Teacher/Student Ratio
The CNWSMT is fortunate to have excellent student/faculty
ratio. The foundational massage technique courses have one
instructor assigned to five tables, with no more than two
students per table. This provides an optimum hands-on learning
experience. Science lecture classes typically consist of
one instructor to 35 students. The faculty understands
that a students learning curve and skills development is
different for everyone. Our instructors work with each
student to ensure his or her success through the program.
Administrative Staff
R. Daniel Cronin, BS, LMT
Executive Director
Dan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Plattsburg State College. He graduated in 1994 from the New Mexico Academy of Healing Arts. During 1995 and 1996, he completed 5 of the Paul St. John's Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) seminars and specialized in NMT in his practice. In 1997 and 1998, Dan took Craniosacral 1 & 2 with the Upledger Institute. He left a successful private practice in Delmar, NY in 1998 to help create and found the CNWSMT. Dan sits on the Board of Director's of TONDA Corporation and is the Executive Director of the School.
Cindy Moorcroft, BA, LMT
Director of Education
Cindy graduated from Brown University in 1983, with a BA in History. She earned a secondary school teaching certificate and taught at the high school level for 8 years. She attended the Bancroft School of Massage in 1991 and has been a NYS licensed massage therapist since 1992. Cindy was employed by the Whitney Young Health Center as a massage therapist for the HIV/AIDS program. In 1998, Cindy helped to found the Center for Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy. She focused primarily on curriculum development. As the Director of Education, Cindy oversees the curriculum while supporting and supervising instructors. She also teaches Myology, Kinesiology and Pathology I. In addition, Cindy works for Hospice providing massage to those facing the end of life. Cindy strongly believes in the power of touch and loving presence to facilitate healing as well as greater self-awareness.
Laura-Michelle Iacovone, BS, LMT
Dean of Students
Laura holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Studies from Cornell University. She was trained as an animal nurse when she lived in London, England. Laura explored several different fields including managing a canoe and kayak shop in Rochester, NY before going to massage school. She is a graduate of the New York Institute of Massage in Buffalo, NY. Laura is the Dean of Students, and is the Bookstore Manager at CNW. She also has a private practice in Albany and works for Healthworks, NE.
Tara Murphy, BA, LMT
Director of Admissions
Tara holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Communications and spent six years as a graphic designer for a non-profit association before going to school for Massage Therapy. As a graduate of the Center for Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy, Tara is now the Director of Admissions and helps with marketing and graphic design for the school. Tara also has a part-time private massage practice in Clifton Park.
Sheila Palmer
Registrar
Sheila brings an extensive background in the administrative field to CNW. She has held the position of Financial Aid Director for a local cosmetology school and has worked for both large and small companies in various areas of accounting. Sheila holds an Associates Degree in the Paralegal field, is a NYS licensed hairdresser and also holds a NYS Realtors license. In her spare time, she runs a personal home staging business and has pursued various educational courses in the field of computer science. All of these areas of experience have allowed for her to take the position of Registrar to a new level at CNW.
Jeanne Geisler, BA, LMT
Placement Director
Jeanne is a graduate of the Center for Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy and holds a BA in Psychology and Business Administration from SUNY, Albany. In addition to her work as Placement Director, Jeanne is also a Supervisor in the CNW Student Massage Clinic, maintains a busy private massage practice and works as a therapist in a local spa. Jeanne appreciates working with clients in a therapeutic setting and enjoys helping graduates find the same satisfaction in their employment.
Josh Okun, BA
Admissions Data Manager
Josh holds a B.A. in Music Industry from SUNY Oneonta. He brings with him to CNW four years of experience working for an Albany based non-profit organization. As the Admissions Data Manager, Josh's roles include; Director of The Red Pines Training Center (Continuing Education); Placement Director; and Admissions Assistant. Josh is also the founder and host of the Muddy Cup Open Mic Night at the Muddy Cup Coffee House in Albany, every Monday night.
Beth Kilanoski, BS
Student Clinic
Beth is a graduate of Russell Sage College where she earned a BS in Business Management, and brings with her to CNW a wealth of customer service experience in the insurance, banking, and retail industries. Clinic clients and student therapists alike appreciate Beth’s warm reception, unwavering professionalism and attention to detail as she manages the daily operations in the CNW Student Massage Clinic.
Nathan Giordano, BS
Financial Aid
Nathan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Business and Technology from the College of St. Rose. He brings to CNW eight years experience in the fields of customer service, retail, and various technologies, and he loves helping students navigate the process of Federal Student Aid.
