Faculty - Florida School of Massage

Gerald Padgett, BA, LMT

Gerald is a Florida native, growing up in Live Oak and now lives in Gainesville with his husband and two children. He attended FSM in September 2012, and has maintained a private practice since graduation. Gerald returned to FSM in 2016 in the role of Admissions and then later as the Student and Alumni Services Liaison, until 2021.

Before his life as a massage therapist, Gerald spent 12 years serving in the U.S. Army. Presently, he serves on the Florida Board of Massage, a role that allows him to give back to the community and profession.

Beyond Gerald’s professional life, he has a deep love for the great outdoors. Hiking and camping are his escapes. And when he’s not out exploring the wilderness, you might just catch him on the kickball field.

Doug Loeb, BA, LMT

Doug assists in both the Foundations of Bodywork/Swedish Massage and Polarity segments of the Massage and Hydrotherapy Program, as well as doing outreach at Parklands Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and The Ronald McDonald House. 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 database needs at the school. Outside of school Doug enjoys expressing himself through contact improvisation and swing dance.

Natalie Nix, BA, LMT

Yoga led Natalie to massage, and she discovered yoga while studying Film and Media Studies at the University of Florida. The complexity of movement and beauty of the human form quickly captivated her, which brought her to the Florida School of Massage in 2012. She began working as a receptionist at FSM a month after she graduated, and continued her studies to become an IMAP Personal Trainer and a registered yoga instructor through Yoga Alliance. Through the trifecta of massage, movement and awareness, she hopes to assist her clients in finding a sustainable comfort in their bodies and ease in movement. She is now a yoga instructor and practicing LMT with a handful of half-made experimental films. Always stumbling forward, she procrastinates completing these films by traveling, knitting, reading, writing, and enjoying a properly-chilled craft beer – on occasion she is able to do all these things at the same time.

Gordy Tanner

Gordy went to FSM in 1991. The first day of school he started doing work-study for the school and that turned into employment in March 1995. He is inspired by the energy here at FSM, the variety of work that he does as well as nature and surprises that each day brings.

Frank Merillat, BA, LMT

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.

Valerie Broas, LMT

Valerie infuses her love of life into the student’s learning experience by integrating movement and laughter into the classroom. Her classes are full of vibrancy, humor, fun, and a deep experience of the work.

Salina Briseno, BS, LMT

Salina graduated from FSM in 2009 and joined the teaching staff in 2016. She has a background of psychotherapy as well as working with children with special education needs. You can find her in the classroom for Swedish/Foundations massage, Polarity Therapy, Boundaries and Ethics, Pathology, HIV, and Anatomy & Physiology.

Cristian Arroyo, AA, LMT

I am inspired by the love and acceptance that transpires at FSM on a daily basis. And which allows a possibility for positive self growth and deep connection to others.

Stephen Towler, MS, LMT

As a collegiate cyclist in the 1990’s, Stephen received sports massage at FSM. His FSM therapists demonstrated the power of simply allowing space for change, inspiring Stephen to shift his work from basic science to clinical psychology and eventually massage therapy. When Stephen is not teaching or practicing in the FSM professional clinic he is working as a contract scientist analyzing human brain imaging data.

Lana Sendzimir, MA, LMT

I was inspired to go to school here by my training in applied theater work, in which the body plays an essential role in personal and social exploration and development. After exploring somatic learning and healing movement, studying massage at FSM felt like the best way for me to get a better understanding for the body as a whole. I did not intend to become an LMT, but I quickly found a home in bodywork and the FSM community. Training to become a teacher at the school since January has been an incredibly rewarding and rich learning process. I’m so grateful to the teachers, staff, and students for the daily support and inspiration.

Mary Reis, BA, LMT

Mary graduated from our program in 1993. She has been teaching at FSM since 1995. She has served as a mentor for FSM’s Teacher Assistant Program and teaches Connective Tissue Therapy and Sports Massage Therapy.

