Meet Our Director

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Introducing Nicole Davis, the vibrant Director of the NJ Massage Championship! With her expertise as a licensed massage therapist in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania, Nicole brings a contagious enthusiasm to the championship. A native of New Jersey and a graduate of the Academy of Massage Therapy of Massage and Bodyworks in Pottstown, PA, Nicole's dedication to the profession is evident in everything she does.

Nicole's passion for elevating the massage therapy profession shines through her innovative approaches. She's not only a seasoned practitioner but also a trailblazer who created one of the first massage therapy apprenticeship programs in New Jersey. Her commitment to education is unwavering, as seen through her initiation of a student grant program that has opened doors for for over 125 aspiring therapists since 2021.

As the Director of the NJ Massage Championship, Nicole's vision is to foster a community where therapists can showcase their skills, learn from one another, and celebrate the art of massage therapy. Her leadership, coupled with her genuine love for the profession, makes her a driving force behind the success of the championship.  Having participated in the American Massage Championship for the last 2 years, she can promise that the experience goes beyond medals. It's about forming connections, reigniting passion, and improving our skills for the benefit of our clients. Nicole is proud to provide a space where all therapists can thrive, regardless of awards.

Get ready to be inspired and energized under Nicole's guidance at the NJ Massage Championship—a celebration of talent, dedication, and the transformative power of massage therapy.

Mark Carangelo brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the judging panel of the NJ Massage Championship. As the owner of the accredited American Institute of Alternative Medicine since 1997, with 32 years of clinical experience, Mark has established himself as a prominent figure in the massage therapy industry. He specializes in acute and chronic pain management and is renowned for his expertise in movement therapy.

Mark has been recognized for his achievements, being inducted into the World Massage Therapy Hall of Fame in 2017. Additionally, he served as the inaugural vice president of the New Jersey Massage and Bodywork Therapy Licensing Board for six years, demonstrating his commitment to advancing industry standards and regulations.

Mark's dedication to education is evident through his extensive lecturing engagements across America and his development of Kinetic Activation Technique (KAT) and Functional Integrated Therapy (FIT) for manual therapists. He presents nationwide at various conventions, catering to a diverse audience that includes massage therapists, physical therapists, athletic trainers, chiropractors, nurses, physicians, occupational therapists, and sports trainers.

His experience extends to consulting roles for professional sports teams such as the Washington Football Team, Columbia University sports medicine staff, UCLA football strength staff, and the New York Jets strength and conditioning staff. Mark continues to work with elite athletes across various sports disciplines, including UFC fighters, MMA fighters, world-class swimmers, and teams like the Gotham FC women's professional soccer team and Seton Hall Men's Basketball team.

Mark's decision to become a judge for the NJ Massage Championship stems from his passion for advancing the massage therapy profession and recognizing excellence within the field. With his extensive clinical experience, educational contributions, and involvement with elite athletes, Mark brings a unique perspective and expertise to the judging process, contributing to the growth and prestige of the championship.

Selene brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the judging panel of the NJ Massage Championship. Having completed both Eastern and Western Massage and Bodywork programs at the Academy of Massage Therapy in 1999, she has since become a Nationally Certified Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork therapist and holds a license in New Jersey.

Over her 25-year career, Selene has worked in various settings, including private practice, chiropractic practices, wellness centers, and spas. However, her primary focus has been on educating massage therapists. She launched the Massage Therapy program at the American Institute in 2006 and now serves as the Corporate Director of the program across all campuses. Selene has also contributed to textbooks such as Patricia Benjamin’s "Professional Foundations for Massage Therapists" and Tappan’s "Handbook of Massage Therapy," showcasing her commitment to advancing the field through education.

Maintaining strong relationships with professional organizations like ABMP and AMTA is crucial to Selene, as evidenced by her active involvement with both. She has been a speaker at AMTA Schools Summits and continues to engage with industry peers to promote growth and excellence.

Selene's passion for mentorship and commitment to industry growth make her an ideal judge for the NJ Massage Championship. She sees this opportunity as an honor and an excellent way to continue her mission of mentorship while contributing to the advancement of the massage therapy profession.

Jen Carlson is an established LMT/RMT, BCTMB who began studying massage therapy when she was merely 18 years old. She hails from Canada and had received her formal training at Sir Sandford Fleming College’s Sutherland Campus in Peterborough, Ontario. After the successful completion of her program in 2005, she dedicated herself completely to gaining experience and continues to strive for excellence. She specializes in orthopedic pain management and loves to work with clients who have complex health histories. Since 2013, Jen’s career and passion has blossomed into a leadership role as an educator within the field. She is an LMT mentor with AMTA, the MT Program Coordinator and Lead Instructor for the MT ELAP training at Brookdale Community College, and the co-founder/co-owner of Massage Mastery Institute, LCC where she creates and instructs CE courses. With a keen focus and eye for detail, Jen has set her sights on supporting the continuous efforts put forth to grow the respect and authenticity of massage therapy.  

