Kiera Nagle, MA, LMT, CMLDT, CLC (she/her)
has been practicing massage therapy and reiki for over 15 years. She is also a certified Manual Lymph Drainage Therapist, certified Lactation Counselor, DONA-trained Birth Doula and ProDoula trained Postpartum Doula. She has worked in integrative settings such as the University of Nebraska Medical Center, providing massage therapy to patients at the Olson Center for Women’s Health. She taught massage therapy at CUNY-Queensborough Community College, and supervised massage interns treating high risk antepartum patients at Northwell Katz’ Women’s Hospital for 10 years. Kiera was also full time faculty and clinical supervisor at Pacific College of Health and Science NY, where she served as the Director of the Asian Holistic Health and Massage Therapy Program for 12 years. She is the creator of MaMassage®, a curriculum for Prenatal, Labor and Postpartum Massage Therapy Continuing Education training. Kiera is also a CPMT- Certified Pediatric Massage Therapist. Kiera’s private practice, MaMassage® Brooklyn, focuses on Reproductive Health and trauma-informed care. She was the 2018-2019 Massage Therapy Foundation Community Service Grant Recipient for her work with survivor/clients at the NYC-based nonprofit organization, Womankind. She recently completed a Spinning Babies® training. Kiera is also a Certified Acu Detox / NADA Specialist. Kiera experienced an amazing pregnancy, which was highlighted by a weekly prenatal massage, and is the queer parent of an amazing teenager!
Adrianne Ansley, BFA, LMT
Adrianne Ansley, BFA/LMT, (she/her) came to the practice of massage through her experience as a dancer, having sustained injuries that were treated and rehabilitated with massage therapy. Adrianne holds a BFA in Dance from FL State University, and an Associate’s Degree in Massage Therapy from Pacific College of Health and Science. At Pacific College, Adrianne completed an internship at Womankind, a local non-profit organization that serves survivors of gender-based violence. Under Kiera Nagle’s supervision, Adrianne provided trauma-informed massage care to her clients, while developing trust and creating client centered treatment plans. Adrianne specializes in myofascial release, and an integrated blend of eastern massage modalities. She has completed MaMassage® pre & postnatal massage training and looks forward to specializing in this work with Kiera’s mentorship. Care and consideration are the foundations of each of Adrianne’s professional relationships. Adrianne has over a dozen years of experience as a professional dancer and teacher. Her dance work has afforded her a movement-based vocabulary and comprehension of kinesiology which dovetails with her massage training. Adrianne’s energy and skill distinguish her as a wellness professional. Several years of experience in administrative and health environments have helped to foster Adrianne’s outstanding communication skills to ensure client satisfaction. Adrianne leads with kindness and brings an open mind when meeting new clients. Adrianne’s intention is that in every massage therapy session, she and the client will work together to facilitate a self-healing journey towards empowerment.
Susána Melendez, LMT
Susana Melendez (Su/Sah/Na) She/Her embarked on this journey in bodywork and touch healing in 2019. She is a licensed massage therapist with a passion for holistic wellness. Susana majored in dance at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Performing Arts, and at Hunter College, where she studied comparative religion as well. She has worked with amazing choreographers such as Sally Silvers and Ron Brown. Her love for movement, both physical and mental (neuroscience-based) motivates her to incorporate into sessions the ways both realms connect for each individual. Susana draws from these experiences to create a rhythmic blend of modalities. Susana became motivated to learn more about prevention and healing, and was drawn to Pacific College. There, Susana completed an internship with the guidance of Kiera Nagle, who created a safe space to introduce healing touch at Womankind , a local nonprofit that serves survivors of gender-based violence and trauma. In that context, Susana learned how to put the client first, hold space, and enjoy the process and exchange of energy. Her work incorporates both Eastern and Western touch with a focused love for Swedish Massage, MyoFascial Release, Shiatsu, and Acupressure. Susana is certified in perinatal massage through the mentorship of Kiera / MaMassage. Inspired by her training, Susana feels drawn to be present for individuals that need care during their own specific journeys. Susana welcomes all individuals and experiences to massage therapy with the verve of learning from each and every one. She loves ocean therapy, Qi Gong, and sound healing. Susana habla español.
