Valerie Johnson, NCTMB, is a nationally certified massage therapist and a medical technologist at The Natural Care Center at Woodwinds. She is also an instructor in the School of Massage Therapy at Northwestern Health Sciences University. For more than 20 years, she has displayed her commitment to Western medicine, and for more than half that time has focused on natural health care practices.

Johnson earned her bachelor of science degree in medical technology from the University of Minnesota. In addition to being nationally certified in therapeutic massage and bodywork (NCTMB), she is also certified in reflexology, and as a neuromuscular therapist and pregnancy massage therapist.

As a former lab supervisor in internal medicine and oncology, Johnson realized the effect that cancer has on patients and their families; this experience cemented her desire to help people on a different level through a natural approach such as massage.

Johnson wants to inform people on ways to incorporate healthy living into their daily lives. "Through the use of patient education I hope to inform others on the interconnectivity of the body and the way that massage works to help alleviate certain conditions." Since 1994, Johnson has played an active role in helping others help themselves through massage classes and community events at various locations. She currently teaches infant massage, geriatric and hospital-based massage, and an introductory massage workshop. Johnson strives for an increased awareness on the benefits of massage and how it can be integrated with other modalities for the best possible care.