Meet your leadership team and Educators

 Shelle is a 2001 graduate of Concordia College, Moorhead and a 2002 graduate of The Professional Institute of Massage School 1100 program. 

Shelle has taught classes for hundreds of hours in the field of Massage Therapy.  She has also performed thousands of Massage sessions in her 20+ years of being in the industry. Teaching others is a new horizon to keep the Massage Therapy field strong and thriving!  

 Emma is originally from Alexandria MN. She went to the College of Saint Benedict for her undergraduate degree in Fitness Management. 

Upon completion of her BA, she attended University of Wisconsin River Falls for her masters of Strength and Conditioning.  Emma has a wide range of certifications including her CSCS, NSCA-CPT, and CGFI. 

Her coaching career started back at St. Ben’s teaching group fitness classes. She has also coached D2 athletes at MSUM and a wide array of adults in the private sector both in Moorhead MN and Alexandria MN. 

Emma has always had a passion for teaching. Her favorite game as a kid was playing teacher. After being in the career field she realized her true passion was teaching and is excited to start the new journey at Elite!

 Jade is a Licensed Massage Therapist at Elite Therapeutic Massage with a lifelong passion for teaching, leadership, and helping others. With experience gained through NSC Instructor certification, Discover Leadership training, and extensive on-the-job experience, Jade has developed strong skills in working with and training people of all ages and backgrounds. Her teaching journey began early—she started leading Sunday school classes at just 12 years old—and she has continued to naturally grow into leadership roles ever since.

At Elite, Jade brings that same dedication and care into her massage practice, creating a welcoming environment where clients can feel supported in their health and wellness goals.

Outside of work, Jade is a proud mom of two young children. She loves spending time outdoors, going to concerts and car shows, and is always eager to keep learning by taking new classes.

Matthias Ehlers is a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Massage Therapist based in Fargo, North Dakota. With a deep passion for holistic health and bodywork, Matthias brings a grounded, therapeutic presence to every session. His practice blends a variety of modalities—including Swedish, deep tissue, and trigger point therapy—tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.

Matthias is known for his intuitive touch, attention to detail, and commitment to helping clients reduce pain, manage stress, and restore balance to their bodies. Whether you're recovering from an injury, seeking relief from chronic tension, or simply looking to relax, Matthias offers a personalized and professional experience rooted in care and integrity.

Outside of the treatment room, Matthias continues to advance his skills through ongoing education and believes in empowering clients through body awareness and wellness practices.

 Chad serves as a Bodywork Educator and Clinic Supervisor at Elite, where he plays a key role in guiding students through both the academic and practical aspects of their massage therapy education. With a dual license in Minnesota and North Dakota, Chad brings professional experience as a Licensed Massage Therapist into the classroom and student clinic, helping bridge the gap between theory and hands-on practice.

As Clinic Supervisor, Chad oversees student sessions to ensure safe, ethical, and effective client care while fostering a supportive learning environment. His role includes mentoring students in client communication, treatment planning, and professional standards, preparing them for successful careers in the massage therapy field.

Chad is recognized for his approachable teaching style, organizational skills, and dedication to student growth. By combining his leadership experience with his passion for bodywork, he helps students gain the confidence and practical knowledge needed to thrive both in school and in their future professional practice.

 Darian is the Marketing, Evaluations, and Alumni Relations Manager at Elite. She oversees the school’s social media presence, alumni connections, and evaluation processes, helping foster strong relationships between students, graduates, and the community.

Darian is a graduate of M State in Moorhead, where she earned her Associate degree in 2020. Her background in marketing and communication, paired with her creative approach, allows her to share the school’s mission in ways that engage and inspire.

Outside of work, Darian enjoys painting, spending time with her husband, and caring for their three cats.

Scot Hagen brings years of professional experience in business management, banking operations, and financial systems to his role as Bookkeeper at our school. With a background in leadership and operations, Scot ensures that our financial processes run smoothly and accurately, supporting both staff and students with reliable bookkeeping. Skilled in QuickBooks and financial management, he combines precision with a strong commitment to keeping our school’s resources organized and efficient.

