Jennifer Setsuko Lee, the founder and director of Ecole Setsuko, is a seasoned massage therapist, naturopath, and expert in Shiatsu and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Under her guidance, Ecole Setsuko has grown into a holistic health education school that not only offers workshops for general interest but also full certification programs in natural therapy, massage therapy, acupressure, sound therapy and energy work. With a strong sense of community and a dedication to creating awareness, Jennifer Setsuko Lee serves as a bridge between generations, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a multidimensional approach to health and wellness. Her philosophy emphasizes the importance of IN-body, somatic experiences to achieve balance and harmony, integrating physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health.
“My number one goal is to create awareness for my clients, who is essentially a student of their own life. I have a strong sense of community and family life, always striving to find balance between work/personal/self-care and development. Part of this inspiration comes from my ancestors, who have guided me along this path of service and healing. Our teachers are old souls who have a wealth of knowledge and experience and I serve as the bridge between the older and newer generations.”
Natalie embarked on her enriching journey at Ecole Setsuko initially diving into the world of Massage Therapy. Since then, her passion for holistic health has led her to explore and master a diverse range of techniques and disciplines. Natalie is proficient in advanced massage methods like Deep Tissue, Ayurvedic Head Massage, Reflexology, Cupping, and Chi Nei Tsang, among others.
In her role as the School Administrator, Natalie brings a wealth of experience in customer service, communication, and technical skills. These talents are instrumental in creating a supportive and thriving environment for students and teachers alike at Ecole Setsuko.
“As an Ayurvedic Practitioner and Student, Naturopath, Massage Therapist, and Holistic Health Coach, I have dedicated my life to understanding the intricate balance of the human body and mind. My journey in holistic health has been enriched by my studies as a Certified Holistic Life Coach and Mind-Body Practitioner. Specializing in Neuroplasticity Coaching, I focus on harnessing the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. Additionally, my studies in Somatic Coaching, especially in the areas of Anxiety and Trauma, allows me to offer a comprehensive approach to wellness that addresses both physical and emotional healing. As a teacher, I am passionate about sharing this knowledge, empowering others to achieve their optimal health and well-being.”
Craniosacral Program Director
Tony is a certified massage therapist, yoga and bodywork instructor, who has explored extensively the world of bodywork for over a decade. He specializes in osteopathic approaches, which include Cranio-Sacral Therapy, Visceral Manipulation, Neural Manipulation, Somato-Emotional Release, Myo-Fascia Release and Brain Therapy. He treats the body as a whole and not just looking at the symptoms. With his extensive bio-mechanic background and subtle approach he is able to look at the body, its issues from different angles.
Program Director of TCM program and Teacher
Marjorie Silcoff is a skilled therapist and talented teacher. She started her private practice in 2006, as a practitioner of the TCM branches of Acupressure, Dietetics and Moxabustion, with a special emphasis on emotional healing. She has been teaching TCM for 10 years, is the Director of the Acupressure program at Ecole Setsuko and teaches Clinic to the graduating students. She also teaches workshops and gives lectures to interested groups, most recently the doctors and staff at the Montreal Pain clinic and the Anglican Diocese.
Her unique approach to teaching includes demonstration, storytelling and real-life cases which inspire connection and integration of the material.
Holistic Nutrition Instructor, Nutritherapy Clinic Supervisor
As a holistic nutrition consultant, Cathy Cochrane looks beyond calories and nutrients to the connection between what is happening on your plate, in your body and in your life. She sees your relationship to food and eating as a doorway to a deeper relationship with Self. For nearly two decades, Cathy has been guiding clients through that door, privately, through the Montreal Centre for Integrative Medicine, and most recently as an associate at the Ottawa Integrative Health Centre. Educated at NHC Institute, she also taught there for five years. Cathy has been honoured to share her soul-based approach to nutrition and physiology at Ecole Setsuko since 2018. Her courses present an eye- and mind-opening perspective on what constitutes healthy food and eating.
