Meet Our Instructors
At Marin School of Massage and the Healing Arts, our instructors bring decades of experience in massage therapy, bodywork, and the healing arts.
Many previously taught at Diamond Light School of Massage and Healing Arts and continue to share their knowledge, skills, and passion for teaching with a new generation of students.
We believe massage education goes beyond learning techniques. Our hands-on, supportive approach helps students build confidence, develop awareness, and cultivate compassion while connecting with a welcoming learning community.
Vajra Matusow
MA, CMT
Vajra holds a Master’s Degree in Somatic Counseling Psychology and brings 49 years of experience in bodywork, healing, and teaching. As the founder of Diamond Light School of Massage, where she taught from 1987 to 2022, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the healing arts. Her teaching combines technical expertise, spiritual awareness, and a gentle, nurturing approach to support students in their learning and personal growth.
Dana Rose Arevalo MBW, CMP
Dana is a third-generation healer with nearly 40 years of experience in bodywork and over 30 years of teaching. Since beginning her career in 1987, she has developed expertise in advanced massage, body mechanics, reflexology, myofascial release, and Neuromuscular Reprogramming. Known for her warm and supportive teaching style, Dana helps students build practical skills, anatomical understanding, confidence, and meaningful connections with clients.
Tim Holt
CMT
Tim became certified in massage in 1987. Tim teaches Deep Tissue Massage and runs a private bodywork practice focused on injury rehabilitation, using Deep Tissue techniques from orthopedic, sports, and restorative massage modalities, and specializing in Shiatsu and Thai Massage. He has lived, studied, and practiced bodywork in Thailand and Japan. Tim is among the most experienced and highly respected massage instructors in the Bay Area.
Ruben Rocha
BA
Ruben is an experienced massage therapist and educator who taught at Diamond Light School of Massage and Healing Arts for 16 years, from 2006 to 2022. His diverse background includes clinical massage, chiropractic and acupuncture settings, corporate chair massage, and wellness studio management. He co-founded Selfcare Studio in San Anselmo in 2016 and is certified in Table Yomassage® and Trauma-Informed Bodywork. Ruben brings practical experience, compassionate care, and a client-centered approach to his teaching.
Alco Chan
MA Physical Therapy
Alco brings 26 years of experience in the healing arts and 16 years as an instructor. An NCBTMB-approved continuing education instructor since 2010, he specializes in low back and hip work, structural integration, and body alignment. He founded Body Optimalization, an approach combining Eastern and Western healing principles with postural analysis and biomechanics. His teaching emphasizes practical techniques to improve alignment, reduce pain, and enhance overall body function.
Rachael Angelese
CMT
Rachael is an Advanced Lomilomi Practitioner with 25 years of experience in bodywork in Hawaii and the San Francisco Bay Area. She developed The Golden Path, a unique method combining traditional Hawaiian healing principles with structural and energetic bodywork. Drawing from her personal healing journey, Rachael brings compassion, intuition, and spiritual awareness to her teaching, encouraging students to develop inner alignment, confidence, and a deeper connection to the healing arts.
Devon Carter
BA, CMT, PCC
Devon brings over 40 years of professional bodywork experience, with a background in Dance and Kinesiology. Her expertise includes Swedish-Esalen Massage, Jin Shin Acupressure, Hendrickson Method Massage, and Craniosacral Therapy. She is also a Certified Somatic Coach and Professional Certified Coach (PCC). Devon integrates bodywork, somatic awareness, and emotional well-being into her teaching, helping students develop presence, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the mind-body connection.
AvidanGraller
CMT
Avidan brings over 27 years of bodywork experience and more than 1,000 hours of professional training. Her expertise includes Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue, Medical Massage, CranioSacral Therapy, Shiatsu, and Structural Integration. She is also a certified LaStone Therapist with over 10 years of experience teaching Hot Stone Massage. Drawing from her work in spas, chiropractic offices, and integrative health clinics, Avidan combines anatomical knowledge, intuitive healing, and compassionate care to help students develop practical skills and a holistic approach to massage therapy.
