Deeply committed to the healing power of touch, our teachers bring their experience to the classroom. As successful professionals, they represent a variety of approaches, settings, and backgrounds. However, they all share a passion for teaching and a commitment to high standards.

Most of our faculty members are Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.

• Andrew Abramson, MSW, BA, PDMT, NCTMB
• Sarah Bauer, LMT, NCTMB
• Tina Bergstrom
• Jean Dalesio
• Carol Dean
• Scott Dugan, NCTMB
• Christine Holefelder, BS, PDMT, NCBTMB
• Tim Koert, BA, PDMT
• Donn R. Kulp, RN, MT
• Valerie Maksimchuk, NCTMB
• Bonnie Mann
• Jeff Mann, PDMT, NCBTMB
• Elizabeth Minker, BS, PDMT, NCTMB
• Alex Mykietiuch, BA, NCBTMB
• Tracy Pellechio, PDMT, NCTMB
• Kristen Pettinato
• Jennifer Smith, RN, BSN, NCTMB
• Nancy L. Wisniewski, B.S., CMT, CCMMT

Andrew Abramson, MSW, BA, PDMT, NCTMB
Andrew is a graduate of Cortiva and Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy®. His specialties are sports massage and corrective medical massage. Prior to studying massage, Andrew was a psychotherapist and earned a MSW from the University of Pennsylvania and a BA from the University of Delaware. He is presently an instructor of the Massage Therapy course at Cortiva.

Sarah Bauer, LMT, NCTMB
Sarah graduated from the American Institute of Massage Therapy in September 1976 and received her teaching certification shortly afterward. She has practiced in spas, health clubs, chiropractic offices and wellness centers in Florida, Maryland and Pennsylvania. Her extensive training includes Trigger Point, Therapeutic Touch, Myofascial Release, Neuromuscular Therapy, and Deep Tissue Bodywork. Sarah not only has training in Massage Therapy, but a background in Office Administration making Sarah's work as the Director of Admissions an important asset here at Cortiva.

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 (ODU). 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.

Carol Dean
Carol joined the Cortiva faculty after five years of successful private practice focusing on corrective bodywork following her graduation from Cortiva. With over 19 years in healthcare and practice management, she brings a practical perspective on combining both the caring personal one-on-one values with the overall practice viewpoint. Her post-graduation coursework includes Cortiva's Corrective Medical Course, Brain Therapy for Children, Myofascial and Cranial Sacral techniques, Mastectomy Massage, Massage for Parkinson's and Stroke, and is a Reiki Master. Carol teaches Massage Therapy while maintaining her busy private practice.

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 First Aid and CPR classes at Cortiva. 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.

Christine Holefelder, BS, PDMT, NCBTMB
Before completing the Professional Massage Therapy Program at Cortiva 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, Christine began practicing massage, and she continues to do so, while also teaching Massage Therapy and Pathology.

Tim Koert, BA, PDMT
Tim is currently teaching Anatomy & Physiology at Cortiva, while assisting in the Education Department as the educational services coordinator. He studied Psychology while earning his BA from Villanova University. After working in industry for ten years, he resumed is interest in working with people by completing the Professional Massage Therapy and Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy ® programs. Tim also maintains a private practice.

Donn R. Kulp, RN, MT
Donn has been a Registered Nurse for over 20 years. After graduating from the Nursing Program at Albert Einstein Medical Center, he specialized in Critical Care Nursing and more recently in Hospice Care. A recent graduate of the Professional Massage Therapy Program at Cortiva Institute - Pennsylvania School of Muscle Therapy, he maintains a private practice specializing in Cranial/Sacral work and is a tremendous addition to the faculty at Cortiva Institute - Pennsylvania School of Muscle Therapy teaching Pathology.

Valeria Maksimchuk, NCTMB
Valerie is a graduate of Cortiva, has worked in the spa industry and is currently in private practice. In addition, Valerie is the Student Clinic Manager, she occasionally fills the reception desk and works directly with students in the tutoring program. Her gracious personality is on exhibit on a daily basis fulfilling each of these vital roles at Cortiva, Oaks.

Bonnie Mann
Bonnie's caring and kind spirit has made her a perfect fit for the Cortiva Institute - Cortiva front desk. She has been a valuable member of the school for many years. Bonnie's background includes owning and operating her own business as well as many years of administrative and secretarial experience in a successful massage clinic. She also serves as manager of the school store.

Jeff Mann, PDMT, NCBTMB
Jeff is the President of Cortiva Institute - Cortiva. Jeff has been with the school since 1987, and 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. His latest challenge is leading the transition that started when Cortiva joined the Cortiva family of schools.

Elizabeth Minker, BS, PDMT, NCTMB
Beth is a graduate of the Professional Massage Therapy Program at Cortiva 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 Anatomy and Physiology, Massage Therapy and the Therapeutic Massage Tutorial courses.

Alex Mykietiuch, BA, 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 School of Muscle Therapy. Alex also teaches anatomy & physiology and pathology.

Tracy Pellechio, PDMT, NCBTMB
Tracy is a graduate of the Professional Massage Therapy Program at Cortiva. She also has studied Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy® and attended the Xigyuen Hospital in Beijing, China, obtaining a certificate in Massotherpy including acupressure, acupuncture and Tuiana. Tracy also has a background in physical therapy from her studies at Beaver College. Tracy is an instructor of the Massage Therapy course and continues to maintain a private practice specializing in corrective and sports medicine. Currently she holds positions as Secretary of the International Association of Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapists and Public Relations Chair with the Pennsylvania chapter of the AMTA.

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 an Admissions Specialist and Director of Career Counseling.

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 Pathology and serves as the student liaison.

Nancy Wisniewski, BS, CMT, CCMMT, NCBTMB
A graduate from Cortiva's Professional Massage Therapy Program, Nancy also has a BS in Management from Rosemont College. She brings over 20 years experience in the corporate business sector, as well as experience in the field of education, to her current role as the Assistant Manager of the school's Student Clinic. She is also an instructor for the massage tutorial class.