Our Faculty

has been a licensed bodywork practitioner since 1983. She currently teaches reflexology, professional boundaries & ethics and therapeutic communication skills at FSM, and is the creator of the 315-hour Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification offered since 1996. Karen’s interest in elevating the quality of advanced education for bodyworkers drives her to present engaging continuing education classes throughout North America, publish educational e-newsletters and blogs, formulate organic essential oil products for specific health imbalances and operate an online educational site (yourCEplace.com) offering essential non-modality classes for massage therapists. Please see www.academyofancientreflexology.com for an expanded resume.

Maura brings her insights from life experience and personal work into the classroom. She loves teaching and providing students the space for growth as individuals and therapists. Maura teaches Connective Tissue Therapy, Polarity Therapy and Communication Skills.

Michael graduated from FSM in 1999 and joyfully accepted the opportunity to join the staff. He currently teaches in Foundations of Bodywork and Swedish Massage, Polarity Therapy, Communication Skills and Elderly Massage, and is also available for one on one counseling with the students. Michael teaches advanced training in trauma and the body, as well as Hakomi based somatic therapies. He maintains a private practice in the FSM professional clinic, in which he enjoys bringing the deeper aspects of stillness and energy work. Michael is fascinated by the interplay of mind/body/spirit in all individual expression and is committed to the process of awakening.

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.

Vincent Cambrea is a spirited instructor who continues to inspire students of all levels with his passionate teaching style and multi- dimensional approach to health and wellness. He spent the last ten years of his career uniting his love for functional anatomy with experience acquired through dedicated participation in the fields of integrative massage and exercise training. Vincent currently divides his teaching time between the Florida School of Massage (FSM) and the Go Primal Fitness and Training Institute. At FSM he teaches Sports Massage, Foundations of Bodywork, Integrative Flexibility, and the Orthopedic Massage Certification. At the Institute, Vincent teaches a three-tiered, nationally recognized personal training certification and a variety of massage-specific exercise classes. He brings every bit of his experience and passion into the classroom to create a dynamic learning environment. In addition to teaching, Vincent continues to work in the field as a massage therapist, personal trainer, lifestyle coach, speaker and a consultant for therapists, doctors and athletes.

JJoseph's relationship with the Florida School of Massage began in 1990 following the completion of his bachelor’s degree from SUNY New Paltz, where he majored in Sociology and Psychology. He completed the Massage Therapy program in 1992, and served as FSM groundskeeper from 1992-1995. He joined the teaching staff in September of 1993 and retired from the Swedish/ Foundations of Massage teaching team after ten years of being in the classroom. Joseph is currently co-director of the FSM’s Student Clinic.

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.

Kirsten is often known first for her sculptures (16 of them) at the Florida School of Massage. They are whimsical folk who seem to move about the grounds at will. The most outstanding pieces are the "hands" that support the FSM sign. She works as an artist and massage therapist, and assists in the neuromuscular and kinesiology trainings at FSM. She is author of "The Muscle Transparency Workbook", an interactive visual encyclopedia of 108 muscles done on transparency paper. She feels that her experience as a sculptor enhances her massage and teaching skills, giving her a uniquely dynamic "hands on" approach.

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.

Scott is a practicing Massage Therapist in Gainesville. Motivated by his interest in the therapeutic benefits of massage, Scott joined the Sports Therapy Training Team in 1997. He brings a lighthearted energy into the classroom. In addition, Scott draws on his 17 years of experience as a physician to communicate the importance of fostering awareness of intent and focus as vehicles to achieving therapeutic results.

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.

Micheal is a 2002 graduate of The Florida School of Massage and has been practicing bodywork ever since. She holds a license in both Florida and New York. Her passions in the field include Polarity Therapy and Visual Craniosacral Therapy. She is a certified Thai Massage Therapist and Associate Polarity Practitioner. Micheal travels from her home in NYC (where she is a performance artist, activist and, polarity instructor), in order to be a part of the magic that is the FSM Polarity Therapy Teaching Team.

Jacqui has been a teacher at FSM since 1987. Her expertise includes Sports Massage, Ethics and Boundaries, and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and she currently teaches Kinesiology in the main program. She utilizes both clay and surface anatomy (drawing on the body) to enhance the student’s learning experience. Jacqui has combined her love of and participation in sports with her 25 years as a practicing massage therapist. By specializing in treating injuries and chronic tension patterns in her clients, she integrates her clinical experience in the classroom. Her love of teaching and passion for understanding the biomechanics of movement create a multidimensional approach for her students.

Bob began his journey into massage therapy in 2005 after graduating from the Florida School of Massage. He brings his life experience, passion for self-discovery, and joy of learning into the classroom during Connective Tissue Therapy. In addition, Bob works on the admissions team bringing awareness to massage therapy education through events in the community and working with prospective students. Bob also maintains a private massage practice in the school’s professional clinic. FSM has a special place in his heart; he met his wife here, discovered more of himself, and developed tools that empower him to create a life on his own terms. In his free time Bob enjoys spending time with his wife, son and dog, live music, disc golf, and fishing.

Paul has been teaching bodywork and counseling skills since 1982 throughout the U.S. He has served on the core faculty of the Florida School of Massage, received graduate training in counseling psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies, and has been a student of Vipassana Meditation since 1977. Paul's synthesis of touch therapies, psychology, and meditation sets the stage for a delightful inquiry into healing, openness, and new possibilities of being.

