Gerald Padgett

Gerald Padgett, BA, LMT (He/Him)

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 teaches the Foundations of Bodywork/Swedish Massage, Connective Tissue, and Polarity Therapy 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. Outside of school Doug enjoys expressing himself through contact improvisation and ultimate frisbee.

Natalie Nix, BA, LMT

Natalie graduated from FSM in the Spring of 2013 where she now teaches Sports Massage and Business in the main Massage and Hydrotherapy Program.  Before attending massage school, she graduated with a degree in English with a concentration in Film and Media Studies, and she recently graduated with a Masters in Entrepreneurship — both from University of Florida. Her current endeavor is building and running Kardiya Yoga: a Yoga studio in downtown Gainesville that she opened in June 2022.  When she’s not at Kardiya, seeing clients, or teaching at FSM, she procrastinates finishing a handful of incomplete experimental films by reading, writing, dabbling in 35mm photography, sipping on a good cup of joe or well-balanced libation, climbing, surfing, and traveling to new and familiar places – especially those that include salt water or natural springs.  Natalie is a dog-lover, an Aries, and an INFJ.

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.

Chrissy Martinez, AA, LMT (She/Her/Hers)

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.

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.

Lana Sendzimir, MA, LMT

Lana was inspired to go to school here by her 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 her to get a better understanding for the body as a whole. She did not intend to become an LMT, but quickly found a home in bodywork and the FSM community. In 2018 she joined the teaching staff and now teaches Neuromuscular Therapy, Therapeutic Relations and Connective Tissue Therapy.

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.” Cristian teaches Neuromuscular Therapy and Kinesiology at FSM.

Stephen Towler (He, Him), 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 training to become a licensed marriage and family therapist.

Salina Briseno, BS, LMT (She/Her)

Salina first came to a polarity class at FSM in 1991 as a visitor when her mother was a student here. She was immediately hooked and knew that when the timing was right she would come back to FSM to add massage to her tool belt. After 800-plus hours of training in a somatic, drama-based psychotherapy and half of a Master’s degree in Social Work, she still did not feel like she had the tools she needed to do her work. Since becoming a licensed massage therapist in 2009, she has finally figured out what she wants to be when she grows up.

Salina went through the program in 2009, Teachers assistant program in 2013.

Salina joined the teaching staff in 2016 from a background of psychotherapy as well as working with children with special education needs. Salina currently teaches Polarity Therapy, Swedish Massage, Boundaries and Ethics and Anatomy and Physiology, Pathology and HIV.

When she is not teaching at FSM, Salina can be found wherever there are fun and exciting things happening. Among her greatest treasures are her thriving private practice, and spending time with her husband and two children. Salina enjoys laughter with friends, building community and satisfying her insatiable curiosity about the inner workings of the human body, mind and spirit.

Mary Reis

Mary Reis, BA, LMT (She/Her/Hers)

Mary graduated from our program in 1993 and she has been teaching at FSM since 1995.  She teaches Connective Tissue Therapy, Sports Massage, and Communication Skills in the Massage and Hydrotherapy Program.  In addition to her teaching at FSM, she is active in Craniosacral circles, assisting Biodynamic Cranial Approach courses taught by Giorgia Milne, founder of Touch of Presence® School for Biodynamic Studies. Mary offers a CE course of her own, “An Introduction to Craniosacral Work” to help give therapists an orientation to the many types of craniosacral education available in the US.

Mary enjoys supporting students in the journeys of technical learning and self-discovery. She brings clarity with her technical knowledge, years of massage experience & athletic endeavors, 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 & Orthopedic Massage, Biodynamic Cranial Approach, and chiropractic philosophy. Working closely with her husband (a holistic chiropractor), much of her work focuses on respecting the nervous system and finding which style of massage allows her clients to truly let go and heal.

What inspires me at FSM is the transformation that I see happening in our students. FSM is different and refreshing, and there is a look that I see reflected on the faces of students at various points in the program — it is as if they have discovered a new-found beacon or template for the heart. It is that look of realization that there is another, more harmonious way to be in the world, and the gratitude that issues forth from there is palpable. I love being a part of that process.

Gordy Tanner

While at CCC in Auburn N.Y. Gordy took up judo practice to continue his self exploration. It was there that he was introduced to the benefits of massage for pain recovery and relaxation. It wasn’t until eight years of giving and receiving work that he received his first paid massage in Corning N.Y. (from an FSM graduate). She along with an acupuncturist suggested he attend FSM (1988). While working construction in Watertown N.Y. in -37 degree weather he took a marine biology course from CCC that took place in Cayman Islands. Leaving Syracuse while still -27 degrees and arriving in Miami to 84 degree weather he realized a change of latitude and career was in order. He started at FSM in March 1991.

