Administrative Staff

Administrative Staff

Dr. Joseph Schibner IV

Dr. Schibner founded the Lotus Professional College (formerly known as the American Institute of Massage, Inc. and Lotus School of Integrated Professions) in 1996, and currently serves as the President and Director of Education.

Dr. Schibner received his certification as a massage therapist in 1992 and has been practicing and teaching massage therapy since 1993. Dr. Schibner received his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology in 2002 from Virginia Commonwealth University, he received his Master’s Degree in Acupuncture in 2014 from the Maryland University of Integrative Health and received his Acupuncture License in the state of Virginia at that time. He received his Master’s Degree in Oriental Medicine in 2015 and his Doctoral Degree in Oriental Medicine in 2016 from the Maryland University of Integrative Health.

In 2012, Dr. Schibner received his Master level in Martial Arts, from Grand Master Seung Goo Dong. Dr. Schibner has been practicing martial arts for 26 years and have achieved master level-5th Degree. The practices of Qi-Gong, Yoga, Taoism, Buddhism, and other spiritual practices are his main self-cultivation practices.

Dr. Schibner was appointed by the Governor of Virginia to the Virginia Massage Advisory Board in 2016 and serves as the Chair of the Massage Advisory Board in Virginia for three years.

Dr. Schibner has been active and recognized as a political activist advocate for the massage profession. Dr. Schibner is passionate about teaching and helping people through many of the arts including Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy as well as practicing alternative ways of healing the mind, body, and spirit. He has spent over 20 years studying numerous forms of bodywork and holds many certifications in various forms of bodywork.President, Director of Education, Director of
Acupuncture and Massage Programs

Kisha Brown

Kisha is a 2016 / 2017 graduate from our Esthetics Program here at Lotus Professional
College. She received her Basic and Master Esthetics License and currently owns her
own esthetics business. Kisha is an integral part of the faculty at Lotus Professional
College and being a former student of the school she truly believes in the programs and
all the school has to offer. Kisha is always willing to help answer any questions and here
to help others achieve their goals.

Jo Elliott

Originally from the Outer Banks, Jo has called Richmond home for over 10 years. She
has a degree in Music from Johnson University, specializing in piano. After many years
assisting management in the service industry, she is excited to bring her care for
customers to Lotus Professional College. In her free time, you can find her reading a
good novel, crafting in various ways, and spending time with her two kids.

Ashley Brodie

Ashley was born and raised in Altavista, Va. She moved to Richmond in 2005 to attend
Virginia Union University, where she obtained her undergraduate degree in Interdisciplinary
Studies- Education. Ashley has been working the Financial Aid field since 2015. She is very
knowledgeable and dedicated to assisting students with all aspects of Financial Aid. Ashley
loves spending time with her family and friends. Her hobbies include crafting, cooking,
reading and poetry. Ashley is excited to work with, and be here to encourage each of you on
your journey to reach your future endeavors.

Shareeda Ragsdale

Shareeda was born and raised in Washington, DC and moved to Richmond in 2012 to help
grow her career. One of her favorite things about Lotus Professional College is helping
students find their passion in the field of their choosing. When she’s not at work, you can
find Shareeda cheering for the Washington Commanders, dancing to live music, or finding a
brand new purple trinket for her office!

Will Guinness Lange

Will has been a life long Richmond native. He graduated VCUarts with a BA in
Cinema and a minor in Sound Design. Through working on different political
campaigns and film sets, Will quickly fell in love with Marketing. Since starting in
August of 2025, Will has continued to evolve the school into it’s current image. If he’s
not on Canva, you can find Will taking long walks around the city, listening the Pierce
The Veil, or trying out new local restaurants.

Elaine Picarello

Raised in the rolling hills of West Virginia, Elaine has called Richmond home for the
past five years. She earned her degree in English from WVU with an emphasis in
Professional Writing and Editing in 2023 and now uses her communication skills to
foster a welcoming environment for Lotus clients. Outside of work, she can often be
found reading a book, hiking the James River, or searching for the best cup of joe in
RVA.