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Administration and Faculty

Angela Poe

Angela Poe

Institutional Director

Angela has been educating future massage therapists since 2010 and providing massage therapy services to clients since 2007. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Performance with a concentration in Exercise and Sports Science, a diploma in Massage Therapy, and an Associate of Applied Science degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant.

Her passion for massage therapy and physical rehabilitation inspired her to transition into teaching just three years after becoming a licensed massage therapist, with a mission to share her knowledge and empower students to make a meaningful impact through their work.

Since 2021, Angela has served as the Institutional Director at the Nashville School of Massage Therapy, where she combines her leadership skills with her extensive experience. Her diverse background includes working with the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies, MTSU athletes, physical therapy clinics, spas, wellness centers, and outcall services. Angela brings this wealth of real-world insight into the classroom, inspiring students to explore the broad possibilities within their new careers and encouraging them to strive for excellence.

Secret Doss

Secret Doss

Program Director ~ CEU/Reciprocity Educator

Secret spent 10 years in the medical field before seeking new ways to support the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of others. That search led her to massage therapy, where she discovered a deep passion for healing through touch. After graduating from the Southeastern Institute of Neuromuscular Massage in 2009, she launched her career as a Licensed Massage Therapist and has since cultivated expertise in a variety of modalities.

Her specialties include reflexology, prenatal massage, doula and infant massage, as well as several neuromuscular techniques—all reflecting her commitment to comprehensive, client-centered care.

In 2014, Secret found her true calling in education. As an instructor, she brings anatomy and physiology to life, breaking down complex concepts into relatable, digestible lessons that resonate with students of all learning styles. Her hands-on teaching style empowers students to develop their own unique approach to massage therapy, blending science with intuition.

Now serving as Program Director at the Nashville School of Massage Therapy, Secret is not only a skilled educator but also a passionate mentor. She’s known as the school’s “Encourager of Dreams and Higher Aspirations,” inspiring both students and fellow professionals to push past limitations and pursue excellence in every area of their work.

Since 2015, she has also been teaching continuing education and reciprocity courses for LMTs in Tennessee. At NSMT, she continues to expand her CE class catalog and regularly hosts multiple monthly sessions—both onsite and virtually—to keep practitioners informed, engaged, and empowered.

Christy Dunbar

Christy Dunbar

Day Instructor

In 2002, shortly after graduating from Elon University, Christy moved to Chicago to begin a new chapter in the corporate world. It didn’t take long for her to realize that path wasn’t the right fit. A chance encounter with a class at the Chicago School of Massage Therapy sparked a new passion—and she’s never looked back.

After completing the Clinical Massage Program, Christy entered the massage industry in 2005 and has maintained her passion for the work ever since. In 2015, she expanded her role in the field by becoming an educator. Teaching has allowed her to share her knowledge, enthusiasm, and deep love for massage therapy with aspiring therapists.

Ashley Simpson

Ashley Simpson

Day Instructor/Clinic Supervisor

Ashley is a Nashville native, Army Veteran, and seasoned Massage Therapist with over a decade of experience. She holds a B.S. in Human Performance and Sports Science, along with an M.S. in Exercise and Nutrition Science—bringing a deep, science-based understanding of the body to her work.

A self-described “Body Mechanic,” Ashley has dedicated her career to mastering and sharing the art of human movement and function. Her passion lies in helping others unlock their full physical potential, combining hands-on therapy with a comprehensive knowledge of performance and recovery.

Whether working with clients to overcome physical limitations or striving to optimize their abilities, Ashley takes great pride in guiding others toward peak performance and well-being.

Briana Holder

Briana Holder

Night Instructor ~ Clinic Supervisor

Briana is a passionate massage therapist with over 14 years of hands-on experience, dedicated to making a meaningful impact through the healing power of touch. For her, every massage is more than a treatment—it’s an opportunity to foster well-being, connection, and transformation.

Driven by a desire to share her knowledge, Briana expanded her practice to become a massage therapy instructor. Her teaching philosophy blends technique with empathy, intuition, and a holistic approach to healing. She guides her students not only in mastering effective bodywork, but also in cultivating the emotional intelligence and presence needed to create safe, nurturing spaces for clients.

Briana is committed to shaping the next generation of massage therapists, helping them understand the importance of personalized care and deep client connection. Whether you’re looking for a deeply therapeutic massage or seeking to build your own path as a skilled practitioner, Briana is a compassionate and knowledgeable guide, ready to support your journey to wellness and growth.

Kathy Cabral

Kathy Cabral

Night Instructor ~ Clinic Supervisor

Kathy has been a dedicated Licensed Massage Therapist since 2002. In 2009, she expanded her scope by earning her Chiropractic Therapy Assistant license, which she held until retiring it during the COVID-19 pandemic to open her own massage therapy practice.

While serving as a Massage Instructor at GCI, Kathy completed her Bachelor’s degree in 2013. This academic achievement allowed her to teach the full massage therapy curriculum, beyond just hands-on modalities—further deepening her impact in the classroom.

With over two decades of experience, Kathy continues to find massage therapy an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding profession. Her passion for both practice and education shines through in everything she does, inspiring clients and students alike.

K.C. Schellhammer

K.C. Schellhammer

Night Intro Instructor

K.C. began his massage therapy journey after graduating from Southeastern Institute in 2010. Following licensure, he deepened his expertise through continued education in neuromuscular therapy, cupping, orthopedic massage, and reflexology.

In 2018, K.C. discovered his passion for teaching and stepped into the field of education to share his knowledge and inspire future massage therapists. His academic background in Medical Laboratory Science fuels his interest in the science behind bodywork. By combining his clinical education with hands-on experience, K.C. is committed to exploring and promoting the physiological effects of massage therapy—bringing evidence-based insight and scientific rigor to the profession.

Tuition and Fees

Our staff will work with you every step of the way from initial inquiry through the final paperwork. Our knowledgeable staff can help you understand the aid and financial options available to you.

Affiliations

Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals American Massage Therapy Asociation

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Nashville School of Massage Therapy is authorized for operation as a postsecondary education institution by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. In order to view detailed job placement and graduation information on the programs offered by Nashville School of Massage Therapy, please visit www.state.tn.us/thec and click on the Authorized Institutions Data button.

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