Ethan Ableman

Intern Segment 3 Practical

Ethan was a member of the final PMTI class that graduated before the pandemic in early 2020. After a long hiatus, they are excited to be back at PMTI interning for the Segment 3 Practical class! While not doing bodywork, you can find Ethan birding, social dancing, and working downtown helping state governments manage their federal funds.

 

Joyce Adams

Lead Instructor Segment 3 Nutrition

Joyce is a 2019 graduate of Maryland University of Integrative Health, and has a Master of Science in Nutrition and Integrative Health. She completed her Clinical Nutrition internship at Mary’s Center, a community healthcare organization based in Washington, DC. She holds a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) credential from the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists and is licensed by the Maryland State Board of Dietetic Practice as a Licensed Dietitian-Nutritionist (LDN). In addition to her nutrition education and training, Joyce holds a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration from University of Maryland, University College (currently University of Maryland Global Campus) and a Bachelor of Business Administration from The George Washington University. Prior to transitioning into the health and wellness field, Joyce worked in healthcare compliance for Kaiser Permanente and medical professional risk management for MedStar Health. She currently works as the Wellness Program Director for Single Adult Housing at So Others Might Eat (SOME).

 

Alison Babil, LMT, GCFP®

Lead Instructor Segments 1&2 Eastern Energy

A 2004 PMTI graduate, Alison teaches the Introduction to Energy Systems and Eastern Energy Systems. In addition to massage therapy, Alison is a Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner®, is certified in Soul Lightening Acupressure, has extensive training in Alchemical Alignment: Bodywork for Trauma Resolution and Embodiment of Spirit, and is a Reiki Master-Teacher. She has also achieved certifications in pregnancy massage, massage for whiplash, and massage for severe headaches and migraines. Alison enjoys meditating, swimming, and spending time in nature with her dog and loved ones.

 

Damien Baker

Lead Instructor Segment 1 Academic

Damien Graduated University of Maryland College Park 1994 with a BS in Anatomy and Physiology. He then went on to graduate school to pursue a career in healthcare, graduating with an additional BS degree in Human Biology and a Doctorate in Chiropractic Medicine. Prior to working with PMTI, Damien has taught at universities, community colleges and career training schools throughout Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Washington DC.

 

Saya Barkdoll, RMT

Lead Instructor Segment 3 Practical

Saya graduated from PMTI in 2000 and has been practicing ever since. Her passion and love for massage therapy has grown more every passing year. She has continued to add to her practice with prenatal massage, trigger-point therapy, deep tissue massage, isolated stretching techniques and more. She feels passionate that massage therapy is not just a treat but a necessity for everybody! She has seen the incredible outcome with so many including her own daughter and she knows, first hand, the power of massage.

 

Linda Baron, LMT

Dean of Student Services, Alumni Services Coordinator, Clinic Instructor

Linda graduated from PMTI in 2020. Since graduation she has assisted with the Heart of Touch class, currently assists in the Segment One practical class and serves as an Instructor with the Student Clinic. Linda is licensed in DC and Maryland and currently works at a wellness spa. She studied and practiced bodywork for many years before coming to PMTI and is a certified Phoenix Rising yoga teacher, therapist, group facilitator and therapeutic life mentor. She also has extensive training and experience in Thai massage. In her previous career, she was a mediator, group facilitator, coach, mentor and trainer in a variety of court, community, and workplace conflict resolution programs, including fourteen years during which she deployed to Federal disasters to provide conflict resolution services to employees in disaster field offices. When not practicing body work or teaching yoga, Linda enjoys biking, gardening, and vegan cooking.

 

Rachel Barth, LMT

Teaching Assistant Segment 2 Practical

Rachel has been a practicing LMT since 2007. She was drawn to the intricacies of Deep Tissue and it has been her primary focus throughout her career. Rachel also has Level 3 Thai Traditional Massage certification. Rachel draws on her Buddhist faith as well as the principles of yogic philosophy as underpinnings for her practice. Although Deep Tissue may seem quite technical at the outset, Rachel has found that the work is more effective and more profound within a spiritual framework.

