James Dickson, Workshop Facilitator (Sebastopol, CA)

James Dickson is a certified massage therapist (CMT) and the driving energy behind Body Touch Therapy. After working as a corporate executive for many years in such companies as Charles Schwab, Etrade, Visa, Tesseract, CSAA, James received his first massage in 1998. His life was changed instantly. He started a long journey learning massage from reputable massage schools in the Bay Area. The quest continues with ongoing education.

James specializes in pain management and pain recovery.

James was originally trained in certified massage from the Body Electric School (www.thebodyelectricschool.com) from the legendary Chester Mainard (1957-2007).

James received his advanced training from the Institute of Conscious Bodywork (www.alivewell.com) in Corte Madera, CA.

James continues in this same tradition of teaching massage as a sacred healing art.

James is an experienced facilitator, with 20 years background in managing groups from his experience as a corporate executive in the Information Technology (IT) field.

Laurel Brody (Sebastopol, CA)

Laurel Brody, a licensed acupuncturist (L.Ac) & certified massage therapist (CMT), is a warm, experienced, intuitive healer who has been practicing Chinese medicine, midwifery and bodywork for over 25 years.

Laurel received her massage certification from the Massage Institute of California in 1975 and graduated from The American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 1986. She is extensively trained in Swedish-Esalen, Deep Tissue, Shiatsu and Tui Na. As a Body Electric graduate, she brings her love of sensuality and vital life force to all that she does.

Laurel has a busy clinical practice, specializing in women's health. She regularly teaches classes and workshops to acupuncturists, midwives and the public on Chinese medicine, midwifery and womens sexuality.

Laurel has surrounded herself with a lifestyle that brings harmony and balance, and contributes to the community. Her loving husband of over 25+ years, Millard Murphy, is professor at UC Davis and head of the UCD Prison clinic. His work advances sensitivity for social justice issues for the next generation of lawyers.

Laurel and Millard sponsor fundraising for the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. And before "Transition Town" and "Co-Housing Styles" became popular, Laurel helped form La Tierra in 1989, a multi-generational co-housing community (17 people) located on 15 acres west of downtown Sebastopol.

Her dynamic, earthy and attentive nature make class a fun, juicy and safe place to be—for all involved!