# Holistic Academy of Natural Disciplines - HANDS > Holistic Academy of Natural Disciplines, known as HANDS, is a premier spa nestled in the heart of Nashua, NH, dedicated to nurturing your mind, body, and spirit through the art of natural healing. Our skilled practitioners bring together a diverse range of holistic therapies, including massage, skincare, and wellness treatments, all thoughtfully designed to restore balance and promote deep relaxation. At HANDS, we believe that true well-being comes from a whole-body approach, which is why every service is tailored to meet your unique needs and personal wellness goals. Our serene and inviting environment provides the perfect sanctuary for those seeking relief from the stresses of daily life, offering a transformative experience that leaves you feeling refreshed and renewed. Whether you are treating yourself or a loved one, HANDS is your trusted destination for authentic, nature-inspired care in Nashua, NH. - Business type: Spa --- ## Core Pages - [Home](https://www.hands-nh.com/): Overview of Holistic Academy of Natural Disciplines - HANDS — who we are and what we offer - [About](https://www.hands-nh.com/about/): Company background, mission, and our story - [Services](https://www.hands-nh.com/services/): Browse our full service catalog with descriptions and pricing - [Team](https://www.hands-nh.com/team/): Meet our staff and specialists - [Contact](https://www.hands-nh.com/contact/): How to reach our team and get in touch - [Calendar](https://www.hands-nh.com/calendar/): --- ## Locations ### 142 Main Street, Suite 500 Nashua, NH 03060 - Address: Nashua, 142 Main Street, Suite 500 - Phone: (603) 490-5775 - Hours of operation: Monday: 08:30 AM–10:00 PM, Tuesday: 08:30 AM–10:00 PM, Wednesday: 08:30 AM–10:00 PM, Thursday: 08:30 AM–10:00 PM #### Reviews > "When touring massage schools, after coming to meet the program director at HANDS, I knew I had found my school. There is a strong focus on creating well rounded therapists. The classes are small and personal. Students are encouraged to find their path and explore many modalities they can use in their practices. The rolling start allows you at start on a new career path as soon as possible. I will graduate soon and feel confident and ready to enter the field." — Jamie Pica (Google, ★5) > "I have been one of Desiree’s clients for over a year and I cannot tell you how fortunate a student would be to learn from one of the most knowledgeable and motivated instructors in the area! She is truly committed, not only her clients, but to current and future therapists alike. I have had the pleasure of being a “body” for both demonstration as well as for her students to implement techniques on and each time I continue to be amazed by her ability to share her expertise in body wellness and awareness!" — C C (Google, ★5) > "I was recommended by my chiropractor to incorporate massage as part of my treatment, and he suggested I try here. I had my first of many visits with Jamie who has been such a great asset for my recovery! From my first visit with Jamie I could barely climb stairs and every step was painful. She took the time to assess my condition and explain how massage would help with recovery. Within three visits I was walking pain free and able to go about my daily activities as normal! My trouble walking was due to a very tight IT band, which could only be relieved with massage therapy. She has been a life saver and has shared so many tips on how to stay pain free in the future. She really cares about her clients well being and is always trying to get them to a place of wellness. Thank you so much for all your help and I high recommend anyone who is looking for relief to try massage therapy! -Diane Perrault" — Bruce Perrault (Google, ★5) > "I am a recent graduate from HANDS the education I got goes above and beyond anything I could have asked for. The instructors are amazing at what they do. 90% of the classes are hands on. You get to experience many different modalities that most therapists don't get to do until they are working on continuing education. If you are not willing to put in 110% this is not the school for you. But if you want to be an amazing therapist and get the best education and work on some amazing people this is where you belong. From learning swedish massage to neuromuscular techniques and then getting to take our knowledge of sports massage to the Boston Marathon HANDS provided me with everything I needed to feel confident in clinical and now on my own clients." — Katie Remick (Google, ★5) > "My experience at this massage school as a participant of their clinic massages has been excellent. I've been receiving massages from their students for a couple of years and each student has shown a vast degree of knowledge, skills, and professionalism, which they've learned from this school. Would recommend HANDS for both career seekers and massage lovers." — Michael Lofton (Google, ★5) --- ## Services ### [800-Hour Program](https://www.hands-nh.com/services/800-hour-program/) Our comprehensive 800-Hour Program provides in-depth clinical training in massage therapy, blending therapeutic techniques with natural healing principles to prepare you for a transformative career. Through hands-on education