Where the FUTURE is in your hands
a 501(c)(3) non-profit
organization
Meet Our Faculty and Staff
The mission of the staff at PMTI is to provide a strong and efficient organizational foundation embodying integrity, harmony and compassion, while initiating and supporting the growth, diversity and changing needs of the PMTI community. Our staff is fully committed to helping provide the tools necessary for students, faculty, and alumni to have the most positive educational experience possible. They are deeply committed and dedicated people!
Our instructors exemplify PMTI's core values and continually strive to create and maintain a positive and supportive learning environment for all of our students. They bring a vast array of experience along with a knowledge of and passion for massage to the classroom.
The long-standing and continued success of our students is due in no small part to the tireless efforts of both our administrative staff and our faculty. It is an immense joy, honor and privilege for all of us to be part of your journey!
All PMTI faculty are licensed in the field of massage therapy, often in multiple jurisdictions, and meet all of the licensure requirements of the Maryland Higher Education Commission. ​
Ethan Ableman
TA 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, DC
Lead Instructor Segments 1 & 2 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.
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
Team Member
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
Lead Instructor Segment 2 Practical
CPR & First Aid
Clinic Instructor
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.
Sean Brevard, LMT
Team Member
Graduating from PMTI in 2021, Sean expanded his know-ledge by undertaking Mat Pilates training in September 2022, followed by comprehensive Pilates apparatus training in January 2023. He is currently a Massage Therapist and Pilates Instructor in Washington, DC. Sean is dedicated to helping his clients create a positive and nurturing relationship with their bodies.
Jadyn Brick
Intern Segment 2 Practical
(bio pending)
Jean Briggs, LMT
Lead Instructor Segment 3 Integrative Healthcare
Segments 1, 2 and 3 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
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.
Jon Coventry, LMT
Lead Instructor Segment 1 Academic
Jon is a 2023 PMTI graduate and DC licensed massage therapist with a BA in Biology from Skidmore College. Along with assisting Segment I Academic classes, he currently works as a practitioner in PMTI's Graduate Clinic. Jon hopes to further his education and pursue massage therapy in a clinical setting with a focus in care for LGBTQ+ clients. Outside of bodywork, he enjoys making digital art, storytelling, acting, and overall flexing his creative muscles.
Karen Crist, LCSW-C
Lead Instructor Segment 1 Communication & Boundaries
Lead Instructor Segment 2 Psychological Perspectives
(bio pending)
Molly Farwell, LMT
Lead Instructor Segment 3 Business Practices & Biodynamic Craniosacral
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.
Jen Float, LMT
Lead Instructor Segment 1 Practical & Body Dynamics
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.
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 & Body Dynamics
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.
Laura Henschel, LMT
Lead Instructor Segment 3 Myofascial
I came to PMTI to teach and work with students as they develop their knowledge and interests in the field of massage therapy. I was certified through PMTI in 1986 and maintain a private practice in DC. I began expanding my knowledge in response to the needs of my clients. I am certified in Sports and Prenatal Massage, and in Ayurvedic inspired Polarity Therapy with added study in the field of Cranial-Sacral Biodynamics with Sills and Upledger. I have studied structural work with Dalton and in 2017 became a certified Anatomy Trains Structural Integrator (ATSI) with Meyers. I received my BS from UMD in English Literature with a minor in biology 1995. In 2005 I completed an advanced personal training program and maintain my standing as a Certified Conditioning Specialist (CCS) through the National Strength Professionals Association. I earned my certification as a Healthy Lifestyle Coach in 2007 through WellCoaches. I study the Feldenkrais method and the field of somatics generally to help clients develop a more subtle understanding of how to move in healthy ways and to take care of themselves.
Ellen Jarvis
Lead Instructor Segment 1 Practical
Teaching Assistant Segment 2 Academic
Coordinator Segment 3 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.
Jan Kelly
Front Desk Reception / Manager
(bio pending)
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.
Jordan Oeste
Intern Segment 2 Practical
(bio pending)
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
Continuing Education, Partnering & Workshops
Teaching Assistant Segment 3 Practical
During his rehabilitation from a significant accident in 2015, Jonathan discovered his most significant recovery came from bodywork in modalities like Myofascial and Craniosacral Therapy. This profound life experience set him on a path to PMTI, where his passion for the healing arts eventually led him to return after graduation to intern and support Segment’s 1, 2, and 3 practical classes including Craniosacral, Myofascial, and Practical Integration. From there, he shifted to heading up Continuing Education. His bodywork combines a mix of modalities including Craniosacral, Trager, Myofascial, Swedish—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/Marketing for nonprofits, startups and Fortune 100 Companies.
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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
Clinic Manager / Instructor
Lead Instructor Segment 3 Practical
Gabrielle graduated from PMTI in 2018. Soon after, she joined the Graduate Clinic where she continues to see clients. She is currently a Lead Instructor in Segment Three Practical, and also the Massage Clinic manager. When Gabrielle is not at PMTI, she is usually enjoying the outdoors with her two children and sweetheart.
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
Accounting
Faculty Advisor
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 2
Basic 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 & 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.
Jay Sheffield
Segment 3 Special Populations
Jay (they/them) is a white, queer, trans individual living in Washington, D.C. on Piscataway land, who has been involved in organizing, bodywork, and sex education over the last decade. They offer consent-focused somatic, massage, and embodiment classes to organizations and small groups, as well as mentorship opportunities. Until 2023, Jay offered hands-on bodywork with a sliding scale model that prioritized QTBIPOC. Their practice and classes seek to address white dominant culture and transgender competency at work, at home, and in community, and to address the need for community care in all spaces from grassroots organizing to both non and for-profits. Jay’s work focuses on anxiety, depression, trauma, touch aversion, gender-affirming physical transitions, and encouraging choice and pleasure.
Demara Stamler, LMT
Consultant to the Staff
Demara graduated from PMTI in 1989. From that time, she has served PMTI as a Lead Instructor, to Director of Education, and then Executive Director. Demara also has served the massage industry as a board member of AMTA Council of Schools (which was re-formed as the Alliance for Massage Therapy Education). She went on to serve industry education standards through her work at NACCAS, a national accrediting agency. In 2016, she certified as a coach and consultant through the Life Mastery Institute and the A.R.E. Demara then opened Awakened Dreams Coaching and Consulting, which focuses on supporting massage therapists (and allied professionals), businesses, and schools.
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
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.
Oona Waxenfelter
Registrar
Oona discovered the PMTI Graduate Clinic in 2006 and has been client ever since. Her desire to support PMTI led to her filling the role of Registrar. Prior to that she worked in the field of education for 17 years, and a variety of non-profit organizations before that. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to help PMTI students achieve academic success.