Meet Our Team!

About Us

Education and Clinic Director
Licensed Massage Therapist #115441
Licensed Massage Therapy Instructor #3945
Graduate From Massage Institute Of North Texas

Ruthie combines the science of healing with the art of massage therapy to help her clients live their best lives. She enjoys working with the students to foster their development and training.

She attended Massage Institute of North Texas (formerly Institute of Bodywork Studies) in 2011 and has worked in several arenas within the industry such as day spas, Chiropractic offices, and massage clinics.

Ruthie has certifications in Sports, Deep Tissue, Cupping, Prenatal, Hot Stone, Nerve Decompression and Neuromuscular techniques. She studies Holistic sports nutrition and shares her passion for health with friends and clients.

Meet Our Directors!

Kayla Morrison, LMT, MTI

School Director
Licensed Massage Therapy Instructor #01858
Graduate From Massage Institute Of North Texas

Kayla Morrison is the owner and School Director of Massage Institute of North Texas since 2005. Before becoming Director, Kayla became a massage therapist in 2002 after leaving her Healthcare Risk Management consulting career.

She discovered the healing benefits of massage after years of undiagnosed pain. It was through her self-healing journey, she realized the profound effects massage therapy could have.

Her 17 years of practice, teaching, and education have provided her with a unique perspective on what bodywork can offer to overall wellness. Kayla holds licensure as a massage therapist and instructor.

Ruthie Merritt, LMT, MTI

Education and Clinic Director
Licensed Massage Therapist #115441
Licensed Massage Therapy Instructor #3945
Graduate From Massage Institute Of North Texas

Ruthie combines the science of healing with the art of massage therapy to help her clients live their best lives. She enjoys working with the students to foster their development and training.

Leslie Dianne Smith, LMT MTI

Operations Director
Licensed Massage Therapist #103145
Licensed Massage Therapy Instructor #1927
Graduate From Massage Institute Of North Texas

Leslie’s interest and love of massage began in 1999 when she and her business partner opened a medical day spa in Colleyville, Texas. Fascinated by the effects of massage and its ability to allow clients to reconnect to their health, she set out to broaden her practice and pursue education, eventually leading her to the Institute of Bodywork Studies in 2005.

Leslie serves as the current Operations Director for Massage Institute of North Texas. Her goal is to create a positive impact on the students by supporting them in their educational journey. She is honored to be part of this outstanding program and is excited for the opportunity to grow connections with the incredible students and staff members who make it so special.

Leslie has certifications in Endermologie, Stretching, Deep Tissue, Cupping, Nerve Decompression, Prenatal, Hot Stone, and Myofascial techniques.

Meet Our Team!

Jason Cox, LMT
- Licensed Massage Therapist #040201
- Independent Contractor
- Graduate From Massage Institute Of North Texas
I have practiced Massage Therapy since 2002. Over the years, I have dedicated my practice to helping others relieve persistent aches and pains and to relax. I provide each client with extensive knowledge of anatomy and human movement.

Living a healthy and active lifestyle myself, I know firsthand how life can make our bodies feel. I am dedicated to making you feel better whether you spend all your time at a desk or find yourself living in the gym and everything in between.

I specialize in Deep Tissue, Sports, Cupping, Hot Stone, and Prenatal massage. I am certain my massage techniques will bring you the positive results you desire.

Email Jason- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Katey Morrison, LMT
- Licensed Massage Therapist #129303
- Independent Contractor
- Graduate From Massage Institute Of North Texas
Katey is a 2018 graduate of Massage Institute of North Texas (formerly Institute of Bodywork Studies). She specializes in a unique blend of Swedish and therapeutic massage with the intent to balance the body.

By adjusting to the client’s needs, Katey’s intuitive hands give her clients nurturing comfort while providing therapeutic techniques which give them the proper care their body needs.

She has the knowledge of and passion for many different specialties, including Swedish, Trigger Point, Stretching and Sports massage techniques. Whether full-body, or concentrated area experience, Katey helps clients find better body awareness through touch.

Email Katey- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Christopher LeBlanc, LMT, MTI
- Licensed Massage Therapist #4256
- Independent Contractor
- Graduate From Massage Institute Of North Texas
Christopher approaches each massage with a collaborative mindset to create an experience tailored to individual needs. Whether it’s to help relax or to manage symptoms of pain, he works with his clients to create a personalized experience. He combines a variety of modalities including Cupping therapy to create a plan for symptom management. He often offers “homework” stretches to help further assist the outcome of his sessions in his client’s daily life.

As an educator, Christopher brings depth, insight, compassion, and creativity into the classroom. He encourages his students to excel in both technical and intuitive aspects of bodywork. He has a dynamic teaching style and inspires a lifelong love of learning.

Email Christopher- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
S. Nikki Nader, D.C.
- Doctor Of Chiropractic
- Nutritional Consultant
- Instructor
Dr. Nikki Nader holds a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and graduated from Parker University with a Doctorate in Chiropractic. Throughout the years, she has been combining her passion for health and wellness with teaching to inspire her students to pursue a successful career as well as a healthy lifestyle.

Dr. Nader resides in Highland Village with her family and teaches science courses at Massage Institute of North Texas.

Email Nikki- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Kathleen Lesh Smith, LMT, MTI, CNMT
- Licensed Massage Therapist #130282
- Licensed Massage Instructor #3585
- Independent Contractor
- Certified Neuromuscular Therapist
- Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)
Starting her professional life as a historical Park Ranger, Kathleen has moved throughout the United States many times, following her or her husband’s career. She has been an instructor in massage therapy programs for as long as she’s been practicing massage (20+ years) in South Carolina, New Mexico, and finally here in North Texas. Bringing her passion for the scientific side of massage to the Kinesiology classes and teaching it in a way that makes it relatable to the students is her strength. Most recently, she has developed and instructed the Advanced Neuromuscular Therapy Certification program here at the Massage Institute.

On her off time, she and her husband tend to their garden, like to go camping, and traveling is a must!

Email Kathleen- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Christina McEachron, LMT, CNMT
- Licensed Massage Therapist #136254
- Independent Contractor
- Graduate From Massage Institute Of North Texas
Christina graduated in 2009 with a bachelor's degree in Biology and is a graduate of the Massage Institute of North Texas (formally Institute of Bodywork Studies) in 2022.

She is passionate about her career as a massage therapist and being able to help care for her clients’ needs, using a combination of Swedish and therapeutic techniques.

Email Christina- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.