About Us

Directors
Instructors
Guest Instructors
Staff

ITMW MISSION STATEMENT

The Institute of Therapeutic Massage and Wellness is dedicated to our role in educating the student in professional therapeutic massage and a variety of alternative therapies. ITMW promotes confidence with an emphasis on health and wellness, educating the community through knowledge and compassion.

ITMW PHILOSOPHY

The Institute of Therapeutic Massage and Wellness believes that massage therapy is a valuable tool in the holistic approach to health care. The practitioners of this profession must thoroughly understand the human body and its functions and be able to apply this knowledge in practical situations.

ITMW is dedicated to providing quality, personal instruction in the art and science of massage therapy, thereby delivering highly skilled professionals to the public. We view massage as a healing art that is vitally important in today’s health care. We feel that it is important for the massage therapist to be a caring individual as well as knowledgeable and skillful in the therapeutic aspects of his/her vocation.

We recognize that each individual is unique and therefore we provide training in a variety of techniques to enable each student to develop his or her own style.

ITMW believes in graduating students with an appreciation for safe practices, effective techniques, and a high standard of professional ethics. It is our intention to graduate students prepared to practice their profession with competence, confidence, and enthusiasm.

MASSAGE THERAPY CERTIFICATE PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

To prepare students for a position as a professional massage therapist through a well balanced program, integrating theory, technique, anatomy and physiology, practical experience, and personal as well as professional development.

To help students, through various classes, acquire proficient business and technical skills to specialize and address special populations, and to work in various settings.

To provide students with a supportive atmosphere which encourages professional and personal growth along with the development of a unique style of massage.

To guide students towards the acquisition of a certificate of completion needed in order to practice massage therapy.

To prepare students to take the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, and be licensed by the state as a Licensed Massage Therapist.

To give the students a thorough working knowledge of the structure and functions of the human body and the theory of natural health care methodologies.

PROFESSIONAL STAFF AT THE
INSTITUTE OF THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE AND WELLNESS

We strive at ITMW to have on staff a collection of professional, qualified individuals who come from many various educational and life backgrounds. We feel that when our students have the chance to learn from an instructor who specializes in the particular field that they teach, it increases the chances of their success in this program and their future careers. We are very proud of all of the instructors on our educational team and are happy to share them with you.

THE DIRECTORS:

Dr. Dan Howes, B.A.
Dr. Howes received his Doctor of Chiropractic at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. He graduated Cum Laude with high honors from Palmer. While attending Palmer College of Chiropractic, he was on the President’s and the Dean's Academic List. Dr. Dan was Student President for the American Chiropractic Association and traveled to Washington D.C. several times. He received BAs in both Biology and Physical Education at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He was awarded all-conference honors in football and track and was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity at Coe College. He also received additional course work in athletic training and athletic injury prevention. Having a strong background in health and fitness. Dr. Dan worked in health clubs as a physical and athletic trainer. He was on the President’s List for scholastic honors at Scott Community College for a Pre-Chiropractic major. He is the Director of Administration and is one of the instructors for Anatomy and Physiology and Pathology. Dr. Dan is also a Certified Equine Sports Massage Therapist. He has a local private chiropractic practice. Dr. Dan is married to Bonita and they have three beautiful children who all love massages.

Bonita Howes, N.C.M.T. C.I.M.T.
Bonita has completed a 90-hour Certification thru the Spirit of Learning as a Certified Massage Therapy Instructor. “It’s been wonderful going back to school with other massage instructor’s from all over the country”, she says. Bonita has been a professional member of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) since 1994 and is an Associated Bodywork and Massage Professional. She was a member of the Iowa Sports Massage Team and has worked on many professional athletes and Olympic runners. Bonita graduated from Kirkwood College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She worked at several undergraduate colleges in the office of admissions. Bonita has been in the fitness/wellness industry since 1989. She had her own personal fitness consulting business for four years. She worked in physical therapy for five years where she incorporated specialized massage techniques for rehabilitation and chronic pain relief. She was involved in national fitness pageants and bodybuilding for eight years as a competitor, sponsor and promoter. Having taught various aerobics classes and fitness programs for over twelve years, Bonita has developed a strong love for helping people stay healthy with therapeutic exercise. She graduated with nine hundred hours of massage training and has combined her fitness background with the benefits of therapeutic massage. She is also a motivating public speaker on Health and Wellness for all ages across the Midwest and incorporates an entertaining wellness presentation. Bonita is certified with the National Arthritis Foundation in water therapy and P.A.C.E. (People with Arthritis Can Exercise) Instructor, a Certified Personal Fitness trainer and a Certified Aerobics Instructor. Bonita is the Director of Admissions for ITMW and is teaching Massage Lab Practical, and Therapeutic Modalities.