Monica Giacomin is an educator, community herbalist, forager, and emissary of the Green Nations who inspires students to connect with nature by learning about medicinal herbs/weeds by name, scent, touch, and heart. She created “HERBS on the SIDE”, an Educational Herbal Botanical Sanctuary designed to teach the curious how to identify, nurture, grow, harvest and transform abundant, local herbs into food and medicine, sustainably and ethically…what Monica refers to as “Cultivating Eco-Herbalism”. Monica offers a variety of classes that combine the best practices of herbal medicine, active living, nature awareness, and nutrition in pursuit of optimal wellness. Her mission is to share the joy and many benefits of tending and transforming herbs for the collective fortification of us all… ourselves, our families, friends, communities, pollinators, and especially our generous Mother Earth.
Sound Therapy Program Director
As a psycho-energetic therapist with over 35 years of experience, Paule brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to her practice. A founding member of the Institute NHC in Montreal, she taught there from 1992 to 2007. She currently teaches at Ecole Setsuko and runs supervision groups for the workers at La rue des Femmes (a shelter for homeless women in Montreal), as well as for students at Ecole Setsuko and for private groups of alternative therapists. She has been leading these groups for over fifteen years all the while continuing to have a private practice where she meets with clients one-on-one.
Creativity and play are the cornerstones of her eclectic approach. She loves to work with various props, from Tarot to shadow cards, costumes to puppets, and collage to journaling. Everything is useful when it comes to reframing personal history. A mother of three and a grandmother of six, she enjoys dabbling with paints and inks, on paper or canvas, playing with colors and shapes, or exploring words through metaphors.
She has earned four B.A, one MA, earned a diploma in Spiritual Psychotherapy and sound Healing from the Center for New Directions (Peter Goldman), graduated from The Barbara Brennan School of Energetic Healing, from A Society of Souls(Kabbalah), from CIL (early love maps) and is currently completing training to become a facilitator in Identity Development Work.
Learning is an ever ongoing practice and passion.
Holistic Healer, Energy Practitioner, and Visionary
Marco Deza is a trailblazer in the holistic healing arts with over 30 years of experience helping individuals transform their lives through energy-based therapies and integrative wellness practices. Fluent in both English and French, Marco bridges cultures and communities in his mission to inspire holistic transformation and empower others on their wellness journey.
From his early initiation into crystal energy and the esoteric arts to mastering martial arts and chi-gong, Marco has cultivated a profound understanding of how energy and breathwork enhance vitality and elevate well-being. His journey into the healing arts led him to Polarity Therapy, where he trained with world-renowned pioneers. Marco holds two distinct lineages in this transformative system and has achieved multiple certifications across a range of disciplines, including Neuro Therapy, Thai Yoga massage, Shiatsu, Swedish massage, Ayurvedic studies, USUI Reiki (Master level) and Pranic Healing among others.
Passionate about elevating Polarity Therapy as a cornerstone of holistic healthcare, Marco is committed to raising awareness and educating others about the profound impact of energy-based healing. His vision extends beyond individual practice, aiming to create worldwide access to holistic care and inspire a global movement rooted in the balance of body, mind, and spirit.
Janine Maila is an educator, facilitator and holistic health practitioner who specializes in women’s hormonal health. Since 2011, she has offered workshops integrating Yoga with Chinese Medicine, as well as holistic consultations combining Acupressure, Chinese Medicine, Dietetics, and Flower Essences. Janine has been teaching Acupressure and Traditional Chinese Medicine at École Setsuko since 2016. She is also a core facilitator of the Feminine Rhythms program, which helps empower women in relationship with their cycles. Janine is studying Inner Relationship Focusing, which she integrates into all aspects of her work through the practice of somatic listening. She is currently based in the Laurentians, QC.
Marcia Thomas is a vibrant healing enthusiast whose personal health journey led to a profound career shift. Struggling with chronic ailments—including migraines, eczema, allergies, and fertility challenges—she found that Western medicine alone couldn’t provide the answers she sought. Turning inward, she discovered the transformative power of Traditional Chinese Medicine, setting her on a lifelong pursuit of holistic wellness.
Now the founder of MarZen, Marcia specializes in Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory, Acupressure, Western and Eastern Herbology and Nutrition, and Sound Therapy. With a deep passion for restoring balance in the body, mind, and spirit, she has dedicated herself to continuous learning and helping others achieve optimal health through traditional healing practices. Her journey led her to teach at École Setsuko, where she bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and modern wellness.
