Massage Therapy
Faculty Biographies

Michael Alatriste, L.M.T.

Michael Alatriste teaches Introduction to Lymphatic Drainage Massage and Shiatsu II and Eastern Evaluation in the Swedish Institute Massage Therapy Program.

Michael maintains a private practice in New York City, specializing in lymphatic drainage. In addition to teaching and bodywork, he practices the Indian spiritual tradition of Gaudiya Vaishnava.

He has a Massage Therapy Diploma from the Swedish Institute. He completed a certification program in Shiatsu at Ohashi Institute in New York City, and earned certification in Lymph Drainage from the Dr. Vodder School. He is certified as a Reiki Master Instructor by the American Reiki Master Association, where he studied the Usui Shiki Ryoho system.

Michael Alicia, L.M.T.

Michael Alicia teaches Shiatsu I and II, Advanced Shiatsu, Swedish Massage I, Introduction to Sotai, Introduction to Thai Massage, and Self-Care for the Massage Therapist at the Swedish Institute.

Michael has a private practice in Manhattan, specializing in Shiatsu. He created and produced a videotape entitled The Stretching Process, which sells nationally. He has created and occasionally teaches an independent course called On the Stretching Process, which he has taught at the Therapeutic Massage Training Institute in North Carolina. He is currently writing a book on the process of starting a massage therapy practice.

Michael has a Massage Therapy Diploma from the Swedish Institute, as well as an Advanced Shiatsu and Oriental Studies Certificate. He has furthermore studied Sotai, Thai Massage, Sports Massage, and Cranio-sacral Therapy. He has done post-graduates studies with Jeffrey C. Yuen, and Kiko Matsumoto. He has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theater from the University of Florida.

Cathy Allen, L.M.T.

Cathy Allen teaches professional development classes at the Swedish Institute. She occasionally supervises an off-site clinic, including one at a hospice, to which she brings her skills in meditation and the dying process.

Cathy maintains a private bodywork practice in massage therapy and Structural Integration in Manhattan.

She has a Massage Therapy Diploma from the Swedish Institute. She also has a Diploma in Structural Integration from the Guild of Structural Integration in Colorado. She has done post-graduate studies on understanding the process of dying with Stephen Levine, and has worked with the terminally ill. She continues on-going studies in meditation and yoga.

Bob Altheim, B.A., L.M.T. (Senior Instructor)

An instructor at the Swedish Institute since 1977, Bob Altheim has taught Anatomy and Physiology I, Myology, Palpation and Swedish Massage I and Swedish Massage II. He also teaches Tai Chi in the school’s Acupuncture Program.

He has maintained a part-time private practice in New York City and Long Island since 1975, and has also worked extensively in area health clubs. He is a devoted practitioner of Tai Chi, and for twenty-five years has taught classes around the city, including at the McBurney YMCA, various senior centers, The Learning Annex and Samaritan Village (a Manhattan drug rehab center).

Bob Altheim received his Diploma in Massage Therapy from the Swedish Institute. His massage training began more than thirty years ago, when he began his studies with private lessons with John Beaulieu, Russ Johnson (at the World Yoga Center) and Ohashi at the Shiatsu Education Center (now called the Ohashi Institute). In 1977 he became interested in Tai Chi, in order to help him perform massage more proficiently. Tai Chi has since become a driving passion and has radically expanded his understanding of bodywork, fostering an awareness of his own body and deep sensitivity to the bodies of others. His primary Tai Chi teachers have been William C.C. Chen, Herman Kauz and Larry Galante.

He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry and History from Queens College, and has a New York State certification for teaching in secondary schools.

Tom Banasiak, L.M.T.

Tom Banasiak teaches Introduction to Eastern Bodywork and Theory, Shiatsu I and Shiatsu II, and Clinical Strategies at the Swedish Institute. He is an AOBTA Certified Instructor and NCCAOM Diplomate of Asian Bodywork Therapy.

Tom maintains a private practice in Shiatsu, which he started in 1986.

He earned his Massage Therapy Diploma from the Swedish Institute, as well as a Shiatsu Certificate from the Ohashi Institute. He has further studied shiatsu with Pauline Sasaki, a student of Masunaga, the developer of Zen Shiatsu. He is a certified practitioner of Zero Balancing therapy and has studied Cranio-Sacral therapy. He has an associate's degree in nutrition from Villa Maria College, NY.

Russ Beasley, B.A., L.M.T. (Senior Practitioner)

Russ Beasley has been teaching at the Swedish Institute for over 15 years. He is currently part of the adjunct faculty, teaching Self Care for the Massage Therapist.

Russ has a private practice with a special focus on massage therapy for dancers. He has been the full-time backstage massage therapist for the spectacular, physically-challenging dance musical Movin' Out since its start on Broadway. He has also worked with leading dancers from American Ballet Theater, New York City Ballet, Eliot Feld, Martha Graham Company, Twyla Tharp and others. For the last ten years he has been part of a massage staff for the U.S. Open tennis tournament, providing on-site massage for players during the three-week event.

Before becoming a massage therapist, Russ had a career for 20 years as a dancer, performing with ballet and modern dance companies and in Broadway shows and national tours. He also was on the dance faculty for several major colleges, either as a full-time instructor or guest artist.