and holistic practices, you'll develop the skills and confidence to serve your community with authentic, therapeutic care. - [Anatomy & Pathology](https://www.hands-nh.com/services/800-hour-program/anatomy-pathology/): This course is divided in two units. Within each unit, student testing is an ongoing process. A mid-term is given at the end of the first unit and a final exam at the end of the completed course. The first unit will be an introduction to Anatomy and Physiology covering a brief introduction to the systems of the body. It will then continue to cover a thorough understanding of the structure and function of the musculo-skeletal systems. The second unit will cover a more in depth understanding of the systems of the body. Primary focus is on the nervous system and organs systems and how they function individually and in relation to the whole. - [Swedish](https://www.hands-nh.com/services/800-hour-program/swedish/): Swedish massage provides a foundation for continued studies in massage therapy. Students will learn the theory of massage. contraindications, effects of massage, draping and proper body mechanics. Hands-on instruction of the five basic strokes and practice with fellow students will attain the knowledge to give a full-body, one-hour Swedish treatment. - [Reflexology](https://www.hands-nh.com/services/800-hour-program/reflexology/): Reflexology is based on the theory that all body parts and organs correspond to points on the feet. Proper manipulations and techniques are taught to identify these specific points. Students will be able to perform a one-hour treatment upon completion of this course. - [Pathology, Hygiene, & Bloodborne Pathogens](https://www.hands-nh.com/services/800-hour-program/pathology-hygiene-bloodborne-pathogens/): This course provides the student with an understanding of disease, dysfunction. bloodborne pathogens, and conditions of the body that may be encountered in the practice of massage therapy. - [Hydrotherapy](https://www.hands-nh.com/services/800-hour-program/hydrotherapy/): Students will understand and learn to apply effectively, the different agents of heat and cold in body treatments. This course includes hands- on experiences designed to expose the students to current techniques and equipment. - [Neuromuscular](https://www.hands-nh.com/services/800-hour-program/neuromuscular/): Students will learn to identify tension in different layers of tissue and treat them. relieving tension and increasing circulation. The student will learn various techniques using thumbs, elbows, forearms, fingers and knuckles. - [Sports](https://www.hands-nh.com/services/800-hour-program/sports/): This course is designed to give a student the skills necessary for working with an athlete. Students will learn specific massage techniques for pre and post-event massage, rehabilitative care and range of motion. Specific injuries will be explained and identified, and students will learn how to treat those injuries appropriately. While 36 hours will be held on campus. 12 hours will be utilized working on athletes at various public sporting events. - [Chair](https://www.hands-nh.com/services/800-hour-program/chair/): In this course, students will learn creative skills and techniques to perform a professional chair massage. Chair massage is a great marketing strategy to build a practice. - [Ethics & Business](https://www.hands-nh.com/services/800-hour-program/ethics-business/): This course provides a defined understanding of the standards and professionalism necessary for massage therapists to properly represent themselves and the massage profession. In class discussion emphasizes ethical conduct and understanding the professional boundaries of massage therapy. - [Alternative Modalities](https://www.hands-nh.com/services/800-hour-program/alternative-modalities/): Students will be introduced to other therapeutic modalities in the massage profession through a hands-on approach, so they can further study upon completion of the program to better serve their clientele. Covered is the history of massage and the origins of numerous modalities. - [Traditional Oriental Medicine](https://www.hands-nh.com/services/800-hour-program/traditional-oriental-medicine/): Students will explore the basis of Oriental thinking by looking for the disharmony in the internal and external environment to treat and prevent disease. A hands-on introduction to varies eastern therapies will also be given to help round out the student's overall education. - [Acupressure](https://www.hands-nh.com/services/800-hour-program/acupressure/): This course introduces students to the basic skills and theories of acupressure. Students learn about Kyo and Jitsu, Yin and Yang, the meridians of the body, and the 5-element theory. Location and functions of acupressure points are illustrated through class instruction and hands- on practice. - [Kinesiology](https://www.hands-nh.com/services/800-hour-program/kinesiology/): Kinesiology is the study of movement in the human body. This course will explain the origin. insertion, and action of the muscles that move the body. Students will develop skills in locating boney landmarks, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and associated structures, so they can gain the ability to