Grayce Ray, MA
Office Manager
Grayce holds a Master of Arts Degree in Anthropology from the University of Albany. She comes to CNW with a background in cultural ecology, environmental advocacy and community based research. She is passionate about promoting health and community building through the development of urban green spaces, such as community gardens. Grayce brings to her position a unique warmth, and is highly skilled in the art of managing the needs of CNW students, faculty and staff.
Lisa Kay, BS, LMT
Student Clinic Supervisor
Lisa obtained a BS in Criminal Justice & Psychology from Florida Southern College. She is a graduate of the Center for Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy and a NYS licensed massage therapist. Lisa is also an assistant instructor in the CranioSacral Therapy and Pathology II courses. Lisa has a part-time private practice in which she specializes in CranioSacral Therapy and energy healing bodywork.
Faculty
Joy Adler AS
Instructor
Joy Adler earned a degree in communication from Sage College in 1984. She graduated from the Barbara Brennan School of Healing in 1998. Joy teaches the Wellness course at CNW and is also available to all students for individual consults. She uses her skills to help students grow and achieve greater balance in their lives. Her goal is to help students gain a greater depth of self knowledge and awareness. She believes that massage therapists can assist clients in achieving healing to the degree that they themselves have healed. She enjoys seeing the beams of light within students lives as they move toward creating the life they most want to live.
Dagny Duhamel, BA, LMT
Instructor
Dagny Duhamel graduated from SUNY Albany in 1994 with a degree in philosophy and English. She also graduated from the Desert Institute of Healing Arts in Tuscon, Arizona. After her graduation, she became an assistant Shiatsu teacher at the Desert Institute. In 2000, she returned to New York State and attended CNW Massage School. Dagny continues to study Shiatsu with Warturu Ohashi at the Ohashi Institute in New York City. She also deepens her study of traditional Chinese Medicine specializing in 5 Element Theory by studying with Lonny Jarrett, M.A.C. in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Dagny is one of the lead Shiatsu teachers at CNW, bringing a lighthearted enthusiasm to her students. In addition, she has a busy Shiatsu practice.
Lou Alpy, BA, LMT
Instructor
Lou graduated from SUNY Plattsburg, earning a BA in psychology. He graduated from CNW Massage School in November 2000. Lou specializes in NMT and Medical massage, and greatly enjoys the detailed detective work required to evaluate and treat various musculoskeletal problems.
At CNW, Lou teaches Foundations of Massage, the basic Swedish massage course, as well as Chair Massage and NMT. He enjoys working with students as they create the building blocks of their individual massage work. He believes that there is always more to learn about massage therapy!
Marianne Brunner, BS, LMT
Instructor
Marianne has a BS in business administration. Marianne graduated from CNW in 2002. Marianne specializes in medical deep tissue massage and lymphatic drainage. She is also a certified personal trainer and incorporates personal training into her client's healing process.
At CNW, Marianne teaches Professional Development, and assists in the Applied Techniques class. She brings her enthusiasm for life and passion for massage therapy to her students.
Lee Gabrilovitch, BA, RN, LMT
Instructor
Lee Gabrilovitch earned a BA in Fine Arts from SUNY Binghamton in 1983. She is a registered nurse, having completed Nursing School at Memorial hospital. She graduated from CNW in 2004. Lee has focused her massage work on those with critical illnesses. She believes that simply providing presence and touch can dramatically improve a client's physical, emotional and spiritual state.
Lee teaches Anatomy and Physiology at CNW. She is also a supervisor in the student clinic. Lee brings boundless energy and an enormous appreciation for the human body to her students.
Laura Jones, AA, PTA, LMT
Instructor
Laura earned an Associates Degree enabling her to practice as a physical therapy assistant from Maria College. She graduated from CNW in 1999. Laura specializes in Swedish massage and Myofascial Release. She has taken all of John Barnes' courses in MFR. Laura appreciates that her career as a massage therapist has put her in touch with incredible people, both clients and fellow practitioners.
Laura teaches Foundations of Massage and MFR at CNW. Her belief in students' ability to succeed comes through in her teaching style.
Kerstin Maile, PhD
Instructor
Kerstin Maile earned a MD and PhD from the ULMN University in Germany in 1986. She graduated from the Boulder College of Massage in 1999.
Kerstin has devoted much time to exploring alternative healing methods. She believes that our thoughts and beliefs have great ability to influence our state of health. At CNW, Kerstin teaches Western Pathology II, sharing her perspective and practical experiences with her students.
