Students and graduates of AKS may join any of several professional bodywork associations, such as the AMTA. These organizations provide industry research, insurance coverage, legislative support and many other benefits to students and professionals. See Online Resources for more information.

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Thank you for your interest in AKS Massage School. We hope that this website provides a comprehensive overview of AKS that will assist your selection of a school of massage. AKS holds the quality and essence of touch and the interdependence of mind, body and spirit as its guiding principles.

Graduates from the Certificate Program are well prepared to sit for the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork examination required for practice in the National Capital area. However, AKS offers more than a "minimum" education. Students receive a broad education that develops skills and professional commitment expected of conscientious massage therapists. The curriculum presents professional ethics and business practice guidelines.

AKS teaches students to tune in to their clients - reaching kinesthetic awareness - to create a mutual, rather than purely clinical, experience. AKS provides a fun, safe and professional atmosphere where questions and the ability to discern are encouraged.

The decision to go to a massage school to undertake a demanding academic program will mean a change in your lifestyle, as well as a meaningful addition to your capacity to care for others. It is fun, hard, exhausting, but most of all, rewarding.

I encourage you to look carefully at AKS as well as other schools. AKS has a wonderful staff. They are capable and caring, and the students tell me how much they like and respect their teachers. We ask students to work very hard, and they respond and succeed.

Please feel free to contact me and ask questions. Read through this material, then get your support network of family and friends behind you, and come sit in on a class before you enroll.

I wish you every success in your endeavors.

Sincerely,

H. Katharine Hunter, CMT, AKS graduate 1993
Owner/Director, Since 1999

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H. KATHARINE HUNTER
Katharine Hunter, BA, CMT, NCTMB, directs and owns the AKS Massage School.  Katharine holds a National Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCTMB), Commonwealth of Virginia certification, and belongs to the National Capital Area Sports Massage Team. Katharine also holds a B.A. in Psychology, with numerous courses in Education and years of experience in public education.

WILLIAM A. HOLMES, BS, MS
William M. Holmes is the AKS Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Mr. Holmes has 28 years experience managing information systems for Federal Government contracts. He is a tax specialist for H&R Block and supervises retail operations for the Wolftrap Foundation for the Performing Arts. He has been treasurer for Hunters Green Cluster Association for 12 years. Mr. Holmes has a BS in Mathematics with courses in accounting, and an MS in Information Systems. Mr. Holmes set up the bookkeeping and accounting system for AKS in 1999, monitors all financial transactions of the school, and coordinates with the school’s independent Certified Public Accountant.

MAYA LEW, BS, CMT, NCTMB
Maya Lew is an offsite Staff Consultant to the Director. Ms. Lew comes to AKS with intimate knowledge of the program as a 2000 graduate and as a university intern at AKS. Ms. Lew holds a BS in Exercise Science and Health Promotion from George Mason University. Her administrative experience comes from working at Proxicom for 6 years and as manager of Proxicom University for three years where she scheduled training for employees from 10 offices worldwide. Ms. Lew also worked on website development, database management, and curriculum development for web-based instruction. She developed a course in stress management for professionals. Maya maintains a private practice in Oakton, VA, specializing in Swedish, deep tissue, myofascial release, Bowen Therapy, and Reiki.

MARY RUBARD, BA, CMT, NCTMB
Mary Rubard; Staff Assistant is a 2003 AKS graduate who helps with everything related to admissions questions student schedules, student clinic, student purchases, and teacher interface. She does all of this with a smile and dedication. She is employed as a massage therapist in Herndon, specializing in Swedish, deep tissue, Thai Yoga Massage and Reiki. And, Mary supervises in school and in the student clinic.

JUDY HERR, CMT, NCBTMB
Judy Herr, AKS Instructor, is a 2004 graduate of AKS. She comes to us with a background in psychology and training. Her expertise is deep tissue, relaxation, and sports massage. Judy is also certified in Equine Massage. She maintains a private practice and works at the YMCA as a massage therapist. She is a member of AMTA.

