Owner/Founder, Lead LMT
Kiera Nagle, MA, LMT, CMLDT, CLC, ADS(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!
Core Therapists
These folks have regular weekly shifts - check out their schedules and book here.
Adrianne Ansley, BFA, LMT
A/dree/ANNE (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.
Jenny Hipscher, MA, LMT
JEN-nee(she/they) is a dancer, athlete, theater-maker, healing artist, third generation in Brooklyn/ Lenapehoking, who believes in the interdependence of personal and cultural healing. She has 20 years of experience as a licensed massage therapist. Since 2005, she’s worked in physical therapy clinics, spas, retreat centers, with college and professional athletes, dancers, and Broadway performers. Jenny also has experience providing gender affirming care and pre and post operative massage therapy to trans and queer folks.
She taught myology (muscles!) and myofascial/deep tissue massage technique as an adjunct faculty in the Massage Associates degree program at Pacific College of Health & Science in NYC. Blending myofascial, sports massage, and trigger point techniques with Swedish massage and energy work, Jenny brings a holistic flow to therapeutic deep tissue massage. Her integrative approach to therapeutic bodywork is informed by teaching yoga, facilitating community dialogue, dabbling as a doula, practicing ritual singing and movement, nature sojourns, and grappling with the roots and effects of systemic oppression. She is trained in prenatal massage and has supported people through various stages of pregnancy and the birthing process.
Jenny communicates and collaborates with clients, tailoring her integrative approach to provide trauma-informed, client-centered therapeutic bodywork. She trusts each body’s restorative and transformational capacities, especially when supported by listening and presence.
Molly Kellman, MA, LMT
Moll-EE (she/her) came to her massage practice through a career in social services and harm reduction substance use treatment. She graduated from Pacific College of Health and Science with training in a wide range of Eastern and Western and modalities. Her integrated treatments draw on her training in deep tissue massage, MaMassage (perinatal), Myofascial Release, Swedish, Thai Massage (Nuat Boran), Orthopedic massage, and Reflexology. She focuses her sessions on supporting a more adaptable and resilient nervous system, and nourishes the organs through meridian work. Molly’s treatments are informed by harm-reductive principles, and she works from a place of body neutrality. She strongly believes in the power language has within the somatic experience. Her work as an advocate and counselor has honed her ability to build trust with clients and work towards their goals together. Molly is passionate about the body’s transformational ability, and offers an integrated approach to managing pain, injury, and stress.
Briana Freeman, LMT
IBREE-on-uh (she/they) is a skilled and sensitive massage therapist from Brooklyn, New York, who has been practicing body mechanics and eastern concepts of wellness since 2016. After graduating from Pacific College of Health and Science, Briana has worked with licensed acupuncturists and LMTs in various contexts. advancing in meridian theory as well as Briana specializes in Swedish massage, deep tissue techniques, shiatsu massage / meridian theory and perinatal work all from a trauma informed perspective. Briana has been studying bodywork and movement for many years. Individuals who work with Briana can expect to experience a reintroduction to their bodies with aspirations to enrich their wellness journeys by enhancing empathy and physical well-being through therapeutic touch. Briana's unique approach, rooted in both ancient wisdom and modern knowledge, invites you to embark on a transformative experience.
Amanda Miller, LMT
A-man-duh (she/her) studied massage therapy at Pacific College of Health and Science in NYC and The School of Healing Arts in San Diego, and she has taken additional courses in massage for people with cancer and hospital-based massage. Amanda is also a certified yoga instructor, trained in an ashram in India. Her interest in mind-body healing was sparked while studying physical theater at NYU. Amanda has worked as a massage therapist since 2006 in a range of settings including clinics, wellness centers, gyms, spas, and personal residences. Additionally, she is a writer, performer and Jewish educator, inspired by the ways her varied practices inform each other. She is in awe of the profound benefits of massage therapy on both her clients and herself. She hopes every client leaves her table feeling a sense of release and renewal.
Shantia Blackwell, MPH, LMT
SHAN-tee-yah (she/her) is a licensed massage therapist offering trauma-informed, heart-centered care designed to support the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. Her goal is to create a safe, nurturing space where clients feel genuinely seen, heard, and valued, believing that true healing begins with trust and compassion. A graduate of Pacific College of Health and Science, Shantia draws from a toolkit of therapeutic modalities, including Swedish, Thai, Reflexology, and trigger point therapy. Her sessions blend gentle yet intentional techniques with passive stretching, supporting relief from stress, chronic pain, and muscular tension while improving mobility and restoring overall balance. Rooted in her Brooklyn upbringing, Shantia understands the toll a high-speed lifestyle can take on the nervous system. Her work is grounded in the belief that the body holds wisdom—and that when given the chance to slow down and receive, healing becomes much more possible. Each session with Shantia is thoughtfully customized, guided by open communication and intuitive touch. Whether you’re seeking deep relaxation or more focused therapeutic work, Shantia’s goal is to help you feel more connected, grounded, and at home in your body.
Mae Cleary, LMT
MAE (she/her) is a highly intuitive and compassionate licensed massage therapist with experience in eastern and western modalities. Her passion for holistic healing began while living in Taiwan, where she found eastern medicine practices effective in her own life. Mae is experienced in Swedish, Shiatsu, Thai, Tui Na, deep tissue, perinatal, myofascial release, and acupressure massage techniques, which she uses in combination for customized treatment plans for each client. Mae has also spent time in Thailand, where she trained in other modalities, including: gua sha, reflexology, cupping, hot stones, abdominal work, herbal compresses, essential oil blends, and reiki. She completed her degree in massage therapy at Pacific College of Health and Sciences in NYC, and where she is now currently pursuing an advanced degree in Acupuncture.
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Ambrose Pearson Ilett, LMT
AM/brose (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.
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Sef Cairn, BA, LMT
SEFF (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 withthe 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.
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Jess Malat, BA, LMT
JESS (she/her) is a licensed massage therapist, freelance dance artist, and teacher based in Brooklyn, New York. Jess was born and raised in New Jersey, and graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in Sociology and Women and Gender Studies. She has completed trainings in Connective Tissue Massage and Structural Integration at the Institute of Structural Integration (ISI) in Miami, and has trained as a Reiki (Level II) practitioner at ISI, Minka Brooklyn, and Maha Rose. Jess graduated from Pacific College of Health and Sciences in 2021, where she learned how to integrate Eastern and Western modalities, drawing from orthopedic sports techniques, Thai massage, Shiatsu, Myofascial Release, and acupressure. Jess has also completed trainings in breast/chest massage and prenatal massage under Kiera at MaMassage Brooklyn. As a trauma-informed and LGBTQIA+ affirming practitioner, Jess’s first priority is that each client entering the room feels seen, heard, and safe.
All photos of the MaMassage Brooklyn Team taken on this page are credited to David Meanix
Abbey Hurlbert, LMT
AH/bee (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. Currently Abbey substitutes for other MT’s at MaMassage Brooklyn, and supports us administratively.
Kiera’s articles
The Benefits of Massage Therapy for the Childbearing Years
Canvas Rebel: Spotlight on Kiera Nagle, Founder of MaMassage
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