Gregg St. Clair, BA, LAc
Instructor
Gregg earned a BA in Philosophy from Lockhaven University 1987. He graduated from the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in 1998. He is a NY State Licensed Acupuncturist. Gregg utilizes many tools of Eastern Medicine including cupping, herbs, massage and Qi Gong.
Gregg teaches Eastern Pathology at CNW. He shares his vast experience and his passion for improving life and health through Eastern Medicine.
Vickie Nichols, BA, MS
Instructor
Vickie earned a BA from Castleton State College in 1988, and a MS in Counseling from SUNY in 1989. She graduated from the London School of Aromatherapy in 1975.
Vickie has been using aromatherapy and creating aromatherapy products for many years. She teaches the Aromatherapy course at CNW, sharing her energy and enthusiasm with students, as well as her extensive knowledge of the health benefits of essential oils.
Margery Chessare, BA, LMT
Instructor
Margery earned a BA in English Literature from Rutgers College in 1975. Twenty years later, after careers in journalism, dance, and the fitness industry, she graduated from the Garden State Center for Holistic Healing, and in 1996 she earned a Shiatsu certificate from the Somerset School of Massage Therapy. In 1999 she was invited to teach Craniosacral Therapy at CNWSMT, where she continues to instruct both CST introductory classes and advanced workshops. Margery has studied CranioSacral Therapy with the Upledger Institute and Dr. John Upledger, Visionary Craniosacral with Hugh Milne, and Advanced Craniosacral Biodynamics with Scott Zamurut. She authored a chapter in Working Wonders: Changing Lives with CranioSacral Therapy, published in 2005. While continuing to enjoy her private craniosacral practice near Saratoga Springs, Margery is once again a student in a three-year training, Peter Levine's Somatic Experiencing, tools to heal trauma. Margery brings her reverence for craniosacral therapy and her gentle spirit to the classroom.
Mary Crinnin, BA, LMT
Instructor
Mary graduated from Wells College in 1990. She graduated from the Finger Lakes School of Massage in Ithaca in 1997. She completed a teacher training program at Finger Lakes School, where she taught kinesiology and a variety of hands on modalities. Mary has pursued continuing education courses in Trager, Craniosacral therapy. In addition, she is a Watsu practitioner and provides Thai massage. She has volunteered as a massage therapist for Hospice of Tompkins County. Mary is one of the lead Shiatsu teachers at CNW, sharing her enthusiasm and commitment to eastern life principles with her students. She currently has a busy massage practice, focused on Shiatsu, Watsu and Thai massage.
Hannah Hanlon, LMT, CLT
Instructor
Hannah graduated from the Brenneke School of Massage in Seattle, WA, in 1991. For the last decade, she has enjoyed a diverse massage teaching experience. As a core faculty member at the Brenneke School she taught Swedish Massage, Professional Development and Ethics, On site (chair) Massage, Medical Massage, Bindgewebs Massage and Craniosacral Therapy. She continues to teach Craniosacral in Seattle. She has also been a teaching assistant for cadaver anatomy and was adjunct faculty at Bastyr University co-developing and teaching the first massage intensive offered to naturopathic and acupuncture students there.
Hannah is also a Certified Lymphatic Therapist and breast health educator. She and her husband, Dale Perry, co founded Lymphatic Health Education Resources, offering continuing education courses in Lymphatic Facilitation Techniques worldwide. As a therapist, Hannah's focus is primarily Craniosacral Therapy and Lymphatic Massage but she also enjoys being eclectic and creative in her service to those seeking to find physical and spiritual balance.
In 2004, Hannah relocated to Amsterdam, NY and joined the CNW faculty. She currently teaches Neuromuscular Therapy, Assessment Skills, Applied Techniques, Craniosacral Therapy and Polarity. Hannah teaches directly from her heart.
Jen Hathaway, BS, LMT
Instructor
Jen received a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training from Russell Sage College, Troy, NY. She received her massage training from Bancroft School of Massage Therapy in Worcester, MA. She holds advanced certification in Clinical Sport Massage, Myofascial Release, Active Isolated Stretching and flexibility training. She started her massage career at Southern Saratoga YMCA in Clifton Park, NY in 1996. She served as both a certified YMCA strength training instructor and a massage therapist. Her areas of specialty include clinical sport massage, injury recovery, mycfascial release and chronic pain management. She has provided sports massage at numerous events including The Ironman Triathlon in Lake Placid, NY, the Boston Marathon and the Freihofer's Run for Women in Albany, NY. Jen teaches Sports Massage at CNW, and brings her humor and sense of fun to the classroom. She believes that regular massage therapy helps her clients achieve optimal health and wellness.