THE INSTRUCTORS:

Dr. Pamela Taylor B.A. N.D.
Dr. Taylor is a Naturopathic Physician. Her bachelor’s degree is from Beloit College in Wisconsin. Before entering the four-year post-graduate program at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine, she took additional course work in anatomy, physiology, organic and inorganic chemistry, developmental psychology, and biology. Naturopathic Medicine is a distinct system of health care, which includes both modern and traditional methods of diagnosing, treating, and preventing disease. . In the summer of 1991, she had the privilege of visiting the clinic of Dr. Jan DeVries, N.D. in Scotland, as well as Tyringham, a resident naturopathic clinic outside of London. While in Britain, she visited the London School of Osteopathy and Naturopathy. Pamela met with many practitioners, as well as patients, to study and observe treatment methods and results. She was impressed by what was widely available in the UK, and became determined to be a part of making Naturopathy more accessible here in the U. S. After graduating in 1994, she took additional studies in naturopathic therapies, particularly relating to food tolerance and hydrotherapy. Since moving to Illinois, Pamela has conducted a number of seminars and workshops in Iowa through Scott Community College, and Nationally at learning retreats. Dr. Taylor will be teaching reflexology, aromatherapy, and acupressure.

Amanda Wheeler, L.M.T.
Amanda received a Pre-Chiro degree from Scott Community College in Bettendorf, IA. She is a graduate of ITMW. She completed her Spa Therapy Certification Program at the Conservatory of Esthetics in Chicago, IL with over 100 hours in day spa operations. She will be finishing her Bachelor's Degree at Western IL University. Amanda's training has provided her with continuing education in the spa world with many inspiring modalities to be experienced by everyone. Amanda is the Office Manager and Administrative Assistant. She teaches Hydrotherapy, Siddha Body Detox, Hot River Rock Massage and Spa Therapies I, II, III.

Erin Anderson, B.A. L.M.T.
Erin graduated from Augustana College in Rock Island Illinois with a Degree in Biology. She also graduated as Valedictorian from our M.T. program. She works at a local chiropractic clinic, specializing in pre-adjustment massages. Erin uses her extensive knowledge in Biology to teach our Anatomy & Physiology and Pathology classes.

Barb Petri, B.S., OTR/L, L.M.T.
Barb graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of North Dakota in 1974. She has worked over 30 years at Genesis Medical Center in the Occupational Therapy Department. Since graduating from the ITMW in 2001, Barb has continued her education by becoming a Certified Reflexologist and has special training in massaging people with cancer. Barb teaches Study Skills, Intro to Meridians, National Board Review, and Massage for People With Cancer. Barb is also available for tutoring students.

Mandy Furne, L.M.T. C.N.A.
Mandy graduated from our program in the second class in 1998. As well as being a Licensed Massage Therapist, she is also a Certified Nurse’s Assistant. She specializes in Geriatric Massage, Spa Therapy, and Hydrotherapy. She has many years experience working in hospitals and nursing homes, as well as massage therapy clinics. Mandy teaches Hydrotherapy, Sports Massage, Massage for Nursing and Healthcare, and Stretching.

Karen Waurzyniak-Hogg, B.S.
Karen graduated with a B.S. in Education from Wayne State University. She trained in Tai Chi Chuan at the Great River Tai Chi Chuan Society with Grandmaster classes William CC Chen and Dr. Tao Pin-Siang. Karen’s teaching experience includes teaching Tai Chi at the Great River Tai Chi Chuan Society, Palmer College, Scott Community College, and The Family Museum of Arts and Sciences with her Master Scott Caulpetzer. Karen is our Tai Chi Chuan Instructor.

Matt Razo, L.M.T.
Matt is a graduate of our program and has been working in the massage therapy field since 2000. He is the head Massage Therapist at a very busy local Chiropractic Clinic. Matt has taken additional training in advanced stretching techniques, sports massage and reflexology. He teaches our Chair Massage Seminar, Stretching, and Techniques III.

