About the Healing Arts Center

Tom Tessereau, L.M.T., N.C.T.M.B., Owner and Director of the Healing Arts Center

"He is a strong educated instructor and master of the healing arts, massage theories and energy work. Tom is patient, kind, giving and exuberant in intelligent humor. He has taught me to believe in myself." - Gary Puckett, graduate 2005

Tom is co-author of the #1 Best Selling Book Series Wake Up - Live the Life You Love - Living on Purpose along with well-known best-selling authors Dr. Deepak Chopra, M.D., Dr. Wayne Dyer, PhD, and Mark Victor Hansen.

The Healing Arts Center and Tom’s work have been featured as the cover story on KSDK-TV Channel 5 News, KMOV-TV Channel 4 News, KTVI-TV Fox 2 News, interviewed live on 97.1 FM Talk Radio, KDHX 88.1 FM Radio, KEZK 102.5 FM Radio, and in feature articles numerous times in the St. Louis Post Dispatch, St. Louis Magazine, the Healthy Planet, Spirit Seeker Magazine, and Whole Human Magazine. He is mentioned in several books, including At the Eleventh Hour: Caring for My Dying Mother by Susan Carol Stone, And Now We Dance: Journaling for the Woman Within by Linda Senn, and is honored by the piano composition “For Tom” on the CD In A Moment Noticed by Sheila Moglia and Mary Ann Blankinship.

Tom has shared his knowledge of alternative/complimentary medicine as a guest speaker at Washington University School of Medicine, Barnes Jewish Hospital, St. John’s Mercy Hospital, and Jewish Hospital College of Nursing and Allied Health.

With more than 28 years of study and experience in the healing arts and sciences, he successfully combines both Eastern and Western knowledge into a synthesis of bodywork, energy healing, yoga, breathwork, and intuitive awareness. He encourages his clients and students to become an active participant in their process of healing, guiding them back to the realization of harmony and balance in their entire physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual dynamic.

As Owner/Director of the Healing Arts Center in St. Louis, where he received his training and certification as a massage therapist, Tom is the head instructor in the Professional Massage Therapy Training Program. Other healing modalities he integrates into his work include: the Bio Cranial System through the Bio Cranial Institute, certified Master of G-Jo Acupressure by the G-Jo Institute, certified Master/Teacher of Reiki, The Usui System of Natural Healing, certified Master of Karuna Reiki™ by the International Center for Reiki Training, certified Master by the International Human and Universal Energy Research Institute, certified Transformational Breath Facilitator by the International Breath Institute and formerly a trainer for their Personal Enlightenment and Professional Training, Certified Hypnotherapist and Certified Stress Management Consultant by the International Association of Counselors and Therapists, has completed studies in Advanced Pranic Healing, Pranic Psychotherapy, Crystal Healing and Psychic Self Defense through the American Institute of Asian Studies, and is a Certified Pranic Healing™ Instructor. He is certified as a Raw Chef, Raw Nutrition Specialist, Raw Lifestyle Coach, and Raw Personal Trainer by the Ekaya Institute of Living Food Education, and is formerly a Certified Personal Fitness Trainer through the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).

His other studies include Reconnective Healing™, Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT), Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) for serious diseases, Connective Tissue Massage, Reflexology, Polarity Therapy, Zen Shiatsu, Thai Medical Massage, Applied Physiology, Touch for Health, Present Centered Awareness Therapy, Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP), Science of Mind, Theosophy, T’ai Chi, martial arts (Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, Karate, Judo), comparative religions, Hatha Yoga, Babaji's Kriya Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Spiritual Human Yoga, Arhatic Yoga, Chi Nei Tsang, Kriyashakti, Feng Shui, Kofutu Touch Healing, and meditation.

As a charter member of the International Association of Healthcare Practitioners, and as a member of The International Society for the Study of Subtle Energies and Energy Medicine, the Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology, the American Metaphysical Doctors Association, the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals, and the Institute of Noetic Sciences, Tom is constantly supporting ground-breaking research in alternative and complimentary medicine.

A loving husband to Sabrina, and father of six beautiful children; Sean, Adom, Christopher, Deva, Xavier, and Samson. Tom is known internationally as a Teacher, Visionary, Philosopher, Master Healer, Leader, Author, and Friend.

Tom is a transformational healer and teacher. His work reflects his genuine love and respect for others and their healing process. He offers his clients and students a grace and gentleness that is a powerful and unique experience.

To Contact Tom, please email him at Tom@hacmassage.com

Administrative Staff

Sandy Sigmund, L.M.T., N.C.T.M.B., Director

Sandy has a strong belief in the power of the human spirit and the potential to succeed that lies in us all.  As a 2006 graduate of the Healing Arts Massage Therapy Training Program, she is passionate about the center and is dedicated to its continued success.  With over 30 years of experience in the business sector, she brings a wealth of corporate and small business knowledge regarding systems and programs. Sandy’s extensive understanding of organization and management, coupled with her first hand experience of the school, gives her a perspective that best supports the students and staff of the Healing Arts Center.

To contact Sandy, please email her at sandy@hacmassage.com

Elizabeth Hayward, Director of Admissions

Elizabeth brings to the Healing Arts Center nearly15 years of admissions, sales and marketing experience from several higher education institutions including, most recently, The Art Institute of Portland where she was Assistant Director of Admissions for nearly five years. Returning to her hometown of St. Louis in 2006, she joins the Healing Arts Center with a passion to be part of a healing environment. Elizabeth is certified in Reiki and personally utilizes massage, acupuncture, yoga, meditation, and other holistic healing practices to maintain a healthy mind, body and spirit. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Webster University and is committed to helping others achieve their life dreams.

