About the Institute of Natural Health & Education

The mission of the Institute of Natural Health & Education is to prepare qualified individuals for professional practice in massage therapy while fostering clinical competence, ethical standards, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Mission Statement

What Makes INHE Different

Personalized Education
Students benefit from individualized guidance, small class sizes, and direct faculty engagement that supports both academic success and professional development.

Clinical Career Preparation
The curriculum emphasizes practical application, clinical reasoning, and hands on experience to prepare graduates for the realities of professional healthcare practice.

Integrated Approach to Health
Training reflects a comprehensive understanding of the body, combining scientific knowledge with whole person care principles.

Experienced Leadership
Programs are led by seasoned educators and practitioners committed to academic excellence and student achievement.

Approvals, Accreditation and Affiliations

The Institute of Natural Health & Education maintains institutional approvals and accreditations that reflect a strong commitment to educational quality, professional standards, and student success.

• Accredited by COMTA, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education

• Approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education

• VA Approved for Veteran Education Benefits

• Workforce Development Partner

• Member School of the American Massage Therapy Association

Leadership

Strong leadership is foundational to the academic quality and institutional integrity of the Institute of Natural Health & Education. Guided by experienced educators and practitioners, INHE is committed to maintaining high educational standards while preparing students for professional success in healthcare.

Facilities and Learning Environment

INHE provides a professional learning environment designed to support hands on education and clinical skill development. Classrooms and training spaces are structured to promote engagement, collaboration, and direct instructor mentorship.

Small cohorts allow faculty to provide meaningful guidance while fostering a focused and supportive academic experience.

Commitment to Students

Student success remains central to the Institute’s purpose. Beyond technical training, INHE is committed to helping students develop confidence, professionalism, and the clinical competence necessary for long term career success.

Education at INHE extends beyond the classroom, preparing graduates to serve their communities with skill, integrity, and compassion.

Founders & Academics Directors

The Institute of Natural Health & Education was founded with a clear vision: to provide academically grounded, clinically focused education that prepares graduates for meaningful and responsible careers in healthcare.

Its leadership brings together decades of experience in education, clinical practice, and student mentorship, fostering a learning environment centered on professionalism, integrity, and academic excellence.

Melissa Carrico, LMT, COTA/L, BS, MCHWC
Academic Director

Melissa Carrico brings a multidisciplinary perspective shaped by her experience in occupational therapy, massage therapy, and higher education. Her work focuses on cultivating academic excellence while ensuring students develop the clinical competence and professional confidence required for today’s healthcare environment.

Recognized for her student-centered approach, she plays a vital role in shaping curriculum quality, supporting learner success, and maintaining the academic standards that define the Institute.

Founder Bio

Academic Director Bio

Antonio Carrico, ND, MS, LMT
Founder and Academic Director

Antonio Carrico founded the Institute of Natural Health & Education with the intention of creating a learning environment where academic rigor and hands on clinical training coexist to prepare highly competent healthcare professionals.

With an extensive background spanning naturopathy, massage therapy, and integrative health education, he has dedicated his career to advancing professional standards within the field while supporting the development of future practitioners.

His leadership reflects a commitment to educational quality, ethical practice, and the belief that effective healthcare begins with well-prepared professionals.

Begin Your Journey in Healthcare

Choosing the right institution is the first step toward a meaningful and rewarding career. The admissions team at the Institute of Natural Health & Education is available to guide you through the process, answer your questions, and help you explore whether our program is the right fit for your professional goals.