
The diversity of our faculty offers the student a vast variety of
approaches to touch communication. Our instructors collectively have over 315 years experience in the massage therapy field.
They present the student with a broad range of therapeutic methods from energy-based to deep tissue,
from a relaxation focus to specific clinical work and from eclectic to
focused specialty practices.
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Iris Burman, Director, L.M.T., N.M.T.
Iris is a co-founder of Educating Hands and has been practicing Massage
Therapy for over twenty-eight years. She has attained certifications in
Swedish Massage, Sports Massage, Tr*ger Phsychophysical Integration, Neuromuscular Therapy and has
studied numerous other Modalities. Iris's background includes Gestalt
Therapy and Psychology. She has, over the years, taught every element of
the program. Currently, Iris concentrates on curriculum development and
teaching Massage and Business. She is co-author of
TouchAbilities®, our core massage text.
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Aimee Bertsch-Rado*, L.M.T., N.C.T.M.B.
Aimee embodies her joy and passion for manifesting a wholesome lifestyle. She joined the Educating Hands faculty in 2007 and teaches courses in TouchAbilities®, Massage, Ethics and Intuition Development. Her teaching approach and massage style is a creative, exploratory and multidimensional integration of the body, mind and spirit. Aimee uses her work as a springboard towards evolving, deepening and crystallizing her own essence. She is open and happy to share her developmental process in everything she does.
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Magali Boehlen*, L.M.T.
Magali has been teaching classes in Kinesiology and Palpation, TouchAbilities®, Intuition Development and Massage at
Educating Hands since 1999 and also serves as a student clinic supervisor.
Her deep intrigue with the workings of the human psyche, emotional states and more subtle energetic qualities led her to
pursue additional training at the Barbara Brennan School of Healing (advanced program) and the Pathwork School in Virginia.
Magali is a certified Brennan Healing Science Practitioner™, certified Ashtanga Yoga instructor and founder of
Incarnation Healing® and Anatomy of Healing®. Learn more at www.fireofpurity.com
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Michael Brechtel, L.M.T., N.C.T.M.B., M.Ed., J.D.
Michael Brechtel is a lifelong student, educator and a member of Mensa. He holds Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Vocational Education (M.Ed.) and a Juris Doctor from Widener University School of Law. Michael has a background in teaching, computers, consulting, marketing and, since 1999, has practiced an eclectic massage style focused on treating the entire person. Michael incorporates several modalities into each session and describes massage as a symphony- the tactile performing art. Michael previously taught Massage in Delaware. When not here on campus, Michael is busy in private practice in South Beach, writing, out enjoying the Art Deco District, or traveling to present Continuing Education Classes throughout the country. Contact Michael
or view his website www.heavenlymichael.com
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Brian Coniglio*, L.M.T., N.C.T.M.B.
Brian has taught courses in Anatomy and Physiology, Kinesiology and Palpation, and
Massage at Educating Hands since 1989. He holds a B.A. in education from
Lehman College, N.Y.C. Brian manages our Student Services Department and practices mainly Deep Tissue Massage and Neuromuscular Therapy. Contact Brian
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Miriam Cruz*, L.M.T.
Miriam chose her career path as a bodyworker because of her love for the creative process of life. She worked for two years as an assistant for a prominent Miami artist before graduating from Educating Hands in 1993. Miriam continued her studies at the Acupuncture Massage College where she graduated in 1996 with a diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine. She has held successful private practices in Miami and Los Angeles and has worked in high end spas in both cities. In her work she seeks to explore the serendipitous connections in modalities such as Swedish, Shiatsu, Thai, Tuina, Chi Nei Tsang and Craniosacral Therapy.
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Sarianna Elo*, L.M.T., N.C.T.M.B., M.S., P.T.
Sarianna, a native of Helsinki, Finland, graduated from Helsinki IV College for Health Care Professionals with a degree in Physical Therapy and Massage Therapy. She holds a B.S. in Professional Sciences with a concentration in Education from St. Joseph's College of Maine, and a M.S. in Psychology from California Coast University. Sarianna comes to Educating Hands with over 20 years experience in the field. Her integrated approach draws from her experiences in a diverse array of work and educational settings. Currently, Sarianna teaches Kinesiology, CECs, Swedish and other massage classes, Ethics, Supportive Touch, and serves as a supervisor at the Student Clinic.
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Sandy Friedland*, L.M.T.
Sandy's approach-MDMATM (Multi Dimensional Movement Arts) is
spiritual, Holistic & eclectic with a special focus on energetic flow,
vibratory frequency & dynamic balancing. She 'plays' holographically at
a table... on the floor... in the water using sound, light, oil, color,
crystals, essences, magnets, intention, movement, verbalization,
visualization... Her work/teaching explores the mystery of the 'body' &
reflects a background in anthropology, philosophy, psychology with the
wisdom of Craniosacral Therapy, Connective Tissue Unwinding, Polarity,
Reflexology, Shiatsu, Tr*ger; & Oriental Medicine. She is co-author
of TouchAbilities®, our core massage text.
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Paula Garcia Di Niro*, L.M.T.
Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Paula earned a Master's Degree in Public Relations from Universidad Argentina de la Empresa. She taught English for over 12 years. Since graduating from Educating Hands in 2005, Paula has worked as a Licensed Massage Therapist maintaining a private practice mainly focused on Swedish Massage, Neuromuscular Therapy and Reiki healing. She teaches Kinesiology and Palpation, Commonly Encountered Conditions, Anatomy and Physiology and some massage classes.
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Leah Koch*, L.M.T., N.C.T.M.B.
Leah holds a B.S. in Wildlife Ecology & Conservation and licenses in Massage Therapy and Esthetics. As a graduate of Educating Hands, she took her love of healing the energies of the earth to its inhabitants. She has worked privately and in high end spas as a Massage Therapist as well as in management and training. Further studies include Orthopedic Massage, Thai Massage, Holistic Lifestyle Coaching and Hot Stone Therapy. Leah teaches Kinesiology and Palpation and Touchabilities® at Educating Hands.
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Curtis Lisa*, L.M.T.
Curtis has been a part of the Educating Hands faculty since graduating in 2003. His bodywork style is unique and effective combining Neuromuscular Therapy, Shiatsu and Thai Massage. Curtis is our student clinic manager and currently teaches classes in student clinic protocols and full body integration.
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Lora Robertson*, L.M.T., N.C.T.M.B.
Lora holds a B.A. degree in French from Ohio State University. She graduated from Educating Hands in 2005 and has since focused on Neuromuscular Therapy and Medical Massage. Passionate about exploring the dance and balance of massage, Lora currently teaches courses in TouchAbilities® and Full Body Integration.
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Richard Schekter*, L.M.T., N.C.T.M.B.
Richard comes to Educating Hands with a background as a scientist - a
Marine Biologist and Biological Oceanographer at the University of
Miami. As a Licensed Massage Therapist, Richard maintains a private
practice, works in a prestigious hotel spa and is one of the core
therapists at Educating Hands Professional Massage Therapy Clinic.
Richard teaches several classes at Educating Hands, mainly in Anatomy
and Physiology, Commonly Encountered Conditions and Massage.
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Alex Somoano*, L.M.T..
Alex holds a B.S. in Liberal Studies with concentrations in Biology,
Health and Physical Sciences from the University of Central Florida.
Since graduating from Educating Hands in 1999, he has maintained a private therapeutic massage practice.
In 2006 he began working with the Miami City Ballet.
His bodywork approach is inquisitive in nature, firmly rooted in presence, sensitivity and intuitive flow.
Alex serves as Director of Admissions and teaches classes in Kinesiology and Palpation, Kinetics,
Body Mechanics, Full Body Massage and a CE seminar called
Muscle Anatomy and Palpation
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Ed Wilson*, Ph.D., L.M.T.
Ed comes with 20 years teaching experience in the university system at
Syracuse University, Virginia Tech and Florida State University, where
he specialized in teaching courses in the field of marriage, family
relations and family therapies. Since joining the bodywork community, he
has accumulated 26 years worth of experience in Swedish Massage,
Reflexology and Neuromuscular Therapy. Ed has developed a certification program in Reflexology, which he teaches in our continuing education offerings. He also teaches massage, Florida Law and History.
Contact Ed
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Tracy Wright*, L.M.T., N.C.T.M.B.
Tracy has been affiliated with Educating Hands since 1996, first as a
student and now as a teacher of Hydrotherapy. She does bodywork in local
spas as well as privately and although people are her main clientele,
her specialty and true love is animal massage. She uses her 20+ years of
animal husbandry and education to promote this unique genre of
massage. Contact Tracy
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Administrative
Staff
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Owner & Director: Iris Burman L.M.T.
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Admissions Director: Alex Somoano* L.M.T.
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Admissions Assistant Director: Jackie Ferrerosa*, L.M.T.
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Director of Education: Michael Brechtel L.M.T., N.C.T.M.B., M.Ed, J.D.
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Student Services: Brian Coniglio L.M.T., N.C.T.M.B.
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Director of Continuing Education: Lolo Karam* L.M.T.
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Receptionist: Maria Teresa Victoriano "MTV"
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Life Coach: Crystal Loiacono L.M.T.
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Director of Feng Shui: Mercedes Ortega "La Tia"
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Bookstore
Staff
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Bookstore Manager: J.C. Curry* L.M.T., N.C.T.M.B.
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Bookstore Staff: Lisa Martinez Skin Care Specialist
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Guest
Teachers
Nick Chitty*, L.M.T., C.N.M.T. - Neuromuscular Therapy
Patrick Fay, D.C. - Positional Release
David R. Gonzalez, L.M.T., C.S.C.S. - Sports Massage
B.B. Gould*, M.A., L.M.T., C.S.C.S. - Chair Massage
Moshe Sussman*, J.D., L.M.T. - Cranio-Sacral Therapy
Sara Nice*, L.M.T. - Asian Studies
Celia Regina Maluf, L.M.T. - Trager
Jose Perez, E.M.T. - CPR and First Aid
Juan Carlos Riascos - HIV/AIDS
L.M.T. - Licensed Massage Therapist
* - Graduate of Educating Hands
N.C.T.M.B. - Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and
Bodywork
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