Author Biographies

Nicole Cutler, L.Ac., MTCM

Nicole Cutler, L.Ac., MTCM is a long time advocate of integrating perspectives on health. With a Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience from the University of Rochester and a Master's degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Five Branches Institute, Nicole has been a licensed acupuncturist since 2000. She has gathered acupuncture licenses in the states of California and New York, is a certified specialist with the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association, has earned diplomat status with the National Commission of Chinese and Oriental Medicine in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology and is a member of the Society for Integrative Oncology. In addition to her acupuncture practice that focuses on stress and pain relief, digestion, immunity and oncology, Nicole contributes to the integration of healthcare by writing articles for professional massage therapists and people living with liver disease.

Linda Fehrs, LMT

Linda Fehrs, AAS, LMT is a freelance writer and massage therapy professional licensed by the New York State Department of Education. She is a professional member of the American Massage Therapy Association and the New York State Society of Medical Massage Therapists. Ms. Fehrs has actively practiced massage therapy in the Mid-Hudson Valley since 2002 with a focus on those with special needs, such as developmental and physical disabilities. She is a graduate of the Hudson Valley School of Massage Therapy as well as a former instructor at the school. Prior to becoming a massage therapist she was former managing editor of a weekly community newspaper and is a veteran of the U.S. Navy. Ms. Fehrs currently volunteers with the Red Cross, helping to educate others about emergency preparedness and disaster relief.

Ernesto Ortiz, LMT, CST

Licensed as a Massage Therapist in the State of Florida since 1992, Mr. Ortiz is also accredited through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). Ernesto is a 1989 graduate from Educating Hands in Miami Florida though his training began at an early age in Mexico with Curanderos and Shamans and has continued for many years with world renowned teachers in Transpersonal Psychology, Shamanism, Music Therapy, Bodywork and more. Ernesto continued his education by becoming certified in Neuromuscular Therapy, CranioSacral Therapy, Hot Stone Therapy, Integrative Breathwork, Guided Imagery and Music (GIM), Hypnotherapy and other medical style therapies. He is a Reiki Master and teacher and was also part of the teaching staff with the Upledger Institute. In 1994 he created Journey to the Heart and has taught and facilitated numerous workshops in the US, Canada and Australia.