Russ is a graduate of the Swedish Institute Massage Therapy Program. He has certifications in Deep Tissue Massage, Trigger Point Therapy, and Sports Massage. He graduated from California State University, Long Beach, with a B.A. in Asian History and Dance.

Simone Carbonel, M.S., L.Ac., L.M.T.

Simone Carbonel teaches Introduction to Eastern, Eastern and Western Clinical Strategies, and Reflexology at the Swedish Institute.

Her private practice in Manhattan focuses on Shiatsu, Jin Shin Do and acupuncture. She also practices reflexology massage at the Woodhull Hospital Mental Health Unit in Queens.

Simone has an Associate in Occupational Studies degree from the Swedish Institute's Massage Therapy Program, and is further certified in Shiatsu from the Ohashi Institute. She received her M.S. degree in Acupuncture from Tri-State College in New York. Simone has studied various aspects of Eastern medicine with Jeffrey Yuen, Mark Seem, Pauline Sazaki and Kiiko Matsumoto. She graduated from Nice University in France, with a degree in French Literature and Philosophy.

Reggie Ceaser, L.M.T. (Senior Instructor, Senior Practitioner)

Reggie Ceaser has been at the Swedish Institute for over 20 years, teaching Shiatsu I and II, Advanced Shiatsu, Introduction to Thai Massage, Tui Na and Swedish Massage. He is a Certified Ohashiatsu Instructor and an A.O.B.T.A. Certified Instructor.

Reggie currently maintains a private practice in Shiatsu and is a Consultant to the New York State Board of Massage. He has been an avid practitioner of Tai Chi for over 20 years. He appears in a book on Native Americans and their culture entitled Native Americans Today by Arlene Hirschfelder and Yvonne Beamer. He is also in a book on African-Americans who are making a difference in their communities, called Our Common Ground: Portraits of Blacks Changing the Face of America, by photographer Bruce Caines.

Reggie has a Massage Therapy Diploma from the Swedish Institute. He earned his Shiatsu Teacher Certificate from the Shiatsu Education Center, NY, and an Acupressure Certificate from the Center for Chinese Medicine, NY. His post-graduate education includes the study of herbs and movement science with Shozato Masanaga, who taught him Zen Shiatsu, Richard Dicks, with whom he studied naturopathic medicine, Chinese herbs and medical theory with Jeffrey C. Yuen and Ted Kaptchuk, and Shiatsu with Wataru Ohashi.

Paula Chin, M.S., L.Ac., L.M.T. (Senior Instructor)

Paula Chin teaches all levels of Swedish Massage and Shiatsu at the Swedish Institute. She is an A.O.B.T.A. Certified Instructor. She also teaches Tui Na and Qigong in the Acupuncture Program.

Paula has a private practice in Manhattan in both massage therapy and acupuncture.

She has a Master of Science degree in Acupuncture from the Swedish Institute and a diploma from the Massage Therapy Program. She is skilled in many of the martial arts, including Qigong, Tai Chi Chuan, Kendo and Philippino Stick and Knife. She has been studying classical Chinese medicine and Taoist health practices with Jeffrey C. Yuen for over 15 years. She has a Bachelor of Science degree from SUNY/Empire State College, New York, NY, with a double major in dance and classical Chinese health care.

Ericka Clinton, L.M.T.

Ericka Clinton is Chair of the Clinical Studies Department. She also teaches Swedish Massage II, Advanced Western Techniques, Self-Care, and Clinical Strategies, and works as a supervisor in Clinic I, II, and III.

Ericka maintains a private practice as a massage therapist, and provides Swedish massage at Columbia University Medical Center's Integrative Medicine Program.

Ericka earned her Massage Therapy Diploma from the Swedish Institute, and has continued studying various forms of structural and myofascial work such as Orthobionomy.

Juli Cooper, L.M.T.

Juli Cooper teaches Swedish Massage I and most of the modules of the Professional Development curriculum. In addition, she supervises several off-site externships.

Besides working at the Swedish Institute and maintaining a private practice, Julie is Director and Co-Founder of the Healing Touch Project, which provides self-care workshops and hands-on services for people experiencing traumatic stress. As a Coordinator of Stress Reduction Days for New York City school's Project Renewal, she coordinated and provided stress-reduction sessions for teachers, guidance counselors and administrators.

Cooper regularly writes articles for the Jin Shin Do Newsletter. Her book Creative Dramatics: A Teacher’s Manual was published in 1980 under a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.

She holds a Massage Therapy Diploma from the Swedish Institute. Julie has studied many different modalities, including Alexander Technique, CranialSacral Therapy, trigger point therapy, Feldenkrais, Bioenergetics, Jin Shin Do and deep tissue massage. To facilitate her bodywork with tauma, Julie has taken courses in psychology, social work and psychodrama. She received a certificate in International Trauma Studies from New York University, NY. She has a Drama Certificate from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.

Shannon Dailey, B.A., L.M.T.

Shannon Dailey teaches Shiatsu I, Shiatsu II, Introduction to Eastern, and Cranio-Sacral Therapy at the Swedish Institute.

Her private practice in Manhattan focuses on Cranio-Sacral Therapy, Shiatsu and Swedish massage. She also works with an integrative modality called Subtle Self Work, which incorporates meditation and body-centered processing and has advanced training in Cranio-Sacral Therapy.

