Our Instructors

Healing Spirits will host a dynamic group of instructors.  Our instructors are all experienced healing arts practitioners.  Many are masters in their area of specialty and are skilled in relaying their wisdom to others.  Below is a list of some of this year's instructors; along with comments from students who have learned from them.

Helen Grigg, CMT  Helen is the owner and director of Healing Spirits. She graduated from the Boulder School of Massage Therapy in 1982. Since then she has continued to study various aspects of the healing arts. She has maintained a successful full-time practice in the Denver-Boulder area for twenty-two years. The focus of Helen's practice has been on stress reduction and injury rehabilitation, as well as prenatal and post-partum massage. She has also developed a modified form of a physical therapy technique called Strain/Counter-strain. Helen has a strong affinity for teaching and mentoring; she has been part of the faculty at Healing Spirits since it's inception.

"Helen is the foundation of Healing Spirits.  Her dedication to the school and to the trade is so evident and heartfelt.  She honors each person as an individual and creates a sacred space for healing."

David Lowell, CMT, CNMT    Whether he is woodcarving, caring for his bonsai tree or practicing bodywork, David loves to merge hands-on skills with visual observation and artistic expression. He is a 1987 graduate of the Boulder School of Massage Therapy. He has studied and assisted in teaching Neuromuscular Massage Therapy (N.M.T.) workshops with Paul St. John. David will be teaching Specific Injury Technique and Anatomy in a simple, humorous and thorough style while honoring the body's feedback.

"The Anatomy program just would not be the same without David.  He brings to the classroom the fun and joy of learning, sharing his wealth of knowledge in a light and humorous way."

Cat Pantaleo    Cat is a Certified Clinical Herbalist, receiving her certification from the Rocky Mountain Center for Botanical Studies (RMCBS) in Boulder. She also has a Bachelor's Degree in Biology from the University of Miami. Cat currently maintains a private practice in Boulder, and is the Anatomy and Physiology instructor at RMCBS. Cat has a passion for connecting people to the beauty and magic of the human body, and is known for her patience as a teacher.

"Cat has a complete and thorough knowledge of the topics that she teaches.  She "walks the talk," is a very gentle loving person, and is definitely a beautiful role model for all students."

Zia Parker    Zia has an MA degree in Movement Therapy and in Wellness Design.  She is on the faculty of Aston-Patterning, which has been referred to as an immensely client-empowering "owner's manual" for the body.  She graduated from the Boulder School of Massage Therapy in 1977, and has since taught in Africa, Asia, and the Americas in a wide range of healing arts.  Zia has developed Agua Alma, which is a fusion of in-depth aquatic bodywork, Aston-Patterning, and deep ecology.  She teaches both Movement and an intro to Agua Alma at Healing Spirits.

"Zia's Movement classes were both useful and beneficial.  She moves with such grace, and shows great passion for teaching Aston Patterning concepts.  She increased my awareness of how I move through life."

Lisa Lanzano, MS, RD    Lisa holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition & Food Management from Oregon State University. She is a Registered Dietitian with 10 years experience in the field of nutrition, focusin on a wide variety of health issues. She has taught gluten free cooking classes at Wild Oats Natural Markets in Superior, CO as well as at Whole Foods in Boulder, CO. Currently, Lisa is the owner of Essential Nutrition, Inc., (www.EatWellFeelGood.com), in Boulder, CO.

"Lisa teaches from the heart and shares her immense amount of knowledge in a way that is truly inspiring."

Suzanne Marie   Suzanne has been involved in Massage, Bodywork and Body Psychotherapy since 1987. She is currently co-director of the Integrative Body Psychotherapy program, an adjunct faculty member at the Naropa Institute, and in private practice working with families, couples and individuals. Suzanne teaches Breathwork and Body Reading in a clear and explorative fashion.

"Suzanne is truly a professional who is so sound in her knowledge and skill.  Her classes are interesting and well integrated with hands on exercises.  A top notch  instructor with a beautiful personality."

Amy Colo, CMT    Amy has been a registered midwife, specializing in home births for 13 years. It is no wonder she brings such a wealth of knowledge to the massage table about the special needs of pregnant women. She graduated from Healing Spirits in 2000 with honors in Shiatsu and has been involved with the school for the past 3 years as apprentice and teaching assistant for Shiatsu, as well as instructor for the prenatal massage course. She has a successful private practice specializing in Shiatsu, prenatal massage and Mayan Uterine Massage.

"Amy is very strong in her field and taught the pre-natal class in a very positive and professional way."

David Goetz, BA, CMT   David is a graduate of the Boulder College of Massage and co-director of HeartMind Bodywork and the Bodywork Bistro. He has trained and worked extensively in the Ohashiatsu system since 1990 and is currently working on a shiatsu chart and book project with his mentor. His training background includes 25 years in the natural foods and health and wellness industry, as well as extensive training in Qigong and personal cultivation methods. David will be teaching Table Shiatsu.

"David brings his extensive range of experiences to the classroom and creates an atmosphere that is unique, fun and interactive ."

Zita Xavier, NCTBM   Zita graduated from the Boulder School of Massage Therapy in 1996. She is also an herbalist and a core faculty member of the Rocky Mountain Center for Botanical Studies. She works extensively with flower essences and offers classes in Flower Essence Therapy and Deep Listening Massage.

"Zita is an excellent teacher with great energy and enthusiasm.  Her classes were very dynamic and exciting."

Sandra Fleming, CMT   Her family knew she was destined for teaching when, at a young age, Sandra was spied giving the neighborhood children a history lesson on Alexander the "Grape"! A Healing Spirits graduate of the class of 1999 with honors, Sandra has been involved with the school since that time. Initially as Student Advisor and Teacher Assistant; now as Instructor and member of the Board of Directors. Sandra has maintained a private practice in the Boulder/Niwot area since 2000. Some of the modalities she has to offer are Integrative massage, injury treatment, Shiatsu, Reiki, prenatal massage and Chair massage. Sandra will be teaching the Chair massage module.

"A fun and exciting teacher, her strength is in being grounded and centered, and always willing to share her enthusiasm for massage."

Cindy Williams, NCTMB   A graduate of Healing Spirits Class of 2000, Cindy has been intimately involved with the program since that time.  She is now the Administrative Director, a teaching assistant for Foundation Massage, and the instructor for Chair Massage, Injury Prevention, and Business classes.  Outside of Healing Spirits, Cindy has built a thriving practice in Westminster, where she focuses her work in the areas of stress relief/relaxation, prenatal massage, chair massage, and polarity therapy.  Her greatest passion outside of the bodywork profession is spending time in nature.

"Cindy always has a happy and positive "I'll help you" attitude.  Her presence and attention to detail added so much to the learning experience."