Neva Clayton is a graduate of the Professional Massage Therapy Program at the Virginia School of Massage, where she joined the staff in 1996. She started a private practice in Harrisonburg, Virginia, moving it to the Bompiani Chiropractic Center in 1998 which she still continues. Over the years, Neva has taught a variety of classes at the Virginia School of Massage as well as specialized workshops.

Neva earned Masters and Educational Specialist degrees in Community Agency Counseling at James Madison University and for a time divided her work between counseling and massage therapy. She ultimately focused her work on massage therapy and teaching of massage. The two healing modalities have contributed to her listening skills and therapeutic approach.

She also attended the School for Women Healers for several years, learning techniques to explore the spirit and emotions. This personal work was vital to enhancing her personal and professional lives. Neva sees her life's work as a journey toward healing and helping the Earth and Her inhabitants.

Jessica Keller is a Certified Massage Therapist by the Virginia State Board of Nursing and Health Care Professionals. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in biology from Bridgewater College and is a graduate and former faculty member of the Rockingham Memorial Hospital School of Medical Technology. Jessica's career includes 10 years of experience in clinical laboratory science as a Medical Technologist registered by the American Society of Clinical Pathology.

She graduated from the Virginia School of Massage in 2000 and was a member of the staff and faculty at VSM for 3 years. In addition to massage therapy, her studies include Therapeutic and Healing Touch.

Jessica brings her enthusiasm for both science and bodywork into the classroom to assist students in learning the concepts of anatomy and physiology.

Hope A. Hicks, Certified Massage Therapist, is a graduate of the Virginia School of Massage. She was a member of the instructional staff at VSM from 1999 to 2003, as well as supervising the student clinics. She has been in private practice since 2000. Hope also has a background in Fitness and Lifestyle Counseling, certified by the Allegany East Conference of Seventh Day Adventist.

Hope owns Oils For You, a retail establishment specializing in fragrance, essential and massage oils. She has been in business on the Old Town Mall in Winchester, Virginia, since 1993.

Melissa Smith-Heltzel is a Certified Massage Therapist in Virginia. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Parks and Recreation Management at West Virginia University and worked for the U.S. Forest Service as an environmental education and information specialist. Leaving the Forest Service to raise her family, she entered the Virginia School of Massage in 1999. Melissa maintains a private massage practice from her home west of Woodstock, Virginia.

Dan Flaherty, is a Certified Massage Therapist. After a 10 year career in sales and marketing, Dan graduated from the Virginia School of Massage in 2003. He works as a massage therapist at a spa in Tysons Corner, Virginia as well as his own practice in Front Royal, Virginia. He is trained in spa and therapeutic modalities.

David Edwards, CMT. One of the first graduates from the Shenandoah Valley School of Therapeutic Massage, LLC David became a massage therapist after working in the Information Technology field for over 20 years. He maintains a practice in Woodstock and Stephens City, Virginia.

Stefanie van Gulden, BA has been a Certified Massage Therapist since 1995. A graduate of the Virginia School of Massage she was also an instructor there from 1998-2005. In addition, Stefanie is an Associate Polarity Practitioner and is certified in pregnancy and infant massage. Her teaching experience also includes workshops such as joint mobilization and business and marketing. She has a private practice in Orange, Virginia.

Holli Phillips is a Certified Massage Therapist whose training in healthcare stretches nearly ten years, starting with work in the emergency medical services field as a medic. She pursued a career in nursing until the birth of her twin sons, when she chose to follow a career in health services which allowed for more flexibility, allowing time for her family to come first. She graduated from the Shenandoah Valley School of Therapeutic Massage, LLC and now works at Warren Memorial Hospital as a massage therapist in their Wellness Services department. She appreciates the opportunities to help people to feel better without the use of medications or needles.

Mary McKechnie-Harlessis a Certified Massage Therapist in Virginia. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Maryland’s College of Behavioral and Social Sciences in 1985. She graduated from the Potomac Massage Training Institute (PMTI) in 1988, was an instructor at PMTI for 2 years and also had a private massage practice in Maryland. After a long career in the Information Technology and Computer Training field, Mary has returned to her avocation in bodywork. She has a private practice in Woodstock, Virginia.

Faustine Settle (Adjunct Instructor) is a Medical Massage Therapist with 17 years teaching and private practice experience in Ohio and Virginia. She teaches Ethics, Therapeutic Touch, Explorations in Movement, and a variety of courses including Medical Massage. Her clinical work has involved both Hospice and hospital settings, and her private practice centers on the medically-involved client and the emotional aspects of healing.