Maura Brady, AA, LMT (1964-2021)

Maura brought her insights from life experience and personal work into the classroom. She loved teaching and providing students the space for growth as individuals and therapists.

A memorial to Maura lives at the Gainesville Community Garden where she was coordinator from 1995 until 2017. She embraced the abundance of the earth with the same passion and dedication with which she embraced the Gainesville community.

Paul Davenport 1949 - 2016

Paul came to Florida in 1980 and attended the first class at the Florida School of Massage under the directorship of Lee Joseph. At the same time he attended the University of Florida and took classes to further his career in massage and therapeutic relationship. In 1987, after three years of teaching anatomy and physiology in the context of body as an interface between consciousness and matter, he became Director of FSM. As caretaker of the massage school, Paul allowed the space for an inquiry-based, other-centered experiment in education. This has served to carry through with support for the creativity of the FSM staff and students for the last 28 years.

Josie Davenport, LMT, LCSW

Co-owner of FSM since 1987, owner since 2016 after the loss of her husband Paul. Josie taught at the school from 1985 to 2000 when she left the teaching faculty to practice Feldenkrais with children with special needs.
Certified in Structural Integration in ‘82, Josie practiced SI and CTT for the next 10 years. She began training in Gestalt Therapy in ‘85 and completed her MSW in ‘92. She has also practiced Feldenkrais movement therapy since 1993. Josie offered free counseling to FSM students until 2010. She was lead teacher in Communication Skills and Deep Tissue therapy during the ‘90’s.
Josie co-authored a book on communication skills with her mentor, Pat Korb, “I-Contact”, which was printed by the Gestalt Press in 2007. She has recently retired from her work with children but plans to return to occasional Feldenkrais lessons and massage at FSM.
Josie’s boyfriend Steve Lodle is retired faculty from Santa Fe college where he taught Speech and Journalism for 30 years. Josie has two female cats, Ivy and Rosie, and she currently plays flute and digital sax and sings in the rock band, The Weeds of Eden
https://theweedsofeden.com/videos/

Keith Mulford, LMT

In 2008 I started my journey at the Florida School of Massage and in 2016 I completed the Teacher Assistant Program. Shortly after I began teaching in Swedish, Neuromuscular Therapy and Sports. I am also honored to be teaching with my wife, Sarah in Palpation and Chair massage class. I enjoy furthering my education and in 2012 I became an Integrative and Massage Personal Trainer (IMAP) and I am currently working towards my Visceral Massage Certification. When I am not busy working at a Chiropractors office and seeing my private clients in the FSM clinic I enjoy traveling to the beach and spending time with my puppy, Lilly. My inspiration to learn comes from being a student and feeling the support of the FSM community. I still feel this support in a way that allows me to grow with this community and as an individual.

Joseph Cosenza BA, LMT

Joseph’s relationship with the Florida School of Massage began in 1990 following the completion of his bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at New Paltz. He graduated from the Florida School of Massage in July of 1992. Following completion of FSM’s Massage Therapy program Joseph went on to study Structural Integration Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, and also completed the Teacher Training program at FSM. He served as the school’s groundskeeper from 1992-1995, and joined the teaching staff in September of 1993—“He began co-Directing the Student Clinic in 1998. Joseph retired from the Swedish/Foundations of Massage teaching team in 2003 after ten years in the classroom, and after Twenty years with the Student Clinic he still functions as primary Student Clinic Director at FSM.

Chrissy Martinez, AA, LMT

I love doing massage, traveling & photographing the magic in moments and the beauty within people, nature, and animals. Having a daily yoga practice helps me to be more present in my life and to see and photograph/film the ever-changing world in new ways. My yoga practice also helps me to show up and to be present with my massage clients. Outside of work I play in a band, ride a motorcycle and love being out in nature.