To Contact Elizabeth, please email her at elizabeth@hacmassage.com

Professional Massage Therapy Training Instructors

Ann Kauffman, L.M.T., N.C.T.M.B., Massage and Myofascial Release Instructor

"Wonderful teacher! Truly able to read what students need help with." - Erin Brock, graduate 2005

Ann Kauffman has served in many capacities at the Healing Arts Center since August of 2000. In August of 2009, Ann accepted the full time position as Director of Education, where she blends her skills and experience gained as a Healing Arts Center graduate, a licensed massage therapist, a member of the Healing Arts Center faculty, and administration.
In her position, Ann supports the growth of the massage therapy industry through community outreach programs with students, graduates, and employers. She also plays an integral role in faculty and staff development to ensure the most successful practices in the classroom, and to promote all student focused efforts. In addition, Ann manages the Continuing Education Department, which provides graduate support while answering directly to the needs of the community. Ann feels honored to be a part of such an exciting time in the massage therapy industry, and is dedicated to the success of all programs in which she is involved.

To contact Ann, please email her at Ann@hacmassage.com

Dr. Daniel M. Rovin, D.C. Level I and Level III Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, and Kinesiology

"Made learning anatomy and physiology fun. Was good at calming fears and making the material applicable to massage therapy." - Katie Mees, graduate 2006

Dr. Dan believes that a good instructor is one who leaves a lasting impression. The greater the impression left by the teacher, the more knowledge absorbed by the student. True knowledge is not forgotten. It becomes utilized in daily living and clinical practice.
The applicable use of structure and function is an important foundation to wellness therapy. It should be learned and applied, not just remembered to pass a test. Dr. Dan uses demonstrative techniques, word associations, practical situations, and case studies to achieve this.
Dr. Dan is a graduate of Logan College of Chiropractic (Spring 1998). He teaches anatomy, physiology, nutrition, pathology, and kinesiology in Missouri and Illinois. When not teaching, Dr. Dan runs a private chiropractic practice in Swansea, Illinois.

Daniel LaCroix, LMT,  Level V Myofascial Release Instructor

Daniel is a French therapist specializing in soft tissue manipulation; more than 75% of his work is a combination of myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, and lymph drainage.  Daniel experienced the benefits of this approach during his own journey to healing.  Many of his clients are referred by doctors and medical staff for relief of symptoms from chronic pain, car accident injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, cancer, surgery, as well as childhood abuse; he feels very blessed to share what he has learned from world-renowned therapists with his clients.  His education and training include the Updledger Institute of Florida, the Myofascial Release Treatment Center in Arizona, Invitation of Life Association in France, Musculoskeletal Rehab Inc. of Florida, and the Healing Arts Center.

Anne Childers, L.M.T., N.C.T.M.B., Level I Technique

 Anne Childers helps students build their massage therapy foundation. In class, she provides an enjoyable and safe environment for students to learn and express themselves through massage therapy. Bringing four years of bodywork experience, including maintaining her own practice and business in St. Louis, Anne believes that growing as a therapist comes from focusing first on the basics. She enjoys witnessing students gain confidence in their work encouraging their own intuitive expressions. Anne also has a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts and is a Yoga Instructor. She creates a space for students of all backgrounds to enhance their path toward a fulfilling career.

Laura Weiss, L.M.T, N.C.T.M.B., Level II Technique and Level IV Business

Laura is a 1997 graduate of the Healing Arts Center and currently teaches Business Mastery and Prenatal Massage.  She has continued her studies in the healing arts to include Reiki Mastery, Karuna Reiki Mastery, Pranic Healing, Transformational Breath Facilitator, and has become Certified in Himalayan Chakra Healing Bowl Therapy.  Other studies include La Stone Therapy, Craniosacral Therapy, Doula, Deep Tissue work, and Myofascial Release.  She brings with her 11 years of knowledge and business experience as the owner of The Tranquil Touch in Greenville, Illinois and is thrilled to be back at the Healing Arts Center as a part of the staff.

Brigid Clarkin, LMT  Student Clinic Supervisor

Brigid earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from St. Mary’s University and is a 2001 graduate of the Healing Arts Center.  Having always been interested in the mind-body connection and how it relates to health, massage therapy allows her to witness firsthand the transformative effect touch has on the whole person.  Brigid views massage as a triangular transformation, where energy circulates freely [between/through] the muscle groups, the client and the therapist.  Healing Arts Center students learn that massage is so much more than relaxation.  After experiencing this in their own bodies, the students then have the wonderful experience of practicing on the public in the student clinic.  As a supervisor in this clinic, Brigid is honored to lead the students through the process of giving a massage in a professional and compassionate manner.  She encourages presence, communication and critical thinking in the students.  The students feel supported and with this confidence feel prepared to graduate and start their own practice.  Brigid also has a private practice and works with clients at the Healing Arts Center.  She has an integrative approach utilizing Swedish Massage, Deep Touch, Myofascial Release, Reiki and Pranic Healing.

Dawn Gorsuch-Blunt, L.M.T., N.C.T.M.B., Student Clinic Supervisor

Dawn believes that everyone has the power within to heal themselves.  She brings to each session over ten years of experience in Massage Therapy, Healthcare and Business Management.  Dawn is a 2004 graduate of the Healing Arts Center Massage Therapy Training Program.  She specifically practices Myofascial Release, Deep Tissue, Reiki and Integrated Massage.  As a Student Clinic Supervisor, she likes to help students develop a solid foundation in the fundamental techniques.  Dawn enjoys observing the students as their technique evolves and becomes their own.  She likes to encourage students to utilize all educational resources available to them in the program and to keep an open mind.  Dawn feels very grateful to be a part of the staff at the Healing Arts Center.

Healing Arts Center 2601 South Big Bend Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri 63143
Phone: 314-647-8080, Toll-Free: 1-866-647-8080, Fax: 314-647-8134