Tobi Lessem
CMT
Tobi has practiced bodywork since 2010, with training from the National Holistic Institute and expertise in Trigger Point Therapy, Lomi Lomi, Myofascial Release, and Polarity work. She is also a NASM-certified personal trainer with a background in psychology, kinesiology, and functional movement. As the owner of BodyWise Massage in San Rafael, Tobi brings practical experience and a community-centered approach to teaching, helping students develop effective techniques, body awareness, and confidence in their practice.
Graham Quigley
MS, L.AC, Dipl. O.M.
Graham has studied Chinese Medicine and Asian Bodywork since 2000 and holds a Master’s Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine. He has taught at several respected institutions, including Five Branches University, the Acupressure Institute, and Diamond Light School of Massage. His expertise includes Tui Na, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine. Through his teaching and private practice in Oakland, Graham brings extensive knowledge of traditional healing techniques and a holistic approach to bodywork education.
Trish Crawley
BA, CMT
Trish is a Certified Massage Therapist and experienced educator specializing in trauma-informed bodywork. Her training includes Somatic Experiencing, Craniosacral Therapy, and energy medicine. A former instructor at Diamond Light School of Massage, she continues to teach trauma and hospice massage throughout the Bay Area. Trish combines anatomical knowledge, intuitive awareness, and compassionate care to help students develop a sensitive, supportive, and client-centered approach to bodywork.
Kevin Bashir Cates, LAc, CMT
Kevin is a licensed acupuncturist, bodyworker, Reiki Master, and sound healing practitioner with over 20 years of experience teaching Reiki and 35 years of musical experience. He combines sound healing, Reiki, and subtle energy awareness to support physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. His teaching encourages students to explore energy healing, deepen their awareness, and develop a compassionate, holistic approach to the healing arts.
Sara Sunstein
MA
Sara is an Advanced Practitioner and Instructor of Ortho-Bionomy® with over 40 years of experience in bodywork, trauma resolution, and somatic education. Her training includes work with leading practitioners in Ortho-Bionomy and Somatic Experiencing. Combining gentle bodywork, mindfulness, and body-based psychology, Sara helps students develop sensitivity, body awareness, and a compassionate approach to healing. She teaches nationally and maintains a private practice in the Bay Area.
Binh Q An
CMT
Binh is a CAMTC-certified massage therapist with over 20 years of experience in holistic bodywork. Trained at Diamond Light School of Massage and Wat Po Thai Traditional Massage School in Thailand, he specializes in Deep Tissue, Thai Massage, Structural Integration, and Neuromuscular Reprogramming. Binh combines technical expertise, breathwork, and intuitive touch in his practice and teaching, inspiring students to develop practical skills and a balanced, holistic approach to massage therapy.
Kate Edmiston, CMT
Kate is a Certified Massage Therapist with over a decade of experience in bodywork and private practice. A graduate of the World School of Massage and Holistic Healing Arts, she has completed 265 hours of continuing education and has experience supporting massage students as a teaching assistant, substitute teacher, and student coordinator. Kate combines personalized massage techniques with practical self-care education, helping students develop confidence, hands-on skills, and a client-centered approach to bodywork.
Binbin Beecher
BA, CMT
Binbin is a CAMTC-certified massage therapist with over seven years of professional experience. A 2019 graduate of Diamond Light School of Massage and the Healing Arts, she also holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Jinzhou Normal University in China. She is the owner of Essential Massage Therapy Inc., operating two spa locations in Petaluma and Santa Rosa. Binbin brings hands-on clinical experience, business management knowledge, and a practical approach to massage therapy education.
Lowell Noble
BA, CMT
Lowell is a CAMTC-certified massage therapist with 20 years of professional experience. He began his massage education at Diamond Light School of Massage and Healing Arts in 2005 and completed its Massage Therapist, Advanced Massage Therapist, and Professional Massage Therapist programs. Certified by CAMTC since 2010, Lowell brings extensive hands-on experience and a strong foundation in massage therapy education. He also holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Michigan State University.