SHANTI HUBER, CMT, NCTMB
Shanti Huber, AKS Lab Supervisor and Instructor, graduated from AKS in June 2000. She practices Swedish, Neuromuscular deep tissue massage, Massage for People with Special Needs, Sports Massage, OrthoBionomy, Hot Stone, and Myofascial Release. Shanti is educated in horticulture with a specialty in tropical plants and a generational background in herbal medicine. Shanti has had experience working with an acupuncturist, in the spa environment and maintains her own private practice.

RICK MORGAN, BSN, CMT, NCBTMB
Rick Morgan, AKS Instructor, is a 2004 graduate of AKS. He comes to us with extensive anatomy and physiology background as well as palpation skills and massage techniques associated with direct patient care. Rick’s expertise is in pediatric trauma and intensive care He has a keen awareness of contraindications related to massage such as endangerment sites, thrombosis, and an array of skin and disease disorders. Rick maintains a private practice and massage instruction.

SUE ROTHENBERGER
Sue Rothenberger, BS, MA, NCTMB, has over 25 years experience working within the Health Fitness field.  She has served as a teacher, coach, personal trainer, and Health Fitness program administrator within secondary and collegiate-level institutes of learning, privately owned fitness centers, and three federal government agencies.  Sue received her Bachelor of Science degree in physical education from Springfield College in 1976, her Masters Degree in exercise physiology/cardiac rehabilitation from the University of Connecticut in 1981. Sue has been a member of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) since 1981 and the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) since 1998.  She practices Swedish massage, seated massage, sports and deep tissue massage, reflexology, and strain-counterstrain therapy.

KIYOSHI YAMAMOTO, AA, BA, CMT, NCTMB
Kiyoshi Yamamoto, an AKS Lab Instructor and Supervisor, graduated from AKS in November 2002. He has studied Reiki, Massage for People with Special Needs, Healing Touch and has been a chiropractic assistant. He is a member of AMTA. Kiyoshi maintains a private practice.

KIM BROOKS, BA
Kim Brooks is AKS’s instructor for Eastern Techniques and Geriatric Massage. Kim is trained to teach: Ancient Hawaiian Bodywork, Dementia Training, Geriatric Massage, Polarity, Reflexology, Reiki, Shiatsu, Sekhem-Seichim, Traditional Chinese Qi Gong, Tuina, Integrative Yoga Therapy, and YogaRhythmics. Kim is employed at Suburban Hospital as a Holistic Health Instructor and self-employed as a Yoga/Reiki Master and Senior Wellness Management Trainer.

FAYE J. DELMORE, Ph.D.
Faye Delmore, BS, MS, Ph.D., CMT, NCTMB, earned her Ph.D. in Adapted Physical Education for the Handicapped from the University of Connecticut.  She also holds a BS in Physical Education/Recreation from the University of Maryland and an MA in Supervision/Curriculum Development from the University of Connecticut.  She has been dedicated to massage therapy since 1998 with a membership in the AMTA. Her skills include Swedish massage, deep tissue and connective tissue massage, myofascial release, Reiki, and the Bowen Therapeutic technique.  Faye has taught students from kindergarten through graduate school for over 20 years.

SABINE HUTTO
Sabine Hutto, CMT, NCTMB, obtained her initial training during 1981 to 1983 at the Bad Endbach School of Massage in Germany. While in Germany working in a spa and several hospitals, she learned to work with clients with chronic illnesses and system disorders. She mobilized and rehabilitated hospital patients after surgery and other trauma. Sabine received her German National Certification in 1986. In 1998, she graduated from AKS Massage School to meet the requirements to become a Certified Massage Therapist in the United States. Her skills include Swedish massage, sports and deep-tissue massage, connective tissue massage, neuromuscular techniques and the Bowen Therapeutic Technique. Sabine currently has a private practice in Herndon, VA.