Doug graduated from the Florida School of Massage in 2002. He assists in both the Foundations of Bodywork/Swedish Massage and Polarity segments of the Massage and Hydrotherapy Program. Doug brings the awareness, stillness, and spaciousness he experiences as a student of vipassana meditation into both his teaching and his massage practice. He appreciates working in an environment that encourages growth through the process of inquiry and self-exploration. In addition to teaching and practicing as a Massage Therapist, Doug also manages the IT needs at the school. Outside of school Doug enjoys expressing himself through contact improv dance and playing his fiddle.

Anne teaches the Foundations of Bodywork/Swedish Massage and Transition courses in the Massage and Hydrotherapy Program. As well as maintaining her own bodywork and craniosacral practice for the past 20 years, she is an Herbalist and a Functional Diagnostic Nutritionist. She loves blending all of her skills to assist her clients in finding their way back to health and balance. Anne is the mother of two adult children, Anya and Niko. Anne blends quiet observation and listening with the skills of mothering and gentle loving kindness to facilitate healing and learning within her teaching and practice.

Frank brings a love of people, their process, and personal growth to the practice of massage. He has over 20 years experience in education and service work. Frank teaches Kinesiology and Neuromuscular Therapy in the Massage and Hydrotherapy Program. He applies the concepts of movement and movement awareness extensively in his massage and Trager practice. Frank travels extensively in Africa and teaches at the Institute for Natural Health in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Cate Miller has surpassed her 30th year as both a teacher and therapist in the massage profession. She continues to love teaching and encouraging people towards their own increased level of health and fitness. As a graduate of the IMAP program (integrative massage and personal training), she is teaching a Massage Fit class at Go Primal Gym, especially geared towards our students. Integrative Neuromuscular Therapy and facilitating the healing process remain her passions and Cate continues to run and jump and play with great joy!

Dr. Annie Morien received her PhD in physiology and is nationally certified as a physician assistant and massage therapist. She currently teaches A&P, Introduction to Research for Bodyworkers, and Professional Medical Notation. She has taught for over 20 years and enjoys every moment in the classroom. Dr. Morien's medical specialty is Dermatology and she teaches workshops on Skin Diseases. Her research interests include effects of massage on scar tissue and skin diseases.

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.

"An instructor in the Connective Tissue and Sports Massage modalities, Mary enjoys supporting students in their journeys of technical learning and self-discovery. Teaching at FSM since 1995, she brings clarity with her technical knowledge, years of massage experience, and fluid body mechanics. She is fascinated with the field of massage, learning, and holistic healing practices. Her private practice is influenced by Connective Tissue Therapy, Sports and Orthopedic Massage, Visionary and BioDynamic Cranio Sacral Touch, and holistic chiropractic philosophy.".

Tonya began her journey of self-discovery at FSM and graduated in 2004. Her FSM experience came at a pivotal time in her life and had a profoundly positive impact that initiated her love affair with FSM and massage. She joined the Foundations of Bodywork/Swedish Massage teaching team in 2009. She has a particular interest in the body/mind connection. She maintains a private massage practice focused on helping people with chronic pain and injury gain awareness around this connection and rediscover health. She brings her enthusiasm as well as her clinical experience into the classroom and finds her time in the classroom to be fun and very rewarding.

Laura oined FSM's Neuromuscular Therapy teaching staff in May of 2008, and has also taught in the Connective Tissue, kinesiology, and AnP portions of the program. She is beyond happy to be back at the Florida School of Massage after graduating in 1996 and spending 11 years as a massage therapist in Philadelphia. In 2008, she completed Vincent Cambrea’s IMAP (Integrated Massage and Personal Training) certification and became a F.I.T. Level II coach and in 2009 and 2010, she helped Cambrea develop and teach his Orthopedic Massage Certification. When not at FSM, she brings her capacity for meditative awareness, precise attention, and caring curiosity to her work at Helping Hands Chiropractic Center and in private practice. When not working, you can find her hooting with the owls, gazing at birds and insects, finding tiny perfect bones in owl pellets, salsa dancing, rambling in accents with her sweetheart, laughing, and learning to let a full range of Life flow through in all its colors.

Kristen has been discovering the wonder and wisdom of the body since graduating FSM in 2003, and has been enthusiastically practicing conventional reflexology and Thai reflexology since graduating the Academy of Ancient Reflexology's certification program in 2008. After moving to Savannah in 2010 to continue her bodywork practice in coastal Georgia, she began to instruct classes in latin dance fitness, which awoke her passion for teaching. Her heart was soon drawn back to the love, magic and support of FSM and the vibrant community of Gainesville, and she is profoundly grateful to now assist in guiding students deeper into the body and deeper into themselves in Connective Tissue and Anatomy & Physiology. Beyond the classroom, Kristen maintains a private practice in reflexology and massage, runs Renegade Bakery out of her tiny kitchen, playfully explores the arts of hooping and henna, and marvels at the amazingly beautiful birds that make north central Florida their home.

Stephen Towler came to FSM as an athlete in 1997 and returned for LMT training in 2010. He is honored to contribute to FSM's Anatomy and Physiology training while finishing his PhD in clinical neuropsychology at Georgia State University, Emory, and the Atlanta VA. He claims to perform human brain research with MRI, but his most active project is finding naps between psychotherapy, teaching, data analysis, and writing. He drones ceaselessly about the nervous system, and about massage as a gateway drug for improving health behaviors. He loves public transportation, conservative interpretations of scientific data, tuxedo cats, and everything made from citrus or lychee. Please wake him in about 45 minutes.

Pete is a licensed massage therapist since 1988 and formerly served on the Florida Board of Massage Therapy. He teaches Business Practices, Florida Laws and Rules, Neuromuscular Therapy, and continuing education workshops on the Myofascial Components of Pain. His private practice is focused on using massage for stress reduction, pain relief and personal growth. Pete is formerly the Assistant Director of FSM.