GUEST INSTRUCTORS:

Brian Morgan B.S. L.M.T. C.S.C.S.
Brian is a graduate of Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL, with a BS in Physical Education-Fitness Instruction. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (C.S.C.S.) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Brian has previously worked for a physical therapy rehabilitation center in addition to being a personal trainer. He teaches Sports Massage, Myofascial Release Technique, and Therapeutic Exercises, as well as seminars on Creative Exercise Solutions.

Zhenya K. Wine
Zhenya K. Wine has pioneered Russian Medical Massage in the USA, and has been presenting seminars on her treatment techniques for the past 18 years across the world. Zhenya was trained as a physiotherapist in the former USSR and had a privilege to work for several years with the Olympic cycling team in Russia prior to her immigration to the USA. Being the originator of the concept of Medical Massage in USA, Ms. Wine will present the students with a unique 100% physiological approach to physical rehabilitation using tactile re-education techniques that she designed and has used in practice for the past 28 years. Zhenya uses her medical knowledge to teach many seminars here on topics such as Migraine Headaches and Sciatica, as well as a certification course in Russian Medical Massage.

Dr. Douglas J. Berry, M.S., B.S., C.C.E.P.
Dr. Berry has practiced chiropractic in Cedar Rapids, Iowa from 1988 until 1997 and in Davenport, Iowa since 1997. Dr. Berry graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1988. He served as assistant to Dr. Wayne H. Zemelka in the teaching of the Thompson Advanced course at Palmer College of Chiropractic from 1991 until 1996. Dr. Berry joined the diagnosis faculty at Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1996 teaching neuromusculoskeletal diagnosis until 1999. Dr. Berry serves on the continuing education faculties of Palmer College of Chiropractic and New York Chiropractic College teaching twelve hour seminars on neurology, extremity adjusting, the Thompson and Segmental Drop Techniques. Dr. Berry graduated from the Iowa state University with a B.S. in Physical Education and Biology in 1970. He went on to teach and coach at the high school level in the suburbs of Chicago. He earned an M.S. from the University of Illinois in 1976 while working a graduate teaching assistant. He has been honored by Oxford's Who’s Who and the Iowa Amateur Athletic Union as well as various civic groups for his service and dedication to excellence. Dr. Berry has completed extensive post-graduate studies in chiropractic orthopedics and the diagnosis and treatment of extremity complaints. The Council in Extremity Adjusting certifies him in Extremity Adjusting. Dr. Berry has taught at Rich Township High Schools, Park Forest, IL; Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids, IA; University of Illinois, Urbana, IL; Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport, IA; and St. Ambrose University, Davenport, IA. Dr. Berry teaches Nutrition, Herbology, and Pathology here at ITMW.

Dr. David Ranier Pavlicek, B.S., D.C.
Dr. Pavlicek is a graduate of Palmer College with a Doctor of Chiropractic. He also graduated from Brigham Young University with a B.S. in Athletic Training and is a Certified Athletic Trainer. He is a member of the National Strength and Condition Association, The American Chiropractic Association, and The National Athletic Training Association. He currently the Rehabilitation Resident at Palmer College, and teaches Athletic Injuries at our school.

Tara Pratt B.A., L.M.T.
Tara received her B.A. degree in Sports Medicine, with concentration on Athletic Training from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Chiropractic degree at Palmer College of Chiropractic. She is a graduate of ITMW. Tara works for a local chiropractor as a licensed massage therapist. Tara is the Assistant Instructor for Anatomy and Physiology, Patient Consultation and Sports Massage at ITMW.

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF:

Dr. Dan Howes Director of Administration
Bonita Howes, C.M.T.I. Director of Admissions
Amanda Wheeler, L.M.T. Manager
Thomas Briegel, L.M.T. Administrative Assistant

MEDICAL AND PROFESSIONAL ADVISORY BOARD

Chairperson: Dr. Charles Elmendorf, D.O.
Spring Street Family Medical Practice
Davenport, IA

Dr. Jack Avalos, M.D.
Director of Radiology
Clinton Hospital
Clinton, IA
Dr. Dave Juehring
Rehabilitation Director
Palmer College of Chiropractic
Davenport, IA

Dr Dan Howes
ITMW Administrator
Davenport, IA