Michael Gibian, LMT, CST has been fascinated by the moving body for as long as he can remember. As a teenager Michael studied jazz dance with Joe Tremaine and was a member of a few performing companies. A third generation artist, Michael won numerous awards in graphic design, and later attended Art Center College of Design. While living in an intentional community in Arizona he began studying Jin Shin Jytsu. During a 12 month trek across Latin America, Michael experienced traditional faith healing. Upon his return to the US he completed an apprenticeship in Reiki and received the title Reiki Master. Michael had already been practicing Yoga and Meditation for several years when he met Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who became his Guru. After a few years of teaching Marma Therapy, Thai Massage, Yoga and Meditation in the US, Europe, Asia and India, he landed in Santa Barbara. Michael currently practices Buddhist meditation, Yoga and Chi Kung and divides his time between his private practice, teaching at the Body Therapy Institute and directing SomaticArts with his wife Jennifer and their dog Jonah.

Jennifer Gibian, MA has lived in Santa Barbara for the past 18 years. The daughter of a musician and a movement therapist, Jennifer danced her way through childhood. She began studying ballet and jazz in Los Angeles as a young teen and was later accepted into the modern dance program at UCSB. In her junior year she spent 11 glorious months dancing and dining in Montpellier, France. Upon graduating Jennifer began her teaching career, bringing the joy of movement to children and adults of all ages in a variety of venues. She was the assistant director of Dance Warehouse and a member of Improv., Inc., Santa Barbara’s own professional improvisational dance company. In addition, Jennifer performed regularly in local dance and theater productions. She also began to practice Yoga, which would come in handy later on when she crossed paths with Yogi Michael Gibian.....In 1995, Jennifer completed her Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute. After a brief sojourn in Humboldt and Sonoma counties, she returned to Santa Barbara for good. She met Michael on the dance floor at SOhO, and 11 months later they were married. Jennifer completed a certificate program in holistic massage at Body Therapy Institute and was later trained by Michael in the art of Bodhassage. Presently Jennifer enjoys her time co-directing SomaticArts, maintaining her bodywork practice, teaching dance and loving her husband Michael and their dog, Jonah.