 

Gaia Baytop, LMT

Clinic Instructor

Gaia has a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Bucknell University and is a licensed teacher in the District of Columbia where she currently teaches Science full-time at the Lab School of Washington.  She graduated from PMTI in 1999 and taught here as an Intern, Assistant and Lead Instructor for 9 years.  She returned in 2023 as a Lead Academic Instructor in Segment 2 and Clinic Instructor.  Gaia has certifications in Orthopedic Massage, Connective Tissue Massage, Infant Massage and is a Reiki Master.  She has a private practice in Silver Spring, MD.

 

Clio Berney, LMT

Reception, Clinic Instructor,
Lead Instructor Segment 2 Practical, CPR & First Aid

Clio joined our instructional team upon graduating in 2012. She is certified in Myofascial Release Technique, Pregnancy Massage, Active Isolated Stretching, Manual Lymph Drainage and Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy. Currently she teaches in Segments 1,2 and 3, and leads PMTI’s CPR and First Aid Continuing Education classes.

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Sean Brevard, LMT

Intern Segment 1 Academic

(bio pending)

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Jean Briggs, LMT

Lead Instructor Segment 3 Integrative Healthcare, Segments 1 and 2 Spa & Hydrotherapy

Jean is a Licensed Massage Therapist and Massage Educator working in Washington D.C. She has supported the community of PMTI in many capacities since her graduation in 2005 to include formerly serving on the Board of Directors and assistant teaching in the professional training program. Currently she offers Integrated Health Care Concepts and Spa and Hydrotherapy as courses which offer key elements for the growth, care of self, and success of our future massage therapists. Jean’s enthusiasm for massage therapy and delight with her educational collaborations has kept her interest ongoing for cultivating the best possible experience for all involved.

Angilique Campbell, LMT

Teaching Assistant Segment 1 Practical

Angilique graduated from PMTI in 2022 and is a Teaching Assistant for Segment One practical class. She is certified in Prenatal and Postnatal Massage, Integrative Reflexology, and Reiki. She works in the graduate clinic and has assisted in the Heart of Touch workshop. Angilique has over 20 years of teaching experience in the health and wellness industry, with a focus on private and semi-private classical Pilates and yoga instruction, in-person, online, and on retreats. 

 

Shannon Cannedy, LMT

Continuing Education and Workshops Coordinator, Clinic Instructor

After graduating from PMTI in 2005, Shannon stayed on by working as a practitioner in the PMTI Graduate Clinic until 2008.  When she started her own private practice in 2011, she began working in conjunction with an acupuncture clinic, taking on clients with sensitive health issues, which lead her to add Oncology Massage and Manual Lymph Drainage. She continued her education by studying Pregnancy Massage, Ayurveda, and Shiatsu techniques. Most recently, she has become a Reiki practitioner.

 

Russell Carollo, LMT

Teaching Assistant Segment 2 Practical

Russell graduated from PMTI in March 2023, and shortly after began practicing massage in PMTI's graduate clinic as well as assisted stretching at Massage Envy. He plans to continue his education in several modalities that caught his interest while in the program such as sports massage, Trager®, Myofacsial work, and Neuromuscular Therapy. Before entering the world of bodywork, Russell spent much of his life as a freelance bass player around the Maryland and D.C. area, and he brings the same passion and curiosity he has for music to his massage therapy practice.

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Jon Coventry

Teaching Assistant Segment 1 Academic

(bio pending)

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Stephanie Desmond, LMT

Lead Instructor Segment 1 Academic

(bio pending)

 

Molly Farwell, LMT

Lead Instructor Segment 3 Business Practices

Molly is a full-time MT and cooperative business owner in Baltimore, MD. She graduated from PMTI in 2017, transitioning out of a paralegal career in immigration law. It was her time working with immigrants that prompted her to pursue a career in trauma-healing bodywork and equitable business ownership. Her bodywork training includes over 500 hours of post-licensing education in biodynamic craniosacral therapy and Alchemical Alignment. Outside of work, Molly is a mother, a yogi, and an avid zero-waster. She is also a 3-yr member and the of the AMTA Maryland chapter board, where she serves as Financial Administrator. Molly teaches the business practices class with an emphasis on ethical and sustainable business practices and policies.