She has an A.O.S. degree in Massage Therapy from the Swedish Institute. She has advanced training in Cranio-Sacral therapy. She has a B.A. degree from Reed College.

Meg Darnell, L.M.T.

Meg Darnell is the Director of Alumni Services for the Swedish Institute. She also teaches a Professional Development class.

Meg has a private practice in massage therapy in Brooklyn. She is also a certified Doula, providing emotional, physical, and informational support to women before, during, and after childbirth. She is the co-founder of the Metropolitan Doula Group, an educational support group for labor support doulas in the New York area. She also teaches workshops on pre-natal massage for parents.

Meg has a Massage Therapy Diploma from the Swedish Institute. Her independent studies include deep tissue massage, structural integration, movement analysis and energetic practices. She is certified in Bodywork for the Childbearing Year and is an ALACE certified labor assistant.

Tammy Day, M.S., L.Ac., L.M.T.

Tammy Day has taught Assessment, Advanced Western Massage Techniques, Clinical Strategies, Introduction to Eastern Bodywork and Theory, Reflexology and Swedish Massage II in the Massage Therapy Program.

Tammy has a private practice in Shiatsu, Watsu and reflexology. She is an ARCB Certified Reflexologist and a Certified Yamuna Bodyrolling Educator.

She earned her Massage Therapy Diploma from the Swedish Institute and her Master of Science degree from the Swedish Institute's Acupuncture Program. Tammy earned her B.F.A.degree in Drama and Dance from the University of Texas in Austin.

Grazia Della-Terza, L.M.T.

Grazia Della-Terza teaches Introduction to Eastern Bodywork and Theory, Shiatsu I and Shiatsu II at the Swedish Institute.

She maintains a private practice in Shiatsu, massage therapy and Reiki in Manhattan. Currently, she gives Reiki treatments at St. Vincent's Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Grazia earned her Massage Therapy Diploma from the Swedish Institute. She holds certification in Shiatsu from the Ohashi Institute, in Zero Balancing from the Zero Balancing Association, NY, and in reflexology. She studied extensively with Jeffrey Yuen, having taken his courses in Oriental dietary therapy, herbs, Tui Na and body energetics. Additionally, she has studied Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Jin Shin Do acupressure and Ortho-Bionomy. Grazia took courses in CranioSacral therapy and SomatoEmotional release at the Upledger Institute. She graduated from SUNY Purchase with a B.F.A. in Dance.

Eric Demry, M.S., L.Ac., L.M.T.

Eric Demry teaches Tui Na in the Massage Therapy Program and is Registrar for the school.

Eric maintains an acupuncture practice at an HIV Clinic in Manhattan.

He has studied and practiced African and Asian martial arts for over 15 years.

He graduated from the Massage Therapy Program and earned a Master of Science degree from the Acupuncture Program.

Shelley Eckstein, M.S.W., L.M.T.

Shelley Eckstein teaches all of the Professional Development classes in the Massage Therapy Program curriculum. She has also assisted in curriculum development of these classes.

She has been in private practice as a psychotherapist for 20 years, and as a massage therapist, specializing in mind/body medicine work, for seven year. Much of Shelley’s work is geared toward trauma recovery and life transformation. She developed a Mind/Body Family Symposium for the Arthritis Foundation, a forum that allows experts in the field of pain and stress management to explore the use of techniques such as breath work, chanting/meditation, positive thinking and visualization for their positive effects on health, mood and pain relief.

She earned her Massage Therapy Diploma from the Swedish Institute. Post-graduate studies include CranioSacral therapy, Reiki, and Deep Emotional Release work. Shelly has an M.S.W. in Clinical Social Work from Hunter College, NY, and a B.S. in Biology/Psychology from Union College.

Jack J. Forster, B.A., L.M.T., L.Ac.

Jack Forster teaches Neurology, Anatomy and Physiology, Pathology and Tuina in the Massage Therapy Program.

He has been in private practice in New York City since 1992, as a massage therapist, licensed acupuncturist, and practitioner of Chinese herbology. Jack has a special interest in the exploration of the integration of complementary and conventional medicine. As a student, he worked as a patient care coordinator in a clinic that offered a multi-disciplinary approach to the treatment of cancer. He later worked with a Manhattan medical center both as an practitioner of Chinese medicine and as a researcher developing evidence-based protocols for the use of Chinese herbology and acupuncture for oncology, cardiology, endocrine and neurological disorders.

For more than a decade, Jack has practiced martial arts, including aikido, taijiquan, xingyi, and has taught qigong and taijiquan classes in Manhattan and elsewhere.

He graduated from the Swedish Institute Massage Therapy Program and received a Master's in Science degree in Acupuncture from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, New York City. He earned a B.A. in Philosophy and Art History from Bennington College, VT. His post-graduate studies include ongoing training in the martial arts, as well as extensive practice of qi gong and meditation.

Aviva Geismar, L.M.T.

Aviva Geismar teaches Tools of Assessment and Treatment and Swedish Massage II in the Massage Therapy Program. She has also taught Anatomy and Physiology I, Palpation, and Swedish Massage I.

