Nashville Academy of Reflexology is part of a movement to demystify and bring recognition to a health profession that is practiced worldwide. For better health, reflexology works!
In the words of school founder, Gaia Tossing,
"I want to live in a world where safe and effective Reflexology is understood, respected, and available to everyone, so I have created Nashville Academy of Reflexology, LLC. Through the school's training programs, public classes, reflexology clinic, and community outreach, we are:
- advocating for safe and effective reflexology
- educating consumers and professionals on the facts about reflexology
- training competent, caring, and highly qualified reflexologists
- providing the experience of reflexology to the community
I welcome you to join the movement and become a Reflexology Advocate with us. Help spread the word about our informative programs and student intern clinic. Attend classes and learn more about reflexology for better health. If you feel inspired, come to the school and see what we are about. We welcome you to consider becoming a professional practitioner. Together we can bring this valuable health field to the light."
Dr. Baily served as the director for Adult Student Services at Middle Tennessee State University for nearly 20 years. She also held administrative positions at Tennessee State University, Cumberland University, Harding Academy, and Vanderbilt University prior to MTSU. She was awarded the King-Hampton Award at MTSU for her service to women students and staff on campus as well as the William Kadel Award from Eckerd College for achievement in her career field.
She earned the doctorate degree in Higher Education Administration from Peabody College of Vanderbilt University with a focus on adult learning and serving adult learners in higher education.
Jan Schim, LMT, has held instructor positions at the Natural Health Institute, Anthem Career College and Genesis Career College where she taught numerous classes in CranioSacral Therapy, Lymphatic Drainage, Business, Law, Ethics, Fundamentals of Massage, Reflexology, and the Sciences. She co-founded East Meets West Holistic Education Center to offer continuing education in Nashville. Ms. Schim received her Associate of Applied Science degree from Anthem College in 2006 and her Diploma in Therapeutic Massage from Natural Health Institute in 2001.
Jan Schim, LMT
About Us
She maintains a professional membership in Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP); and is accredited with the Natural Therapies Certification Board (NTCB). Ms. Tossing is also a Lifetime Certified CARE Instructor of Aromatherapy Science and Raindrop Technique through the Center for Aromatherapy Research and Education. A Registered Certified Reflexologist in Tennessee since 2004 and Licensed Massage Therapist (2009), Ms. Tossing conducted her private practice, Peace On The Hill, until 2013 when she started the school. She currently teaches master classes and advanced techniques at Nashville Academy of Reflexology. Married to Ed Tossing, she is also mother to three, grandma to ten, and a singer/songwriter who performs with sign language and produced an Award Winning line of Sing 'n Sign programs for children.
She also holds a M.A. in French from Vanderbilt and a B.A. in French and German from Florida Presbyterian College, now Eckerd College, in St. Petersburg, FL. She earned a Certificat d’études françaises from the Université de Neuchâtel in Switzerland.
Dr. Baily taught French at Vanderbilt, TSU and MTSU throughout her administrative career. She continues to teach conversational French in private classes using her own textbook entitled Aventures en France. She also is a calligrapher and teaches calligraphy.
David is honored to participate in a health profession that is popular around the world and is blessed with the opportunity to participate in training reflexologists.
Carol Ann Baily, Ed. D.
She has maintained her private practice in massage for the past 19 years specializing in CranioSacral Therapy. A well-known singer and songwriter, Jan is regularly featured at the famous Bluebird Café in Nashville, TN. Through her vast knowledge of music and holistic approaches, Jan appreciates the value of healing through music. She is very involved in animal rights and rescue and teaches Canine Massage. Spanish is her second language.
Director
Debra Martin, RCR
Gaia Gail Tossing, RCR, LMT
Call Us: (615) 934-1034
Instructors
David retired in 2013 after 28 years as a top performing technical solutions executive in the Telecommunications Industry. He has appreciated various bodywork modalities over the years and was introduced to Reflexology in 2005 that developed into several years of self-study until auspicious events within a single month enabled him to retire and then to become a student and eventual graduate of the inaugural class at Nashville Academy of Reflexology.
Owner and Founder of Nashville Academy of Reflexology, Gail Gaia Tossing has had a breadth of experience in the field of bodywork over 30+ years, from opening one of the first massage therapy centers in the Chicago area (Caring Hands Massage Center) in 1982, to directing massage therapy for North Glen Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, to teaching reflexology and aromatherapy at Natural Health Institute and Genesis Career College, and co-founding East Meets West Holistic Education Center for continuing education in Nashville, TN. She studied reflexology at the International Institute of Reflexology (IIR) and received her Reflexology certification in 2003.
David Robertson, RCR
Nashville Academy of Reflexology is proud to have a dedicated, highly qualified and experienced staff to serve the needs of its students. We are committed to provide a learning environment that inspires, motivates, and empowers each student to achieve their goals and become respected, accomplished Professional Certified Reflexologists.
Debra expanded her instruction at NAR in 2019 to include Anatomy and Physiology in relation to the feet. Debra has also trained and managed adult volunteers in the West Tennessee area for Girl Scouts for over 20 years. She was inducted into the Delta Kappa Gamma International Society, Theta Chapter, in 2016 and elected as 1st vice-president in 201 8 and continues to serve in this capacity. Debra enjoys teaching individuals using a variety of media to encourage class participation and connect with each student’s learning style.
Debra is married to David Martin and has three daughters and has been a resident of West Tennessee all her life.. Debra has been a CPR instructor through the American Red Cross for 30 years. She is a 2014 graduate of the Nashville Academy of Reflexology, earning induction into Alpha Beta Kappa National Honor Society, and where she also first joined the NAR staff as their CPR instructor.