AMY B. KRADEL, BS, RN, CMT, NCTMB
Amy Kradel, AKS Instructor, is a 2002 graduate of AKS. She served as a Registered Nurse for 17 years in the Postoperative Orthopaedic and General Surgery Unit. She has extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology as well as palpation skills and massage techniques associated with direct patient care. Patient populations in the Unit included pediatric, adolescents, adults, and geriatrics. She has a keen awareness of contraindications related to massage such as endangerment sites, thrombosis, and an array of skin and disease disorders. Amy maintains a private practice in Swedish massage and Craniosacral therapy.

CLAUDETTE PLATER, BS, RN, CMT, NCTMB
Claudette Plater is an Associate Instructor at AKS teaching pregnancy/side lying massage. She is a Registered Nurse in Washington, DC, and a November 2001 graduate of AKS. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from the University of Maryland. She maintains a private practice in Ashburn, VA, and practices Swedish, deep tissue, myofascial release, pregnancy massage, and Reiki. Claudette is an AKS Fieldwork Supervisor

SHARON RODIER
Our lead bodywork instructor, Sharon Rodier, CMT, NCTMB, brings years of experience and training to our students as an AKS instructor.  Sharon belongs to the AMTA and has specialized training in Craniosacral therapy, Somatic Emotional Release, Visceral Manipulation, Ortho-Bionomy, Sinuswise Reflexology, the Muscle Release Technique, and Reiki.

KAREN A. SENECA
Karen Seneca, BS, CMT, NCTMB, has been an Associate Instructor and Supervisor at AKS since 1999. Karen is a 1994 graduate of AKS. She has pursued advanced studies in Reflexology, aromatherapy, La Stone, Kapsos Cross Fiber, Bowen Therapeutic Technique, sports massage, Ortho-Bionomy, and Craniosacral. She received her BS in Education and worked in Customer Service at US Airways for 17 years.

DON SUSSMAN, (CPR/First Aid) BA, MIM
Don Sussman, an Associate Instructor, is a certified American Heart Association Basic Life Support Instructor and American Safety & Health Institute Basic First Aid Instructor. He has been a tennis instructor with over 20 years of teaching experience. For five years he directed the tennis program for Club Med in the Caribbean, Mexico, and the South Pacific. He is Vice President of Regulatory Affairs for Network Access Solutions Corp. of Virginia.

CHARLES A. THOMAS
Chuck Thomas, BS, CMT, NCTMB, CPT, CPBP graduated from AKS and obtained his National Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork in 2000. He worked as a professional business and IT consultant for over 20 years before pursuing a health and fitness career full-time. As a consultant, Chuck developed a variety of staff development and knowledge transfer programs. He also been certified as a Professional Bowen Practitioner (BTAA), Personal Trainer (ACE), and Youth Soccer Coach (USSF). Chuck works at his own practice co-located with AKS Massage School. He practices a variety of techniques, including Swedish and deep tissue massage, medical & sports massage, connective tissue massage, Oriental massage, and NeuroFascial™ massage.

GARY BLACKDEN, AS, CMT, NCTMB
Gary Blackden, an AKS Supervisor and graduate of Northeastern Institute of Whole Health, has pursued advanced studies in soft tissue therapy, neck and shoulder pain, and ethics/AIDS awareness. Concentrating in neuromuscular massage, he and his wife Tiffany own a practice in Herndon, VA, offering massage and education classes to the public. Tiffany and Gary are exposure lecture series presenters on the topics of Massage Marketing and Specialty Massage Techniques.

TIFFANY BLACKDEN, CMT, NCTMB
Tiffany Blackden, an AKS Supervisor, graduated from AKS in July 2001. She has pursued advanced studies in myofascial massage, Healing Touch and Massage for People with Special Needs. She and her husband Gary own a practice in Herndon, VA, offering massage and education classes to the public. Tiffany and Gary are exposure lecture series presenters on the topics of Massage Marketing and Specialty Massage Techniques.