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Jen Float, LMT

Lead Instructor Segment 1 Practical

A PMTI graduate in 2013, Jen holds a B.S. in psychology and a Master's degree in special education from the University of Maryland, College Park. She taught special education for 6 years. Jen maintains a private massage practice in Laurel, Maryland. She is also certified in pregnancy and postpartum massage, fertility and hot stone massage. Jen started on the instructional team in 2014 and has been a lead instructor starting in 2017. She currently teaches the segment one practical class. 

 

Tamera Gelman

Executive Director / Admissions Management

Tam attended Middle Tennessee State University and enjoyed a long-term career as a commercial mortgage banker and broker prior to becoming a massage therapist. Since graduating from PMTI in 2002, Tam has been an instructor and administrator for the school. Tam first volunteered as PMTI’s real estate consultant in 2002 to help orchestrate the school’s relocation to Wisconsin Avenue in DC, and she has served in this same role in relocating PMTI to Silver Spring. Joining the Board of Directors in 2003, Tam has twice served as Board Treasurer and as the Board’s Co-Chair. Tam served as the school’s Acting Co-Director on two occasions before assuming her current position in 2011.

 

Joanne Goodwin, LMT

Clinic Instructor

Joanne graduated from PMTI in 2011 and has been a licensed massage therapist ever since, licensed in both Maryland and Virginia.  She has practiced Swedish, deep tissue, and oncology massage as well as Reiki, and is currently studying Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy. Ms. Goodwin has worked as a teaching assistant and lead instructor in PMTI's professional training program, and has taught in SIPs and in the student clinic.  

 

Lorie Gumbs-Tyler, ND, CNS

Lead Instructor Segment 1 Academic, Segment 3 Case Report

Dr. Lorie Gumbs-Tyler is a licensed naturopathic doctor, certified nutrition specialist, and craniosacral therapy practitioner. She earned her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from the University of Bridgeport and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity from Stanford University with a concentration in Community Health. She received training in craniosacral therapy, somatoemotional release, advanced topics of craniosacral applications for pregnancy & childbirth, pediatrics, and working with chronic depletion through the Upledger Institute. Her approach is empowerment-based, helping people to restore balance and reach a level of sustained wellness. Her process is holistic, addressing the connection between one’s mental, emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing. Her unique integration of whole-system analysis with individual needs provides effective personalized medicine. She has over 25 years of combined teaching experience from elementary to postsecondary levels, including private tutor, youth development and after school coordinator, non-credit adult education program coordinator and instructor, curriculum and workshop developer, as well as adjunct instructor for graduate level acupuncture, integrative medicine, and nutrition courses.

 

Nicole Harvey, LMT

Teaching Assistant Segment 1 Practical

Nicole is a native Washingtonian and has a BA from Howard University. She received her massage training at PMTI, and trained in a myriad of bodywork and energetic modalities such as Integrative Reflexology, Reiki III, and Muscle Release Technique. Nicole has been a licensed massage therapist since 2005, working mainly in spas, offices and in private practice. In addition to her work at PMTI, she has a private practice that is seeking to expand by working with groups of people in non-profit organizations, elder care facilities and other types of team oriented work environments.

 

Ellen Jarvis, LMT

Lead Instructor Segment 1 Practical,

Teaching Assistant Segment 2 Academic,

Coordinator S# Business Practices, Clinic Instructor

After graduating PMTI, Ellen stayed on as a therapist in the Graduate clinic and as an intern/Teacher’s Assistant the Professional Training Program. She has been a TA in segment 1 Swedish/Intro to Deep Tissue and Segment 2 Deep Tissue, as well as a Student Clinic Supervisor. She also holds a BFA in Stage Management from University of North Carolina School of the Arts and works with children and adults with developmental disabilities. 