Holly Huzar, LMT, NCBTMB
Instructor
Holly graduated from SUNY in 1991 with a BS in Communication. She is a graduate of the Finger Lakes School of Massage, in Ithica, NY. She has a background in adult education and training, with 10 years experience teaching state employees computer software applications and personal development skills. Holly is the co-owner of Massage for Health, a massage therapy practice in East Greenbush. She also is employed by Hospice to coordinate their complimentary therapy program. She has been teaching at CNW since 1999, and currently teaches the Gentle Massage class, as well as a Forearm Massage class, which offers students alternative massage strokes designed to prevent injury to the massage therapist. Holly is available to students for individual consults related to injury prevention. She brings her enthusiasm and adventurous spirit to all she does.
Harout Mergian, BS, DC
Instructor
Dr. Harout Mergian is a community-spirited chiropractor, serving the Albany area since 1989. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and went on to receive his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Northwestern College of Chiropractic in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Harout teaches Neurology at CNW. He provides students with a vision of the big picture as well as an appreciation of the intricate details of the nervous system.
Cindy Moorcroft, BS, LMT
Instructor
Michael G. Perman, LMT, CH, BEE
Instructor
Michael earned a degree in electrical engineering from the City College of New York. He is a graduate of the New Mexico School of Natural Therapeutics and is a certified practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming and hypnosis. He is also a Reiki master. He has been practicing massage therapy in the Capital District and the Berkshires since 1981. He enjoys the challenge of facilitating physical health, emotional growth and wellness for a wide range of clients.
Michael is the Polarity instructor at the School. His students sense his belief in the endless potential within us all.
Dale Perry, LMT, CLT, NSMT
Science and Sport Massage
Dale graduated from the Brenneke School of Massage in Seattle, WA, in 1990 and is licensed in both Washington and New York. In addition to private practice, he taught massage for 11 years including Swedish, medical, lymphatic, sports, myofascial, bindewebsmassage, business and professional development. He was adjunct faculty at Bastyr University for three years where he taught the summer massage intensive.
Dale's work is focused in sports, injury rehabilitation and lymphatics. His private practice work included a joint office with a chiropractor (5 yrs), owner of the Lymphedema Clinic of Seattle (2 yrs), and shared an office with his wife, Hannah. Dale enjoys sports and worked at the 1990 Goodwill Games, 1994 Commonwealth games, 1995 NBA Championships, 1997 USA Track and Field Championships, 2000-2002 Pac 10 Conference and NCAA National Swimming Championships for both Stanford and the U of Washington, 2002 Olympic swimming trials, Sydney Olympics with the US Women's swim team, and 8 seasons with the Seattle Supersonics of the NBA.
He and his wife own Lymphatic Health Education Resources and present workshops worldwide on lymphatic facilitation for sports, injury rehab, wellness and breast health.
Dale teaches sports massage, assessment skills, NMT, and Applied Techniques and Pathology II. His students benefit from his vast experience and skill, as well as his gentle demeanor. He enjoys witnessing the sparks of understanding in his students as they progress.
Lisa Satalino, BS, PT
Instructor
Lisa holds a Bachelor of Science degree with a certificate in Physical Therapy from Russell Sage College. Since that time, she has undergone extensive continuing education classes and has specialized in the area of Myofascial Release (MFR) and Craniosacral Therapy. Lisa has taken all of John Barnes' seminars in Myofascial Release and is a clinical instructor and occasional class coordinator for his seminars. She has worked in many diverse settings including home care, pediatrics, private practice, rehabilitation centers and with equine athletes.
Lisa teaches Myofascial Release at CNW. She brings an extremely broad knowledge base, vast experience and an infectious appreciation for MFR to her students. She peaks their curiosity and enjoys watching them discover tools to adress their client's needs.
Board of Directors
TONDA Corporation
R. Daniel Cronin, BS LMT;
Anthony L. Joseph, Ph.D;
John C. Pettinato;
Christopher S. Quirk, CPA;
Center For Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy
is a DBA of TONDA Corporation,
TONDA Corporation
334 Central Avenue
Albany, NY 12206
518 449-1456
www.tondacorp.com
