Meet The Instructors And Staff
Rebecca Farraway
President & Owner, Zion Massage College
Rebecca Farraway is the President and Owner of Zion Massage College in St. George, Utah. With decades of experience in wellness education and holistic health, Rebecca founded the college with a vision to create a nurturing, professional learning environment where students develop both the technical skills and the compassionate presence needed to become exceptional massage therapists.
In addition to her leadership at Zion Massage College, Rebecca owns Ashibar Spa, a Moroccan-inspired wellness retreat, and Nomad Yurts, a boutique lodging destination near Lake Powell. She is also the co-owner of Knead 2 Adjust, a walk-in stretch therapy and chiropractic clinic focused on accessible, everyday wellness.
Rebecca’s professional background includes extensive training in Thai massage, traditional medicine, and integrative healing practices. She leads international study abroad programs in Thailand and Cambodia, offering students hands-on experiences in traditional healing, cultural immersion, and spiritual learning.
Her passion for education extends beyond the classroom—Rebecca regularly teaches courses in Thai bodywork, professional ethics, and health and safety. She also develops communications and advocacy efforts that support high standards in the massage therapy field.
When she’s not teaching or mentoring students, Rebecca enjoys cooking healthy meals, exploring global healing traditions, and traveling with her students and family.
Christina Frantzen, LMT, MLD-C
Program Director / Instructor
After graduating from Massage School in 2000, Christina spent many years in the Destination Spa atmosphere in Southern California. She brings over 10+ years of Spa Management Experience including experience in Managing the #1 Spa in the Nation, Conde Nast Traveler.
In addition to her experience with massage therapy, Christina holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology, a Bachelor’s of Health Sciences with an emphasis in Physical Therapy and Medical Social Work and, an Associate’s of Science.
In 2014 Christina moved from California to St. George. Upon moving to St. George, she began working at MoVara Fitness Resort and Spa as an LMT and, also began working as an Instructor at Zion Massage College. From the moment we met Christina, the ZMC team knew that she was a valuable and perfect match for our college’s mission, values and for the quality education, which we continually strive to give our students.
Christina loves to hike in nature, spending time with those closest to her, and learning. Christina specializes in a variety of modalities but has extensively studied WATSU and other water based modalities such as Aquatic Integration. Christina is a strong advocate of lifelong learning within the massage therapy profession. She takes new continuing education classes each year and believes that it is imperative that all LMTs make time for continuing their education in the exciting field of massage therapy.
Rocio Lopez
Administrative Assistant / Instructor / Teaching Assistant
Originally from California, Rocio has resided in St. George for the last several years. She has an Associate Degree from Dixie State University. She loves helping the students, staff members and guests at Zion Massage College. Her calm, kind nature, intelligence, and ability to listen to others are a breath of fresh air to everyone that meets her. When not working, you can find her spending time with family, playing with her mini Schnauzer, or reading a book. We are so grateful to have her as part of our team.
Kate McKinnon
Admissions Advisor
Kate was born and raised in Sandy, Utah. She moved to southern Utah a few years ago and is gradually adapting to the heat. She went to school at Southern Utah University and got her Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology. She is currently working towards a Masters of Business Administration with an emphasis in Business Analytics. When she isn’t assisting ZMC students or going to school, she can be found painting, doing a spa routine, or diligently researching whatever arbitrary topic happens to pop into her head. Kate has a love and fascination with holistic health and Eastern medicine practices. She greatly enjoys working with people, and making sure everyone has access to the resources and information they need. She has a strong belief in our Mission Statement and will do anything she can to ensure that both current and potential students have everything they need to thrive.
Everett Hunt, LMT, SI
Instructor
Everett attended UCMT in Salt Lake City, Utah, 2005-2006. During that time, he learned how fascia can be changed to manipulate and shape the body. Not knowing where massage therapy would eventually take him, Everett found his path with Structural Integration. After graduating in March of 2006,Everett completed a graduate program with Structural Bodyworks in Kaysville, Utah. Following school, Everett began working in Park City, Utah and quickly built a clientele consisting of Olympic skiers and gymnasts. After gaining valuable experience, Everett eventually moved to St. George where he works as the Spa Manager at Sagestone Spa. Everett practices and embodies his belief that through proper body mechanics as taught in school, therapists can enjoy a massage career which spans many decades.
