The faculty is chosen not only for their expertise, but also for their committment to the individual needs of the students and for their contributions to the overall supportive environment of the school.
Our teachers have diverse professional backgrounds in massage therapy, nursing, science, herbal nutrition, physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychology, reflexology, anthropology, and counseling.
Lisa O'Leary, BS, LMP
In 1994, Lisa co-founded the Moscow School of Massage with Jan Roberts. Lisa received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Minnesota in 1977 and a science teaching credential in 1982 from the University of Idaho. In 1988, she graduated from Inland Massage Institute, became a Licensed Massage Therapist in Washington State and had a private practice for 7 years. Lisa is Co-Director and Educational Director of the school, teaches Massage Law and Study Skills, and participates in the Community Massage Clinic.
Jim Roberts, BA
Jim has a degree in Arts and Letters from the University of Oregon. He is the School Co-Director, Financial Manager, Information Technology Administrator, and has 9 years business experience. Jim participates in all student and teacher conferences and is MSM’s student loan advisor.
Jan Roberts, LMP
In 2004 Jan was chosen as the American Massage Therapy Association’s National Teacher of the Year. Jan is co-founder of MSM, and a Licensed Massage Therapist. She graduated from Inland Massage Institute in 1988 and became licensed in Washington State. Through her studies at the Ursa Foundation, Jan developed specialized skills in Manual Therapy. She has served on AMTA committees working with national massage school issues. Jan taught Muscle Anatomy and Kinesiology for over 11 years. She is currently taking a leave of absence for family reasons.
Teresa Baker, BA, LMP
Teresa received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology from Washington State University in 1993. She graduated from the Moscow School of Massage in 1996 and has had a thriving private massage practice for 10 years. She has honed her skills and knowledge through a variety of continuing education courses. Teresa has had over 9 years experience teaching Massage Theory and Skills I and II, Advanced Clinical Techniques, and Hydrotherapy for the Moscow School of Massage.
Todd Taruscio, BS, PhD
Todd has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and a Doctorate in Physiology from Washington State University. While working on his graduate degree, he worked as a laboratory course instructor in Human Physiology, Mammalian Physiology, Cell Physiology, and Introductory Biology as well as more than 200 hours of medical volunteer work in orthopedic medicine, intensive care, emergency care, general surgery and arthroscopic surgery. He is currently employed full time as an Analytical Chemist and Research Scientist. Combining his education and experience to aid the students’ understanding, Todd teaches Human Physiology and Pathology.
Kai Seshiki, BS, ED M, ATC
Kai, a graduate of Washington State University, has a degree in Kinesiology, a Masters in Education and certification as an Athletic Trainer. For over 5 years, he was a Graduate Assistant, and then served as Adjunct Faculty at WSU in the College of Education, teaching Kinesiology and Athletic Training courses. Kai currently teaches Muscle Anatomy and Kinesiology for the Moscow School of Massage.
Sarah Rial, LMSW
Sarah received her Bachelor of Science in Sociology and her Masters degree in Social Work. Sarah’s areas of specialization include Elder Care, Mental Health, and Long Term Care. She is a Licensed Master Social Worker in the State of Idaho and taught Social Work classes at Washington State University for 5 years. She has been a guest lecturer for the University of Washington Medex program, teaching Physician Assistant students in the area of psychosocial needs of the clients. Sarah teaches Human Behavior and Client Interaction, and Ethics.
Charlotte Sun, RN, PhD
Charlotte is director of the Genessee Valley Daoist Hermitage, located near Moscow, Idaho. She is past director of the Daoist Longevity Center in San Francisco, and founder and director of the Integral Health Studies Program at the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco. She is a registered nurse and holds a Public Health Nursing Certificate. Charlotte is a Daoist nun. She has studied, practiced and taught Daoist healing practices since 1973. Charlotte teaches Fundamentals of Chinese Medicine and Qigong and Introduction to Acupressure.
Frank Pelfrey, PhD, LMP
Frank worked for over twenty years as a psychologist and clinical supervisor for Idaho mental health. He has been interested in the mind/body connection since college. This pursuit has included many years practicing the martial arts, yoga/meditation/breath, and Reiki, along with exoteric and esoteric approaches to healing and health. Frank was in the first graduating class from MSM. He enjoys a private practice that includes counseling and osteopathic soft tissue massage. Frank teaches Special Populations, Stress Management, and Awareness/Palpation classes.
Paul J. Weston, LMP, NCTMB, LCSP (Phys.)
Paul graduated in 1997 from the Colorado Institute of Massage Therapy, as a Certified Massage/NeuroMuscular Therapist and is Nationally Certified for Massage Therapy. Since graduating, he has maintained a successful private practice and has worked with outpatient sports and rehabilitation clinics in Billings and Bozeman, Montana. He was also the Director of the Montana Sports Massage Team. Paul was selected as a team member of the 2002 Winter Sports Massage Team for the Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, and was the honored recipient of the AMTA Montana Chapters 2003 Meritorious Award. Paul is currently the Integrative Health Coordinator at Gritman Medical Center in Moscow. Paul teaches Sports Massage classes.
Elizabeth Allen, MSW, ACSW, JD, LMP
Elizabeth graduated with a Masters in Social Work from Indiana University in 1973 and has been in practice for over 30 years. She also graduated from the College of Law at the University of Idaho in 1996 and currently is a licensed attorney. In 2006, Elizabeth graduated from Moscow School of Massage, and is now a licensed massage practitioner in Washington State. She is also certified in geriatric massage, and has extended training in Myofascial Release and Dry Room Spa Techniques. Elizabeth teaches Legal Documentation, Massage Law, Professionalism, and Spa Techniques and supervises our Community Massage Clinic.