Abbey Hurlbert, LMT
Abbey Hurlbert, LMT (she/her) is passionate about the importance of touch in modern society and the profound healing that can happen when people allow their bodies to relax. She received her BA in Dance from the University at Buffalo and her Associate’s Degree in Massage Therapy from Pacific College of Health and Science. As a dancer, both student and professional, Abbey was introduced to how powerful touch can be; it is an integral part of learning and developing body awareness in dance, an artistic and storytelling device, and beneficial for injury recovery and prevention. After retiring from dance, Abbey acutely felt the absence of touch in her life and its effects on both her physical and mental health. This pushed her toward practicing massage therapy, where she is able to use touch every day to help people live more comfortably in their bodies. Under the tutelage of Kiera Nagle, Abbey’s massage training has been heavily influenced by trauma-informed practices, most notably through an internship with Womankind (a nonprofit organization that works with survivors of gender-based violence). She continued to learn from Kiera after graduation, becoming certified in perinatal and breast/chest massage through MaMassage and falling in love with the role massage can play throughout pregnancy. Abbey’s massage style is intentional and collaborative, using a blend of Western and Eastern modalities including Swedish, Tui Na, Thai, Shiatsu, deep tissue, myofascial release, stretching techniques, breathing cues, and sports massage.
Sef Cairn, BA, LMT
Sef Cairn, BA, LMT (they/them) has been a bodyworker and somatic educator since 2017. Their background in dance, experiential design, and disability access work informs their understanding of personal embodiment as a relational project. Sef adapts each treatment in collaboration, respecting every client’s unconditional autonomy and encouraging their sense of belonging. Prior to massage school, Sef studied and practiced Feldenkrais. Sef incorporates various aspects and the essence of the modality into their work- gentle touch and guided movement with communication and awareness. However, for deeply held political reasons, they do not align themselves with the Feldenkrais institutional values. Their massage training from Pacific College of Health and Science includes Swedish, Tui Na, Shiatsu, Nuad Boran (Thai) and Orthopedic techniques. Sef has also been trained in perinatal massage care practices by Kiera at MaMassage. Sef’s intentional approach integrates evolving pain science with fluid sequencing and draws from various methods and modalities to delight the nervous system and soothe the body. Their teaching practice has served students at Gibney Dance, Abrons Arts Center, Pratt Institute, Mark Morris Dance Center and Rutgers University. They are also an audio describer for Blind & Low Vision audience members, an ASL student and a champion of tactile play for all ages.
"The Feldenkrais Method® of somatic education uses gentle movement and directed attention to help people learn new and more effective ways of living the life they want. You can increase your ease and range of motion, improve your flexibility and coordination, and rediscover your innate capacity for graceful, efficient movement. Feldenkrais Functional Integration sessions are one on one lessons where the fully clothed student is guided through touch, movement and verbal instruction."
Ambrose Pearson Ilett, LMT
Ambrose Pearson Ilett, LMT (he/him) is a graduate of the massage therapy program at Pacific College of Health and Science. Ambrose started training in the physical arts at a young age in youth circus, and has continued to center experiences of physical embodiment throughout his adult life. His affinity for supporting individuals through significant life transformations grew from his background in community trans peri-surgery care and mutual aid projects. Ambrose utilizes an evidence-informed, client-centered approach to bodywork, and applies mindfulness-based somatic practices. Ambrose centers access for bodies who are othered, with an intention to create space and connection for those of us who are marginalized. His approach facilitates a greater sense of presence, agency, and body awareness. Ambrose is trained in both Eastern and Western modalities including Tui Na, Shiatsu, Swedish, and Thai massage, and trained in perinatal massage care by Kiera at MaMassage. His treatment approach is often a blend of these modalities to create a well rounded session that best addresses the goals of the client.
Kiera’s articles
The Benefits of Massage Therapy for the Childbearing Years
Massage and Energy Work in Hospital Settings from Massage Magazine
Oxygen Magazine: 8 Types of Massage for Every Need
Self Massage for Late Pregnancy and Early Postpartum in First Time Parent Magazine
Kiera quoted about self massage in Good Housekeeping
Kiera explains how to actually give yourself a decent self massage in MEL Magazine
Ask the Experts: Benefits of prenatal massage – Ask the Experts – Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine
Science of Massage Institute The Science of Prenatal Massage – Science of Massage Institute.
Bad News for Drug Companies, Good News for California Massage Therapists from Massage Magazine
Clients Benefit from Your Green Massage Practice from Massage Magazine
I have followed Kiera from one location to another, and for one pregnancy after another. I trust her implicitly with my body, which says a great deal.
— Dana N.
A friend took a different prenatal massage training the weekend before MaMassage®. In comparison, YOU gave us (give us) so so much more: so much more insight, and motivation to see more in our roles in pregnancy and birthing at present day, so much more technique and a banquet of knowledge. Way more resources and a much bigger community to draw from, so thank you .
— Robyn C.
This class was extremely informative and interesting. I loved getting experience with real clients and being able to bring some comfort to people very much in need of it. Kiera is very organized, knowledgeable, and open to her students for addressing needs and questions. She is also caring and compassionate and expresses herself well in her teaching styles and materials.
— Luisa R