Karey Kosorok, MS, LMT, CLT
Instructor
Tami Painton, LMT, CFZP - DOPL License #12837693-4701
Instructor
Tami has always had a passion for continuing education, especially with regards to the human body and its amazing healing powers. After receiving her college degree in Health Promotion from BYU, she has, in some way, been involved in the health and wellness industry for over 25 years.
While living in Hawaii, Tami discovered her passion for holistic health and the benefits of combining Eastern and Western medicine and the importance of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health to help individuals heal and become the best versions of themselves. Tami was certified as a Foot Zone Practitioner in 2017. Foot Zoning can help release energetic and emotional energy and aid in healing the body through acupressure points in the feet that once activated sends healing information in the form of electromagnetic impulses throughout the entire body, bringing the four bodies of health back into balance. After she moved to St. George with her kids in 2018, Tami was certified as an Instructor for the Foot Zone certification course and then became a Licensed Massage Therapist after graduating from Zion Massage College. Tami has a private practice here in St George and enjoys teaching at Zion Massage College and passing along her excitement of learning about the human body.
Come join us on this journey. Let’s learn together, work together and heal together.
Samantha Brown, LMT
Clinic Facilitator and Instructor / Teaching Assistant
Samantha Brown is a born and raised local of Saint George Utah. She studied Massage Therapy at Zion Massage College and graduated in 2018. She has an extensive resume with multiple bodywork jobs around southern Utah and recently became a Clinic Facilitator with ZMC. With her passion for learning and striving to be better, she has continued learning by taking additional continuing education hours and other certifications in the field. Working multiple jobs at a time, she is also enrolled in the Teachers Assistant program to become an instructor with the school. When she isn’t working or learning, she spends time with her friends, family, her loving boyfriend and their pitbull Gypsy. Her active lifestyle includes daily exercise, new adventures, her favorite music, some great food and receiving regular massages.
Jessie Lyman, LMT, Reiki Master - DOPL License #12529715-4701
Clinic Facilitator
Jessie is a licensed massage therapist and Reiki Master with a passion for helping others heal and grow. She graduated from Healing Mountain Massage School in 2021 and has been practicing massage therapy for four years, blending structural bodywork with intuitive energy work to support whole body wellness and health.
Originally from northern Utah, Jessie relocated to St. George in 2024 and now serves as a clinic facilitator and teaching assistant at Zion Massage College. She finds great joy in mentoring students and inspiring them as they begin their own journeys into bodywork and holistic health. Jessie has been a Reiki Master for over five years and brings a grounded, compassionate presence to every session. She has a deep love for anatomy, structural integration, and continuing education, always seeking to expand her knowledge and refine her skills. Outside of the clinic, Jessie enjoys reading, hiking, practicing yoga, and spending time with her animals, friends, and family.
Dexter Merkling, DC, AC, LMT - DOPL Licenses #12810927-4810; 12810927-1202
Clinic Facilitator
Dr Dexter Merkling was born and raised in Colorado, where he grew up loving the outdoors and playing music. Since then he has spent over half his life working in the hands on health care field. First as a massage therapist, where he took his training on the road to 5 different states. He has continued his education to include a degree in Athletic Training and becoming a Doctor of Chiropractic. His focus is on injury recovery and getting people back to doing the activities they love to do. He spent his first years as a Massage Therapist at Massage Envy, helping as many different people from every walk of life. Then went on to work with Santa Clara University Rugby and their club sports teams as an Athletic trainer. Now he has his own private practice where he incorporates all of his training to care for his patients.
Dagny Lavaki
Financial Aid Advisor
Dagny values the simple things in life—spending time with her family, enjoying a good movie, reading, and exploring the world of math. She has a love for comedy, finding joy in laughter and the lighter side of life. Born in Hawaii and raised as a military child, she’s had the opportunity to experience new places and cultures, which fueled her love for trying new things. Road trips are one of her favorite ways to create lasting memories with loved ones. Recently, she earned her bachelor’s in Human Resource Management, eager to apply her knowledge and skills in the professional world. She has settled down in St. George and absolutely loves it here. For her, life is all about cherishing the small moments, learning, and creating new experiences.