She has a private practice in massage therapy in Manhattan. She is also a professional dancer and choreographer whose dance company, Drastic Action, has performed at many national venues, such as Inside/Out at Jacob's Pillow, Symphony Space in New York, and the Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

Aviva received a Massage Therapy Diploma from the Swedish Institute. She has also studied prenatal massage, myofascial and trigger point techniques, massage for dancers, and Ortho-bionomy. She holds a B.F.A. in Dance from New York University and is currently pursuing an M.F.A. in Dance from the University of Wisconsin.

Elizabeth Jacobs, L.M.T.

Elizabeth Jacobs teaches Anatomy and Physiology I, Myology and Kinesiology, Palpation, Pathology and Medical Massage in the Massage Therapy Program. In addition, she has been a Clinic Supervisor.

She had a private massage therapy practice in Westchester, NY. She has taught massage-related subjects at schools in Pennsylvania and at the Healing Hands Institute in Westwood, NJ. Since 1994, she has conducted trigger point workshops for the Swedish Institute's Continuing Education Department.

Liz received her diploma from the Massage Therapy Program of the Swedish Institute. Since then she has taken a variety of continuing education classes, including sports massage and myofascial/trigger point work with Jim Hackett. At the Upledger Institute she completed CranioSacral Levels I and II, SomatoEmotional Release Level I, and Mechanical Link I.

Alix Keast, B.A., L.M.T.

Alix Keast teaches Advanced Shiatsu at the Swedish Institute, where she has been on the faculty since 1989. She is an AOBTA Certified Instructor and an NCCAOM Diplomate of Asian Bodywork Therapy.

She has maintained a private practice focused on Shiatsu since 1989. She also teaches shiatsu for fertility and instructs parents on how to give pediatric Tui Na to help their children flourish and stay healthy.

Alix has a Massage Therapy Diploma from the Swedish Institute, and a Shiatsu Certificate from the Ohashi Institute. She has also studied Shiatsu with Pauline Sasaki. She is certified in Zero-Balancing, having trained with Susan Klein and Dr. Fritz Smith. She has studied Chinese Medicine and herbs with Jeffrey Yuen. She has a B.A. in French Literature from Wells College, Aurora, NY.

Dana Keeler, M.S.W., L.M.T.

Dana Keeler currently teaches Introduction to Polarity Therapy at the Swedish Institute.

She maintains a private practice in massage therapy in Manhattan. She is a certified yoga instructor and also teaches a Polarity certification course at the Soma/Psyche Institute in New York.

Dana has a Sports Massage Certificate, as well as a Massage and Hydrotherapy Certificate, from the Florida School of Massage. She has continued her education through certification programs in Polarity Therapy, CranioSacral therapy, CranioSacral Biodynamics and the Rosen Method. She received her yoga instructor certification from the White Lotus Foundation in Santa Barbara, CA. She earned a B.A. in Dance Therapy from the University of Wisconsin and her M.S.W. from Hunter College, NY.

Craig Kienzle, L.M.T.

Craig Kienzle teaches Reflexology and Swedish Massage I in the Massage Therapy Program. He also co-directs the Off-Site Internship program.

Craig maintains a private practice in Manhattan, focusing on Swedish massage, Shiatsu, Lomilomi and Reflexology.

He received an A.O.S. degree from the Swedish Institute. In addition, he is certified in Reflexology (ARCB) and Lomilomi (Level I) by the Hawaiian Healing Institute of Integrated Studies. His undergraduate work was as a music major at Carroll College in Waukesha, WI and the Wisconsin College Conservatory of Music, in Milwaukee, WI.

Ellen Krueger, M.S., L.M.T.

Ellen Krueger is chair of the Professional Development and Ethics Department for the Massage Therapy Program. She also teaches Introduction to Polarity Therapy and some of the Professional Development classes.

She maintains a private practice in Manhattan, specializing in mind/body work. She is the director and founder of the Soma-Psyche Institute, an organization that trains people in CranioSacral Therapy, Polarity, Somatic Intuition, and Body Centered Gestalt-Process Therapy. The Institute has a Body Centered Counseling Program, as well as supervision groups, which Krueger runs, for L.M.T.s and other bodyworkers.

Ellen has a Massage Therapy Diploma from the Swedish Institute. She is certified by the Gestalt Association For Psychotherapy, NY as a practitioner of Gestalt Therapy. She has an M.S. degree in Family Counseling from Iona College, NY. Her post-graduate studies include interpersonal communications skills at the Touchstone Institute. She has a B.A. in Dance/Studio Art from the University of Iowa.

Lucy Liben, M.S., L.M.T.

Lucy Liben is the Dean for Massage Therapy of the Swedish Institute, a position she has held since 1998. As such, she oversees the development and implementation of curricula and policies, and works closely with faculty and students to ensure quality and consistency in the educational program. Prior to becoming Dean, she was Director of Education, and Chairperson of the Anatomy and Physiology Department.

She began working at the Swedish Institute in 1978 as an instructor of Anatomy and Physiology, which she taught for 20 years. She has also taught Swedish Massage and Professional Development and Ethics. She was instrumental in envisioning and developing the Professional Development component of the training, as well as the Offsite Internship Program, a community outreach program which offers students opportunities to provide massage to clients in a variety of community settings.

