Faculty - Pennsylvania
Deeply committed to the healing power of touch¸ our teachers bring their real world experience to the classroom. As successful massage therapy professionals¸ they represent a variety of approaches¸ settings¸ and backgrounds. They all share a passion for teaching and a commitment to the highest standards.
Most of our faculty members are Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.
Paula Baxter
Paula's background was in Childhood education, and then she found her second passion, Massage therapy. Paula is a graduate of Cortiva Institute. Paula brings to her Massage Therapy Classes and the student clinic a true passion, love and knowledge of Massage Therapy and teaching, which she strives to pass on to her students.
Tina Bergstrom
Tina is excited to return to her home state of PA after many years of travel throughout the U.S. She has resided on the east coast, west coast and many states in between. Tina has been spending quality time raising her three wonderful sons while earning her BA in Social Sciences from Washington State University. She recently hails from Virginia Beach, Virginia where she gained her vast and extensive knowledge of Financial Aid processing and packaging at Old Dominion University. She also completed master level courses in counseling before moving back to PA. Tina is very excited to work closely with our massage therapy students helping them see their way through the maze of the financial aid process.
Jean Dalesio
Jean has been a very versatile member of the Cortiva family for some time. Jean's service oriented background comes from owning and operating her own real estate business. This has made for a natural transition to her responsibilities in dealing with students. Jean is Cortiva Institute's registrar, but she can sometimes be found at the reception desk.
Colleen M. Daley, CMT
Colleen joined the Cortiva staff after 12 years of practice in the spa industry and private practice, following her graduation from Cortiva Institute-Pennsylvania School of Muscle Therapy. Colleen brings with her over 20 years of experience in the corporate world working as a Director an International Executive Search firm, specializing in the Pharmaceutical and Biotech industry. She is currently on the Women's Board of the American Cancer Society and an avid advocate of women's health. Colleen feels very fortunate to be returning to the therapy industry where she is now able to combine her skills of finding new talent with her passion for helping others. She uses her expertise at Cortiva in working as the i Director of the Admissions Department.
Scott Dugan, NCTMB
Prior to graduating from Cortiva's Professional Massage Therapy Program, Scott studied Biological Science in college and graduated from the Center for Health and Wellness. Scott currently teaches massage therapy as well as the American Red Cross CPR classes at Cortiva Institute. In addition to his duties at the school, Scott is chair of the government relations committee of the Pennsylvania chapter of the AMTA, a representative to the Pennsylvania Body Therapy Association (PaBTA), and still finds time to maintain his own practice.
William Ensminger, NCTMB
Bill joins us as a recent graduate of Cortiva's massage therapy program. He is pleased to be a member of the team and function as co-director of the student clinic and outreach program. Bill also has joined our teaching staff. Bill comes from a strong background in higher education and operations management. Bill also works with his own private practice and in the commercial massage industry as a therapist.
Mary Fix
Cortiva-Pennsylvania is proud to have Mary as part of our team. Mary has many yeas of experience in caring for administrative and organizational duties. Her strong communication skills and proficiency is a true asset to the Cortiva family.
Jennifer Gerhart, PDMT, NCTMB
Jen is a graduate of Cortiva - Pennsylvania School of Muscle Therapy, and Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy Levels® 1 & 2. She additionally has received training in Collard Method Bodywork, Breath work, Brain Therapy for Children, and Lomi-Lomi 1 & 2. She has also assisted the Collard 10 Day Intensive, and assisted Lomi-Lomi Level 1 at the World Massage Festival. Jen is currently teaching Massage Therapy at Cortiva. Jen is currently working on attaining her business degree.
Christine Holefelder, BS, PDMT, NCBTMB
Before completing the Professional Massage Therapy Program at Cortiva Institute and training in Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy®, Christine attended the University of Pittsburgh on an athletic scholarship. While there, she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Biological Sciences. Upon her graduation from Cortiva Institute, Christine began practicing massage, and she continues to do so, while also teaching Massage Therapy and Pathology.
