Caring Makes a Difference
What makes Massage America therapists so special? Lot’s of things, but most importantly they really care. They care about you and your well being. And delivering exactly what you want…and need in your therapy.
Only the Best
It’s not easy to become a Massage America therapist. Only the best of the best are selected. Candidates must be licensed by the State of New York, have extensive experience and impeccable references. But that’s just for starters. They also undergo a rigorous multi-stage interview and testing process. Successful candidates must demonstrate an exceptional level of skill, an intuitive understanding of the human body, and a sincere and nurturing spirit.
Advanced Training
At Massage America, education is an ongoing process. In addition to the basic New York State requirements for certification and licensure, our therapists regularly participate in continuing education. Gregory Serdahl, president and founder of Massage America, has developed a seven module advanced training program that all therapists are required to master.
Brandt Wagner
Brandt has lived in both LA and DC before settling here in NY. He studied massage at the Swedish Institute, and is versed in Deep Tissue, Medical, Deep Relaxation, and Energy Work modalities. Besides being a Massage Therapist, Brandt is also a professional dancer and computer programmer.
"Massage will help you. How much it will help is up to the client. Touch and connection are key elements of healing – as are breathing and attention. So, pay attention." -Brandt
Stacey Kaplan
Stacey is a Swedish Institute-trained Massage Therapist trained in Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Sports massage modalities. As a professional dancer, Stacey has traveled the US performing all over the country. Because of this, Stacey understands the demands one can place on the body, and she is specifically geared to and specializes in helping performers and other clients recover from injury.
Michael Ciardulli
Michael comes to us by way of Arizona and later San Diego. He was trained at The Academy of Professional Careers and is proficient in Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports, Deep Heat, Hot Stone, and Sports Stretching modalities. Michael specializes in rehabilitation massage for chronically injured clients, especially pre- and post-surgical situations. In his spare time, Michael enjoys golf, bowling, softball, soccer, and keeping himself physically fit.
Adam Baritot
Adam hails from Rochester, NY and studied at the Finger Lakes School of Massage. Adam specializes in Trigger Point Therapy and Myofascial Release, but is also well-versed in Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports, Shiatsu, Reiki, Pre-Natal, and Reflexology techniques. Adam is especially skilled at working with clients who have issues with their neck and jaw. In addition to massage, Adam is also a skilled actor and singer, and he has traveled all over the United States in performance.
Muriel Peraro
Muriel comes to Massage America from Strasbourg, France and has lived in Spain, Italy, Denmark, Germany, and Chile. Muriel trained in massage at the Swedish Institute, specializing in Myofascial Release and becoming fluent in Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports, Shiatsu, and Zero Balancing modalities. Muriel is a modern dancer and drummer and understands the demands performance places on the body.
"Massage Therapy will help the individual better adjust to changes during his or her life cycle by sustaining and restoring the essence of life and movement. Its impact is both physical and emotional, bringing the Body and Mind to a state of harmony and wholeness." -Muriel
Nichole Husney
Nichole is a born and raised New-Yorker and a graduate of the Swedish Institute. Nichole is a Shiatsu and Deep Tissue specialist but is also proficient in Swedish, Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial Release, and Sports modalities. Nichole is an ideal therapist for clients who require deep work with intuitive sensitivity.
"Massage Therapy creates balance both in the muscles and the person as a whole. It is a non-invasive form of touch that we as a low-touch society so desperately need." -Nichole
Marc Atkins
Marc is a Swedish Institute graduate who comes from Roosevelt Island. A Deep Tissue and Sports therapist, Marc is also capable in Swedish and Shiatsu modalities. Marc is also a musician and a chef, and he brings to his massage a sense of balance so necessary in his other passions.
"Daily activities take a toll on your body, whether sitting at a desk, working out at the gym, or emotional stress. The issues are in the tissues. Massage therapy is great for reducing and releasing stress trapped in our overworked bodies, however it manifests." -Marc
Steffanie Greer
Steffanie comes to MA by way of Michigan, Arizona, and Kentucky. She studied at The Academy of Massage Therapy, specializing in Deep Tissue, Reiki, Theraputic, and Lymphatic massage. She is also proficient in Swedish and Sports modalities. Steffanie brings nurturing and loving touch to her clients, and is committed to the healing of those in her charge.
"I’m interested in total body wellness and helping clients reach and maintain a mind and body balance." -Steffanie
Deb McCoy
Deb McCoy was educated at the Swedish Institute and has been with Massage America for over 7 years. Deb is a Deep Tissue specialist who is also trained in Swedish, Sports, Hot Stone, and Pre-Natal massage. Deb is a life-long New Yorker and brings her own relaxed and inviting energy to her massage.
Juliana Oberholzer
Juliana is a recent graduate of the Swedish Institute working out of our MAC location. Juliana is originally from Columbia and has live in London and Spain. Juliana is trained in Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Sports massage, and is experienced with the needs and healing of dancers and artists.
Sharon Ackerman
Sharon is a NYC native who trained at the Swedish Institute of Massage. In addition to our standard offerings of Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Sports Massage; Sharon is also trained in Pre-Natal modalities and specializes in Intuitive Healing. Having traveled the world over, Sharon brings a truly global perspective to her work. Perhaps this why so many high-profile clients have come to Sharon in the past.
"Everybody is an individual. Even the same person is not necessarily in the same place every time – needs change from day to day. It is important to take in the whole person . . . (in regard to healing)."
"It is a privilege to take part in someone’s healing."
-Sharon Ackerman
Amy Brea
Amy is a Swedish Institute graduate. She is trained in Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Sports modalities as well as Pre-Natal massage. Amy is a Dominican-American who has traveled to Egypt and Brazil in her journeys. As a former Track and Field athlete, Amy brings an understanding of the needs of athletes and other physically active clients.
Nick Mastrogiorgiou
Nick is a graduate of the Swedish Institute of Massage. A deep tissue specialist, Nick is also adept at Swedish and Sports Massage modalities. Nick hails from the Bronx, but has spent time in Greece, Argentina, the Caribbean, and (this year) Brazil. Nick’s deep work is ideal for a client seeking immediate and tangible results.
"Different strokes for different folks." -Nick
Maia Mikhali
Maia is a Swedish Institute-trained therapist, originally from Minnesota. She is trained in a wide range of healing therapies, and specializes in Pain Therapy and EFT. Her philosophy on healing is "Get rid of the pain so you can enjoy the massage."