She is very active in the professional community. She has been a member of the AMTA Council of Schools (COS) for over 12 years, and has served on a variety of committees, including the Task Force on Diversity and the Task force on Ethics, for which she co-wrote the COS Code of Ethics. She also chaired the Grievance Committee, and most recently chaired the Newsletter Committee. In 2003, the AMTA COS recognized her work by presenting her with the Meritorious Service Award. She has served as a consultant to the New York State Department of Education, and is currently an active participant in the Massage Therapy Research Consortium.

She had a practice in massage therapy until 1993, working both in private practice and as part of a team that included a chiropractor, physical therapists, and movement therapists. She is the author of various articles for the Massage Therapy Journal and the AMTA Council of Schools Newsletter, and has contributed a chapter on Swedish Massage to the Family Guide to Natural Medicine (1991).

She is a graduate of the Swedish Institute’s Massage Therapy Program and has a Master of Science degree in Anatomy and Cell Biology from New York Medical College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Russian Language and Literature from the University of Chicago.

Denise Lowe, L.M.T.

Denise Lowe is an instructor of Assessment and advanced level massage courses for the Massage Therapy Program at the Swedish Institute. She also teaches in the Personal Training Program.

She began her career in health and fitness in 1985 as a personal trainer and group exercise instructor. As the fitness Director of Classic Bodies Fitness she designed training programs for their exercise instructors. She has also designed and taught integrative anatomy and yoga posture workshops.

Denise has a diploma in Massage Therapy from the Swedish Institute.

Her interest in the therapeutic aspects of exercise led her to study Active Isolated Stretching with Jim and Phil Wharton. She is certified in Advanced Sports Massage and has completed the Yoga Alliance's 500-hour certification course.

Gina Martin, B.A., L.M.T.

Gina Martin is Dean of Regulatory Affairs at the Swedish Institute. Within the Massage Therapy Program she teaches Anatomy and Physiology, Clinical Strategies, most of the Professional Development courses, and all courses within the Eastern Studies Department. She is an AOBTA Certified Instructor and NCCAOM Diplomate of Asian Bodywork Therapy

She has served on the New York State Board for Massage Therapy for the past 10 years. She maintains a private practice, specializing in Eastern bodywork, herbs and hypnotherapy in Rockland County, NY. She is author of the Shiatsu Workbook, which is used as part of the curriculum at the Swedish Institute, and has contributed to two other books: The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Body/Mind Disciplines by Nancy Allison, published by Rosen Publishing Group, 1999, and The Family Guide to Natural Medicine, published by Readers' Digest.

Besides having a Massage Therapy Diploma from the Swedish Institute, Gina has studied Thai Massage, Sotai, Seitai, herbs, Qi-gong, and energy/intuition cultivation. She is also a certified hypnotherapist and a certified instructor of 5-Element Theory. She has a B.A. in Political Science/Anthropology from Indiana University.

Dante Mele, L.M.T.

Dante Mele teaches Swedish Massage I and Swedish Massage II, and some of the Professional Development classes. He has also been a Clinical Supervisor.

He has been involved in the theatre for many years in different capacities. In his massage therapy practice he sees mostly actors, dancers and musicians.

Dante earned his Massage Therapy Diploma from the Swedish Institute. He has continued his professional education by studying Thai Massage, Reiki and chakra alignment. He graduated from Rhode Island College with a B.A. in Communication and Theater.

Caren Messing, B.A., L.M.T.

Caren Messing teaches or has taught Swedish I and II, Advanced Techniques and Clinical Applications, and Stretching, PNF and Intro to Sports Massage. Within the professional development classes she also teaches Sexual Issues in Massage Practice, Maintaining Rapport, Transferential Issues in Massage, and Emotional Care/Burn-out.

Caren has a private massage therapy practice in Manhattan. She

was sports massage therapist for the New York Giants football team for three years.

In addition to her career as a massage therapist, Caren is involved in theater, the performing arts and writing. Her article, “A Modicum of Comfort", about the role massage therapists took in the rescue and recovery after 9/11, was published in America, September 11th : The Courage to Give (MJF Books, 2001). She has appeared on the cable television show The Health and Nutrition Report with Diane Griesel, and she took part in the taping of fellow faculty member Michael Alicia's video, The Stretching Process. She is a lead singer in a band called The SHIRTS, which has a soon-to-be released CD.

Caren earned her Massage Therapy Diploma from the Swedish Institute. Her continuing education includes certification in deep tissue massage, courses in trigger point therapy, sports massage, myofascial therapy, neuromuscular therapy, and massage in the performing arts. She earned her B.A. in Liberal Arts from SUNY Purchase, NY.

Vincent Metzo, M.A., L.M.T., C.S.C.S.

Vincent Metzo has been teaching at the Swedish Institute since 1994, and is Chair of the Western Sciences Department for the Massage Therapy Program. As part of the Massage Therapy Program faculty he teaches Neurology and Anatomy and Physiology II. Metzo is also Dean of the Personal Training Program. He is extensively involved in developing the course curriculum for the Personal Training Program and teaches the core classes within that program.

He maintains a private practice as a massage therapist and personal trainer in Manhattan. He has taught Anatomy and Exercise Biomechanics as an adjunct faculty member at New York University. He has had extensive experience managing corporate fitness centers and working in commercial fitness settings. He holds or has held certifications from the National Strength and Conditioning Association, American College of Sports Medicine, and American Council on Exercise.

He earned his Massage Therapy Diploma from the Swedish Institute and has a master's degree from New York University and a B.F.A. in Drama from New York University.

