Our Administrators

Sarah relocated from Colorado to attend FSM. She graduated from the program March of 2009 and is delighted to be working at the school as the continuing education advisor. She assists in the Sports Massage portion of the Massage and Hydrotherapy Program. She conducts a massage practice in the professional clinic and takes every opportunity to expand her knowledge and further her education. When not at the school, she enjoys spending time with her partner, playing with her two dogs, swimming, and preparing her grandma's eggplant parmesan.

LeAnn is the Admissions Director for the school, a local Herbalist, and massage therapist. Deeply grateful for her own experience at FSM, LeAnn now works closely with prospective students helping them learn more about the program and how to overcome obstacles that stand in their way. She enjoys gardening, bird watching, going to punk shows, and bicycling around town. She has an herb business called Rooted Remedies and enjoys helping people learn about herbal healthcare. She also maintains a private massage practice specializing in intuitive bodywork, and healing through awareness and self-discovery.

Coming Soon

Valerie graduated from FSM’s massage therapy program in 1999. She divides her time between managing the FSM bookstore, teaching in the Foundations of Bodywork/ Swedish massage and Hydrotherapy classes. Valerie loves animals, cooking and practicing Herbalism and conducts a private practice in the FSM professional clinic. One of her favorite pastimes is hanging out with her four furry faces: her husband Michael and their three dogs, Max, Pito and Baby.

Coming Soon

Paul is the Director of the Florida School of Massage. He teaches Anatomy and Physiology, Communication Skills, Awareness Through Movement classes and advanced training in the Feldenkrais method for massage therapists. He has a degree in Psychology from the University of Florida, certification as a Feldenkrais practitioner, and is a practicing massage therapist.

Amy graduated from FSM in 2007, shares front desk responsibilities, works in the administration office, and maintains a private practice in the schools professional clinic. Amy loves spending time at the beach, enjoys making her yard beautiful and relaxing with her cats Spice and Houdini.

Gift feels blessed and appreciative to be working in a community where the heart rules. She enjoys organizing student massage therapy outreach to different shelters in the area and the Ronald McDonald House. Gift co-directs the student clinic and teaches chair and infant massage. She shares front desk responsibilities and has a private practice in the school?s professional clinic.

Jen is an FSM graduate of the May 2000 class. She enjoys sharing the front desk responsibilities, maintaining a private massage practice, and offering a yoga elective at FSM. She's also a teaching assistant in the Reflexology and Connective Tissue modalities. She has completed certifications in Reflexology, Yoga, and Structural Integration. FSM is one of her favorite places to be, with the other being sitting in the field of Shambhala with Ryan and Lilly.

Samantha loves to sing and play guitar, ride bikes and practice kung fu. She joined the staff at FSM as Admissions Facilitator in January of 2012. She is a graduate of FSM, UF, and the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center. She brings her passion for the school and genuine caring for people together to assist potential students in fulfilling their dreams of coming to massage school. She is a Licensed Massage Therapist with experience in clinical, wellness, and sports specializations as well as a Certified Yoga Instructor of 13 years. Samantha has defined her own style of manual therapy by fusing together her knowledge of yoga and massage. Her practice focuses on injury recovery and prevention, general pain relief and relaxation in a way that helps her clients to fully engage body and mind and participate in their own healing.

Charlotte has been a financial administrator for the Florida School of Massage since shortly after her graduation in the mid 80’s. She has always enjoyed blending administrative responsibilities with massage in the school’s professional clinic. After discovering barn owls roosting on FSM’s grounds a few years ago, Charlotte embarked on a journey of learning that led to her impassioned involvement in barn owl conservation and advocacy in Alachua County. Charlotte enjoys sharing the beauty of FSM’s wild barn owl pair with others and is always willing to share more of what she has learned with those who are interested.

graduated from FSM in 1998. She currently serves FSM as the Social Media Director, Photographer, Videographer, and A.V. Tech. She practices Massage at the school's professional clinic, and is also starting a volunteer program to take other massage therapists into drug rehabilitation facilities to offer bodywork there. In her spare time you can find her at the pottery wheel, surfing, or playing in one of her two bands.

Dar is a 1992 graduate of FSM and has been the Assistant Director at FSM since 1996. She complements her work at the school with volunteer work for Haven Hospice and the Guardian Ad Litem program in Gainesville. Dar is also excited to be working towards her Masters Degree in Conflict Transformation, a pursuit which continues to grow her perspective about herself and her relationship to others locally and globally. In her spare time she enjoys walking in the woods with her dog "Chance", reading the work of the Jesus Seminar on the historicity of Jesus, and playing the drums. Her bachelor's degree is in creative writing.

After a lifetime of working in the business world, Polly "retired" at the age of 70 to attend FSM. Shortly afterward, she put her professional skills to good use assisting in the FSM Bookkeeping Department. Over a decade later, she continues to enjoy her part-time association with the School, both for the loving relationships and for the mental stimulation it provides.

Christina Polnyj BA, LMT is a Clinical Aromatherapist and Massage Therapist in private practice in Gainesville, Florida. Since 1993 she has been teaching classes in massage to health care professionals and the public. She is deeply passionate about aromatherapy, offering workshops and seminars to massage therapists, health professionals and the general public. She also is a consultant, providing people with the solutions and the necessary skills for using essential oils in both the home and professional environments. She founded Essential Education International in 2008.

Coming Soon

Cathy graduated from FSM in 1999 and adds her exuberant, bouncy energy to her tasks in the bookstore and massage practice.She is nurtured through her work at FSM, African drumming ,plants, the springs, bees and going on adventures with her daughter Ariel.

Gordy is a 1991 FSM graduate and a licensed massage therapist in both New York and Florida. His extensive martial arts training introduced him to massage in 1980. Since 1991, Gordy has balanced a private massage practice while smoothing out maintenance and groundskeeping ripples for the school. He is father to four children - Ray, Raven and twins Eva and Evan.

Donn graduated from the Florida School of Massage in 2006 and is our financial aid administrator. In addition to helping students discover the financial opportunities available, Donn is also available to help current students, past students and FSM staff with many other administrative needs. When he is not at school, he loves sharing life with his partner, Mary Virginia.