Sarah Abruscato, AA, LMT

Sarah relocated from Colorado to attend FSM in 2008 and has been a part of the FSM community ever since. She began as the front desk receptionist and was soon recruited to the administrative office as the manager of continuing education and outreach events. In 2010 she got her Orthopedic Certification and in 2011 completed her training in Integrative Massage and Personal Training. This inspired her to complete the Teacher Assistant Program in 2012 and she began teaching Sports, Swedish and Kinesiology. In 2019 she began her studies in visceral massage and has enjoyed integrating this work into her private practice. In 2021 she accepted the title of “Assistant to the Director” (The Office reference shout out) and is currently the lead instructor in Sports, manages the student clinic and teaches Swedish. She also enjoys teaching multiple classes, like chair massage with her husband, Keith. Outside of FSM she enjoys spending time with her husband, cooking and spending time with their dog, Lilly.

Cathy Snyder, BA, LMT

Cathy adds her exuberant, bouncy energy to her tasks in the bookstore and her professional massage therapy practice. She is nurtured through her work at FSM, African drumming, plants, the springs, bees, and going on adventures.

Charlotte Loomis, BA, LMT

Charlotte has been a financial administrator for the Florida School of Massage since shortly after her graduation in the mid 1980s. 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.

Christina Polnyj, BA, LMT

Clinical Aromatherapist and Massage Therapist in private practice in Gainesville, Florida. Since 1993 she has been teaching classes in bodywork and aromatherapy to massage therapists and other health care professionals, as well as the general public. More recently she has also been instructing students in the art of simple and joyful, flavorful cooking. She is deeply passionate about food, aromatherapy, and bodywork, and she brings this passion to her workshops and seminars. She also is a consultant, providing people with the solutions and the necessary skills for using essential oils, food and bodywork in both the home and professional environments. She founded Essential Education International in 2008.

Madi Moyer, MA, LMT

I followed my curiosity to FSM in 2019 after 10 years in science education, several years of herbal studies and a lifetime of wonder at the human body and natural world. I view massage as a collaboration between myself and my clients and I consider my clients the experts on their own bodies. I feel grateful to have the opportunity to work with many people with a wide range of bodies and experiences. My hope is that through our work together my clients will feel more ease and connection with their bodies. My work is grounded in a social justice ethic and I imagine a world where receiving regular bodywork is an accessible option to anyone who wants and needs it. I’m currently excited to be deepening into my bodywork practice through studying ortho-bionomy and somatic bodywork. As a student at FSM I was inspired by the way Anatomy and Physiology was taught through a lens of awe at the magic of all that is going right in the body all the time. After several years off of teaching, I’m thrilled to be on the Anatomy and Physiology teaching team at FSM!

Jennifer Greenwood, BA, LMT

Jen enjoys sharing the front desk responsibilities and maintaining a private massage practice. She’s also an instructor 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 Rose.

Laura Tehennepe, BA, LMT

I graduated from the Florida School of Massage (FSM) in 1996, and spent the subsequent 10 years practicing massage therapy in Philadelphia, while also exploring fundamental embodiment via dance (Lindy, salsa, hiphop). After attending the Teaching Assistant Program at FSM in 2007, I was hired and have been teaching on the Neuromuscular Therapy team ever since. In 2014 I also became an Anatomy and Physiology instructor. I speak in many accents (including a variety of birds), thrive in the outdoors, relish Being and learning with my hubby and our downeast Maine and Gainesville communities, and recently have started learning/playing percussion in Brazilian and Aftropop ensembles.

Sandy Schaffer

The mix of administration and the beauty/wellness industry has been Sandy’s love since 2005, when she started working in her first school where massage and esthetics were combined. During that time Sandy spent her first 10 years teaching, before moving into the administrative office. Getting to know each student’s story and being part of their journey through the world of wellness, fills her heart with each meeting. When Sandy isn’t busy crunching numbers or working reports, you will find her at one of her daughters’ activities, spending time with dog, traveling and simply enjoying time with family.

