Directors, Faculty, and Staff
The School of Massage Therapy is owned by Texas Healing Arts Institute, Inc. and is co-managed and co-directed by Eri Weinstein, PhD, MTI, and Kirsten Kern, PhD, MTI.
At THAI we are proud of our instructors and staff. They keep the school and office running with their administrative competence, dedication to teaching, love of massage, and excellent senses of humor.
Our staff is encouraged to take part in local, national, and international continuing education seminars and workshops. These seminars provide a means for our teachers to broaden their knowledge of massage and bodywork techniques, to enhance their teaching methods, to establish professional contacts, and to maintain awareness of current innovations in the massage and bodywork field.
Directors
Eri Weinstein, PhD, LMTI, School Co-Director
CMT Instructor
Dr. Weinstein holds a degree in anthropology with a background in archaeology, physical anthropology, biology and botany. He taught at the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University and was a private archaeological consultant for many years. Dr. Weinstein specializes in chronic and acute pain of the low back, hips, and legs. At THAI, he co-instructs the Clinical Massage Therapy Program, and teaches anatomy and physiology and continuing education courses in myofascial release, trigger point release, and advanced techniques for the low back.
Kirsten Kern, PhD, LMTI, School Co-Director
CMT Instructor
Dr. Kern is an interminable student and educator. She has taught at The University of Texas at Austin, Texas, Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, and Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. During college, Dr. Kern studied biological sciences and worked with marine mammals in Newfoundland and Alaska. Dr. Kern has studied advanced courses in Arvigo Maya Abdominal Massage, CranioSacral therapy, myofascial release and trigger point therapy, and Zen Shiatsu. She specializes in neck, shoulder, and abdominal massage. As a member of community theatre, she has studied movement and bodywork for over 20 years. At the massage school in Austin, she co-instructs the Clinical Massage Therapy Program, and teaches anatomy and physiology and continuing education workshops in advanced techniques.
Faculty & Staff
Wendy Powell, BS, LMT
Administrator of Student Affairs
Wendy is a graduate of Chapman University of Orange, CA with a major in Business Management. She also is a graduate of the Swedish massage program at THAI. Wendy has obtained certifications in Traditional Thai massage, advanced Thai Therapeutic massage, and Thai foot massage from the world-renowned Wat Pho temple in Bangkok, Thailand. She is also planning to continue enhancing her skills with further studies in clinical massage therapy and Asian bodywork.
Katherine Brady, LMTI
Director of Admissions
Business Practices and Ethics Instructor
Katherine left the high tech world after more than ten years to pursue a career in bodywork. She graduated from the Swedish massage program at THAI and currently teaches the Business Practices and Ethics classes for the 500 hour program. Her practice centers around the needs of pregnant and new mothers. Being a mom of identical twin boys, Katherine knows and understands a mother's special needs. Katherine plans on continuing her education by attending workshops in Arvigo Maya Abdominal Massage and completing Doula training by the Summer of 2008. When not massaging, Katherine is attending various elementary school functions and youth sporting events.
Darius Venclauskas, BMus, MBA, MTI
Swedish Instructor
Darius is a graduate of the University of Hartford, with studies in French horn and piano. He also holds a Masters of Business Administration from St. Edward's University. His interests in math, science and business led him to a successful and prosperous professional career in high-tech for 18 years. Darius manages his own real estate holdings and has been involved in several startup businesses. He is also a Reiki master/teacher having received all three Reiki levels and currently has a private bodywork practice featuring Swedish, Shiatsu, Medical Qigong and Reiki. Darius actively continues his studies in Asian Bodywork and Martial Arts. At THAI, Darius is a Swedish instructor and is always enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge and skills with our students.
John Shafer MSEE, LMT
Anatomy and Physiology Instructor
Pathology Instructor
John holds a MSEE from Texas A&M University and is a graduate from THAI's 500-hour program. He has taught at Texas A&M University and Blinn College. At THAI John teaches A&P and pathology.
MeriJayd O'Connor, BA, LMTI
Swedish Instructor
MeriJayd O'Connor is a full time massage therapist and practitioner of advanced adult and pediatric CranioSacral Therapy. She received her training at Texas Healing Arts and The Upledger Institute. MeriJayd received a Bachelor of Arts in Drama from University of Texas at Austin. She was a dance educator for 9 years teaching curriculum-based creative movement in AISD and at Ballet Austin. Her massage practice includes a private practice at Remedy Center for Healing Arts, chair massage at the Department of Agriculture and General Land Office, and The Heart Hospital of Austin. She also volunteers with Lifeworks teaching infant massage to teen parents. In addition, she teaches community massage classes and presents for the Upledger Institute. MeriJayd performs regularly and keeps herself grounded with yoga, gardening, qigong and mountain biking. At THAI, she teaches Swedish Massage, Health and Hygiene, and CEU classes on spa treatments, Homemade Lotions, and Massage for the Older Population.
Charlotte Westbrook, BS, LMT
CMT Instructor
Charlotte holds a BS in Psychology from UT at Austin and she continued her studies in German and Psychology at the Universität Würzburg, Germany. Charlotte is a graduate of THAI's Clinical Massage Program and is an instructor in THAI's Clinical Massage Therapy Program. She is a certified Reiki Master under the Usui Shiki Reiki Ryoho System and is a practitioner of Arvigo Maya Abdominal Massage.
Matthew Love, MAOM, MTI,NCTMB
Anatomy and Physiology Instructor
Pathology Instructor
Matthew has been practicing massage therapy for almost 20 years. After graduating from Reese Institute School of Massage, he practiced in his home state of Florida for 3 years. He then relocated to New York and set up massage therapy services within two physician's offices. At the same time he volunterred as an EMT and was both a CPR Instructor and Community Training Center manager for the American Heart Association. Today his specialty is Orthopedic Medical Massage but he also likes to keep true to the nourishing elements of wholistic and relaxation bodywork. In 2005 he graduated from an almost 800 hour training program in tuina, Chinese acupressure. In 2008 he completed a masters degree for acupuncture and Chinese herbs at the Academy of Oriental Medicine in Austin. Currently, he co-owns and practices at the Gentle Interventions Wellness Spa with his wife Hillary. They are located in South Austin. At THAI Matthew teaches A&P and Pathology.
Pam Crawford, LC,LCI,LMT
Anatomy and Physiology Instructor, Pathology Instructor,
Hydrotherapy Instructor
Pam has worked in all aspects of the cosmetology industry for the past 21 years including serving as the education director and licensed instructor for seven cosmetology schools in Texas and New Mexico. She currently offers skin and bodycare services to her clients, as well as holistic health counseling. Pam also provides private instruction to licensed estheticians. At THAI, Pam teaches Anatomy and Physiology, Pathology and Hydrotherapy.