Jeanette Roach, LMT, serves as Irene’s Director of Education and has been teaching massage therapy for decades. Her expertise includes anatomy, pathology, lymphatic drainage, fascial therapy, and clinical reasoning. She is passionate about helping students develop the knowledge and confidence needed for successful careers as Licensed Massage Therapists.

• Began Practice 1998
• Teaching Since 1999
• Subjects Practical Skills, Critical Thinking, Retention, Charting, Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology
• Specialties Swedish, lymphatic, fascial therapy, muscle energy technique (MET).
• Continuing Ed Numerous Low Back Pain and Sciatic classes, Advanced Lymphatic Drainage, Teacher Training
• Philosophy Meet clients where they are. Work with them to achieve optimal outcomes.
• Clinical Interest Current Massage Therapy Research demonstrating advances in our profession and advances in treating pathologies
• What Students Value Students find her knowledgeable, direct, and humorous, making the classroom fun!

Beth Ashcraft has been practicing massage therapy since 2016 and teaching since 2018. She brings leadership experience, strong communication skills, and a thoughtful therapeutic perspective to the classroom. Her teaching helps students use critical thinking to navigate professional conversations, ethical responsibilities, client communication, and challenging real-life situations.

• Practicing Since 2016
• Teaching Since 2018
• Subjects Taught Communication & Professional Ethics, Trauma-Informed Care, Professional Development, Emotional Response to Touch, Human Trafficking Awareness, and Fascia Therapy 1, 2 & 3
• Specialties Fascia Therapy, John Barnes Myofascial Release, Therapeutic Massage, and Trauma-Informed Touch
• Continuing Education John Barnes Myofascial Release, Structural Integration, and Therapeutic Massage
• Students Value Most The interactive classroom experience Beth creates, along with her real-life examples and practical applications. Students appreciate the open, supportive environment she provides, where they feel safe sharing experiences, voicing diverse opinions, and participating in meaningful dialogue.
• Teaching Philosophy Beth has a relaxed, conversational teaching style that breaks down complex concepts through active, hands-on classroom activities. She believes education is most effective when the classroom feels like an open, engaging dialogue, allowing students to connect with the material, collaborate with peers, and build practical understanding in real time.

Instructor 
Stephen Brown has been practicing massage therapy since 2012 and has been teaching for 9 years. He brings a thoughtful, whole-person approach to bodywork, combining technical knowledge with a deep respect for the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of healing.

• Practicing Since 2012
• Teaching Experience 2016 
• Subjects Hands-on Massage, Critical Thinking, and Positional Release
• Specialties Myofascial Release, Neuromuscular Therapy, Positional Release, Orthopedic Massage, and Thai Massage
• Students Value Most His conversational teaching style and passion for both the material and his students’ learning. Stephen recognizes that the program often helps students discover more about themselves than they expected, so he models compassion and grace to teach students the best way to treat their clients. 
• Teaching Philosophy Stephen’s goal is to help bring the body into balance by creating a safe, healing space where clients can relax and release tension physically, mentally, and spiritually. He works to support the body segment by segment while integrating the myofascial trains.
• Research Interest Fascia, kinesiology, physics, sound, music, energy, psychology, and physiology

Instructor
Dana Calhoun has been practicing massage therapy since 2015 and has been teaching for 10 years. She brings dedication, humor, and a thoughtful therapeutic approach to the classroom, helping students understand how skilled bodywork can be adapted to each client’s needs.

• Practicing Since 2015
• Teaching Since 2016
• Subjects Hands-on Massage, Applied Pain Assessment, Enhanced Gluteal Massage, and Abdominal Massage
• Specialties Swedish Massage, Therapeutic Massage, Lymphatic Drainage, and Fascial Work
• Continuing Education CranioSacral Therapy, Myofascial Release, and Advanced Lymph Drainage
• Students Value Most Her dedication, humor, and commitment to student success. Dana is respectful of each student’s needs and consistently puts in extra time and effort to help students grow.
• Teaching Philosophy Massage should be tailored to each client’s needs, with careful attention to comfort, goals, and therapeutic benefit. Dana emphasizes that heavier pressure is not always the best approach.
• Research Interest  Systems of the Body, the Nervous System, and Lymphatic Drainage

Assistant Instructor
Margaret Finnegan-Boynton graduated from Irene’s in 2022 and began teaching in 2025. She brings a thoughtful, interdisciplinary background to the classroom, combining massage therapy experience with decades of work in music therapy, hospice, and palliative care. Her teaching style emphasizes intentional touch, careful listening, and adapting techniques to each client’s needs.

• Graduated 2022
• Teaching Since 2025 
• Subjects Taught Hands-on Massage Techniques 
• Specialties Swedish Massage, Fascial Techniques, Cupping, Sports Massage, Muscle Energy Techniques, and Positional Release 
• Continuing Education Trigger Point Therapy, Positional Release, Cupping, Myofascial Scraping 
• Students Value Most Her calm, intentional approach and ability to help students understand how to listen to both the client and the body during hands-on work.
• Teaching Philosophy Margaret believes massage therapy should be guided by each client’s needs and by what the body communicates during the session. She works slowly and intentionally, using techniques appropriate for the individual. 
• Clinical Interest Interdisciplinary work with physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychotherapy, and music therapy, along with hospice and end-of-life care research.

Instructor
Sue Hengel has been practicing massage therapy since 2019 and teaching since 2020. She brings strong technical knowledge, a commitment to student success, and a practical focus on helping future massage therapists protect their bodies throughout their careers.