Nurit Nardi, M.A., L.M.T.

Nurit Nardi currently teaches the CranioSacral therapy elective class at the Swedish Institute.

In her private practice in Manhattan Nurit approaches the body, emotions and mind as a whole. Along with bodywork, she uses transformational imagery, trauma work, psychodrama, and dream work to help restore well-being. She has been in practice since 1986.

She earned her Massage Therapy Diploma from the Swedish Institute. Her post-graduate studies include CranioSacral therapy at the Upledger Institute in Florida, Zero-Balancing, Visceral Manipulation and Lymph Drainage. She has studied for eight years with Dr. Catherine Shainberg, director of the School for Images in New York City, and she also teaches there. Nardi holds an M.A. in Transpersonal Psychology from Westbrook University, and an Interdisciplinary B.S. from Empire State College.

Judith Levinrad Norman, B.A., L.M.T.

"We offer many perspectives of bodywork at the Swedish Institute. What unites all of them is a quest for excellence. As a result, our students learn a creative approach to their work, which will help them be flexible in meeting the challenges they will face."

Judith Levinrad Norman teaches or has taught Clinic I, Clinic II and Clinic III, Clinical Strategies, Swedish II, and various Professional Development classes.

She maintains a private practice with a special focus on the Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Massage, which addresses the position and health of the pelvic and abdominal organs. For more information, refer to www.arvigomassage.com
She received her Massage Therapy Diploma from the Swedish Institute. She also has a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Social Sciences from Binghamton University in New York.

Jim Patrick, M.S., L.Ac., L.M.T.

Jim Patrick teaches Swedish Massage II, Introduction to Eastern Bodywork and Theory, Shiatsu I, Shiatsu II, and some Professional Development classes. Currently, he is a clinical supervisor for Clinical Internship III.

Jim earned his Massage Therapy Diploma from the Swedish Institute, and is a graduate of our Acupuncture Program. He continuing education studies include Pre/Post Natal Massage, Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial Release, Reiki, and massage for people with life-threatening illnesses. Jim graduated from SUNY Fredonia with a B.F.A. in Performance.

Charles Pegg, L.M.T.

Charles Pegg currently teaches Introduction to Eastern Bodywork and Theory and Qi Gong at the Swedish Institute. He is also a co-director of Off-site Internships.

He maintains a private practice that focuses on sports massage and injury prevention for athletes, and support of general wellness. He has offices in upstate New York and in New York City.

Charles trains and competes as a triathlon athlete at state and national levels. He has competed in the New York State Triathlon and at the Iron Man in Lake Placid. He was the featured Athlete of the Month of the Hudson Valley Triathlon Club. www.hvtc.net.April/2004

Charles counts massage as an essential part of his training, allowing him to treat his own injuries as well as prevent them. This in turn gives him the experience and understanding to successfully treat people with similar injuries, and teach the techniques which he uses to others.

Charles has a Massage Therapy Diploma from the Swedish Institute.

Mark Proctor, B. S., L.M.T.

Mark Proctor has been teaching at the Swedish Institute since 1990 and is currently chairman of the Western Massage Department. For the past 5 years he has led curriculum development and revision for the Western Massage courses. He teaches Swedish I, several Professional Development classes, and Tools of Assessment and Treatment, a new course he was instrumental in developing.

Over the years he has practiced Swedish massage and Shiatsu in a variety of settings, including health clubs and private practice. He currently works in a group practice in the West Village.

In addition to his career as a massage therapist, he pursues his love of photography, with a main focus on nature, botanicals and landscapes. His work has been exhibited in galleries in New York and New Hampshire.

He earned his Massage Therapy Diploma from the Swedish Institute and graduated from the Ohashi Institute with a certificate in Shiatsu. He also has a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of New Hampshire.

Olivia Quiroz, B.S., L.M.T.

Olivia Quiroz teaches Professional Development classes at the Swedish Institute, providing information on issues such as "Trauma and Abuse", "Chronic and Terminal Illness" and "Maintaining Rapport with the Client."

She provides medical massage at a clinic she shares with an acupuncturist and chiropractor on Long Island. Olivia also has a private practice in a spa in Queens.

Olivia has an A.O.S. degree from the Swedish Institute, as well as a B.S. in Business Administration from Northeastern University in Boston, MA.

Clara Raab, B.A., L.M.T.

Clara Raab currently teaches Swedish Massage I and is a supervisor for Clinic I, Clinic II, and Clinic III. She is also the Director of the Weekend Stress Reduction Clinic.

Clara has a private practice in massage therapy in northern New Jersey.

She earned her Massage Therapy Diploma from the Swedish Institute and has a B.A. in Speech Therapy from Rutgers University, NJ.

Pieter Sommen, M.S., L.Ac., L.M.T.

"With Shiatsu you understand the body in terms of the life."

Pieter Sommen is Chair of the Eastern Studies Department in the Massage Therapy Program. He is also an instructor and teaches or has taught Introduction to Eastern Studies, Shiatsu I and Shiatsu II, Tui Na and Thai Massage. He is a Clinic Supervisor. In the Acupuncture Program he teaches Tui Na.