 I received my doctorate degree from Northwestern Health Sciences University where I had extensive experience in soft tissue modalities, rehabilitation and corrective exercises.  My passion is to provide you with quality care and education to assist you in reaching your goals and to provide the tools to take care of your body. 

I have had the privilege of working with various types of patients. Whether you are a "weekend warrior”, someone running their first 5K or a dedicated athlete, I am here to keep you healthy so that you can do what you love. I also work with patients who spend most of their days sitting at a desk, educating them on ergonomics and providing corrective exercises. 

I have worked with women who experience low back pain during pregnancy. The body is constantly changing and it is important to have a health care profession managing your pain during that exciting time. 

I am originally from Fargo and I'm excited to bring my knowledge and passion back to my hometown. When not working, I love spending time with family and friends. I enjoy staying active, playing intramural volleyball, spending time at the gym or being outside. I am currently working to further my education by completing a post-graduate Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP) certification. I strive to bring my patients the most current and up to date evidence in all aspects of my practice. 

 Dr. Myles graduated from North Dakota State University with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science receiving highest honors. He then earned a Doctorate in Chiropractic and Masters of Health Science in Applied Clinical Nutrition from Northwestern Health Sciences University graduating with highest honors in both degrees.

Dr. Myles has undergone extensive training in Diversified, Functional Neurology, and Motion Palpation chiropractic techniques while adding an extensive background in Functional Medicine to his toolbox. Clinically, Dr. Myles has worked with children to elite levels athletes as well as designing nutritional programs for the terminally ill. Above all, he has advanced training in the Neuromuscular Re-education and practices using much of the protocols established by D.N.S – Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization. 

Dr. Myles is currently training for his board certification as a chiropractic neurologist along with continuing to educate himself on various modalities such as Dynamic Taping, FAKTR, McKenzie (MDT), Applied Kinesiology, Functional Medicine, and D.N.S.!

Cassie Wulfekule, DPT, is a retired Doctor of Physical Therapy based in Fargo, North Dakota, bringing clinical expertise and a passion for movement science into the classroom at Elite Massage Academy. With years of experience in both outpatient and rehabilitative care settings, Cassie specializes in musculoskeletal health, injury prevention, and functional movement patterns.

As an educator, Cassie is known for her dynamic teaching style and ability to bridge the gap between clinical theory and hands-on application. She equips massage therapy students with a deep understanding of anatomy, kinesiology, and therapeutic techniques rooted in evidence-based practice. Her approachable nature and commitment to mentorship help students grow not only in knowledge but also in confidence and professionalism.

Cassie’s presence at Elite Massage Academy enriches the learning environment with real-world insight, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a sincere dedication to advancing the future of bodywork and integrative healthcare.

MiaLara is one of four siblings who grew up in the small town of Napoleon, North Dakota. As a relative of Sister Rosalind Gefre, an early pioneer of therapeutic massage for healing in the Twin Cities, she was able to witness how someone could help people heal through touch therapy. This is where Mia’s passion for helping others was first sparked, eventually leading her to follow Sister Rosalind’s path and graduated from Globe University in Moorhead, MN as a Licensed Massage Therapist in 2017. Her passion for helping others has continued as she pursued further education, receiving her master’s degree in Acupuncture in August 2020. 

Currently, Mia is dedicated to improving the health and overall well-being of every patient by listening to each one of their needs and goals. She is excited to be a part of her clients’ healing journey.

In Mia’s free time you can find her biking, geocaching, or watching reruns of episodes of her favorite TV show, Friends. She enjoys spending time with her husband, Michael, playing their favorite sports and traveling – where she loves editing videos of her adventures. Family means everything to Mia and she is always eager to talk about and share her stories.

My name is Kathy Johnson. My husband, Marshall, and I have been in Fargo 9 years now. We have a daughter, Freya, who is 3. I graduated from The Salon Professional Academy for Massage Therapy in June 2018 and am now a Licensed Massage Therapist in the state of North Dakota. 

 I decided to pursue Massage Therapy in July of 2017. I was having chronic low back issues and after a few chiropractors and an orthopedic surgeon couldn’t figure it out, I was left without any hope for a pain-free life. In early July 2017 I received a 10 minute life changing massage. After that 10 minute massage I squatted pain free for the first time in a couple years. I knew then that I wanted to be able to help people like this Massage Therapist helped me.  

