Meet Our Team
With a passion for teaching and a commitment to your success, our instructors provide personalised mentorship and real-world insights, empowering you to master both the art and science of massage therapy.
Gemma Ryan
Founder, Senior Instructor
Gemma Ryan is the founder, senior instructor, and verifier of HCTI. She is a veteran massage
practitioner with certification in scientific, medical, and clinical massage therapy. Passionate
about promoting and developing the massage industry, she works to graduate massage
practitioners who are competent and effective in their areas of expertise. Her focus is on
innovation, regional expansion, and the growth of the industry.
Ms. Ryan is also a medical herbalist and a member of the National Institute of Medical
Herbalism (MNIMH), as well as a co-founder of Herbal Corner, the Therapeutic Institute.
In addition, she develops and delivers tailored nutritional seminars and corporate health and
wellbeing programs. An experienced facilitator, Ms. Ryan is equally comfortable working
one-on-one or with small groups. She believes that nutrition is the key to a healthier life, and
that we can all play an active role in improving our overall health and vitality. Her goal is
always to deliver clear, concise, and effective information to those seeking to make better
nutraceutical and physiological choices in their lives.
Larry Ross
Assessor, Internal Verifier
Mr. Larry Ross is a physio-technologist and hydro-therapist. He is a senior instructor,
assessor, and internal verifier with over seventeen (17) years of experience in the modalities
of medical/clinical massage.
Mr. Ross has been a part of HCTI since its inception. He is very generous with the time he
spends with candidates, both within the classroom environment and with graduates who are
in practice. His sessions are enjoyable, and he creates a “want to learn” atmosphere that is
engaging and inclusive, acknowledging the diverse nature of all candidates’ backgrounds and
learning styles. He is passionate about developing candidates with the expertise needed for a
long and successful career as colleagues in this industry.
Ronald Ryan
Program Coordinator, Instructor
Ronald Ryan is a licensed Massage Practitioner (LMP) with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in
Natural Health Education. He is a remedial massage instructor with over 16 years of
experience in the industry, spanning corporate, sports, and clinical practice.
Mr. Ryan has been a FIFA coach for the past nine years and has training in the fields of
mediation and counseling. This personal development expertise allows him to challenge and
encourage candidates to reach a greater level of self-belief, providing them with the
opportunity to develop their full potential and achieve the success they deserve. When
combining this expertise with his passion for sharing knowledge, he creates a relaxed,
collaborative, and engaging learning environment. In this setting, candidates can realize their
potential, both socially and professionally, by managing the rational guidelines and practicum
in professional massage therapy.
Noel Francis
Instructor
Noel Francis graduated from HCTI Massage School and Certification Centre as a clinical
geriatric massage therapist. He has worked for the past eight years in the health home care
community, providing services to patients in their homes as part of their rehabilitation from
hospital admissions and aged care packages.
After successfully acquiring his Professional Certification, B.Sc., and instructor training
development, Mr. Francis embraced the opportunity to exercise his passion as an industry
trainer. He ensures that learners gain knowledge and experience in a supportive and
integrated environment. He teaches in multiple disciplines of study and has a strong passion
for supporting the development and professionalism of the industry.
Julia Thomas-Ross
Chairperson/Instructor
Julia Thomas-Ross is a licensed Massage Practitioner (LMP) and the chairperson of the
HCTI Structural Committee. Ms. Thomas-Ross exercises appropriate oversight over the
institution’s integrity, assigns tasks and responsibilities. She allocates and directs resources,
makes decisions, enforces compliance, identifies risks, and creates plans to mitigate them.
Ms. Thomas-Ross is an engaging instructor who offers a unique style that prioritizes
participation and empowerment. She is trained in mediation and counseling and has a record
of accomplishment in youth development, stemming from her many years with the Ministry
of National Security.
Shermeka John
Communications Coordinator/Instructor
Ms. John is a well-rounded communications coordinator with experience in the health and
wellness field. Her commitment to massage therapy is demonstrated through her dedication
to raising awareness of the massage industry and the numerous health benefits it provides.
Ms, John’s dedication is visible at HCTI, where she serves as both the communications
coordinator and instructor. In this role, she is responsible for maintaining clear
communication channels between candidates and lecturers at HCTI, ensuring that
professional excellence is upheld.
Embrace the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives and unlock your potential in the science of massage therapy. Enroll today and start your journey toward a gratifying and impactful career!
Explore our programme now!
HCTI Massage School and Certification Centre 