Faculty and staff contribute greatly to the NMTI community. They come from massage and healthcare backgrounds, and many have taken the same road you're about to take. That means they are likely to understand your needs and concerns, and they're always ready to assist.

Our Massage Therapy programs are primarily hands-on, allowing you to experience and practice massage techniques during your education. Your instructors are right there with you helping you to develop techniques and encouraging you when there's room for improvement.

Our staff is experienced and hands-on, too, ensuring you complete your application and financial planning are in order, helping you find your classroom, and assisting you with your other needs.  Here are some details about a select few of our dedicated faculty and staff members.

Frank Kelly, CMT

Frank Kelly, massage therapy instructor, has been with NMTI for over two years. During his time at NMTI, Frank has taken on the role of event coordinator and received an "Instructors on the Front Lines" certification through ABMP. Frank graduated from the NMTI Massage Therapy program in November 2008 with a 3.7 GPA. Frank aspires to be fluent in as many multiple massage modalities and healing techniques as possible. 


Joseph Knight

Joseph Knight, massage therapy instructor, has been with NMTI for over four years. Joseph, an alumnus of NMTI, graduated from the Philadelphia School of Massage Therapy in April 2000.  Joseph began his studies in massage with certification in shiatsu massage in 1997. Joseph is a second degree black belt in the Japanese martial art of Aikido, and his 25-year background in the martial arts led him to the study of Eastern massage therapy modalities.

Gina Livecchi, NCMT

Gina Livecchi, one of our lead instructors, has been with NMTI for five years. Gina earned a degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion at Cabrini College and began her career as an exercise physiologist. She has an extensive background in kinesiology, exercise and health. Gina decided to further her education by attending NMTI and becoming a certified massage therapist. She has had experience working at a wellness center and maintains her own private practice. Gina has furthered her massage education by taking classes in deep tissue massage, prenatal massage, myofascial release and raindrop therapy.

Gina is a caring and compassionate nationally certified massage therapist who is often willing to go the "extra mile" not only to accommodate her clients' needs, but her students' needs as well. Gina is a dedicated instructor who feels very strongly about her students' education and their potential future in the field of Massage Therapy.

Geraldyne Mitchell

Geraldyne Mitchell, massage therapy instructor, has been with NMTI for four years.  Geraldyne also has a private practice focusing on the elderly and ill, a chair massage business, and works at The Health Center at Galloway, a skilled nursing facility.

Meredith Morris, NCMT

Meredith Morris, massage therapy instructor, has been with NMTI for the past two years and has enjoyed working at both the Wilmington and Philadelphia campuses. Before joining NMTI, she was an instructor at Harris School and has over 11 years of experience working in both spa and chiropractic settings. Meredith graduated from Deep Muscle Therapy School in 1998 and then again from their Advanced Massage Therapy program in 2005.

Suzanne E. Szambelak, NCTM, NJ State Certified

Suzanne E. Szambelak, former graduate of National Massage Therapy Institute, is one of two AM massage therapy instructors in Egg Harbor Township. Upon completing the Massage Therapy program at NMTI, Suzanne practiced massage therapy for a chiropractor. She has been instructing students at NMTI for two years.

Corin Daly, NCTMB

Corin Daly, massage therapy instructor, has been with National Massage Therapy Institute for three years. After graduating from the program, but prior to instructing, Corin held a massage therapist position in the chiropractic office of Dr. Tami Herman. In addition to massage, she served as lead administrative assistant for Herman's entire office. Corin holds her national certification from the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork and is insured by ABMP. She continues her education by regularly attending various courses and seminars.

Sheril Fogelman, LMT, NCTMB

Sheril Fogelman, a lead instructor, has been with NMTI for three years. Sheril previously worked as a spa operations manager for five years at Spa Toccare located in the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City. Sheril graduated from Seashore Healing Arts School of Massage in 2006, and is currently a massage therapist at Borgata where she provides deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, aromatherapy massage, and various body scrubs and wraps. Her specialty certifications include Reiki, reflexology, personal training, pilates, cycling, kickboxing and nutrition.

Denise Griffin-Stevenson, NCTMB, CRRN

Denise Griffin-Stevenson, NCTMB, CRRN, is a lead instructor at the National Massage Therapy Institute. She has been with NMTI since 2006 after graduating valedictorian of her class. She also graduated top of her class in both the cosmetology operator and instructor programs at the Jean Madeline Aveda Institute in 2006. Denise holds a Bachelor's degree in Nursing from Holy Family College and has worked as a Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse at Magee Rehabilitation Hospital in Philadelphia since 1997. She enjoys the challenges of providing nursing and massage therapy to the rehabilitation population, focusing on patients with spinal cord and brain injuries, as well as those recovering from orthopedic and transplant surgeries.

Ed Portley, NCTMB

Ed Portley is a massage therapist nationally certified by the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. He has been an instructor for NMTI since March of 2007.  He is the owner of Just This Side of Heaven Massage located in Southampton and Philadelphia, PA.  In his practice, which he started in January 2006, he has helped many people become pain free.  Ed is also certified in prenatal massage and has advanced training in Emotional Freedom Technique. With his wide range of training, he is able to assist individuals who want to try an alternative technique to help relieve physical ailments, as well as emotional issues. 

Thomas Hunt, NCTMB

Thomas Hunt, NCTMB, is a massage therapy instructor for the National Massage Therapy Institute and has worked for the company since graduating top of his class in November 2008. During his time at NMTI, Thomas has joined his team of instructors at several continuing education courses, including Reiki I and “Instructors on the Front Lines” hosted by ABMP. Thomas holds an Associate degree in Business and Accounting from West Chester University.

Michelle Hyams, CMT

As a proud graduate of NMTI's class of 1999, Michelle Hyams believes strongly in the mission and ethics of our program. Michelle became the first employee of a local massage therapy equipment shop, which gave her insight into the products and service needs of massage therapists and chiropractors. Her field experience includes working as a CMT for a primary care physician and a chiropractor. In 2000, Michelle was presented with the opportunity to join the educational team of NMTI, leading her to a rewarding teaching career at NMTI. In 2005, Michelle was presented with NMTI's Excellence in Education Award. Michelle is also certified in hot stones therapy, Reiki I and raindrop therapy. Michelle's years of teaching experience, sense of humor and dedicated support of students' success creates a safe environment for students to celebrate their growth. "I never intended to teach," says Michelle, "however, massage therapy gave me this extraordinary opportunity which opened my life's door to the adventures and challenges of teaching the art and science of therapeutic massage."