In addition to teaching, he has a private practice in New York City in acupuncture, Shiatsu, Thai Massage and Tui Na. He conducts a variety of Thai massage workshops at other schools and regularly teaches Tui Na at Doaist Traditions, in Asheville, NC.

He has a Master of Science degree in Acupuncture from the Swedish Institute, as well as a Massage Therapy Diploma. He is a Diplomate of Acupuncture from the NCCAOM, as well as a Certified Instructor from the Association of Bodywork Therapies of Asia. His post-graduate studies include completion of Jeffrey Yuen’s two-year certification program in Chinese Herbology. He studied for several years with Pauline Sasaki, focusing on Sasaki's system of Quantum Shiatsu. His undergraduate education was at the Kath Hogeschool in the Netherlands, where he was Candidate of Law.

Jennifer Sommermann, B.S., L.M.T.

Jennifer Sommermann is Chair of the Business Practices Department, and teaches classes in the department.

She runs a successful private practice, "Massage by Land and Sea", providing on-site massage to people's homes, boats and offices. She currently sits on the Board of Directors for the New York chapter of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), and is the Chairperson of the Long Island unit. She has been a Contributing Editor of the AMTA’s newsletter In Touch for the past year. She does extensive business coaching and consulting for allied healthcare professionals. She also teaches business practices as part of continuing education. Jenn previously owned and operated Jenn Sommermann and Associates, a wellness clinic in Boston, for 12 years.

She graduated from the Muscular Therapy Institute, MA, with a Muscular Therapy Certificate and is nationally certified (NCBTMB). Since then she’s taken many continuing education courses, concentrating on myofascial release work, neuromuscular therapy, Trager work and Touch for Health. She earned a B.S. degree in Mathematics from Framingham State College, MA.

Janine Strenta, M.A., L.Ac., L.M.T. (Senior Instructor)

Janine Strenta is a Senior Instructor at the Swedish Institute, having taught here for more than two decades. She has taught Clinical Strategies and most of the school’s hands-on classes. From 1983 to 2001 she was Chairperson of the Medical Massage Department and Director of the Massage Clinic. She was one of five faculty members who created the curriculum for the Massage Therapy Program’s Associate in Occupational Studies degree.

Her private practice focuses on a combination of bodywork, hypnotherapy, neurolinguistic programming and acupuncture, using both physical and energetic techniques to enable clients to experience a new awareness of themselves on multiple levels.

Janine received a Massage Therapy Diploma from the Swedish Institute, and later returned to receive her Masters of Science degree in Acupuncture. She has taken extensive post-graduate training with Jeffrey Yuen, including his year-long herbal studies program. She has also studied Orthobionomy with Ursula Hofer, from Santa Fe, NM and is a certified Ericksonian hypnotherapist. She has a B.A. in Philosophy from Brooklyn College, and graduated summa cum laude from New York University with a Master’s degree in Special Education.

Carrie Taylor, B.S., R.M.T.

Carrie Taylor currently teaches Anatomy and Physiology, Pathology, Neurology, Palpation, and Clinical Strategies.

She maintains a private massage therapy and personal training practice in Manhattan. In 2004 she opened the Myofascial Wellness and Fitness Studio in midtown, where she employs graduates of the Swedish Institute as well as various fitness professionals (personal trainers, yoga and Pilates instructors). She has been a certified personal trainer and nutritionist since 1990, and has competed in several bodybuilding events. She has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, competed in Canada at the provincial level in figure skating and has run marathons.

She is currently working on a book about myofascial assessment and treatment, and teaches ongoing workshops in this technique to other therapists.

Carey earned a Massage Therapy Diploma after completing a 3-year, 3500 hour massage therapy program at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in Canada. She is a Royal Conservatory graduate in Piano (Level 8) and has a B.S. in Human Physiology from the University of British Columbia.

Usashi Thompson, M.Div., L.M.T. (Senior Instructor)

Jill Thompson has taught at the Swedish Institute since 1978. Her classes have included Swedish Massage I, Anatomy and Physiology II, Neurology, Pathology and all Professional Development classes. Past positions include Chair of the Professional Development Department, Chair of the Pathology Department, Faculty Coordinator, and Assistant Director of the Institute. She has also served as a member and Chairperson of the New York State Board for Massage Therapy. She is Currently, at the Swedish Institute, she is the Director of Academic Support Services and a Senior Instructor.

Jill's practice as a massage therapist focused on providing massage therapy for medical conditions, and the integration of bodywork with psychotherapy and meditation practice.

Jill holds a Massage Therapy Diploma from the Swedish Institute. She has a B.A. in History of Religion from Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, VA and a Master of Divinity degree from the Union Theological Seminary, New York, NY.

Niamh Van Meines, M.S., N.P., L.M.T.

Niamh Van Meines teaches Professional Development classes and Pathology and Clinical Strategies at the Swedish Institute.

She currently works in private practice, specializing in lymph drainage. She also has worked for several years as a nurse within the Home Health Agency, during which time she was recognized as Employee of the Year. She has worked as a staff member in the Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant Department at New York Presbyterian Hospital. To help bring about a greater awareness of the benefits of massage to the medical community, Niamh (pronounced NEEVE) has lectured during Massage Therapy Awareness Week at Columbia University Medical Center and St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York.