FRANCES (KERIE) CARROLL, CMT, NCTMB
Kerie Carroll, an AKS Supervisor, graduated from AKS in November 2003. Kerie brings personal expertise in cancer care as a survivor. She maintains a private practice in Leesburg.

CLIFFORD A DEWITT, BS, CMT, NCTMB
Cliff Dewitt, an AKS Supervisor, received his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from George Mason University in 1980 and is a 1992 graduated from Potomac Massage Training Institute (PMTI). He retired from the Federal government in 1991 after 32 years of service. His continuing education focused on Sports Massage and Neuromuscular Therapy. Cliff has a private practice in Vienna, Virginia, and has provided Sports Massage to George Mason University athletes for seven years. He taught at PMTI from 1995-1998, taught numerous classes in Sports Massage since 1993, and has been on staff at AKS since 1999.

VALINDA (VINNY) M. DODSON, CMT, NCTMB
Vinny Dodson, an AKS Supervisor, graduated from AKS in 1998. Since graduating she has pursued advanced studies in sports massage and has worked with athletes from several local sports clubs, including the Capital Gymnastics National Training Center in Burke, VA. She has worked with members of the Women’s US National Team and served on the USA Gymnastic Staff during the 2000 Olympic trials. She maintains a private practice.

BRIAN FILLMAN, CMT, NCTMB
Brian Fillman, an AKS Supervisor, graduated from AKS in 1999. He belongs to the Bowen Therapy Academy of Australia and is a certified Bowen Practitioner. He maintains a private practice, Body Energetics, in Leesburg, VA. He has studied at the Upledger Institute. He practices Swedish and deep tissue massage, myofascial release, CranioSacral therapy, Bowen Therapy, and energy work.

MICHELE MILEY, CMT, NCTMB
Michele Miley graduated from AKS in June 2001. She specializes in neuro-muscular therapy, rehabilitative massage, deep tissue, and myo-fascial release and is well-versed in business practices. She is the owner and Lead Massage Therapist at Matrix Massage in Sterling, VA.

CARL D. MORGAN, BS, CMT, NCTMB
Carl Morgan, an AKS Supervisor, graduated from AKS Massage School in May 1999. Carl operates a private massage practice and is skilled in Swedish, sports, and deep tissue massage techniques. He is a member of the National Capital Area Sports Massage Team and AMTA. He is an Aerobics and Fitness Association of America certified personal trainer.

DONNETTE RIMMER, BA., JD, NCTMB
Donnette Rimmer, an AKS Assistant Supervisor, graduated from AKS in 1993. She is a member of the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) at the certified level. She has studied Shiatsu and Touch for Health and received Continuing Education Credits in Trager, Bowen Therapeutic Technique, Alexander Technique, and connective tissue massage. She has worked for the U.S. government in various positions that involved developing and presenting training programs in the United States and overseas. She also draws on her extensive background in ballet and music (voice and violin) when working with clients in the performing arts.

STACEY KILLIAN SINCLAIR, Dipl.Ac, LAc., CMT, NCTMB
Stacey Killian Sinclair, an AKS Supervisor and adjunct lecturer, graduated from AKS in May, 1993. A graduate of the Maryland Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine she is licensed to practice Acupuncture and is certified in Prantic Healing. Stacey is an Emergency Medical Technician and maintains a private Acupuncture practice in Herndon, VA.

JESSICA TAYLOR, CMT, NCTMB
Jessica Taylor, an AKS Supervisor, graduated from AKS in July, 2003. She specializes in Swedish, deep tissue and is a Master Reiki Jin Kei Do practitioner. Jessica maintains her practices in Herndon and Fairfax.

GARY WELLS, CMT, NCTMB
Gary Wells, an AKS Supervisor, graduated from AKS in July 1995. He has studied Neuromuscular Therapy, massage as a medical intervention, orthopedic assessment, repetitive strain injury and myofascial pain. He has been a member of the AMTA since 1995, has over seven years experience as a massage therapist and maintains a private practice.

