People
Faculty & Staff
Our faculty and staff members are the heart and soul of this school. Their dedication to the process of training massage therapy professionals shines through everything they do.
FACULTY. Each instructor embodies the BTI core philosophy and educational model, and shares that with students in his or her own unique way. As they are all specialists in the areas they teach, they bring their years of clinical experience, academic training and professional credentials to the classroom environment.
BTI’s lead instructors have completed one of the most extensive teacher training processes in the massage profession. This includes our nationally-renowned Spirit of Learning® Teacher Certification Program, as well as a 2-3 year teaching assistantship in our classroom.
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF. BTI’s highly qualified staff members handle the myriad tasks of keeping this school and its students on track. The whole-person model that is the hallmark of our educational programs is also embraced and expressed on the business side of BTI -- as staff members support the students, the faculty, and the institution itself.
THE MANAGEMENT TEAM. Ongoing responsibility for policy making, strategic planning and key decision making for the school is handled by the Co-directors, Rick Rosen and Carey Smith.
These biographical listings are in alphabetical order. You'll note that a number of our staff work in both the instructional and administrative aspects of the school.
Abbreviations used here: NC LMBT stands for North Carolina Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist; ABMP is Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals; AMTA is the American Massage Therapy Association
Susan Boyd
Susan is an Administrative Assistant. She has an associate's degree in nursing, is a registered nurse with many years of experience in clinical care, and a member of the American Holistic Nurses Association. She is a BTI graduate, NC LMBT (#7510) and ABMP member; private practice in Siler City, NC.
W. Todd Boyd
Todd is a Lead Instructor for Massage Therapy I & II, as well as Anatomy, Physiology, Kinesiology & Pathology. He has a bachelor's degree from NC State University and a master's degree in strategic studies from the US Army War College. He is a BTI Graduate, ABMP Member, and NC LMBT (#7712), with a private practice in Siler City, NC. Before coming to BTI, Todd served as Chief of Staff of the NC Army National Guard, and retired from a distinguished 27-year career as the rank of Colonel.
Theresa M. Brown
Theresa is a Teaching Assistant for Massage Therapy I & II. She has a bachelor's degree in English and theatre from Fontbonne University (St. Louis), is a BTI graduate, NC LMBT (#9681), and AMTA member. Former career in theatre arts; private practice in Durham, NC.
Lisa Chickos
Lisa is a Teaching Assistant for Anatomy, Physiology, Kinesiology & Pathology. She has a master's degree in Law and Diplomacy from Tufts University (Boston) and a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Notre Dame. She is a BTI graduate, NC LMBT (#10678), ABMP member and has a private practice in Durham, NC.
Monica Craig
Monica is an Administrative Assistant. She has a bachelor's degree in family and child studies from Northern Illinois University, and is a registered nurse and social worker. Monica brings her many years of health care experience to her work at BTI, and provides a high level of care and support to the school.
Lorin Crowley
Lorin is the Director of Admissions. She oversees the admissions department and works with prospective students in all phases of the admissions process. She has a bachelor's degree in psychology from Boston University, is a BTI graduate, NC LMBT (#5457), ABMP member, former assistant registrar for the UNC School of Medicine; private practice in Chapel Hill, NC.
Karen Delahunty
Karen is a Lead Instructor for Hydrotherapy & Spa Modalities, and Therapist Self-Development. She has a bachelor's degree in philosophy from St. John’s College (New Mexico), is a BTI graduate, NC LMBT (#1490), ABMP member, former training director for The Body Shop, Inc., and day spa manager. Certified Somatic Coach from Strozzi Institute; Private practice in Raleigh, NC.
Sarah (Autry) DeBarardinis
Sarah is Supervisor for the Student Massage Clinic and the Community Service Externship Project. She is also a Lead Instructor for the following courses: Massage Therapy I and II, and Hydrotherapy & Spa Modalities. She has a bachelor's degree in recreation administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, is a BTI graduate, NC LMBT (#2115) and ABMP member; private practice in Chapel Hill, NC.
Teresa Flora
Teresa is the BTI Administrator, and a strategic consultant to the Management Team. She is responsible for managing the school's financial systems and overall operations. She brings a wealth of experience to her position from the worlds of accounting and office systems management. Her attention to detail is surpassed only by her warmth and her dedication to service.
Dotty Foley
Dotty serves BTI in three different roles: she is Student Advisor for the Diploma Program; an Admissions Representative; and a Lead Instructor for Business & Marketing Practices. She has a bachelor’s degree in special education from Southern Connecticut State University and has 25 years of experience in special ed. BTI graduate, NC LMBT (#9457), ABMP member; private practice in Chapel Hill, NC.