Niamh received her Massage Therapy Diploma from the Swedish Institute. Prior to that she had studied nursing at St. Vincent's Hospital in Dublin, Ireland, earning her B.S.N. there. She is a Nurse Practitioner, having graduated with a Master of Science degree from Columbia University School of Nursing, with a Subspecialty in Oncology & Integrative Therapies.

Robert Volinsky, L.M.T.

Robert Volinsky teaches Shiatsu I, Shiatsu II and Eastern Evaluation. He also instructs two professional development classes, Sexual Issues in Massage Practice and External Applications from an Eastern Prospective/Essential Oils.

He currently works in private practice in Manhattan, specializing in Shiatsu, Reiki, aromatherapy, Swedish, and medical massage.

He was on staff at St. Luke’s/Roosevelt Hospital where he worked as the senior Shiatsu practitioner in their HIV outpatient clinic.

He has a Massage Therapy Diploma from the Swedish Institute. He is a Reiki Master and has studied Shiatsu with Pauline Sasaki, as well as Ortho-Bionomy, Therapeutic Touch, Body-Mind Integration, and Myofascial Techniques. His extensive studies with Jeffrey Yuen include his course on the energetics of essential oils. He has a B.A. in Journalism from Rutgers University, NJ.

Susan Walkley, M.A., L.M.T.

Susan Walkley teaches Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Pathology, and Palpation.

Susan has a practice in massage therapy that focuses on deep tissue massage. She recently contributed a chapter to a book presenting the first cross-cultural perspective on manual medicine and the practices of body therapists around the world, entitled Healing By Hand: Manual Medicine And Bonesetting In Global Perspective by Kathryn S. Oths and Servando Z. Hinojosa (Altamira Press, 2004).

Susan obtained her Massage Therapy Diploma from the Swedish Institute. She has an M.A. in Applied Anthropology from Columbia University, NY with and is currently working toward a Ph.D. there.

Susan Ward, L.M.T.

Susan Ward teaches or has taught Swedish Massage II, Advanced Techniques, Tools of Assessment, Self Care, Palpation, and several Professional Development courses. She also supervises Offsite Internships.

In her private practice in massage therapy, Susan has a particular fascination with fascia and how it responds to stress, and finds myofascial release techniques to be a creative and interactive way to help clients recover range of movement and improve their sense of well-being. In addition she provides consultation services to spa owners, to help them improve the quality of their staff and develop local outreach programs. In her private life she is a singer, and has performed in numerous cabarets and showcases. She has done extensive volunteer work, both as a singer and an L.M.T.

Susan holds a Massage Therapy Diploma from the Swedish Institute. Her post-graduate studies include certifications in Advanced Sports Massage, Reiki 1 and the Embryology of Movement with Tom Myers. In addition, she has participated in intensive cadaver dissection workshops taught by Somanautics. Pursuing her interest in myofascial release, she studied at The Rolf Institute in Boulder, CO. She has a B.F.A. in Musical Theater from Florida State University.

Fraser Widdowson, L.M.T.

"If massage is gentle, compassionate and informed, it has covered all of the bases."

Fraser Widdowson teaches Assessment, Palpation, and Anatomy and Physiology I at the Swedish Institute.

In private practice in Manhattan, Frasier provides deep tissue Swedish massage, with a focus on the assessment and treatment of specific injuries for a fixed duration of time.

He received his Massage Therapy diploma from the Swedish Institute. Frasier has also studied meditation and Late Stone-age tool making techniques.

Kriota Willberg, L.M.T.

Kriota Willberg teaches Swedish massage for the Massage Therapy Program at the Swedish Institute, where she has worked for over 13 years. She has been Chair of the Western Massage Department. Kriota was a faculty member at the Chicago School of Massage and teaches anatomy in the teacher training and workshop programs of Jivamukti Yoga Center, Dragonfly Yoga, and nationally. She teaches anatomy in the dance department of Marymount Manhattan College, and has taught at Bard College and NYU.

Her massage practice has focused on therapeutic massage, especially clinical sports massage and injury rehabilitation. She has worked as a sports massage therapist at the Chicago Triathlon, as well as for the New York Giants football team. She has worked with clients with various orthopedic conditions through her massage practice at the Integrative Care Center affiliated with the Hospital for Special Surgery.

She was a member of the American Massage Therapy Association’s National Sports Massage Team from 1993 to 1996, and has over 1,100 hours as an assistant/instructor (plus certification) with Jim Hackett’s Clinical Sports Massage certification program.

Kriota received certification as a massage therapist from the Chicago School of Massage Therapy, a B. A. from Northeastern Illinois University in Dance: Performance and Choreography, and has been a licensed massage therapist in New York State since 1993.

Gary Lee Williams, L.M.T.

Gary Lee Williams teaches Sotai, Assessment, and Business and Professional Development classes. In addition, he supervises Clinic III at the Swedish Institute, as well as Off-site Internships at Ronald McDonald House and Cabrini Hospital.

His practice in massage therapy focuses on Ortho-Bionomy. He is currently working towards becoming one of the first registered Ortho-Bionomy practitioners in New York City. He has a long-time martial arts practice. He is also one of the world’s leading experts in the field of "magic and mentalism", known for his expertise on the Georgia Magnet Act, a subject on which he is currently writing a book.

Gary received his Massage Therapy diploma from the Swedish Institute. He also has a Television Production Engineering Certificate from the Center for Media Arts in New York.