meet the American Spirit Institute

Richard A. Sells
Founder, President and Director

Recipient of the Best of Williamsburg 
Award in the Massage Therapy Category by the US Commerce Association (USCA)

Our History and Philosophy

 

​American Spirit Institute was created to fill a need for professional career training in the rapidly growing fields of, massage, aesthetics, holistic health, and spas. The school opened in Williamsburg, VA in 1992, and added esthetic programs in 1997 and Peace Hill Retreat Center in 2015.
Under the leadership of the school’s founder, Richard Sells, American Spirit Institute is committed to a holistic philosophy of integrating mind, body, and spirit in its courses of study and professional practices. We seek to impart to our students a broad exposure to ideas and practices in their respective fields so they will be able to enter the marketplace with a sense of competency. Just as importantly, we seek to encourage the development of healthy and caring lifestyles for our students and others.
Mindful that these courses of study are meant to complement and enhance student’s lives, we have creatively designed the program to allow students to progress through training at their own pace. Our wide range of elective classes reflects our holistic philosophy.

Upcoming Events

 

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Vision for the Future:
Celebrated 30 Years in 2022 and Envisioning an Expanded & Exciting Future:
When American Spirit Institute was initially launched as a school of massage & holistic health in WIlliamsburg, Virginia in 1992 we had one state approve  certification in Massage Therapy.  Presently we have 10 state approved certification programs, are nationally certified as a Continuing Education School, & have developed our own unique studies in spirituality.


Over the years we have trained & helped approximately 2000 individuals launch new careers in services to others.  They have come to us from across America & numerous countries.  The following is a representation of the countries & territories our students have come from or where they have gone to practice their profession:
Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, China, Columbia, England, France, Germany, Iceland, India, Iran, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, USVI, & Vietnam


Our experience with persons of many cultures & diverse backgrounds has helped us realize how connected we all are and how much we can learn from each other.  This realization has helped inspire our vision for the future.

The following are some directions we will be pursuing in the coming months & years:

  • The development of a non-profit retreat and learning center to be called, "One World Village"
  • The center will include a self-sustained natural living environment to enhance a caring relationship for our earth, people, and other living creatures.
  • A primary goal of our programs will be to help persons develop skills and trades which can make them employable or able to become self-sufficient entrepreneurs.
  • New learning programs will include such opportunities as folk arts & crafts, organic gardening, culinary arts, preservation & restoration skills, and expanded spiritual studies.
  • We hope to add new certification programs in reflexology, aromatherapy, herbology, specialized massage modalities, & yoga and Pilates.
  • We plan to develop cottage industries to offer employment to students and help assist in supporting the school & it's programs.
  •  Renowned speakers will be invited in to conduct workshops & seminars for our students and the general public.


      As we create a new future, we want to be positive instruments of change in the world and inspire other to create better lives for themselves & others.

 Richard Sells has served as president of a dozen corporations, authored a book and numerous magazine articles. He is also the recipient of the Outstanding Young Men Of America Award, Who's Who for Community Leaders of American & Leading American Executives.

American Spirit Institute was created to fill a need for professional career training in the rapidly growing fields of massage, esthetics, holistic health, and spas. The school opened in Williamsburg, VA in 1992, and added esthetics programs in 1997 and Spiritual Studies in 2007.

Under the leadership of the school’s founder, Richard Sells, American Spirit Institute is committed to a holistic philosophy of integrating mind, body, and spirit in its courses of study and professional practices. We seek to impart to our students a broad exposure to ideas and practices in their respective fields so they will be able to enter the marketplace with a sense of competency. Just as importantly, we seek to encourage the development of healthy and caring lifestyles for our students and others.

Mindful that these courses of study are meant to complement and enhance student’s lives, we have creatively designed the program to allow students to progress through training at their own pace. Our wide range of elective classes reflect or holistic philosophy.


Who We Are


​Welcome to American Spirit Institute!

We are a school with a holistic philosophy, a knowledgeable and caring staff, and an ever expanding variety of classes and programs to help students develop professionally. We are located in attractive, comfortable facilities that foster relaxation and closeness among our students. You are invited to explore the new worlds that will open to you as you challenge yourself to learn new things and grow more confident and competent in your chosen fields of learning. We are committed to offering the highest quality innovative classes which will heal the body, empower the mind, and lift the Spirit.

American Spirit Institute's Professional Schools of:

  • Massage Therapy
  • Esthetics
  • Nail Technology
  • Waxing Technology