Ben C. Franklin
Ben is the Director of Education, as well as Senior Lead Instructor for Massage Therapy I and II. He has a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from North Carolina State University, is a US Navy veteran, BTI graduate, NC LMBT (#371), Nationally Certified, ABMP member, certified in orthopedic massage and medical massage. Retired from a 28-year career in the telecommunications industry; private practice in Raleigh, NC.
David Hamilton
David is a Teaching Assistant for Massage Therapy I & II. He has a bachelor's degree (Phi Beta Kappa) in Spanish and political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, is a BTI graduate, NC LMBT (#12371), and ABMP member. Private practice in Chapel Hill, NC. David is fluent in Spanish, and formerly managed several community projects in the area of sustainable agriculture and healthy nutrition.
Beverly Johnson
Beverly is a Lead Instructor for Massage Therapy I and II, as well as Professional Ethics & Massage Laws. She is a BTI graduate, NC LMBT (#928), Nationally Certified, ABMP member, attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, certified in Reiki (Level II), and has completed leadership training with Strozzi Institute. Private practice in Pittsboro, NC.
John McKelvey
John is a Lead Instructor for the following courses: Massage Therapy I and II, and Hydrotherapy & Spa Modalities. He also serves as Curriculum Supervisor for the Diploma Program. Master’s degree in geology from the University of North Carolina and bachelor’s degree in natural resources from the University of the South (Tennessee). BTI graduate, NC LMBT (#1592), ABMP member, certifed practitioner of Kinesis Myofascial Integration. Former career as a consulting geologist; private practice in Chapel Hill, NC.
Emily O'Barr
Emily is a Teaching Assistant for Massage Therapy I & II. She has a master's degree in liberal studies from Duke University and a bachelor's degree in religion and studio art from Oberlin College (Ohio). She is a BTI graduate, NC LMBT (#11766), ABMP member and has a private practice in Chapel Hill, NC. Emily formerly owned and operated a video production company, and worked as a student health counselor at UNC-Chapel Hill.
Donna Plock
Donna is an Admissions Representative. She is a BTI graduate, and an experienced yoga instructor who teaches classes in Cary, NC. She brings her enthusiasm for the process of learning and healing to her work with prospective students, and is dedicated to helping others take a positive step in their lives.
Kevin Powell
Kevin is Lead Instructor for Somatic Psychology. He has a master’s degree in toxicology from North Carolina State University, and bachelor’s degree in biology from the College of William & Mary (Virginia). BTI graduate, NC LMBT (#4307), ABMP member, advanced studies in vibrational healing. Retired from a 20-year career as a certified industrial hygienist and environmental consultant. Private practice in Chapel Hill, NC, and served as Vice Chair of the North Carolina Board of Massage & Bodywork Therapy.
Rick Rosen
Rick is BTI's Founder and Co-director. In his role as Director of Marketing & Communications, he creates the educational and promotional materials that support BTI’s mission and goals, and is also the school’s liaison to professional organizations. He has a master’s degree in psychology from West Georgia College, and a bachelor’s degree in advertising from the University of Florida. Graduate of the Florida School of Massage, NC LMBT (#1), AMTA member; certified in body-centered psychotherapy and structural integration.
Carey Smith
Carey is a Co-director of BTI. She oversees the training and development of BTI's faculty, as well as the design and delivery of the curriculum for the Diploma Program. She has a bachelor’s degree in romance languages from the University of Michigan, a teaching certificate from the American Montessori Society, certified in DansKinetics from Kripalu Institute, and a BTI graduate. Certified as a Master Somatic Coach by Strozzi Institute, and has a private coaching practice at BTI.
Matt Steere
Matt is a Teaching Assistant for Massage Therapy I & II and Somatic Psychology. He has a bachelor's degree in psychology from Guilford College (North Carolina), is a BTI graduate, NC LMBT (#9346), and ABMP member. Private practice in Chapel Hill, NC.
Carol Verner
Carol is Senior Lead Instructor for Anatomy, Physiology, Kinesiology & Pathology. She has a bachelor’s degree in holistic studies from Norwich University, NC LMBT (#1301), ABMP member, Registered Craniosacral Therapist, Registered Yoga Teacher through the Yoga Alliance, studies in Body-Mind Centering and a Certified Somatic Coach from Strozzi Institute. Private practice in Carrboro, NC.