top of page

Meet The Team

IMG_0445.jpg

BA, LMT

Laureen Sutton

Alumna of both Ashland Institute of Massage (2008) and Pacific School of Massage in Gualala, California (1981), Laureen is an owner and co-director of AIM. In addition to spending years as a massage therapist, Laureen has also been a homebirth midwife and childbirth educator. At AIM, she teaches the sciences and myofascial release, and she has a therapeutic massage practice specializing in working with elderly clients. Laureen combines clarity of presentation with a relaxed and engaging teaching style in the classroom.

Christa M. Rodriguez copy.jpg

BS, LMT

Christa M. Rodriguez

Christa is a 2006 Ashland Institute of Massage alumna and is the Massage Foundations Instructor. She strives to teach each student how to successfully create and cultivate their own practice with clear intention, passion & enthusiasm. Her thriving Orthopedic Massage practice focuses on treating injured clients who utilize medical & personal injury insurance. When not in the classroom or her office, Christa can be found hiking with her dog, creating vibrant oil paintings or  riding one of her handsome horses.

IMG_0451.jpg

BA, LMT

Trout America 

Trout is an AIM alumnus (2011) and wears several hats at AIM. In addition to teaching Structural Anatomy and Kinesiology, he also manages the professional clinic and serves as event coordinator. Trout’s private practice focuses on therapeutic and sports massage. He enjoys working outdoors at Rogue Valley athletic events, hiking, and sailing.

Joseph-Micketti.jpg

LMT NMT

Joseph Micketti

Joseph is a 1986 graduate of the Boulder School of Massage Therapy. He apprenticed at the Colorado Chronic Pain Clinic for two years. Joseph’s massage practice is based on injury rehabilitation and pain reversal using deep tissue techniques. He assisted on the teaching staff of Neuromuscular Therapy, St. John Method, for three years. Joseph and his wife, Janie Chandler, co-own Advanced Myotherapy in Ashland.

Helene.jpg

LMT

Helene Schoen

Owner of Body in Context Medical Massage in Talent Oregon. Helene teaches AP Pathology! 

​

Bio to come soon.

Taffy-Clarke-Pelton.jpg

MA, LMFT, LPC

Taffy Clarke Pelton

Taffy has a passion for helping people find and answer their call in the world so they can live rich, healthy, balanced, and meaningful lives. She is a licensed psychotherapist in private practice in Ashland and a wellness coach and consultant for a Fortune 10 company. Taffy is a life coach and trainer specializing in mindful living.

IMG_0443.jpg

BA, LMT

Bryn McCamley

Alumna of AIM's program in 2004, Bryn is an owner and co-director of AIM. Bryn has been instructing and supervising students at AIM for several years and is the Student Clinic Coordinator. She combines her practical experience with a compassionate presence, great sense of humor, and gentle grace that makes her a favorite with students. She has a private practice and also works with patients and staff at Ashland Community Hospital and Hospice.

​

A78A0071.jpg

BA, LMT

Jenna Proffitt

Alumna from AIM's program in 2020, Jenna is the Office Manager as well as the photographer and social/creative content administrator.  Her private practice focuses on the somatic manifestations of daily life. Inspired by personal experiences with pain patterning and pain science, she works with both gentle and deep modalities such as myofascial release, cupping, and energetic bodywork for mind-body-spirit integration. She is a travel massage enthusiast! Jenna makes many appearances to connect with students in both the classroom/office space and will be your go-to girl for different details throughout the school year. 

Caitlin Fears photo.jpeg

LMT 

Caitlin Fears

Owner of Meridian Wellness in Medford Oregon, Caitlin teaches Ethics and Pregnancy Massage. 

​

Bio to come soon!

Geoff-Houghton.jpg

ND

Geoff Houghton

Geoff graduated from Reed College in 1990. He received his Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2000 and has been in private practice in Ashland since 2001. Geoff is best known for his unicycle tricks and supplying students with dark chocolate—for its therapeutic benefits, of course. For more information about Geoff please visit Clear Creek Healing Arts.

Dvorah-Swarzman.jpg

LMT

D'vorah Swarzman

D'vorah has been practicing Traditional Thai Massage since 1993. She graduated from Heartwood Institute in their AMT program. Her teaching and private practice integrate Thai Massage with meditation; Yogic and Ayurvedic principles; and osteopathic and deep tissue techniques. Her passion is to teach Thai Massage to lay people, making this form of healing accessible to everyone.

There are many more wonderful instructors.

Faculty members and courses taught are subject to change.

Please see our catalog for a full list of instructors.

bottom of page