Commencement/Graduation

Commencement Speaker:

Cari Johnson Pelava, BA, C.I. AOBTA, Dipl. ABT, NCCAOM

Cari Johnson Pelava has spent most of her life pursuing the art of body-mind-spirit integration. From an early age, she studied dance and performed professionally until a back injury redirected her path. She earned a B.A. in Exercise and Dance Physiology from California State University, Long Beach and began her exploration of alternative healing methods. She received advanced certification in Shiatsu Anma from the Shiatsu Massage School of California and began her private practice in 1984. During 1989 and 1990, Cari lived and studied in Japan where she received in-depth training through apprenticeship in Shiatsu Therapy. Upon her return to the U.S., Cari resumed her private practice and in 1992 founded the Minnesota Center for Shiatsu Study (MCSS). MCSS joined with Northern Lights School of Massage Therapy in 2001 to become CenterPoint Massage & Shiatsu School & Clinic. Cari remained director and instructor at CenterPoint until its closure in 2021. Cari is a Certified Instructor with AOBTA (American Organization of Bodywork Therapies of Asia), a Diplomate of Asian Bodywork Therapy through the NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine), and currently serves as a Commissioner for COMTA (Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation) and Co-Director of the Council of School and Programs for the AOBTA. Cari is excited to be working with NWHSU to develop a Shiatsu Therapy program to be offered soon.