Directors, Faculty, and Staff

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 continuing education courses in advanced myofascial release and trigger point release.

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 Therapy™ (ATMAT), 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 THAI, she co-instructs the Clinical Massage Therapy Program, and teaches continuing education workshops in advanced techniques.

What THAI students are saying about Dr. Kern:

• “She’s very personable and friendly. She presents the info in a very clear, easy to understand manner.”    Tension Headaches CE Class
• “I learned a specialized technique to incorporate into Swedish massage.””    Intro to Trigger Points CE Class
• “Stan’s style of teaching is effective in that her patience and knowledge inspires trust.”    Rotator Cuff CE Class
• “I can’t imagine a better teacher. She’s patient, clear, kind and repeats things so I can learn!”    Rotator Cuff CE Class
• “I have always enjoyed the classes at THAI. The Instructors are well prepared and keep you interested in the issues.”    Maya Abdominal Self Care CE Class
• “I trust this school to give me quality information and have never been disappointed. I recommend it to every therapist I know.”     Maya Abdominal Self Care CE Class

Wendy Powell, BS, CKTP, LMTI
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 and Clinical Massage Therapy programs 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 a Certified Kinesio Taping Practioner.

What THAI students are saying about Wendy:

• “She is excited and passionate about her profession and about teaching. She manages to do it in a very calming and soft spoken way.”
• “Wendy is amazing and presents her class with information that is absolutely authentic and of great value.”
• “I got much more than I had expected. Wendy gave not only Thai methods, but some traditional table methods that I will be using in my practice. I was impressed with the ease of imparting knowledge that Wendy demonstrated. She’s very comfortable with teaching…”    Traditional Thai Massage CE Class
• “The class provided detailed and helpful work for an area about which clients commonly complain.”    Thai Forearm CE Class
• “This course was very informative and has added an extra modality to my service menu.”    Thai Foot Massage CE Class
• “I can definitely incorporate these techniques into my current practice.”    Thai Shoulder CE Class
• “Many, people suffer from shoulder pain. The skills we learned will be very valuable in helping people with chronic or acute pain.”     Thai Shoulder CE Class

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. As a mom of identical twin boys, Katherine knows and understands a mother's special needs. Katherine has attended workshops in Arvigo Maya Abdominal Therapy™ (ATMAT) and is a registered Doula. When not massaging, Katherine is attending various elementary school functions and youth sporting events.

What THAI students are saying about Kathy:

• “I came into business class not knowing anything, and am leaving feeling very confident.”
• “Kathy brings so much good energy to every class. She is open and honest with her experiences. She is full of great ideas. She just glows with positivity and love for what she does.”
• “She is very informative and helpful. She makes a personal connection with everyone.”
• “Kathy is a wonderful teacher and she shines during pregnancy massage.”
• “I am more confident I working with pregnant women now. Katherine was awesome! She’s very informative and made class fun.”    Pregnancy Massage CE Class
• “I feel much more comfortable using side lying position and adjusting technique accordingly.”    Pregnancy Massage CE Class
• “I’m so happy that I discovered your website! I have been so very pleased with all of my interactions here…”    Pregnancy Massage CE Class

Maryanne Reynolds,
Senior Receptionist

Maryanne was a cosmetologist before raising her family in Austin. She owned and operated a personal care home for the elderly in Round Rock for eleven years. When she is not working at THAI, she enjoys time spent with her children, her grandchildren, and her cows.

Bevin Childress
Receptionist

Bevin is a graduate of Texas Tech University with a bachelor’s in Exercise and Sports Sciences and a minor in Psychology. She was born and raised in Austin. After leaving corporate industry she enrolled in the 500 hour program at THAI and will be graduating by the end of 2011. Her free time is spent working out, hanging with friends, and enjoying the unique city of Austin!

Darius Venclauskas, BMus, MBA, LMTI
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, LMTI
Anatomy and Physiology Instructor
Pathology Instructor

John comes to THAI with a Masters Degree in Engineering from Texas A&M. He taught at both Texas A&M University and at Blinn College. Trained in THAI’s 500 hour program, John incorporates his knowledge of physics and mechanics into his work as a massage therapist. John's unique combination of relaxation and deep tissue therapy, results in improved function, mobility, and body mechanics of his clients. John teaches Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology classes at THAI.

What THAI students are saying about John:

• "John is a really great teacher."
• "He is clear and thorough."
• "John presents course material with humor and enthusiasm, providing interesting stories to aid in lectures."
• "He makes a difficult course easy to learn."

MeriJayd O'Connor, BA, LMTI
CE 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 a variety of CE classes including Craniosacral Therapy and Massage for the Older Population.

What THAI students are saying about MeriJayd:

• “MeriJayd was very professional, knowledgeable, and articulate. She used great examples and was full with suggestions for improving your practice based on her own experience.”    Chair Massage CE Class
• “MeriJayd was calm and collected. She’s easy to understand and very smooth with the flow of teaching.”    Chair Massage CE Class
• “It taught me a new approach to bodywork, not just physically but mentally.”    Craniosacral CE Class

Pam Crawford, LC, LCI, LMTI
Swedish 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. Pam was one of the earliest graduates from THAI, and she is adept at the fluid, seamless, relaxing Swedish massage which is the distinctive hallmark of a THAI trained therapist. At THAI, Pam teaches Swedish massage and Hydrotherapy.

What THAI students are saying about Pam:

• “She is very responsive, very helpful, a lot of fun, and one of the best teachers I’ve ever had.”
• “Her love and passion for what she does bubbles over and is contagious to everyone...She is extremely knowledgeable and makes class so much fun.”
• “She answered every single question thoroughly and was attentive to everyone. She made me feel confident in my massage skills.”
• “She made class fun while really teaching us what we needed.”
• “Pam is so open and fun and has a way of explaining massage and hydro that just makes perfect sense. She loves what she does and that really comes across.”

Becky Behling, MS
Kinesiology Instructor

Becky received her MS in athletic training/secondary education in 1975 and was among the first women certified by the National Athletic Trainers Association. Since 1973, she has worked in fitness with emphasis in injury prevention and post-rehabilitation exercise. For the past 20 years, she has taught a variety of exercise courses as a group fitness instructor and personal trainer. She is certified by the American Council on Exercise as a personal trainer, and is a continuing education provider to fitness professionals and other groups for ACE. Becky completed 42 hours toward her PhD at U of Houston and U Texas/Austin (2004-2008) focusing on non-traditional physical activity for older adults. Currently she teaches physical activity classes at the YMCA/Austin Northwest Branch. She is also in training to become a Feldenkrais practitioner.

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 Therapy 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 Therapy™ (ATMAT).

What THAI students are saying about Charlotte:

• “Charlotte is very talented. I admire her clear communication and her use of vocabulary.”