Our Staff embodies kindness, compassion, great knowledge and skill in the field of bodywork.

Employees of The Body Therapy Center and School of Massage include administrative staff, student clinic supervisors, core instructors, and teaching assistants.  All clinic supervisors and instructors working for the school are licensed massage therapists and/or hold a degree in a related field.

 
 
 

OUR TEAM
 

Teachers

Holly Pinto
Tammy Bivin
Dr.Daniel Rovin
Cassandra Pate
Julie Muertz

 

Staff

Tammy Bivin
Shabrina Blake
Sara Aleandri
Bryanna Kempfer
Amanda Halverstadt-McDaniel

Volunteers

Julie Swogger
Trisha Moody
Amy Rovin
Sandy Bivin
Samantha Bauer

 
 

Holly Pinto

Holly graduated from the Neuro-Muscular Concepts School of Massage in San Antonio, Texas in 1989. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a degree in Business Administration. She is the founder and Director of The Body Therapy Center and School of Massage, LTD in Swansea, Illinois. She has been an active member with the AMTA since 1990. Holly has been licensed and has maintained full-time practices in Texas, Arkansas and Illinois. She currently teaches at the school and has a part-time massage and cranial practice. She has studied myofascial release and craniosacral therapy from Dr. Michael Shea, PhD since 1989. Holly is certified in Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy after graduating from a 700-hour diploma program through the International School of Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy in 2006. She received her full teachership from Shea Educational Group and certifies students in Biodynamic Cardiovascular Therapy. In 2019 she formed the Pinto-Shea Cranial Institute with Dr. Michael Shea, in Swansea, Illinois. She is a certified WATSU and Waterdance practitioner and an instructor of Judith DeLany's Neuromuscular Therapy, American Version. The school has been approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education since 1997 and is recognized by the NCBTMB as an educational institute. Holly co-authored the book Myofascial Release Therapy, A Visual Guide to Clinical Applications with her dear friend and mentor, Dr. Michael Shea. She is a Meditation Teacher and teaches mediation privately and to large groups.

 
 

Dr. Daniel Rovin

Dr. Dan Rovin

Dr. Rovin serves as Director of Student Relations at the Body Therapy Center and School of Massage, Ltd. Dan maintains a private practice as a Chiropractic Physician. His credentials include Board of Chiropractic Physicians and Certified National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, Clinical Certification Activator & Diversified Techniques. Dr. Dan teaches Body Structure and Function and Pathology for the Massage Therapist for BTCSM.

 

Tammy Bivin

Tamara Bivin

Tammy is an accomplished professional in the field of massage therapy, with a diverse range of responsibilities and expertise. Having graduated from The Body Therapy Center and School of Massage, she now holds multiple vital roles within the organization. Tammy serves as the Chief Financial Officer and Director of Operations and Continuing Education, where she utilizes her strong business acumen and leadership skills to drive success.

In addition to her administrative duties, Tammy is deeply involved in the hands-on aspect of massage therapy. She serves as a Clinic Supervisor, overseeing the clinical operations and providing valuable guidance to aspiring therapists. Furthermore, she shares her wealth of knowledge and experience as a Core Instructor, ensuring that students receive comprehensive training and education.

Tammy's specialized area of focus lies in Active Isolated Stretching, a technique she has mastered and passionately applies in her practice. As a certified instructor of Neuromuscular Therapy and CPR, she upholds the highest standards of professionalism and safety in her work.

Beyond her contributions to The Body Therapy Center and School of Massage, Tammy also holds a significant position at Southwestern Illinois College. She serves as the Massage Therapy Program Coordinator, reflecting her commitment to advancing the field and nurturing the next generation of therapists.

Tammy's multifaceted role showcases her exceptional organizational skills, dedication to education, and unwavering passion for massage therapy. Her invaluable contributions to the industry make her a highly respected professional, and her commitment to excellence continues to inspire others in their pursuit of success.


 

Cassie Pate

Cassie holds a BS degree in Physical Therapy from Maryville University in 1990 and a MS degree in Physical Therapy from St. Louis University in 1999. She graduated from The Body Therapy Center and School of Massage in 2015. She currently works as a weekend clinic supervisor at the Body Therapy Center and School of Massage. In addition, she teaches the complimentary class for the school. Cassie also works at The Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis in the outpatient therapy department. Cassie holds specialized training or certification in aromatherapy, neuromuscular techniques, and functional movement taping, Myofascial release therapy.

 

Julie Muertz

Julie is a licensed Massage Therapist and Physical Therapist. She earned a BS in Physical Therapy from Maryville University, a Master’s in Education from National Louis University, and a Certificate in Massage Therapy from the Body Therapy Center and School of Massage. In 2013, she completed a 200-hour Yoga Instructor Training with West-East Natural Healing and a 300-hour Yoga Instructor Training from South River Yoga in 2021. She has been a licensed physical therapist for 36 years, practicing primarily in orthopedics and teaching kinesiology, orthopedics, neurology and pathology in the physical therapist assistant program at Southwestern Illinois College. She holds specialized training in Neuromuscular Therapy. Julie provides instruction in specialized units of the program, offers continuing education courses, and teaches yoga.

 

Sara Aleandri

Sara is a dedicated professional in the field of massage therapy. She completed her education at The Body Therapy Center and School of Massage in 2019, where she acquired comprehensive skills and knowledge in various massage techniques. Since July of 2021, Sara has been serving as a Clinical Supervisor at BTCSM, where she provides guidance and support to aspiring therapists.

Passionate about promoting holistic well-being, Sara actively engages in a variety of activities to maintain a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. She finds joy in practicing yoga, swimming, camping, and participating in other recreational pursuits alongside her loving husband and two children.

With a focus on Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage, Sara has honed her expertise in these modalities. Committed to continuous professional growth, she has further expanded her bodywork education by attending classes in Craniosacral Therapy, Myofascial Release, and Neuromuscular Therapy. In 2009, Sara also graduated from Southwestern Illinois College as a Physical Therapist Assistant, reflecting her unwavering dedication to broadening her skill set to enhance the overall health and wellness of her clients.

Sara firmly believes in the profound impact of massage therapy on both physical and mental well-being. She takes great pride in being a part of her clients' self-care journeys, understanding that massage plays a vital role in achieving a more balanced and enjoyable life. Committed to offering exceptional services and continuously expanding her knowledge, Sara strives to provide a holistic experience that nurtures and revitalizes her clients.

 

April White

April is a military veteran who served for eight years in the Air Force Reserves as a flight medic. She graduated from The Body Therapy Center and School of Massage in 2020 and is a licensed massage therapist certified in myofascial release. In addition, she holds an Associate’s Degree from Southwestern Illinois College in the field of Radiological Technology and is currently working on her Bachelor’s Degree and MBA simultaneously at McKendree University. She also owns a massage clinic, Relaxation Kneaded in Troy, Illinois.