recognize the difference. This provides the student with the ability to understand the relationship and function of muscles to identify areas of dysfunction and pain. - [CPR/First Aid](https://www.hands-nh.com/services/800-hour-program/cpr-first-aid/): This course will provide practical instruction in CPR and basic first aid. This will develop the skills to stimulate the student's competence and confidence with respect to their client's welfare. This course will result in a two-year New Hampshire Safety Council Certification. - [Clinic](https://www.hands-nh.com/services/800-hour-program/clinic/): Students will be coordinated with the general public for massage therapy sessions, in which, the student will gain confidence and experience in different massage related circumstances. These hours will be documented in-house. - [Electives](https://www.hands-nh.com/services/800-hour-program/electives/): After attaining massage therapy certification, practicing therapists must continue their education in order to keep their licenses. HANDS offers several continuing education classes taught at our campus, to help you get the credits you need. We bring in knowledgeable and passionate guest educators to talk about their areas of expertise and provide a well-rounded education for continuing education students. With our continuing education courses, we give you the chance to gain skills you need or learn about new techniques with a flexible schedule. These hours are not part of the core curriculum but given to help guide you towards the style of massage that best suits you. - [Online Courses](https://www.hands-nh.com/services/800-hour-program/online-courses/): Anatomy & Physiology and Pathology will be offered online, in the future, to students skilled in competencies for success in online education. It requires the student to be comfortable and frequently use computers and the internet. Accomplishing an online course will necessitate good time-management ability. The student must be able to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and successfully work under pressure. --- ## Team ### Desiree Misco — President | Institute Director With nearly 20 years of experience as a licensed massage therapist, she has dedicated her career to helping others heal, relax, and reconnect with their bodies. Driven by a passion for the profession and a desire to elevate standards in the field, she founded her own massage school to provide future therapists with top-notch, high-quality education rooted in real-world experience, integrity, and compassion. Her approach blends hands-on expertise with mentorship, empowering students to build confidence, clinical skill, and a strong professional foundation. She believes massage therapy is both an art and a science, and her mission is to prepare graduates who are not only technically proficient but also deeply committed to client care. Outside of her work, she loves to travel, try new things, and challenge herself through new experiences. Most importantly, she values spending time with her family, who inspire and support her in both her personal life and professional journey. [View Profile](https://www.hands-nh.com/team/desiree-misco/) ### Joy LePage — Registrar With over 26 years of experience in law enforcement, I bring a strong foundation of professionalism, discretion, organization, and client-centered service to my work. Throughout my career, I have developed exceptional communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to create calm, welcoming environments—qualities that translate naturally into a registrar role within a spa/school setting. In addition to my public service background, I have pursued a lifelong passion for health and wellness. I have worked part-time as a personal trainer and massage therapist and have been a nationally ranked triathlete, experiences that deepened my understanding of client care, body awareness, and holistic well-being. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, spending time with my family, and caring for our animals on our farm. These experiences keep me grounded and reinforce my appreciation for balance, connection, and personalized care—values I bring to every professional interaction. I am committed to creating a warm, organized, and supportive experience for every guest and student from their first point of contact. [View Profile](https://www.hands-nh.com/team/joy-lepage/) ### Alec Misco — Reception [View Profile](https://www.hands-nh.com/team/alec-misco/) ### Mr. Murphy — Instructor Mr. Murphy is best known for his curriculum development. Utilizing his years of experience in the field of Human Services, and his education, he is able to impart a sound knowledge base from which the students can gain a strong clinical/medical sense. His interests include Physiology, Pathology, Neurology, and Psychology. When designing the Anatomy and Physiology course, he drew his content and focus from Chiropractors who go into more detail in the Skeletal, Muscular, and Nervous systems. In addition, he drew from the general focus of 2 local colleges which are strong in allied health (medical assistants, nursing, exercise physiology, etc.). Finally, he pulled from his long extensive experience in the field of Human Services where