Massage Therapy
Laura Brown Curriculum Vitae
Laura has been on the staff of Sunnyview for over ten years. She started in the cardiopulmonary unit as an inpatient physical therapist before transitioning to the outpatient physical therapy department. During that time, she attended school on a part-time basis to obtain another license as a massage therapist. In June 2001, Sunnyview massage therapy was born, with very humble beginnings—a one-room operation, open only nine hours per week, expanding to 20 hours per week, and finally massage therapy took over her entire schedule. Since that time, the specialty has grown by leaps and bounds with a move from the hospital to the Sunnyview professional building and the addition of more massage therapists.
Laura enjoys her time off as well, with many outdoor activities, a wonderful husband, a cat and four miniature dachshunds. A budding vegan and animal activist, she would like to have a small rescue farm sometime later in life.
Her newest modality, positional therapy, has opened new avanues for quick pain relief while being non-invasive.
Continuing Education
Positional Release Therapy I & II, Lee Albert, 2007
Medical Massage Management of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Dale Perry 2006
Medical Massage Management of Headaches, Dale Perry 2006
Aquamassage I, II and III, with Lucia Rodriguez, 2000
Ethics and Business, with Janice Luzzi, 2001
Foot Reflexology, with Dale Ingram, 2001
Myofascial Release: A Total Body Approach, with Cynthia Rowe, 1997
Muscle Energy Techniques for the Lower Quadrant, with Shirley Bruer, 1999
Stone Spa Massage, with Jackie Hauf, 2001
Strain and Counterstrain for Treatment of Pain and Protective Muscle Spasm, 1996
Non-Surgical Orthopaedic Differential Diagnosis and Treatment of the Lumbar Spine,
Sacroiliac Joint and Hip, with Russell Woodman, 1998
Education
Center for Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy, 2000
New York State Massage Licensure, 2001
D’Youville College, Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy, 1996
New York State Physical Therapy Licensure, 1996
Professional Affiliations and Organizations
American Physical Therapy Association
New York Physical Therapy Association, Past Secretary, Eastern New York Chapter
International Massage Association
Kathleen Hoffman-Hart Curriculum Vitae
Kathleen describes trauma touch therapy as “bodywork provided in conjunction with a behavioral health provider.” She is skilled at working with letting a client’s body experience touch in a safe and nurturing environment. She enjoys being part of a team that helps trauma survivors reclaim their lives. Her special skills and interests lie in soft tissue disorders and assisting pain management. Kathleen has experience working with athletes of all levels and abilities, as well as performing artists such as dancers and musicians. And she should know what ails them! Her hobbies include fiddle playing, Irish step dancing and ballroom dancing.
Education
CNW School of Massage Therapy, 2002
Master’s degree in social work from SUNY Albany, 1994
Orthopedic Massage certification from the Orthopedic Massage Therapy Institute, 2005
Trauma Touch Therapy certification from the Colorado School of Healing Arts, 2004
Michael Perman Curriculum Vitae
Michael Perman, LMT, CH, brings 25 years of experience as a massage therapist to Sunnyview. He provides Swedish, therapeutic massage and energy work. He is a Reiki master/teacher and polarity therapist. He is experienced in working with patients affected by chronic and acute injuries and pain caused by accidents and sports. He also provides massage therapy to individuals suffering from stress and in need of relaxation. He treats patients of all ages and specializes in working with the elderly.
In 1998, he was voted as the best massage therapist in the Capital District by readers of the Albany Times-Union. He is also an instructor at the Center for Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy in Albany.
He is a trustee of the Village of East Nassau, where he and his wife operate Tassawassa Ridge Fiber Farm, where they keep angora goats and a llama. His wife is a weaver.
Continuing Education
Polarity therapy, Rochester Polarity Center, 1983
Certified as hypnotist by the National Guild of Hypnotists, 1989
Reiki master/teacher, 2002
Certified practitioner of neurolinguistic programming, 1991
Education
City College of New York, Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, 1970
New Mexico School of Natural Therapeutics, 1980
Debra Vidal Curriculum Vitae
Debra is a 1996 graduate of the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy and obtained her New York State in license November 1996. She has dedicated herself to bettering the lives of those who have been injured or are suffering an illness. Debra is nationally certified as well as being certified in myofascial massage techniques. While in Connecticut, she was an assistant instructor for her alma mater. Debra’s massages are healthful and restorative. Her fluid transition and quick settling in is only accentuated by a sprinkling of southern charm.
Prior to 1988, Debra resided in Florida, where she was the art director for the ABC television affiliate in Orlando. Advertising art and illustration were her career at that time. She continues to do creative activities and design work. Her family and outside activities play a major role in her life.
Debra owned and operated a successful practice in Clifton Park for eight years before joining the ranks at Sunnyview Massage Therapy. It is a natural fit for Debra, and a terrific asset for the hospital.
Continuing Education
Myofascial Massage Therapy Certification with Robert King, 1996
Dr. Vodder Manual Lymph Drainage (80 hours), 1999
Medical Massage for the Cancer Patient at Memorial Sloan Kettering, 2001
Soft Tissue Release with Stuart Taws, 2002
Orthopedic/Sports Massage with Dr. Myk Hungerford, 1997
Fibromyalgia Syndrome and Massage Symposium with Richard van Why, 1997
Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist and Hand Pain with Joe Muscolino, D.C., 1998
Therapeutic Touch, Basic, Intermediate & Advanced, 2004
Lymphatic Drainage Therapy, Dr. Bruno Chikly of the Upleger Institute, Inc. Level 1 2006, Level 2 2007
Education
Connecticut Center for Therapeutic Massage, Newington, CT 1996
Ringling School of Art, Sarasota, FL 1994
Professional Affiliations and Organizations
American Massage Therapy Association
National Association for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork
Nurse Healers-Professional Association International/Therapeutic Touch, International
Debra Vidal Curriculum Vitae
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