During his first day of school he signed up for work study to keep busy while attending FSM. As it turned out that first day of school a work study job was assigned to him and he started a new career in massage and maintenance at FSM. He has taught judo and Tai chi and principles of martial arts mainly in the form of ”Maximum Efficiency, and Mutual Benefit for all”. He tries to incorporate these principles in his daily life and work. He’s felt very privileged to have the opportunity work in an environment such as FSM provides.

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 (He/Him)

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 Six years with the Student Clinic he still functions as primary Student Clinic Director at FSM.

Beyond the campus of FSM Joe C. has spent many years active as a musician, and has had the honor of playing and recording with many renowned artists including the late great Bo Diddley from 1995 -2008.

Frank Merillat, BA, LMT

Frank brings a love of people, their process, and personal growth to the practice of massage. He has over 45 years experience in education and service work. Frank currently is part of the Neuromuscular Therapy and Boundary and Ethics teams as well as teaching a couple of integrative classes in the Massage and Hydrotherapy Program. He also is a Florida CEU provider offering workshops for working therapists. He applies the concepts of movement and movement awareness extensively in his massage and Trager practice. He has taught massage in South Africa and truly enjoys traveling internationally.

My work involves exploring the feel of tissue, listening to what it has to offer and how to offer useful, beneficial information. Also of interest to me is the working relationship of the nervous system with the contractile system, and the relationship between body and mind.

I am inspired and grateful to be at FSM. Here we can be inclusive with divergent ways to access the material. FSM focuses on our humanness as well as the massage.

Sarah Abruscato, AA, LMT (She/Her/Hers)

Sarah relocated from Colorado to attend FSM in 2009 and has been part of the community ever since. She began as the front desk receptionist. Soon after, Sarah was recruited for the administrative office as the manager of continuing education and outreach events. In 2012 she completed the Teacher Assistant Program. She currently teaches Sports, Swedish and Chair massage and is a supervisor in the Student Clinic and in 2021 was promoted to Assistant to the Director.

When she is not teaching, Sarah enjoys seeing private clients and takes every opportunity to expand her knowledge and further her education. She enjoys spending time with her Husband, playing with her dog Lilly, swimming, and creating grain free, dairy free recipes.

Cathy Snyder, BA, LMT (She/Her)

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

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 Greenood

Jennifer Greenwood, BA, LMT (She/Her/Hers)

Jen enjoys sharing the front desk and gift shop responsibilities, creating flower bouquets, events coordinating, overseeing the curriculum program scheduling, and maintaining a private massage and reflexology practice at FSM. She been an instructor in Connective Tissue Therapy since fall 2005. She loves sharing her passion for bodywork, and the connections made within the human body. Jen has graduated from UF with a BA, and completed certifications in Structural Integration, Reflexology, Yoga, Thai Massage, and Sports Massage. FSM is one of her favorite places to be, with the other being home sitting in the flower field with her family.

Laura Tehennepe (She/Her)

Laura graduated from the Florida School of Massage in 1996 and spent 10 years as a massage therapist in Philadelphia. She has been a member of the Neuromuscular Therapy teaching staff since 2008 and been teaching Anatomy and Physiology since 2014. Three years spent studying with and assisting Vincent Cambrea with his IMAP and Orthopedic Certification from 2008-2010 honed her understanding of human health, pain, and injury, and deepened her capacity to facilitate healing. When not at FSM, she brings her capacity for meditative awareness, precise attention, and caring curiosity to her work as a massage therapist in her private practice. When not working, you can find her hooting with owls, gazing at birds and insects, finding tiny perfect bones in owl pellets, rambling in accents with her sweetheart/hubby, and learning to let a full range of Life flow through in all its colors.

CJ Marrero

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. 
Ashley Schenck Spence

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. 

Traditional Thai Massage

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

Susie Vought, BA, LMT (She/Her)

“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 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

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.

Nikki E

Nikki Evirs

I love the outdoors, gardening, I’m an artist in many mediums. I have been an esthetician for 13 years, and graduated from FSM in March of 2017. My husband and I have two wonderful children who we enjoy gardening, cooking with, taking to museums, libraries and on many outdoor adventures & of course I love my position at FSM and the community/home I’ve found here

David L

David Ledesma (He/Him)

David is a dedicated massage therapist with a passion for helping individuals reconnect with their bodies and find a deeper sense of inner peace. Committed to creating a tranquil and supportive environment, David provides a space where clients can truly be themselves, release stress, and embrace the present moment. Through mindful touch and compassionate care, David aims to guide people on a journey towards greater self-awareness and grounding, offering a path to relaxation and balance.

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.