V. WENDELL DRIGGERS, BS, MS, CMT, NCTMB
Wendell Driggers, founder of AKS, graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. He taught oceanography and directed education and training for the U.S. Coast Guard where he established the Marine Science Technicians program. He studied massage at the Center for Stress Reduction Therapies, Washington, DC. He was been a Massage Therapist for 15 years, seven years of which he was owner, director and lead instructor at AKS Massage School. He was a member of AMTA and a Certified Sports Massage Therapist. He served as editor of the Washington Area Sports Massage Team Newsletter for three years. He holds an MS from the University of Washington.

CONSTANCE W. POPE, CMT, NCTMB
Connie Pope is the owner of Therapeutic Massage, LLC, of Herndon, Virginia. She is a graduate of AKS and has been a Certified Massage Therapist since 1994. She has received Continuing Education Credits in CranioSacral massage, Reiki, Shiatsu, Ortho-Bionomy, Bowen, MLD, NMT, FR, Lomi-Lomi, as well as dissection and supervision.

KAREN A. SENECA, BS, CMT, NCTMB
Karen Seneca has been an Associate Instructor and Supervisor at AKS since 1999. Karen is a 1994 graduate of AKS. She has pursued advanced studies in Reflexology, aromatherapy, LaStone, Kapsos Cross Fiber, Bowen Therapeutic Technique, sports massage, Ortho-Bionomy, and CranioSacral. She received her BS in Education and worked in Customer Service at USAirways for 17 years.

SHANTHI FERNANDO, BS, CMT, NCBTMB
Shanti Fernando is a 1996 graduate of AKS. Shanti’s specialties are NMT, Bodywork for Childbearing Year, Equine massage, Connective Tissue, Reiki, Ortho-Bionomy, Hot Stone, Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Trigger Point. Shanti owns Herndon Massage Therapy Center in Herndon Virginia. She employs massage therapists.

G. COSPER SCAFIDI, BA, MBA, NCTMB
Cosper Scafidi holds Advanced Certification in Structural Integration from the Rolf Institute, Boulder, CO. He is a Certified Advanced Rolfer with American WholeHealth Inc., Alexandria, VA, and a Master Practitioner of Neuro Linguistic Programming at the Family Therapy Institute, Alexandria, VA. Cosper has a BA in Counseling Psychology and is a graduate of the Mind-Body Medicine Skills Program, Center for Mind-Body Medicine, Washington, DC. He is Board Chairman of The Rolf Institute, Boulder, CO, Regional Clinical Director, American WholeHealth Inc., Alexandria, VA, co-founder of the Complementary Medicine Center, Alexandria, VA, and a lecturer on mind medicine and bodywork at metropolitan Washington, DC medical centers and hospitals. Cosper is the Rolf Institute representative to the Federation of Massage Therapy, Bodywork and Somatic Practice Organizations.

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462 HERNDON PARKWAY
SUITE 208
The Springwood Professional Center, Suite 208, houses our main facility. This is our main business office and teaching area. We use it for classroom instruction and most Friday Night Lectures and Saturday classes.

• The AKS business office
• Large classroom
• Conference room
• Waiting and reception area
• Rest room

462 HERNDON PARKWAY
SUITE 104
Handicapped accessible Suite 104 contains the AKS Public Massage Clinic & School Library.

• Three (3) private massage and bodywork rooms
• Small classroom with two (2) additional massage tables
• Waiting and reception area
• Office / kitchen area
• Handicapped-equipped rest room
• Student library

Professional Massage Therapists offer massage and other advanced forms of bodywork at this facility. Advanced students in the AKS Certificate Program also provide massage to the general public at reduced rates.

464 HERNDON PARKWAY
SUITE 215
Suite 215 contains contains a 3rd smaller classroom and private, professional offices.

• Small classroom
• Waiting and reception area
• Office / kitchen area
• Rest room
• Privately leased practice offices

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