Jon Stark
Bookkeeper
Jon Stark has recently retired from Rize Capital as Chief Financial Officer, overseeing all facets of the accounting and financial reporting operations for the company. Jon brings 40 years of career experience, amassing extensive knowledge and background in managing the generation of sophisticated tax reports and financial statements. Prior to joining Rize Capital, Jon spent 4 years as an Accounting Manager for a large commercial property management company in Southern California. The company managed over one hundred commercial and industrial properties along with several commercial building owners’ associations. Prior to that position, Jon was Corporate Controller for a National commercial real estate investment company. Other experience includes working as a Controller for various residential real estate developers in the Southern California Area. Jon also has owned and operated his own Income Tax Consulting and Accounting Company that assisted small businesses and individuals. He is licensed by the Internal Revenue Service as an Enrolled Agent. Jon has also taught college level courses for private and community colleges in Southern California in the areas of Accounting, Finance, and Income Tax. Jon has a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance from California Polytechnic University at Pomona. He also has earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of La Verne. Jon is a Widower and has a daughter and grandchildren. His hobbies include water sports and SCUBA Diving.
Allie Robbins
Instructor / Teaching Assistant
Allie Robbins is a licensed massage therapist from Delta, Utah. She has a passion for all things learning – especially about the body and understanding why and how it works. She graduated from Aveda Institute Provo in 2021 and has a strong desire for massage and bodywork healing.
She has a background in physical therapy offices and has a Bachelors of Science majoring in Exercise Science from Utah Tech University. After sitting in a classroom her whole life she has a newfound love as she teaches students and peers. Allie is also a Florist and enjoys being creative and artistic with beautiful florals. She is also open-water scuba certified and loves the ocean.
She has an obsession with cooking, and baking especially for her loved ones. She married her childhood best friend and loves spending time with him and her family.
Sydney Gossett
Instructor / Teaching Assistant
Sydney has always had passion for learning, personal growth, and helping people move closer to living happier and healthier lives. Her fascination with the complexities of the body, mind and the relationship between them led her to pursuing a career in Bodywork and holistic healing. After attending Massage Therapy school in 2020, she decided to become a teacher in the massage therapy field. Since graduating, she has expanded her education to include a wide variety of eastern and western modalities of massage as well as deepened her practice as an energy worker.
Her approach to holistic wellness strives to balance the body, mind and spirit of her clients as well as in her own life. As a teacher, her goal is to inspire curiosity, encourage self-discipline and growth, share wellness practices and celebrate the individual journeys of her students. The cultivation of creativity and inspired growth feeds into every aspect of her life, whether it be through bodywork, art, dance or teaching.
Sydney loves to connect with people and share what brings joy and wellness to her life, including massage therapy, breathwork, meditation, Qi Gong, medicine work, and ecstatic dance. While living in the St George, UT area for the last 4 years she has enjoyed swimming, hiking, backpacking, adventures with her dog and community events.
Lucy Bloxham
Front Desk Receptionist
Lucy Bloxham is originally from Las Vegas. You can find her helping students and clients alike at the front desk of ZMC. Lucy is proud to have three amazing daughters and loves to spend time with friends and family.
Elese Clayton
Elese is a recently licensed massage therapist and graduate from ZMC. She also has a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science from Utah Tech University. During her time at UT, she learned many valuable things about the human body that eventually led her to pursuing a massage therapy career. She loves to share her knowledge and passion for the human body with others. Elese also has a love for running, hiking, kayaking, camping, and many other outdoor activities. She also loves board games and spending time with her husband and 4 kids.
LaTressa Smith
LaTressa is a recent graduate from Zion Massage College, and is so excited to begin her new journey as a licensed massage therapist. She is passionate about helping others on their path to healing and wellness, and is looking forward to continually learning and adding new skills and modalities to her repertoire. With over 12 years of experience as a paraprofessional for the Washington County School District, she has developed a deep satisfaction in helping her students learn and grow, and has enjoyed discovering how to teach students in ways best suited to their individual learning styles. She’s thrilled to have the opportunity to help educate future massage therapists and share her love of learning with the students here at ZMC. Outside of work, LaTressa is an artist and musician, always seeking creative outlets, finding inspiration from nature, emotions, and life’s many adventures and experiences. She is especially looking forward to using music in her massage practice to help her clients find deeper comfort, relaxation, and healing. She values her family and friendships deeply, cherishing the time spent with loved ones, especially her husband, children and dog.
Teryn McLaws
Teryn grew up in North California. She attended McDaniel College and played volleyball there all four years while getting her Bachelors degree in Kinesiology. Her experiences in sports and fascination with the body led her towards a career in massage. She graduated from Zion Massage College in 2024. She started working at ZMC in 2025 and has loved every second of it. Teryn loves playing board games and video games with her family and plays volleyball every chance she can get.
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