• Practicing Since 2019
• Teaching Since 2020
• Subjects Hands-on Massage, Proper Body Mechanics, and Modifications for Career Longevity
• Specialties Stretching, Passive Movement, Cupping, and Fascial Holds
• Continuing Education ABMP School Forum, the Massage Therapy Foundation’s Research Conference, AMTA School Summit,  Stretching Classes, Professional Ethics, and Cupping
• Students Value Most Her expertise in teaching Irene’s techniques and her emphasis on proper body mechanics, appropriate modifications, and habits that support career longevity.
• Teaching Philosophy Sue’s practice is rooted in creating a safe and welcoming space where clients feel comfortable, respected, heard, and supported. She believes the best massages are client-centered and that safe, intentional touch can support relaxation, stress reduction, and the body’s natural ability to restore balance.
• Research Interest Evidence-based studies on the physiological effects of therapeutic touch on pain, fatigue, mood, relaxation, oxytocin, dopamine, and cortisol.

Assistant Instructor
Jennifer Klein has been practicing massage therapy since 2022 and has been teaching for 3 years. She brings an approachable, practical teaching style to the classroom, helping students build confidence in hands-on work, clinical settings, and study skills.

• Practicing Since 2022
• Teaching Experience 2023 years
• Subjects Hands-on Massage, Applied Bodywork, and Clinical Events
• Specialties Swedish Massage combined with Neuromuscular Techniques
• Continuing Education Oncology Massage, Myofascial Release, Cupping, and Orthopedic Massage
• Students Value Most Her approachable nature, availability for extra help, and ability to explain concepts clearly without overcomplicating them. Students also appreciate her strength in memorization strategies and study tips.
• Teaching Philosophy Jennifer strives to create a safe, inclusive, and judgment-free space for every client. She listens respectfully and focuses on each client’s goals.
• Research Interest Sports Massage

Instructor
Asha McElroy teaches Healthy Eating and brings a strong background in public health nutrition, community health, sports nutrition, research, and culturally sensitive nutrition education. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Asha’s work is rooted in evidence-informed care, cultural humility, and honoring the connection between food, health, history, and community.

• Subjects Taught Healthy Eating
• Credentials Master of Public Health in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Michigan, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist
• Specialties Community Health, Sports Nutrition, Research, Culturally Sensitive Nutrition Education, and Urban Agriculture
• Students Value Most Her ability to make nutrition education meaningful, culturally relevant, and connected to everyday life. 
• Teaching Philosophy Asha believes food and community are deeply connected. Her approach to nutrition honors cultural foodways while supporting practical, evidence-informed choices that improve health and well-being.
• Professional Interest Asha is committed to improving health outcomes in the African American community through culturally appropriate recipes, nutrition education, and food history that centers on foods indigenous to African culture.

Assistant Instructor 
Nicholle Robinson has been practicing massage therapy since 2021 and teaching since 2024. She brings an intuitive, whole-person approach to bodywork, helping students understand the connection between skilled technique, nervous system support, and the body’s natural healing process.

• Practicing Since 2021
• Teaching Since 2024
• Subjects Hands-On Massage Techniques
• Specialties Myofascial Release, Thai Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Therapeutic Massage, Motor Vehicle Accident Support, Cupping, Stretching, and Intuitive Bodywork
• Continuing Education Orthopedic Massage, Sports Massage, and Fascia-Focused Training
• Students Value Most Her authenticity, honesty, and openness about her own learning path
• Teaching Philosophy Rather than trying to “fix” clients, Nicholle supports each one’s nervous system and body, allowing the client’s natural healing ability to unfold.
• Research Interest The connection of mind, body, and spirit as one whole being

Instructor
Arlene Schreiber has been practicing massage therapy after a career in fitness. She brings a calm, grounded presence to the classroom, helping students understand complex therapeutic concepts and apply them with clarity, confidence, and care.

• Began Practice 2013
• Teaching Experience 2014 
• Subjects Hands-on Massage and CranioSacral Therapy
• Specialties CranioSacral Therapy and Manual Lymph Drainage
• Continuing Education Bachelor’s Degree from Michigan State University, CranioSacral Therapy Certification, Manual Lymph Drainage Certification, and continued training through the Upledger Institute
• Students Value Most Her ability to explain concepts clearly, make difficult material understandable, and show how those concepts apply to massage and other therapeutic modalities.
• Teaching Philosophy Listen to the body and treat in a neutral, grounded, and present way.
• Research Interest Neurology and CranioSacral Therapy, including Individual and Multi-hand Intensive Programs

Assistant Instructor
Harold Watkins Jr. has been practicing massage therapy since 2020 and teaching since 2023. He brings warmth, authenticity, and a strong connection to Irene’s Myomassology tradition, helping students understand that massage therapy can be both technically skilled and deeply compassionate work.

• Practicing Since 2020
• Teaching Since 2023
• Subjects Hands-On Massage Techniques
• Specialties Irene’s techniques, CranioSacral Therapy, Reflexology, and Energy Work
• Continuing Education Oncology Massage, Scandinavian Mobilization Therapy, Trigger Point Therapy, Enhanced Chest, Shoulders, Gluteal & Abdominal Massage, Effective Sciatica Treatment, and CranioSacral Therapy 
• Students Value Most His authenticity, compassion, and genuine presence as he listens deeply, engages, and supports them energetically and emotionally. Students leave his classes feeling better than when they arrived, welcomed into the Irene’s family with care and love. Harold shows up as his best for every class.
• Teaching Philosophy  Myomassologists are more than massage therapists. They combine Irene’s techniques with the depth of knowledge, skill, and client-centered care that make Irene’s program unique.