Jen decided to become a judge for the NJ Massage Championship due to her profound admiration for watching passionate individuals showcase and share their talents in their chosen craft. Accepting the invitation to judge the NJMC allows Jen to fully immerse herself in the positive energy and excitement generated by like-minded individuals coming together. Whether they're seasoned masters, novices, or students, Jen firmly believes that everyone has much to offer each other by fostering a strong and supportive community.

Dr. Anthony Gencarelli boasts over twenty years of expertise in the massage industry, during which he has assumed diverse roles such as instructor, program director, director of education, and executive director. Throughout his extensive 20-year tenure in this field, he has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing the industry through educational initiatives and innovative practices.

Beginning his journey as an Anatomy and Physiology instructor, Anthony quickly discovered his passion for nurturing the next generation of practitioners. His commitment to education has played a pivotal role in the development of multiple massage programs, covering a wide spectrum including oncology, lymphatic massage, orthopedics, medical, eastern modalities, and personal training. As a Doctor of Chiropractic, Anthony's comprehensive understanding of the human body has been instrumental in designing these massage educational programs, ensuring their effectiveness and relevance in the industry.

Throughout his career in the massage industry, Anthony has embraced the opportunity not only to educate students but also to learn from them, fostering a dynamic and collaborative learning environment. Continuously seeking personal and professional growth, he has expanded his expertise through additional training in areas such as professional development, business coaching, mindfulness, functional movement therapy, and performance coaching.

Dr. Anthony has chosen to serve as a judge for the NJ Massage Championship Contest for several compelling reasons. Firstly, he sees this role as an opportunity to promote excellence within the massage therapy field, encouraging practitioners to strive for continuous improvement and uphold high standards. Additionally, he aims to support the community by providing constructive feedback and guidance to participants, fostering growth and development within the industry. Furthermore, he views judging as a valuable avenue for his own professional development, offering opportunities for continuous learning and exposure to new techniques. Engaging in the evaluation process also allows him to connect with fellow industry professionals, fostering meaningful exchanges and potential collaborations. Ultimately, he believes that his participation as a judge contributes to the ongoing advancement of massage therapy, elevating awareness and appreciation for the profession while benefiting both practitioners and clients alike.

Debbie Messa brings a multifaceted perspective to the massage industry, drawing from years of experience as a client, business manager, service provider, and instructor. This diverse background enables her to offer students various viewpoints and thought processes, shaping them into well-rounded massage therapists.

In her role as Director of Operations for Massage Envy, Debbie oversaw franchised locations across multiple states, including North Carolina, Maryland, and New Jersey. Despite facing stage 3 Breast Cancer during her first year with the company, Debbie found solace and healing through the support of her team of massage therapists, who provided selfless acts of kindness and Oncology massage. This experience ignited a newfound passion for massage and the profound impact it can have on healing others.

Following her time at the Academy of Natural Health Sciences in Woodbridge, NJ, Debbie transitioned from a 25-year career in business to become a full-time Licensed Massage Therapist with practices in Bound Brook and Fanwood, NJ. In late 2021, she assumed ownership of the school after Dr. Frank Auriemma's retirement, expanding its offerings to include 19 different holistic and homeopathic wellness certifications alongside massage therapy and continuing education courses. Under her leadership, the massage program has broadened its curriculum to encompass a diverse range of CE subjects, ensuring students learn from passionate instructors dedicated to their craft.

Debbie feels honored and excited to be invited as a judge for the NJ Massage Championship this year. She believes that when massage therapists gather to share their experiences, ideas, knowledge, practices, and techniques, the world becomes a healthier place. With a focus on promoting better body mechanics and self-care, Debbie aims to break the short career span that many bodywork professionals experience. She emphasizes that regardless of experience level, there is always room for growth and learning from one another within the massage therapy community.

Shawn, the proud owner of Stone Tower Massage LLC, embarked on his massage career in 2011. Throughout his journey, he has garnered significant recognition, including being named as one of the top 4 best sports massage therapists in the world for 2023 and achieving the silver medal for sports massage in the 2023 American Massage Championships.

With an impressive track record as a judge in various states, including NC, GA, FL, and KY, Shawn has also served as the director for the Virginia Massage Championships. His extensive experience and expertise make him a valuable addition to the judging panel of the NJ Massage Championships.