Peg Kerr , PDMT, CMT, RMT
Peg is a graduate of Cortiva-Pennsylvania. She practices as a Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapist and is also a Reiki Master teacher and specializes in mother massage. Peg is our co-office manager and a faculty member. Peg operates her own successful Massage therapy practice
Tim Koert, PDMT
Tim is currently teaching anatomy, physiology and pathology and musculoskeletal anatomy and kinesiology courses at Cortiva Institute. Tim is also working as the Operations Coordinator. He studied psychology while earning his BA from Villanova University. After working in industry for 10 years, he resumed his interest in working with people by completing the Professional Massage Therapy and Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy® programs. Tim also maintains a private practice.
Amie Kraft, NCTMB
Amie is currently teaching anatomy, physiology and pathology courses at Cortiva Institute. After graduating from Shippensburg University with a degree in Biology and Medical Technology, she went on to further her interest in helping others by studying massage therapy at the Pennsylvania School of Muscle Therapy graduating in 1997. Amy's interest gravitated to sports massage - working with a professional cycling team. Amie currently serves as the team Massage Therapist for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Theresa Tobin Macy, PDMT
Theresa is a graduate of the Professional Massage Therapy Program at Cortiva. Upon graduating, Theresa complemented her 20 years of experience in dental healthcare practice management with a clinical certification in Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy. Together she and her business partner formed Advanced Corrective Therapies, a multi-therapist corrective spa in New Jersey. She is an instructor of the massage therapy and musculoskeletal anatomy and kinesiology courses.
Jeff Mann, PDMT, NCBTMB
Jeff is the President of Cortiva Institute - Pennsylvania and has been with the school since 1987. He has been involved with the growth of Cortiva in almost every conceivable way. From massage instructor, to curriculum development, to student clinic development, to school director, Jeff has been integral to all facets of running the school. Jeff also currently serves as Mid-Atlantic Regional Manger, overseeing the daily operations of the NJ Cortiva campuses as well as PA.
Elizabeth Minker, PDMT, NCTMB
Beth is a graduate of the Professional Massage Therapy Program at Cortiva Institute and a Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapist. Prior to coming to Cortiva, Beth received a dual Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Exercise Science from Bloomsburg University. She presently teaches musculoskeletal anatomy and kinesiology and clinic courses. Beth also manages a successful massage therapy practice.
Alex Mykietiuch, NCBTMB
Alex has been a teacher and massage therapist in the Philadelphia area since 1980. In 1982, he earned a degree in biology, magna cum laude, from Temple University. While specializing in human anatomy and physiology, he has taught classes in "Nicholaus Technique" of exercise, massage, and music. He has taught at Harcum College and is presently Director of Education at Cortiva Institute - Pennsylvania. Alex also teaches Anatomy/Physiology & Pathology and Massage Therapy classes.
Kristen Pettinato
Kristen received her BS in Sociology and Psychology from Louisiana State University and obtained a minor in Dance Education from Kutztown State University. She is presently working toward a master's degree in Nutrition Education and Intervention. Kristen has an extensive background with the fundamentals of career development, recruitment, admissions and, dance; she currently teaches various forms of dance to children ages 2 to 15 years. Her love and appreciation of health and wellness combined with her counseling and career development expertise is what makes her a perfect match as the Director of Career Counseling and Student Services.
Jennifer Smith, RN, BSN, NCBTMB
Jennifer is a graduate of Cedar Crest College. Her nursing experience was multifaceted - including supervision and teaching. After completing Cortiva's Professional Massage Therapy program, her continuing education courses included Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy®, Geriatric Massage, Reflexology and Brain Therapy for Children. Jennifer presently teaches Anatomy/Physiology & Pathology, Musculoskeletal Anatomy & Kinesiology and Massage Therapy and also serves as the Student/Faculty Liaison.
