodyworker in Santa Barbara, Fresno and North Fork.
Lesley Weinstock
Instructor, PA #50908
Courses: Immune Physiology & Pathology
Physician Assistant since 1981, Massage Therapist since 1988, Certified in Live Blood Cell Analysis since 2012
Mediator, Live Blood Cell Microscopist, Women’s Health Specialist, Functional Medicine Expert, Facilitator and Teacher of Non Violent Communication (NVC), Family Constellations and the work of Byron Katie. She is a graduate of the New Mexico School of Natural Therapeutics with 1000 hours of massage school training. In her capacity as a facilitator, teacher, educator, massage therapist and health care provider, she empowers people with the knowledge necessary to improve their health and well-being. Lesley also currently facilitates an NVC empathy practice group as well as active in several environmental and social justice groups in Santa Barbara.
Courses: Immune Physiology & Pathology
Physician Assistant since 1981, Massage Therapist since 1988, Certified in Live Blood Cell Analysis since 2012
Mediator, Live Blood Cell Microscopist, Women’s Health Specialist, Functional Medicine Expert, Facilitator and Teacher of Non Violent Communication (NVC), Family Constellations and the work of Byron Katie. She is a graduate of the New Mexico School of Natural Therapeutics with 1000 hours of massage school training. In her capacity as a facilitator, teacher, educator, massage therapist and health care provider, she empowers people with the knowledge necessary to improve their health and well-being. Lesley also currently facilitates an NVC empathy practice group as well as active in several environmental and social justice groups in Santa Barbara.
Jennie Zaine
Instructor, CAMTC #67394
Courses: Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Hot Stone, Clinic Supervisor
Conducting a bodywork practice since 2009. Jennie is a graduate of SBBTI's 1000hr HHP program. In her practice she offers listening through touch and mindful presence. Jennie imparts a deep respect for the being aspect of relating or engaging in the tissues within the bodywork session. Her presence is an ongoing support for the daily operations of the Institute much like fascia within the body, she brings cohesion and order to the space within.
Courses: Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Hot Stone, Clinic Supervisor
Conducting a bodywork practice since 2009. Jennie is a graduate of SBBTI's 1000hr HHP program. In her practice she offers listening through touch and mindful presence. Jennie imparts a deep respect for the being aspect of relating or engaging in the tissues within the bodywork session. Her presence is an ongoing support for the daily operations of the Institute much like fascia within the body, she brings cohesion and order to the space within.
