
Holistic Wellness
Certificate Program
Holistic health and wellness is a state of well-being which brings about an optimal level of physical, mental, and spiritual functioning. Because of the nature of some programs, more emphasis may be placed on one of the main components of holistic health and wellness. However, each holistic workshop is designed to encompass mind, body, and spirit. The hours may be applied towards satisfying some of the training requirements for a massage technician license. A certificate of completion will be awarded upon successful completion of 100 hours of instruction. The certificate program must be completed within a three-year period. Programs are subject to cancellation if minimum enrollment is not met. If a participant is not interested in the Wellness Certificate, these programs may be taken on an individual basis. Attendance at all meetings is required to obtain instruction hours towards the Wellness Certificate. Each program's hours may be applied only once towards certificate. These workshops are currently not applicable for Continuing Education Hours by the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork.
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Golden West College Community Services is an approved school recognized by the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB), school ID number 322303. It is also recognized by the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP).
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3 meetings
Mondays, June 30 - July 14
6:30 - 9:30 pm
Community Center 102
4785.001
Presenter: Deborah Halvorson, BA, RA - Is Registered Aromatherapist and Herbalist who has been working with essential oils for over 15 years. She is the Orange County Director for the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy and serves on NAHA’s Ethics Committee. She is also a member of Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals and the American Herbalist Guild.
Presenter: Deborah Halvorson, BA, RA - Is Registered Aromatherapist and Herbalist who has been working with essential oils for over fifteen years. She is the Orange County Director for the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy and serves on NAHA’s Ethics Committee. She is also a member of Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals and the American Herbalist Guild.
Practical Nutrition
This program takes a look at nutrition in a way that it can be easily understood and applied to your everyday life. You will learn what the vitamins and minerals do for your body and health and what micro and macro nutrition are. You will also be learning about food additives, foods that break the body down and super foods that make you healthy and strong. You will also be given a Bio Impedance Analysis test to determine your body composition, cellular health and the calories that you need every day. Blood is drawn to determine your specific blood type diet. From this information you will be guided in creating your perfect diet plan specific to your needs and how to implement it immediately into your life. A $15 fee for Bio Impedance Analysis test is payable at the workshop.
Program fee $88
3 meetings
Mondays, July 14 - 28
6:30 - 9:30 pm
Administration 209
4781.001
Presenter: Dr. Elizabeth Burklee - Is a graduate of Utah State University and Palmer College of Chiropractic. She has worked in the Biotech/Pharmaceutical industry and has a private practice.
Raw Foods
Introduction to Hand, Foot and Ear Reflexology
The program is an introduction to the ancient art of hand, foot and ear massage. Reflexology is a massage technique that uses reflex points on the hands, feet and ears to stimulate nerve endings relating to other parts of the body. Help yourself and others release stress and tension throughout the body with this “hands-on” learning experience. Bring a towel and wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that will easily allow you to bare your feet and lower legs. A $6 materials fee is payable at the workshop.
Program fee $62
1 meeting
Saturday, July 26
10 am - 5 pm
Community Center 102
5310.001
Presenter: Kathleen Mondello - Is a Holistic Massage Therapist currently in practice in Orange County.
Hatha Yoga
Hatha Yoga can recharge, renew, and revitalize your life through scientific, simple stretches. The postures can help to increase flexibility, muscle and bone strength, create lean muscle, and decrease body fat. With the use of effective and dynamic breathing, it reduces symptoms of anxiety and improves your general mood, enhancing your overall psychological well-being. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a mat or towel.
11 meetings
Tuesdays, June 10 - August 19
6 - 7:30 pm
Rec Ed 100
9243.001
Program fee $103
Presenter: Nanc Hemp
7 meetings
Mondays, June 16 - July 28
6:30 - 8 pm
Rec Ed 100
9243.002
Program fee $66
Presenter: Diane Pavesic
About our presenters...
Nanc Hemp - Has taught yoga through community college and parks and recreation departments in Orange County for over 20 years. She has been trained the traditional yogic way and she enjoys sharing the principles of hatha yoga and its revitalizing benefits.
Diane Pavesic, E-RYT, BSN, - Is a registered nurse and certified yoga teacher registered by Yoga Alliance. She emphasizes the holistic health benefits of yoga in her teaching.
Thai Yoga Massage
Thai Yoga Massage is an ancient form of touch therapy. In this introduction to Traditional Thai Healing, participants will learn to use their hands, elbows, knees, feet, and thumbs to effectively apply therapeutic pressure to others and move them gently but firmly into various yoga postures. Participants will also learn proper breathing and meditative and visualization techniques. Basic Hatha Yoga techniques will be covered. Wear loose clothing and bring a towel, blanket and yoga mat.
Program fee $89
1 meeting
Saturday, June 28
9 am - 6 pm
Community Center 102
5329.001
Presenter: Yosel Tarnofsky - Is an internationally recognized teacher, writer and holistic practitioner. He has been a pioneer in the alternative healing movement for over 35 years. Mr. Tarnofsky is also one of the first people in the U.S. to practice and teach this complete and powerful form of healing hands medicine.
Pilates
Pilates is based on the original work of Joseph Pilates. It is the art and science of controlled fluid movement. With the use of specific breathing, Pilates focuses on the core - your center of gravity - including the lower back, the abdomen and buttocks. It also enhances strength, muscular symmetry flexibility, grace, and concentration.Your body will be able to perform increasingly complex movements with balance, control, and ease. You must be in good physical condition to take this program. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a mat.
