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Welcome to the Institute of Sanative Arts.

Founded by Loree Kennedy in 2007, ISA was created to fill a void in training in the West Michigan massage therapy industry. With the firm belief that massage is truly an art and massage is not a "cookie-cutter" experience. With a strong curriculum in anatomy, business, and philosophy, we teach you that each body is unique and to let the body tell you what and how you will massage each client individually.

ISA provides a complete approach to education and training in all areas of massage treatments, including problem-based, therapeutic, deep tissue, relaxation, aromatherapy, and massage with modalities along with spa treatments. Our training programs and techniques are focused on giving you diversity and knowledge to massage to the person's needs. Your training will empower you with a broad knowledge base giving you the ability to become a therapist with a unique style and skill to excel in the massage world. The skills you learn at ISA will provide you with a multitude of employment options in massage therapy facilities such as spas, physical therapy and chiropractic offices, solo practices, cruise ships, gyms, and more.

Your education at ISA includes over $1,000 worth of additional education built into your curriculum such as event massage, essential oils, Hot and Cold therapies, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, and more.

Contact Us

Meet your educators:

Karyn Hocking
Owner and Educator. Karyn is a Licensed Massage Therapist and Esthetician. She has been in business for herself since 2003 and is the owner of Salus Wellness Spa in Jenison. Karyn took over the school as owner of ISA in 2023 from founder, Loree Kennedy, after Loree retired from full-time teaching. Karyn is an active therapist/educator who works with the goal to pass her many years of experience in massage and business down to each student.

Rebecca Burgenmeyer
Educational Director and Educator. Rebecca is a Licensed Massage Therapist and Esthetician. She is currently active in and has been in the spa, massage, and esthetics industry since 2017. Rebecca has a Masters's in Education and was in College Residence Life Management for over 10 years. Her experience in education is an amazing addition to ISA and gives the students the ability to work with her for their individual, diverse learning style.

Mandi Zemba
Educator. Mandi is a Licensed Massage Therapist and has been in the industry since 2010. She has many years of experience working with athletes at GVSU and has held many Michigan Collegiate Running records. Mandi's experience with sports and spa clients gives her lots of different styles and techniques to share with ISA students.