OUR HISTORY

Our History

Alexandar School of Natural Therapeutics, Inc. (ASNT) is a locally owned, veteran-owned private massage school in Tacoma, Washington's Lincoln neighborhood, since 1979. ASNT is owned and operated by Bill Thompson, LMT, who is directly involved in the day-to-day operations of the school. Bill is also part of the instructional staff, teaching classes during each program session. ASNT provides a comprehensive 650-clock-hour massage program that prepares students for massage licensure in Washington State.

School President & Owner

Bill brings over 40 years of experience in Body Centered Therapies and more than 30 years in structural integration. He has served as a director and owner at ASNT for over 30 years. During his career, Bill was mentored by William "Dub" Leigh, one of the most internationally respected master bodyworkers, and is among the few individuals certified by "Dub" to teach Zentherapy® Bodytherapy® and Zentherapy® Triggerpoint®. It is a true honor for Bill to be recognized as a teacher in Zentherapy®. This distinction reflects his ongoing commitment to personal development and his dedication to guiding others on their healing journeys within this esteemed tradition.

At ASNT, Bill teaches Triggerpoint and Myofascial coursework as part of the core curriculum. He also offers continuing education classes in Zentherapy® Bodytherapy® and Zentherapy® Triggerpoint®. Bill integrates a variety of modalities from his expertise in structure, movement, and energy into his courses, providing a comprehensive and effective learning experience for his students.

School Founder

Founded by Aliesha Alexandar in 1979, ASNT served our community under her leadership for decades until her retirement in 2024, and the school continues to build on her legacy today. Upon her retirement, ownership and leadership of the school transitioned to longtime business partner, co-director, and instructor Bill Thompson, LMT, ensuring continuity of ASNT’s mission and values. Aliesha’s passion for health and wellness started at an early age while caring for her sick father. In her late teens, she made a precocious turn towards holistic healing that eventually led her to massage. Her love of the healing art of massage prompted her to spread her knowledge through teaching, and, working out of her home, she graduated her first class of four students in 1979. That class laid the cornerstone for ASNT, which has thrived at the exact Tacoma location for more than 4 decades. Her innovative blend of Western and Eastern techniques has established her as a pioneer in the field. During her long career, Aliesha has also been a tireless champion of massage, volunteering countless hours of service and, as the president of Washington's AMTA, working to re-establish the respect that massage enjoys today.

Our Future

ASNT is committed to carrying forward the vision of founder Aliesha Alexandar by combining time-tested massage traditions with current best practices in health and wellness education. Under the leadership of Bill Thompson, LMT, the school continues to refine its curriculum, strengthen community partnerships, and invest in a supportive learning environment that prepares graduates for long, successful careers in massage therapy. Additionally, we are expanding continuing education offerings and deepening relationships with local employers to support graduates at every stage of their careers, while maintaining the personal, student-centered culture that has defined the school since 1979.

About The Local Area

ASNT is located at 4026 Pacific Avenue in Tacoma's Lincoln International Business District. The school occupies three buildings: an administrative building and a combined classroom and massage clinic/day spa building. There is a large parking area in the courtyard behind the school, and the school is located directly on Pierce Transit bus route 1, which runs seven days a week and stops on the street outside our campus.

The Lincoln International Business District makes up the heart of a diverse and vibrant residential neighborhood. That diversity and vibrancy are reflected in the business district, where some of the best, most affordable Vietnamese restaurants in the Northwest sit alongside family-owned restaurants serving Mexican and Central American fare, as well as Southern cooking. Long-standing businesses such as Lincoln Hardware and Lincoln Pharmacy anchor the neighborhood, and the area is also home to beautiful Lincoln Park and historic Lincoln High School.

There are several grocery and corner stores in the neighborhood, and a quick trip across the I‑5 freeway takes you to the Tacoma Mall. ASNT's campus provides easy access to I-5, the Puget Sound, downtown Tacoma, and the rural plains and mountains to the east.