Marcia is committed to making traditional medicine more accessible, particularly for underrepresented communities. She believes in reconnecting with our roots—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—to foster healing not just for individuals, but for entire communities. Through her teaching, practice, and outreach, Marcia continues to empower others to take control of their health with knowledge, intention, and a deep connection to holistic healing.
She/They
Swedish Program Teacher, Business and Marketing, Administrative Support
Nana is a passionate educator and holistic therapist who believes that learning should be a shame-free, engaging, and transformative experience. With a background spanning both creative industries and manual therapy, they bring a unique, real-world approach to teaching—one that blends logic, intuition, and hands-on practice. Nana fosters a space where learning feels safe, dynamic, and deeply relevant to both professional practice and the human experience.
Specializing in manual lymphatic drainage, pathology integration, and client-centered care, Nana helps students develop not only technical skills but also the confidence to think critically as therapists. Their classes emphasize connection, curiosity, and adaptability, empowering students to navigate the complexities of the human body with skill and compassion.
Beyond hands-on techniques, Nana also teaches Business and Marketing, drawing from over 20 years of experience in the design and media industries. They guide students in building sustainable, client-focused practices, equipping them with the tools to develop their careers with confidence, authenticity, and strategic insight.
Swedish Program Teacher, Advanced Training
A health and wellness therapist, Jeffrey prides themselves on their passion and innate ability to empower those around them through an integrative and holistic approach. Their versatile skills include Swedish massage, fascia stretching therapy, and naturopathy, with a diverse clientele ranging from office workers and beginners to professional athletes. Their interest in physical rehabilitation has allowed them to achieve the goal of supporting clients in their healing process through care, motivation, and a positive mindset.
Michelle Beckles is a highly skilled Certified Athletic Therapist and Certified Kinetic Swedish Massage Therapist with over two decades of experience in rehabilitation, injury prevention, and performance optimization. Throughout her career, she has worked with elite and amateur athletes on both national and international stages, collaborating with organizations such as Dawson College, Quebec Soccer, Canada Soccer, and Quebec Football.
Her tenure at Dawson College allowed her to take on a leadership role, managing the Athletic Therapy Clinic, providing specialized treatment for varsity athletes, and mentoring Concordia University students as they completed their Athletic Therapy internships.
Michelle is the proud co-founder of Thérapie SoLia, a multidisciplinary healing space in NDG that was born from her passion for holistic wellness and community care. More than just a clinic, Thérapie SoLia is a sanctuary for healing, welcoming individuals seeking athletic therapy, massage therapy, and integrative care. It is also an inclusive space for other therapists to practice and share their expertise, fostering a collaborative environment dedicated to whole-body well-being.
Michelle is deeply passionate about education and believes in empowering others through knowledge. Since joining the esteemed team at Setsuko in 2021, she has been instrumental in teaching Sports Massage, Myofascial Cupping, and Deep Tissue Techniques, equipping students with advanced hands-on skills and therapeutic strategies.
A lifelong learner and innovator, Michelle continuously explores cutting-edge techniques in athletic rehabilitation and return-to-play protocols. She integrates a holistic, mind-body-spirit approach, ensuring that her clients receive not only the highest level of care but also personalized treatment plans that support long-term recovery, resilience, and peak performance.
Nicolas developed a love for massage therapy after many sessions as a patient. His training in dance, particularly Ukrainian dance, helped form his knowledge base for body movement which now complements the anatomy and kinesiology principles he’s learned through the massage therapy program. He graduated from the Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy in Vernon, British Columbia, in 2015. Soon after, he started teaching a variety of courses including musculoskeletal anatomy, neuroanatomy, and preparatory courses for the provincial board exams.
After his graduation, Nicolas has taken a keen interest in modalities such as visceral manipulation and biodynamic cranial-sacral therapy. Adopting a holistic approach, Nicolas looks at different layers of depth when teaching to ensure the students’ comprehensive understanding of the body.
Disclaimer: All content and material is for educational purposes only. Although certain aspects of these courses may be therapeutic, they do not constitute or replace therapy. All results are hypothetical, and the School/Teachers/Therapist/Speakers are not responsible for any claims or outcomes as a result of information shared. We do not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical conditions. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any health concerns.
