She is a U.S. National Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Approved Continuing Education Provider and served on the NCBTMB National Board as Director and Board Liaison to the Standards and Ethics Committee. 

Her extensive and evolving career path in the massage therapy profession has led to the development and oversight of massage therapy programs for high-end spas and resorts, health clubs, chiropractic offices, and educational ventures. Early in her career, she created and launched a destination spa program for a resort in the jungles of Belize, where she provided massage, spa treatments, strength training, nutritional counseling, and guided tours. There she began her passionate exploration into the magic and wonder of plant medicine, of which she is a devoted proponent. 

In 2004 she founded the Costa Rica School of Massage Therapy (CRSMT) and was the Curriculum Architect,  Acting Director, Academic Dean, and Senior Bodywork Instructor for the “Jungle Massage School” from its inception through the fall of 2011. She provides expert consultation for resorts and spas internationally.

Her passion extends to integrating bodywork, nutrition, movement practices, and trauma resolution.  

She develops the Berkana Education Methodology around a holistic healthcare model, which is committed to building an ethical bridge between eastern/traditional and western/modern approaches to bodywork.  In addition to enjoying long-term success in massage therapy, Jill has extensive experience as an international entrepreneur and business professional.  She is the originator of the creative bodywork approach known as Mindful Expressionism®. She is a passionate advocate and ambassador for the massage therapy profession and is excited about the future of this healing art. 

As a devoted mentor, she sees potential and advocates for living your best life by pushing beyond the comfort zone. As a leader of the profession, she prides herself on retaining her autonomy at all costs and tells the truth, even when it's uncomfortable. 

She is a published author and international expert witness in cases involving the massage therapy and bodywork profession. 

Jill Berkana has a moderate case of acquired savant syndrome from a car accident she was in over 25 years ago, where she sustained a traumatic brain injury. This condition ultimately informs her way of operating in the world. She is a Massage Therapy Hall of Fame inductee.

Ms. Berkana's exceptional qualifications stem from her 35 years in the profession, her role as the Founder and curriculum architect for both the highly esteemed Berkana Institute of Massage Therapy and the Costa Rica School of Massage Therapy.

Through her extensive experience and contributions to the field, Ms. Berkana possesses an in-depth understanding of massage therapy and bodywork. She remains at the forefront of the industry, continually integrating the most current best practices and highest standards. She is an internationally known pioneer in the field who recognizes the importance of elevating the profession and ensuring that massage therapists meet rigorous standards in delivering safe and effective care to their clients and patients.

 In addition to providing expert testimony, Ms. Berkana offers comprehensive support to legal efforts. She conducts thorough research, attends meetings, and produces articles supporting the case. By providing these additional resources, Ms. Berkana ensures that litigators, juries, and judges have access to valuable information, thereby fostering a well-rounded understanding of the subject matter.

Through her unbiased approach, Ms. Berkana presents relevant facts, industry standards, and professional boundaries to facilitate comprehension and informed decision-making.

She focuses on offering clear explanations of nuances involved in technique execution and the complex dynamics of the therapeutic relationship, empowering all parties to make well-informed judgments.

Travel and Availability: Ms. Berkana is dedicated to providing expert witness services internationally. Regardless of the geographical location, she can travel throughout the United States and abroad.

To engage Ms. Jill Berkana as an expert witness, email jill@berkanainstitute.com or call 303-377-3111 ext. 3. You can also schedule a complimentary discovery call with her at your convenience with her here.