a 501(c)3 Organization
Bonnie Thompson, LMT, CNMT
Founder, Board Chairperson
As a respected author, professor, and licensed massage therapist for more than 30 years, Bonnie has devoted her life to exploration and teaching the intricacies of the human body. A graduate of the Colorado Institute of Massage Therapy, Bonnie first opened her Neuromuscular Massage practice in 1987.
Treating many patients with chronic pain, Bonnie immediately recognized the need to better understand and advance her knowledge of human anatomy and its functions. In 1994, Bonnie began her studies in dissection with world renowned anatomist Gil Hedley and later was an invited author by the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies.
Her vision intensified while working on various projects throughout her career. In addition, she taught for schools both nationally and internationally where she has consistently inspired a community of practitioners. Bonnie’s diversity and practical experience in the fields of anatomy and neuromuscular therapy, combined with her knowledge and passion has grown into this viable dream of creating a non-profit organization that is dedicated to anatomical education and research.
James Pulciani, BS, CMT, L.Ac.
Executive Director
James has devoted his life to healing and teaching holistic medicine. Respected author, consultant, and professor, Jim has touched the lives of not only his many clients, but students and colleagues as well. His books Holistic Bodywork: Blending Modern and Ancient Bodywork Principles, and Traditional Chinese Medicine: An Elemental Approach are standard text for associate degree programs and instructor training programs throughout the United States.
Through his work with program development and keynote speaking engagements, James shares his knowledge utilizing innovative and interesting educational methods, often being in high demand by both schools and students alike. Combining a talent for teaching with unparalleled knowledge and skill in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Massage Therapy, James shares his passion and love for healing in effort to alleviate imbalance for all that seek mind, body, and spirit restoration.
James is integral to the Institute for Anatomical Research where he will work to develop new protocols, modalities and develop curriculum to expand the knowledge of anatomy for a versatile community of practitioners.
Gil Hedley, PhD.
President, Board
Gil Hedley, Ph.D., has been teaching dissection anatomy courses from an integral perspective since 1995. He is the producer of The Integral Anatomy Series, author of numerous books, and has lectured widely in the USA and abroad. Gil's academic background in ethics has shaped his development of the field of integral anatomy, and brought a unique perspective to folks from many modalities in the health, fitness, and hands-on bodywork fields. He feels honored to be a part of the team at the Institute for Anatomical Research, and is keen to promote, support and develop its educational service mission.
Kelley Robinson
Treasurer
Kelley graduated from Colorado Institute of Massage Therapy in 2017. She is certified in Neuromuscular Therapy, personal training, and specializes in trigger point and injury rehab. During her time at CIMT, she became a volunteer at the Institute for Anatomical Research. She continues work at the Institute and is an instructor at the Colorado Institute of Massage Therapy.
Vicki Corrion
Secretary
As a consultant, Vicki provides Human Resources services for the Colorado Springs Conservatory and provides expertise in the areas of Compliance, Recruitment, Employee Relations, and Performance Management. Prior to the Conservatory Vicki spent over 35 years of service in the corporate arena, most recently as the Assistant Vice President of HR for Great-West Financial Services. In addition she spent time working for Lockheed Martin as well as the United States Court of Appeals. Vicki feels strongly about the importance of building strong and effective relationships both personally and professionally.
Nikki Alvaran
Board Member
Nikki graduated from the Colorado Institute of Massage Therapy in 2013 after receiving a Health Science degree in Sports Conditioning and Training from the University of Colorado- Colorado Springs. She is certified in neuromuscular massage therapy, Thai yoga massage, cupping therapy and hot stone massage and specialize in sports, injury rehab and trigger point. In addition to her massage credentials include an ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist and an instructor and administrator at the Colorado Institute of Massage Therapy since 2014. She believes that now is the time for people to take back control of their health and wellness and wants to provide them with the tools to achieve their goals and make positive changes in their lives.
Rachel Scott, MSci, MFA, E-RYT 500
Board Member
An expert in yoga education, Rachel helps studios and teachers around the world create transformational education experiences so that they can thrive in their business, share their passion, and support more people to integrate wellness into their lives. Her extensive knowledge and experience include earning two master’s degrees, authoring five books, leading over twenty 200-hour teacher trainings, building a teacher training department for a national yoga studio, and working in yoga studio management for more than fifteen years. She is passionate about whole body wellness, and excited to support the mission of the Institute for Anatomical Research.
Carla Oliva, BS, LMT, NCPT
Operations Manager / Volunteer Coordinator
A Licensed Massage Therapist and Pilates studio owner and educator, Carla's journey into understanding human anatomy and movement began in 1995 while attaining her Bachelor degree in Physical Education in São Paulo, Brazil. Her passion for posture, alignment, and movement led her to attain her Pilates certification thru BASI® in 2011 and to participating in hands-on human dissection courses in the cadaver laboratory, beginning with Gil Hedley in 2012. Nine years later, Carla moved to Colorado Springs to assist Gil Hedley on his project, Anatomy from A to Z. In addition to teaching dissection workshops, Carla is also the Volunteer Coordinator and Operations Manager for the Institute for Anatomical Research.