 

Diane Kendall

Front Desk Management, Reception

Diane is PMTI’s Senior Receptionist. She spent 35 years at the Jewish Community Center in Rockville, working in several different departments. She retired in 2012 to focus on family for a while, and then embarked on a new career in working with animals. Diane joined the Roos-2-U family in 2016 and enjoyed caring for kangaroos, wallabies, emus and other exotic animals. In 2017, she was encouraged to come to PMTI where she enjoys interacting with students, staff and faculty.

 

Peter Langsdorf, LMT

Lead Instructor Segment 1 Medical Terminology & Soap Charting

Peter is an LMT specializing in Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Neuromuscular Therapy (Trigger Point) techniques. He has spent time as an intern, teaching assistant, and instructor in numerous parts of the programs: Segment One practical and academic, Segment Three practical and case report projects, Medical Terminology, and SOAP Charting. Peter works full time as a massage therapist in Northern Virginia following a career in federal recordkeeping and litigation support.

 

Andre Lee

Lead Instructor Segment 2 Academic

A PMTI graduate from the class of 2020, Andre has been joyfully practicing in the different fields of physical health for over 20 years. Andre uses his experiences and expertise to practice client focused exercise and exercise therapy, physical therapy, integrative manual therapy, massage therapy and other therapeutic approaches to improve the physical and individual health of clients and patients alike. As of 2023, his staff experience has been supporting students at SIPS, as a teacher assistant for Segment One Anatomy and Physiology, and Stretching II class coordinator. Andre thinks PMTI is a place where people can grow into the students that they want to learn as, and grow into the professionals they want to practice as.

 

Mary Maruca, LMT

Lead Instructor Segment 3 Intro to Biodynamic Cranial & Myofascial Release

Mary manages multiple jobs simultaneously – a writer and editor for the Department of the Interior, a published freelance writer, and a practicing Massage Therapist/ Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist. In addition, she has taught yoga and freshman English. Mary graduated from PMTI in 2011, and has extended her knowledge by studying a wide range of modalities such as Myofascial Release, Assisted Isolated Stretching, Cupping, Biodynamic Facial Rejuvenation, Visceral Manipulation, Neuro-Energetic Therapy, and Energy Kinesiology. Most recently she was approved to teach Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy by the BCST Association of North America. As a writer, Mary holds a Masters Degree in Literature from the University of Maryland, and has authored multiple children’s books based on natural history for Western National Parks and Monuments Association in Arizona.

 

Brittney Nickens

Intern Segment 3 Practical

(bio pending)

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Michael Oliwa

Marketing Director / IT Manager

Michael started as an assistant in his father’s photography studio on Madison Avenue in NYC. Taking an interest in design and communication, he worked and freelanced at ad agencies and publishers in NY and NJ, specializing in graphic design, illustration, and corporate communications. In 1999 he launched District Line Productions, a boutique graphic design agency, first in Bethesda and later in Downtown Silver Spring. Michael is also the manager of PMTI’s IT Department.

Jonathan Osmundsen, LMT

Teaching Assistant Segment 1 Practical

In 2015, Jonathan suffered significant bodily injury and a traumatic brain injury after being struck by a speeding SUV. He discovered the most significant benefits during his recovery came from bodywork, especially Craniosacral Therapy. This profound life experience set him on a path to PMTI, where his passion eventually led him to return after graduation to intern and support Segment 3 practical classes including Craniosacral, Myofascial, and Practical Integration. His bodywork combines a mix of modalities including Craniosacral, Trager, Myofascial, and Shiatsu -- generously sprinkled in to his Swedish and Deep Tissue massage. Prior to massage, Jonathan spent more than two decades in Public Affairs, Media Relations and PR and Marketing for nonprofits, startups and Fortune 100 Companies.

 

Meredith Osterman, LMT

Team Member

Meredith graduated from PMTI in 2012 and has been a massage teacher since 2013.  With a background in Swedish and Deep Tissue massage, she has also studied Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, Myofascial Release and currently studying Simultaneous Muscle Release Technique. Her repertoire includes prenatal massage and geriatric massage. Before coming to PMTI, Meredith studied art at Drew University, and is a painter and multi-media artist. Some of her artwork can be seen around PMTI’s campus.