Ashley Schenck Spence, AA, LMT

After a lifelong interest in massage & the mind-body connection, Ashley finally got the chance to attend FSM in 2016. Since graduating, she has enjoyed building a private practice, as well as working in the school’s professional clinic, front desk & bookstore. When Ashley isn’t working therapeutically with clients to help them achieve their various goals, she loves spending time with her family, camping, kayaking & traveling.

Ariela Grodner

Ariela Grodner is the founder and lead instructor and practitioner at the Bodhi Sangha School of Thai Massage. She began her teaching career in 1992 in the south of India educating prisoners and tribal villagers in the benefits and practice of Shivananda Yoga. Then she spent many years cultivating the Buddhist meditation technique known as Vipassana. Later in following her Tao she discovered the joys of improvisational contact dance. After graduating from Florida School of Massage she discovered Thai Massage the perfect fusion of these techniques and practices. She is a certified Lotus Palm Practitioner (as taught by Kam Thye Chow) and has taught Thai Massage at the Florida School of Massage since 2004.

Ariela has developed over 300 hours of curriculum has published 9 books on this subject and travels nationally and internationally sharing her love of this art.

Susie Vought, BA, LMT

“For the past 10 years I have continued to enhance my understanding massage therapy and movement. I have trained with Mia Segal, Moshe Feldenkrais’ longtime collaborator and first pupil, at the Mind Body Studies Academy in Bad Tolz, Germany for 4 years and am participating in advanced studies with Mia and her daughter Leora Gaster in the United States.”

Outside of teaching and providing massage Susie is also a very talented musician.

Jeremy Evirs

Jeremy has been a traveller and world citizen most of his life. After graduating, he hitched west and spent several years in construction, hospitality, train hopping, and being a general roustabout.

After meeting his lovely wife, he settled down a bit and has two beautiful children, two cats, a dog, and far too many books and guitars.

Nikki Awuma, BA, CMA, LMT

Events Coordinator, Alumni Relations

I was led to FSM while taking a break from my corporate accounting career. Having experienced the benefits of receiving regular massage as part of my self care practice, I was inspired to learn how I could share that gift with others while continuing to grow in my personal journey. I’m now growing a private practice while contributing to the FSM community in administrative roles. I am drawn to nature and meditation as a way to stay grounded and balanced. I enjoy spending time with my family, helping others, traveling, dancing, and putting myself in awkward situations.

CJ Marrero, BA, LMT (she/they)

CJ joined FSM January 2023 and began working as the Admissions Representative a week after graduation. Her massage practice looks at wellness three-fold: what can we do for our bodies, our minds, and our joy. Her offerings include body work, clarity consultations, tarot readings, art workshops, and joy/laughter workshops. You can follow her on all social media platforms @cjmarrerolmt !

CJ also has a local community presence as an educator, event facilitator, and podcast host which teaches the safety and success of alternative lifestyles such as nonmonogamy/polyamory and k!nk. She has been an artist for 27 years, lived in Japan for 6 months, spent 5+ years as an anime art educator, and speaks fluent Japanese. CJ’s time at FSM played an integral role in self-actualizing and growth. It helped put her in a better space to enjoy her own life more, which now looks like: singing at karaoke, enjoying movies/YouTube Commentators/audio dramas, going on picnics with friends, spending time at the Shala (Bodhi Sanga School of Thai Massage), catching a local rave, playing video games, and snuggling with her cat.

Bob Lee, AA, LMT - former Director

Bob graduated from The Florida School of Massage in 2005. While attending school he met his future wife who was also attending FSM, they married shortly after graduation and spent the next several years working and traveling from Florida to Maine. In 2007 Bob attended the teacher training program and was invited to join the Connective Tissue Team. He spent the next 9 years working both as a teacher and administrator for FSM. Bob took a year off to travel with his family, provide massage, and explore our beautiful country. They purchased a RV and hit the road, spending the summer in Montana and the winter in Arizona. He has enjoyed the freedom his massage therapy education has provided him and his family. Bob has truly created a life on his terms. He returned to Gainesville in April 2017 when he accepted the position of Director of The Florida School of Massage. He resigned as Director in 2023.