About Us!
Meet the Hierarchy of Movement Team
Meet Norman Allard
A widely-praised healer integrating yoga, sports medicine, and chiropractic to create a new, highly-effective modality.
Debra Whitehead, LMT, and Norman Allard, DC.For more than 40 years, Norman Allard has immersed himself in the complexities of the human body, exploring what creates well-being and healing. He fused the best of his lifetime of study into a unique and powerful modality: Hierarchy of Movement (HōM).
Norman's fascination with the physics, geometry, and physiology related to how the body functions led him to create powerful, gentle, and unique healing techniques. Before creating HōM, Norman studied countless bodywork and movement systems including osteopathy, martial arts, Pilates, Olympic weight training, breathwork, and more. A licensed chiropractor, Norman incorporates Feldenkrais practices, Qi Gong, and Iyengar yoga. In fact, Norman's long relationship with Mr. Iyengar and his family in Pune, India, continues to deeply influence his work.
Norman holds post-graduate certification in acupuncture, sports medicine, visceral manipulation, cranial sacral, and sacral occipital techniques. He has taught at the acclaimed Boulder School of Massage Therapy and led workshops around the U.S.
When Norman initially started teaching his innovative HōM modality, he taught it to small, in-person groups in Boulder, Colorado. The response was overwhelming. Students found his approach to be life-changing. They were--and continue to be--thrilled with the results: a greater awareness of body and mind, pain relief, and a renewed ability to move more freely through life. His in-person classes quickly filled to capacity, and demand continues to grow. Thus, Norman's online school was born.
Norman's online school helps individuals around the world use the HōM modality to heal their bodies and rediscover freedom of movement. It is the culmination of his lifetime of work and practice, and he is honored to have the opportunity to share it with you.
When Norman is not pursuing his passion for studying well-being and healing, he loves to get on his bicycle. He’s a veteran of several century rides and has enjoyed riding in beautiful places around the world. He loves walks and runs with his partner, Debra, their growing family, including a granddaughter born in 2022.
Meet Debra Whitehead, LMT
The bridge between Norman Allard's teachings and you.
Debra Whitehead, LMT, left, and Norman Allard, right.
Debra Whitehead, LMT is a skilled healer and educator who recognized the value in Norman Allard's work and committed to making it available worldwide. She has brought his curriculum online so you can experience it from your own home.
After her career as an educator in schools and in the corporate world, Debra elevated her bodywork hobby. For more than 30 years, she studied massage, bodywork and energy practices, finally becoming a licensed massage therapist, working in private practice and in hospice. More currently her practice includes Norman’s work and study in osteopathy, supporting pain relief and increased function.
Debra’s warmth and strategic approach to creative problem-solving, along with her skills in communications, empathy, assessment and teamwork, supported her success in her varied career. Now she’s leveraging her background in education, coaching and health to support an accessible and effective online learning experience for you.
Debra works with you in two main ways.
· She’s immersed in the website, video production and student services, supporting your experience in the online school.
· She runs group coaching calls to support your growth through your Foundations Program, so you learn to listen to your body differently than you may have listened before.
She delights in receiving pictures from students from around the world who are practicing what they’ve learned at HōM. She feels honored to help you as you heal and thrive.
She loves building this school with Norman, reading historical novels, biking and hiking, cooking healthy meals, giving the occasional massage and being with her adult children, parents and cherished community of friends.
Debra and Norman are kind, loving people who welcome every student -- including the many virtual students of HōM -- into their family. They are invested in your progress and can't wait to guide you through your healing journey.
Keep an eye out for Debra and Norman in the videos throughout the HōM curriculum. And, if you'd like to say hi, ask questions, or share your progress, don't hesitate to give them a shout! You can reach them at [email protected]
In Memoriam: Layla and Zena
Norman Allard, left, Debra Whitehead, right, enjoying a walk around the lake on a beautiful Boulder day.
In loving memory of Layla and Zena, two faithful companions who brought joy and love into our lives. They will forever hold a special place in our hearts, and their presence will be deeply missed. Though they have crossed the rainbow bridge, their memories will live on through the photos and videos featured throughout this website.
Meet Moriah Arnold, J.D., M.A.
Marketing Director and HōM Enthusiast
Moriah Arnold, J.D., M.A. joined the HōM team in 2
Moriah Arnold by Photographer Dany Gaillard022 to help Debra Whitehead, LMT and Norman Allard bring their online school to life. Moriah is a Denver-based marketing specialist working exclusively with small businesses and nonprofits which are committed to making the world a better place. She is thrilled to support Debra and Norman's commitment to making physical and mental well being available to all through the HōM modality.
Moriah holds a B.A. in Traditional Eastern Arts, an M.A. in Religious Studies, and a J.D. from Colorado Law. When she isn't helping folks leverage marketing strategies to maximize the impact of their world-changing endeavors, you'll find her making and sharing art around Denver. You can learn more about Moriah here.