 

Ross Pastel, LMT

Lead Instructor Segment 1 Research Literacy

Ross has a B.A. from Harvard University and a Ph.D. in Neural and Endocrine Regulation from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. After 26 years in the U.S. Army as an officer and research scientist, he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. He graduated from PMTI in 2016 and stayed on to intern, then teach Basic Anatomy and Physiology, and Body Systems Pathology for Massage. He also co-leads Case Report (with Tam Gelman) and teaches the Research Literacy workshop. He is currently pursuing certification in the Trager Approach, Zero Balancing, and Upledger CranioSacral Therapy. Other continuing education pursuits include Feldenkrais, Neuromuscular Therapy, Bowen Technique, and FlexAware.

 

​Gabrielle Perri, LMT

Clinic Manager/Instructor, Lead Instructor Segment 3 Practical

Gabrielle graduated from PMTI in 2018. Soon after, she joined Graduate Clinic where she still keeps busy seeing clients. She has also transitioned from being a Teacher Aide to being a Lead Instructor teaching students integration in Segment Three. Wearing many hats, she also helps run the Clinic program as co-manager with Clio. When Gabrielle is not at PMTI, she is usually enjoying the outdoors with her two children and sweetheart.

 

Jacqueline Prince, LMT

Registrar

Jackie’s background includes a BS in Social Work from the State University of New York (Brockport), with masters coursework toward Leadership in Teaching at Notre Dame of MD University. She also has many certifications in a wide variety of subjects - database design, business writing, commercial investment management (CCIM licensed realtor), yoga teacher training, energy healing, massage therapy, and integrative nutritional health coach. She brings her attention to detail and passion for excellence to PMTI, assisting students achieve academic success and realize their sense of place and community within the school.

 

Betsy Pursell, LMT

Lead Instructor Segment 2 Stretching, Segment 3 Exercise Physiology

Betsy is a graduate of Colgate University and has a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Harvard University. She is a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine and a Licensed Massage Therapist. She came to this profession following a career in Independent Schools as a teacher, coach and administrator and in senior leadership positions at several national non-profit organizations. Betsy graduated from PMTI in 2019 and serves as an adjunct faculty where she teaches classes in Exercise Physiology, Introduction to Stretching and Advanced Stretch Techniques. She serves as Director of Fitness and Wellness at Chevy Chase Club and holds fitness certifications in Functional Aging, Women’s Fitness and as a Stretch Coach.

 

Sage Raindancer, LMT

Team Member

Sage graduated from the Baltimore School of Massage Therapy in 1998. At the same time, Sage was finishing his time as a bicycle messenger and his time in the Army Reserves. Sage began teaching massage at PMTI in 2000 and has been a returning instructor over the years. He has branched out to teach massage at other schools in DC, Maryland, Virginia, & Arizona, and brings a rather diverse background in massage therapy theory. Over the decades of continuing education and self-development Sage’s work integrates energy work and bodywork. Aside from massage therapy, Sage is also an active Nature and Forest Therapy Guide in the DC area.

Brenda Rayner, LMT

Director of Education

Teaching Assistant Segment 2 Academic, Segment 1 Body Dynamics

Brenda joined our staff as Office Manager in October 2017, with a career background in entrepreneurship, human resources and accounting. A 2002 graduate of PMTI, Brenda has been a longstanding member of the Segment Two faculty, serving as both an academic and practical instructor. She has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2010, and currently serves as Assistant Treasurer. During the last several years, Brenda has continued to develop experience in massage therapy education through involvement with ABMP, AMTA, and AFMTE, participating in the development of two major projects in our field, ELAP/The CORE Blueprint for Entry-level Therapists, and more recently the Core Competencies for Massage Therapy Instructors.

