Peggy M. Huff, President and Executive Director

Peggy has studied and trained worldwide and has studied many modalities of the healing arts. She is committed to providing the highest standards in educational experiences in one of the most beautiful settings imaginable.

A graduate of the Santa Barbara College of Oriental Medicine's Shiatsu Practitioners Program and the Florida School of Massage, Peggy's retired hands are now working behind the scenes as she continues on her spiritual journey to bringing to the world new and incredible practitioners of the healing arts and sciences.

Nina Anmahian Lantis, LMBT, Education Center Director

Nina is our wonderful Director. Her incredibly grounding energy and her great sense of humor will put you at ease while you are attending massage school here at the Center for Massage. She manages and maintains all aspects of our Massage Therapy Certification Program and Continuing Education Program. From your initial interview to graduation, Nina will be an integral part of your life here at CFMNH.

Nina has a diverse background, from owning her own massage therapy business to working with doctors and educators. She is a graduate and was a teacher at the COMTA Accredited Potomac Massage Training Institute in Washington, DC and has attended multiple undergraduate courses in business administration and social sciences.

Ariana DeToro-Forlenza, Education Center Administrator

Ariana will be your primary administrative and support contact during the program, keeping your educational experience running smoothly. She will co-conduct your Orientation and continually update you on program developments and your individual progress.

She also manages and maintains our LIFELONG Graduate Services, from job placement to helpful guidance on your journey in the healing arts.

Ariana has a B.A. in Religious Studies, and a B.A. in Environmental Studies, and graduated with honors. She has a strong background in education administration and instruction in Outward Bound, the Center for Inspired Education and Eagle’s Nest Foundation, as well as a strong background in the healing arts and sciences.

Rebecca Balkcom, LMT, Admissions Specialist

Rebecca will be here for you from start to finish. She will assist you with the entire application process, from conducting your personal interview to making sure you get in the class of your choice. She will help you secure a student loan if you need one and assisting you with your student housing needs.

She will gladly provide an abundance useful information that will answer all of your logistical questions about relocation to the Asheville area.

Rebecca is a graduate of our Massage Therapy Certification Program and has had successful practices in various spas round the country.

Karen Nordmeyer, NCTMB, LMBT, Therapy Center Administrator

Karen supervises and coordinates our student clinic and professional Massage Therapy Center.

Karen's interest for the healing arts began during her study of cultural and medical anthropology at Rutgers University. After earning her BA she went onto gain some experience in the healthcare field by working at Blowing Rock Hospital assisting the medical staff in their patient care.

The opportunity to attend massage school arose and Karen earned her license in 2000. She has worked in our Therapy Center as a professional therapist for two years as well as at a local spa. She has volunteered at a Women's Shelter and has been inspired by the profoundly healing effects of therapeutic massage.

Karen has also been nurturing her ability to teach by attending an M.A.T. program at Western Carolina University and continues to be excited to use her developing skills with her students at the clinic.

Karen's favorite aspect of her job is observing first-hand the enthusiasm of the students and the amazing growth that happens with each class as they go through the clinical portion of our Massage Therapy Certification Program.

Caroline Whatley, NCTMB, LMBT: Therapy Center Supervisor

Caroline skillfully oversees your student clinic experience on days when Karen is offsite, guiding you through your day, answering your questions about client cases, and providing mini-workshops on massage techniques.

She is a graduate of our Massage Therapy Certification Program, works as a professional therapist in our Therapy Center, and has a successful private practice. Due to her obvious passion for massage therapy, Caroline has been an important part of our staff since the day she graduated, acting as both Admissions Specialist and Teaching Assistant before moving into her current position.

George Chambers, NCBMT, LMBT, Education Center Receptionist

George is a wonderful member of our staff, and a joy to work with. His endearing sense of humor and passion for massage therapy will be evident as soon as you have the opportunity to talk with him.

George is a graduate of our massage school and after graduating in 2007, he is already enjoying the successes of his own massage therapy practice in Asheville.

Daric Smith, CMT, Education Center Receptionist

Daric Smith, one of our recent graduates, also holds a BA in Music w/ Principle in Voice Performance from Brevard College.  He brings a delightful energy and soothing voice to our office.  He is very passionate about CFMNH, and enjoys supporting and being a part of our school community. 

In his spare time he is studying diligently for his National Exam, and plays in a local Reggae/Rock band.  We are thrilled to have him with us, supporting our administrative staff and faculty in so many ways.  And if you ever have the chance, ask him to sing an excerpt from an opera for you!

Larry Buckner: Property Maintenance Specialist

Larry is dear to all of us. Not only does he keep every aspect of our property incredibly beautiful and in tip-top shape, he is truly one of the sweetest, most genuine and sincere people on earth. WE LOVE YOU LARRY! You will too!