Shawn's decision to participate in the NJ Massage Championships stems from his belief in the mission of such events. He recognizes the importance of massage championships in driving the massage industry forward, facilitating growth and success for all practitioners. By supporting and contributing to these championships, Shawn is committed to advancing the profession and ensuring its continued success.

Alice Marin, the proud owner and director of the NJ School of Massage in Toms River, NJ, brings a wealth of experience and passion to the massage therapy profession. With over 25 years as a licensed massage therapist and more than 12 years as an instructor, Alice has dedicated herself to promoting the benefits of massage therapy and ensuring the highest standards of education and practice.

Throughout her tenure as the owner of the massage school, Alice has demonstrated a commitment to excellence, warmth, and dedication. She actively serves the greater community through chair massage events aimed at promoting wellness and raising funds for various causes and organizations, including Moms of Autistic Children, America’s Keswick Recovery Center, and the Toms River First Aid Squad.

Under Alice's leadership, the NJ School of Massage has maintained a 93% pass rating for all first-time student test-takers of the MBLEX exam, a testament to the quality of education provided. Additionally, graduates of the school are sought after for their skills and competence upon entering the field.

Alice's involvement in various boards, including the Toms River Chamber of Commerce and the Toms River Business Improvement District, reflects her deep commitment to serving the community and advocating for businesses and charities.

In joining the NJ Massage Championship judging panel, Alice seeks to uphold the highest standards of excellence, professionalism, and compassion in client care across all modalities of massage therapy. Her dedication to education, community service, and promoting the well-being of others makes her a valuable asset to the judging team.

Joelle Denneler is a visionary leader, licensed massage therapist, and passionate advocate for holistic wellness. As the director and owner of the Center for the Healing Arts, a school for massage and bodywork, she has dedicated her life to empowering others through the transformative power of touch and the art of massage therapy. 

Driven by a deep-seated desire to share her expertise and empower others, Joelle transitioned into the role of an educator, where she found her true calling. Her dynamic teaching style, coupled with a wealth of real-world expertise, allows her to connect with students on a profound level, inspiring them to pursue their innate healing abilities. 

To deepen her understanding of the body's intricate systems, Joelle pursued advanced training at the prestigious Dr. Vodder School International for Manual Lymphatic Drainage in Canada. This experience broadened her knowledge and solidified her commitment to holistic approaches in healthcare. 

Beyond her roles as an educator and director, Joelle remains committed to her practice as a licensed massage therapist. She provides compassionate care to clients and helps them achieve optimal health and wellness. Her holistic approach to therapy emphasizes not only physical relaxation but also emotional balance and spiritual well-being.

Joining as a judge in the massage championship, Joelle seeks to recognize talent, uphold industry standards, and celebrate the artistry of massage therapy. Her expertise promises to enrich the competition and inspire participants to new heights of excellence.

Priscilla Fleming is an educator, author, and board-certified massage therapist. She has dedicated her career to creating higher safety standards for massage therapists. Her ethics course Safety & Solicitation - Gaslighting & Power Dynamics was created after her own experiences with sexual harassment in the industry. This NCBTMB approved course is designed to give therapists the tools to confidently screen new clients, recognize the signs of sexual solicitors, and professionally decline clients that make you uncomfortable.

In addition to her teaching roles, she regularly appears as a keynote speaker and has been featured in Yahoo!, Massage Magazine, and Myotherapy and Massage Australia.

Priscilla’s dedication to elevating standards within the massage therapy industry extend beyond the classroom. As a passionate advocate for ethical practice and professionalism, Priscilla believes that supporting and recognizing excellence in massage competitions aligns with her mission to promote integrity and accountability within the field. By serving as a judge, Priscilla seeks to celebrate and encourage practitioners who uphold the highest standards of care and ethics, ultimately contributing to a safer and more reputable profession.

Mary Adams, CYT, LMT, CLT is the owner and director of Body in Mind Massage Institute and has been teaching massage and bodywork therapy for ten years not only to entry level therapists but also licensed therapists continuing their education. Mary’s passion for wellness helped focus her therapeutic practice on helping clients on their path to wellness and then maintaining their wellness, and she especially loves working with clients going through a cancer diagnosis or recovering from injuries and surgeries. As a Yoga Teacher also, for more than two decades, Mary loves helping and coaching people to their best health.

Witnessing firsthand the growth and evolution of the Massage Profession in the State of New Jersey over these ten years owning the school, it is exciting to see our own State’s first Massage Competition and I am honored to be a judge. Those of us who can should participate in the elevation and continued growth in our profession in the State of New Jersey and this competition is a great way to showcase our healing art.