Once I started class I soon realized this is what I was meant to do. Throughout my classes I often thought I should have started this a long time ago. I am grateful for that 10 minute massage, and I am eager to help others the way I was helped.

Heather has a life-long passion for wellness. She has been an active licensed massage

therapist for the past 27-years, is a certified personal trainer and certified health coach. Heather

graduated from Valley City State University with a degree in biology in 1997 and in 1998

graduated from the South Dakota School of Massage Therapy. Upon graduation from massage

school, she opened her private massage practice in Valley City, ND where she continues to

practice today.

Heather’s massage style is very integrative, incorporating a variety of massage modalities

acquired over her many years in the massage field. Her favorite styles of treatment include:

relaxation massage, deep tissue massage, Thai massage, myofascial release, Reiki, and

Rossiter.

Landon is a compassionate and skilled Licensed Massage Therapist with over 3 years of experience helping clients achieve relief, recovery, and relaxation. He specializes in therapeutic, rehabilitative, and relaxation-focused treatments, tailoring each session to meet the unique needs of his clients. Landon’s goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall well-being through a holistic and client-centered approach.

He is trained in a wide range of modalities, including deep tissue, cupping, scraping, sports massage, lymphatic drainage, prenatal massage, craniosacral therapy, trigger point therapy, and myofascial release. Landon is also a Certified Functional Range Release Provider and Certified Functional Range Conditioning Mobility Specialist, allowing him to integrate advanced mobility techniques into his practice.

Recognized for his strong communication skills, professionalism, and dedication to client care, Landon excels at creating personalized treatment plans that support both immediate relief and long-term wellness. His extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology, combined with his focus on client education, helps ensure every session is both effective and empowering.

When not working with clients, Landon is passionate about continuing his professional growth and staying current on the latest techniques to better serve his community.

Allie is a North Dakota Licensed Massage Therapist and a graduate of the massage therapy program at Lane Community College in Eugene, OR.

Allie is interested in the subtle balance between physical and mental health. She aspires to see massage therapy become closely integrated with various mental health programs as a recognized part of the recovery process.

 She has personally experienced that in addition to many other benefits, massage therapy can contribute to healing from body shame, disordered eating, and trauma. She is happy to discuss any needs or boundaries you may have prior to your appointment to ensure that you have the safe and restorative experience you deserve. 

Allie specializes in Relaxation, Deep Tissue, and Chair Massage.

Allie habla espanol!  Llámenos para reservar tu cita con ella! 

 Sarah Jacobs is a North Dakota–licensed Reflexologist dedicated to supporting her clients’ physical, emotional, and mental well-being. With a focus on both foot and facial reflexology, Sarah helps clients find balance, reduce stress, and restore harmony throughout the body.

In addition to her reflexology practice, Sarah is a Master Teacher of Reiki and Integrated Energy Therapy (IET). She has been practicing the art of energy healing since 2012 and began sharing her knowledge through teaching in 2017. Her classes empower students to explore their own healing abilities and integrate energy practices into daily life.

With over a decade of experience in holistic care, Sarah combines technical expertise with a compassionate presence, creating a safe and nurturing environment for personal growth and healing.

 Joni has been a Licensed Massage Therapist since 2002.  After graduating from the Skin and Bodywork Institute, she owned and operated Absolute Bodyworks in Grand Forks, ND, for almost four years.

In 2005, Joni and her family moved to Fargo, and since then, she has joined massage colleagues in growing their practices. Joni feels honored to have worked with amazing wellness professionals at Elite Therapeutic Massage, Blonde Ambition Salon, and Fit Elements, the women's-only health club. In July of 2022, Joni's home-based office was opened and currently operates her practice there. Beyond that, she also enjoys teaching an advanced course at Elite Massage Academy.

Joni incorporates a dynamic protocol of several different massage techniques and bodywork in order for individuals to get ahead of their pain, not maintain their pain.  Alongside this, she is passionate about children and women's wellness, specializing in the care of ladies of all ages. Joni strives to be an effective servant by using the avenue of massage therapy and cares deeply to meet client/student expectations of improving wellness.