Center For Natural Wellness


Faculty 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 and managed Fultonville Animal Hospital for two years when she came back to New York State. Laura then worked for several years as a farm products commodities inspector with both the NYS and US Dept of Agriculture. She is a graduate of the New York Institute of Massage in Buffalo, NY, class of 1997. Laura is the Dean of Students, and the Bookstore Manager at CNW. She also has a private practice in the Capital District area. Michael Vaughn Registrar Michael brings an extensive background in the Accounting & Business field to CNWSMT. He has been in the Accounting field for nearly 15 years and has held positions ranging from Bookkeeper at a Local Chamber of Commerce to being a Staff Accountant at a local Health Insurance Company. He brings extensive computer and Accounting knowledge, as well as Process Improvement skills. Michael completed an Accounting/Business Program at the former Spencer Business Institute, as well as completing several courses towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. All of these areas of experience have allowed for him to take the position of Registrar/Bursar to a new level at CNWSMT. Dawn Danis Admissions Director Dawn holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Lehigh University and also graduated from the Virginia School of Massage. She practiced massage therapy full-time for eight years in Virginia and West Virginia before re-entering the academic arena to do admissions, project management and fundraising at a Virginia university. Dawn is originally from New York, and after returning to her home state she was glad to re-enter the world of healing by joining the team at CNWSMT! Debra Donatto Admissions Debra holds a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from the University of Florida. She has worked in admissions for several colleges both in New York and Florida, and specializes in event planning, marketing and community relations. Debra spent 8 years in the Air Force as a radio & television broadcast specialist where she had the opportunity to win the Air Force Media Contest in 1989. She spent her last three years on active duty teaching television productions skills to the cadets at the US Air Force Academy. Over the past 25 years, Debra has studied alternative healing practices, and has taught guided meditation, pathworking and herbalism. 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. Tara Murphy, BA, LMT Placement Director 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 Placement, helping with alumni services, in addition to the marketing and graphic design for the school. 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. Lee Gabrilovitch, BA, RN, LMT Student Clinic Director 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. Christina Hirazumi, LMT Student Clinic Faculty Joy Adler AS Instructor Joy Adler earned a degree in communications from Sage College in 1984. She graduated from the 4-year University, Barbara Brennan School of Healing in 1998. Additionally, she completed their 2-year teacher training program in 2000 and completed a 2-year Early Childhood Psychology program through The Center for Intentional Living, also in 2000. Joy received her Certification as a Counselor and Hypnotherapist in 1993. She also studied shamanism for 4 years, with Chief Whirlwind of the Lakota in New Mexico, and Jane Night Eagle of the Mic Mac nation, PA. Joy trained in Swedish Massage in Pleasantville NJ, 1993-1994, with Instructor Deb McGloin, and loves the integration of bodywork and energy. Joy has recently been enrolled in The NY Open Center in NYC for advanced training in utilizing sound, music and counseling techniques for working with trauma survivors. Joy teaches the Wellness course at CNW and is also an advisor for all the students. 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. 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 Alexander, 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! Kelly Hochheimer, MFA, LMT, NCBTMB Instructor Kelly earned an MFA in scenic design from the North Carolina School of the Arts in 1997. She graduated from CNWSMT in 2007. Kelly continues to expand her bodywork skill through numerous continuing education classes including lymphatic drainage and myofascial release. She has a part-time private practice. Kelly is inspired by the power and intelligence of the human mind-body connection and is honored to share in the sacred experience of bodywork with students, clients and fellow practitioners. Kelly teaches Pathology I, and is an assistant instructor in Assessment Skills, Applied Techniques and Pathology II at CNWSMT. She is also a Clinic Supervisor. Kelly enjoys assisting others with the personal and professional transformation of massage therapy training. 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,MD 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. Nicole Morris, BS, LMT Instructor Nicole earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Vermont in 1993. She has been teaching students age 5-85 for the last 20 years. She graduated from CNWSMT in 2005 and received her License the same year. Nicole specializes in Swedish massage, incorporating forearm and energy work into her practice. She is trained in Temple Lomi Lomi and continues her education on Maui annually. Nicole currently teaches Foundations of Massage at CNWSMT. She believes that being present for a student’s realizations or “ah-ha” moments is an incredible honor. Her belief that education is a key to transformation and success is prevalent in her 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. 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. 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. Michael has a private practice in Albany and works at Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital in Schenectady. - 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 Instructor 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 is a 1986 graduate of Russell Sage College. She received her BS with a certificate in Physical Therapy in 1986 and has since specialized in the area of Myofascial Release and Craniosacral Therapy. She has taken all of John Barnes’ (Founder of Myofascial Release) courses, has passed Barnes’ Proficiency Assessment, and has worked as an assistant instructor and coordinator for John F. Barnes’ seminars nationally. She teaches the Myofascial Release class at CNWSMT. 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 address their client's needs. Her clinical experience includes working in home care, early intervention, the school setting, rehabilitation, private practice, and with equine athletes. She is a NYS certified early intervention provider, and she is the owner of the Center for Myofascial Wellness in Albany, NY. To learn more about Lisa's class offerings and workshops, please visit her website at: http://www.thecmw.com Board of Directors TONDA Corporation R. Daniel Cronin, BS LMT; Anthony L. Joseph, Ph.D; 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