Program fee $65
8 meetings
Wednesdays, June 25 - August 13
6:30 - 7:30 pm
Community Center 102
9240.001
Presenter: Jonathan Calderwood - Is a certified Pilates instructor and practitioner and has a B.A. in dance from UC Irvine.
Reiki I
The Usui System of Natural Healing
Modern science has proved that everything, animate and inanimate, is nothing but energy vibrating at different rates. In this workshop you will learn how to permanently tap into the source of all energy and use it to increase the physical and mental health of yourself and others; improve relationships, finances, work situations, creativity, etc.; and become the master of your life. You will feel this energy flowing through your hands and understand why the use of touch has been acknowledged and practiced as an important aspect in the healing arts for thousands of years. Practitioners certificate awarded. Attendance at first meeting is mandatory or participant may not attend second meeting. No makeup sessions. Bring a light lunch.
Program fee $150
2 meetings
Saturdays, July 12 &19
9 am - 4 pm
Rec Ed 100
4795.001
Presenter: Timothy Stuetz - Is a Reiki, Avesa Quantum Energy, Taiji, Qigong, Yoga, and Meditation Master who has helped people attain their maximum personal and professional potential for over 25 years.
Introduction to Acupressure
Acupressure is the ancient healing art that uses the fingers and thumbs to press key points on the body to stimulate the body’s natural self-curative abilities. This workshop introduces the theories of “chi” and 14 energy meridians. Participants will learn practical techniques that can be used on themselves or others. The hands-on portion of this workshop will be performed on massage tables. Resource fact sheets charting the meridians and common points will be provided. Bring a beach towel or sheet and wear loose, comfortable clothing. A $5 fee for materials is payable at the workshop.
Program fee $62
1 meeting
Saturday, August 16
10 am - 4:30 pm
Community Center 103
4811.001
Presenter: Gretchen Thomas - Is a Nationally Certified and Licensed Massage Therapist and Acupressure Practitioner who has been teaching bodywork for several years.
Head, Neck, & Shoulder Massage
Learn basic Swedish massage and acupressure techniques that will help reduce the tightness and minor aches and pains in the high-tension areas of the head, neck, and shoulders. In this “hands-on” workshop you will be introduced to self-massage, and learn massage methods that can give relief to friends and loved ones. Bring a towel and wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. A $5 fee for materials is payable at the workshop.
Program fee $62
1 meeting
Saturday, August 2
10 am - 4:30 pm
Community Center 102
5306.001
Presenter: Gretchen Thomas - Is a Nationally Certified and Licensed Massage Therapist and Acupressure Practitioner who has been teaching bodywork for several years.
Introduction to Chair Massage
Participants will learn to give massage with the client fully clothed in a sitting position. No oil is used. The workshop will focus primarily on the high-tension areas of the neck, shoulders, arms and upper back, including massage strokes as well as acupressure points. Participants will learn “hands-on” techniques and will practice on each other. Anatomy of the shoulder and back will be discussed as well as licensing and insurance issues. Professional massage chairs are not provided; if you have one, please bring it. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. A $5 fee for materials is payable at the workshop.
Program fee $62
1 meeting
Saturday, July 19
10 am - 4:30 pm
Community Center 102
4813.001
Presenter: Gretchen Thomas - Is a Nationally Certified and Licensed Massage Therapist and Acupressure Practitioner who has been teaching bodywork for several years.
Chronic Neck Pain
Whiplash and Torticollis ![]()
Prerequisite: Completion of 100 hours of basic Swedish Massage Technique
Treating neck pain and cervical injuries requires assessment, palpation skills and an understanding of the Range of Motion of each structure involved. At the end of this workshop, participants will be able to demonstrate competency in identifying, palpating and treating several neck muscles (SCM, Levator Scapula, Scalenes, Sub-Occipitals), associated structures and endangerment areas. Participants will be able to address correct treatment approaches from the onset of the condition through rehabilitation (MET/PNF), following easy to understand treatment plans that fall under the Acute, Sub-Acute or Chronic Stage of Inflammation. Both syndromes, Whiplash and Torticollis will be reviewed. Hours may be used as 25 Holistic Wellness hours or 25 Hours NCBTMB Continuing Education Hours. Continuing Education Provider approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB), Provider #450015-06. Participants must attend all sessions to receive certification. Wear comfortable clothing. Bring two sheets, one pillow, one pillow case, lotion or oil, and 12 colored pencils. One homework assignment will be due to complete certification. A $10 fee for materials is payable at the first meeting.
Program fee $192
4 meetings
Saturdays, July 12 - August 2
10 am - 5 pm
Community Center 103
5247.001
Not available by touch-tone or online registration
Presenter: Jeannette Cunniff - Is a Medical and Sports Injuries Instructor and is an NCBTMB Continuing Education Provider. She has worked with Discovery U.S.A. an Olympic Development Committee as a consultant and therapist.

Presenter: Diana Shakarian - Holds a Ph.D. in Kinesiology and has taught at the university level for over 15 years. She has been a student of Eastern philosophy and energy arts since 1974, is a certified Reiki practitioner, and practices T’ai Chi, Qigong and meditation daily.
Presenter: Diana Shakarian - Holds a Ph.D. in Kinesiology and has taught at the university level for over 15 years. She has been a student of Eastern philosophy and energy arts since 1974, is a certified Reiki practitioner, and practices T’ai Chi, Qigong and meditation daily.