 

Nichole Ruffin, LMT

Lead Instructor Segment 3 Advanced Seated Technique

Nichole is a nationally certified and licensed massage therapist and owner of Caressence Therapeutic Massage and founder of the Touch Scientific Institute. With a wealth of knowledge in anatomy and physiological allopathic medicine, Nichole treats clients from a holistic preventative approach. In her practice, Nichole uses an array of techniques including Reiki, Swedish massage, aromatherapy,
hot stone massage, deep tissue massage, reflexology, pregnancy massage, CranioSacral Therapy, corporate chair massage, Raindrop Technique, and Vita-flex. Nichole is a graduate of PMTI and a professional member of the American Massage Therapy Association. She has over 15 years of medical experience including medical technology, cardiovascular invasive technology, and education. Nichole’s credentials and certifications include: National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & BodyWork (NCBTMB), Professional Member of American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) & Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). Nichole and her husband, Lewis, reside in Greenbelt, Maryland.

 

Bob Schleichert, RMP

Lead Instructor Segment 1 Practical, Segment 1 Body Dynamics
Teaching Assistant Segment 1 Body Dynamics

Bob graduated from PMTI in 2004 and has additional training in Reiki, Compassionate Touch, Couples Massage, Massage for Low Back Pain, and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
He has taught in multiple segments of PMTI’s Professional Training Program, where he is currently a lead instructor in Segment 1 practical, as well as the Fieldwork program and PMTI’s community workshops.  Bob maintains a private practice in Maryland.

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Marianne Scippa, LMT

Lead Instructor Segments 1 and 2 Polarity

(bio pending)

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Liann Seiter, LMT

Lead Instructor Segment 1 Communication & Boundaries, Segment 2 Psychology Perspectives

(bio pending)

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Lloyd Shockley, LMT

Team Member

A retired MCPS science teacher, Lloyd graduated PMTI and went into practice as a massage therapist in DC and Maryland. Lloyd also holds a Vodder Certification in MLD and CDT, a BA in biology, and MA in science teaching. Currently he is a massage therapist at an AIDs clinic in DC and a volunteer therapist at a hospice in MD.

 

Demara Stamler, LMT

Consultant to the Staff 

(bio pending)

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Tom Swiss

Lead Instructor Segment 3 Shiatsu

Tom is a 2004 graduate 2004 of the Shiatsu and Asian Bodywork program at the Baltimore School of Massage, where he was trained in both the Traditional Chinese Medicine and Zen/Masunaga approaches to shiatsu. He is certified as a Diplomate in Asian Bodywork Therapy by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, a Certified Practitioner by the American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia, and a Maryland Licensed Massage Therapist. Besides his private practice, he has worked at one of the Baltimore area's top spas, and with chemotherapy outpatients at one of its top hospitals. Tom also holds a master's degree in Computer Science from the University of Maryland, and a kari rokudan (sixth degree black belt) ranking in Seido Karate. His book Why Buddha Touched the Earth was published in 2013, and he blogs at Patheos as “The Zen Pagan.”

 

Roger Tolle, MSME/T, CTP, CSP

Lead Instructor Segment 2 Movement Perspectives, Segment 3 Intro to Trager

Having achieved a B.A. in Theater/Movement, Roger spent 15 years as a professional modern dancer developing a wide-ranging vocabulary of movement. Through extensive study with Dr. Milton Trager and others in the field of somatic movement education, he developed a thorough working knowledge of function in motion and the interconnected influences of mind and body. Since 1989, Roger has been teaching for the US Trager Association, and worldwide for Trager International. In 2023, his broad training, experience, and contributions to the field of Somatic Movement Education was recognized by the International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association with the credential of Master Somatic Movement Educator and Therapist (MSME/T).

Brenda Tracy, LMT

Lead Instructor Segment 2 Practical, Clinic Instructor

Brenda earned a BA and MBA from Hood College in Frederick, MD and has had an extensive career in human resources, specializing in talent acquisition. She graduated from PMTI in 2018 and worked part time in a wellness center focusing on pregnancy massage. Brenda is a Registered Massage Practitioner, certified in Pregnancy & Postpartum Massage, with completed training for the Trager Approach – Levels I, II and III. She has 3 children: a recent graduate of Temple University in Philadelphia, PA, and a second year and soon to be first year at UMD.

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Sarah Tucker, LMT

Lead Instructor Segment 3 Myofascial

(bio pending)