psychology, cognitive, physical, and genetic disorders permeate. He integrated this experience also into the anatomical and physiological aspect of the course. What started as a hygiene course in response to the "universal precautions initiative" emanating from the late 1980's, has evolved into a pathology course. Mr. Murphy developed the Hygiene and Pathology course which provided a sound clinical education. One of the institutes Mr. Murphy worked at, was becoming known for their clinical education as graduated students entered the workforce utilizing their learned knowledge impressing those around them. Incorporated into the class is immunology, nutrition, psychology, clinical nomenclature (medical terminology), genetics, etc. Mr. Murphy's background includes: 25+ years in Human Services working with clients with various disorders such as Cerebral Palsy, Autism (including Rett Syndrome, Asperger's), Prader-Willi, Sturge-Weber, PKU, Down's Syndrome, pica, epilepsy, Alzheimer's Disease, Hydrocephaly, Poliomyelitis, Williams syndrome, OCD, addictive disorders, etc. Mr. Murphy has been a professor at several Institutes/Colleges since 2003 including New Hampshire Technical Institute, Hesser College, and North Eastern Institute of Whole Health. His courses included Anatomy and Physiology, Human Biology, Hygiene and Pathology, Business Outside the Box. He also taught a non-credit course called "Physiology of Developmental Disabilities", and two seminars, on entitled "The Etiology of Mental Retardation, the other "Autism". Mr. Murphy is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and has a Bachelors degree from University of Massachusetts. He also teaches First Aid and CPR at his workplace. [View Profile](https://www.hands-nh.com/team/mr-murphy/) ### Tim — Instructor I'm Tim Salisbury, licensed massage therapist, and owner of Gate City Therapeutic Massage LLC. My mission is to help provide pain relief for the neck, back, and shoulders. I'm a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. So, I understand loyalty, honor, and duty and what it means to put others before myself. For the past few years, I have had the pleasure to team up with the Veterans Administration to provide therapeutic massage for pain relief and pain management to a wide range of my fellow veterans. From the Vietnam era to the present day. Besides being a Marine Corps veteran, I am also a former long-distance runner, construction worker, and mechanic. This I feel makes me uniquely qualified to understand what it is like to feel neck, back, and hip pain firsthand, and how to deal with them. In 2005, I was very unhappy in my job as a mechanic, and longing for a career change. I used to receive massages on a somewhat regular basis. Then one day while driving by Nashua Community College, the sign out front read, "Massage Therapy Program open house." At the encouragement of my wife, I attended the open house. It seems like before I knew it, I enrolled in the program, and sitting in an Anatomy and Physiology class. I knew right away that I had made the right decision, and this is my calling. And as they say, "I never looked back." By far, the best job decision I have ever made. [View Profile](https://www.hands-nh.com/team/tim/) ### Cheryl — Office Manager | Student Liaison Cheryl commenced her professional journey at Middlesex Community College. Subsequently, she was appointed as a supervisor of medical equipment development at Kollsman. Upon her retirement, she joined HANDS as the Office Manager and the student liaison. [View Profile](https://www.hands-nh.com/team/cheryl/) ### Phil Kuns — Instructor Phil Kuns is a lifelong learner, creative craftsman, and passionate observer of the natural world. With a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, he brings a thoughtful, analytical approach to everything he does — from his work in the classroom to his time spent outdoors. A voracious reader, Phil explores nearly every subject he can get his hands on. His love of books fuels his curiosity and shapes his perspective, allowing him to move comfortably between ideas, disciplines, and conversations. ### A Chef’s Precision, Brought Into Teaching With over 20 years of experience as a professional chef, Phil developed a deep understanding of technique, timing, and the discipline required to master a craft. Those years in the kitchen shaped his teaching style in powerful ways: * He breaks down complex skills into clear, manageable steps * He teaches with patience, structure, and hands‑on clarity * He understands how people learn through doing, not just listening * He brings creativity and adaptability to every lesson Phil’s culinary background gives him a unique ability to guide others — blending precision, encouragement, and real‑world experience to help students grow with confidence. ### Wild Bird Enthusiast Outside of teaching, Phil is an avid wild bird enthusiast, finding peace and inspiration in observing birds in their natural habitats. This passion reflects his appreciation for quiet observation, detail, and the interconnectedness of the natural world. Blending intellectual curiosity, practical expertise, and a deep love of nature, Phil brings a rare balance of thoughtfulness and creativity to every part of his life. ---