Our Experience Is Your Gain
Learn About Us
At Southern Maine School of Massage Therapy, our instructors aren't just educators—they're seasoned professionals with decades of hands-on experience in massage therapy, wellness, business ownership, and client care. They have built successful careers, served thousands of clients, navigated the challenges of the profession, and continue to actively work in the field they teach.
Our students benefit from more than textbooks and classroom instruction. They gain real-world knowledge, clinical expertise, professional mentorship, and practical insights that can only come from years of experience. From hands-on techniques and client communication to career development and business success, our faculty shares the lessons they've learned throughout their professional journeys.
We believe the best education comes from those who have lived it. That's why our program is grounded in real-world application, industry relevance, and a commitment to preparing students not just to graduate, but to thrive in a rewarding and sustainable massage therapy career.
Experience matters. Learn from those who have lived it.
Tony Taiani, MS, ATC
Co-Founder & Lead Anatomy and Physiology Educator
Tony Taiani brings more than 20 years of experience in exercise physiology, athletic training, bodywork, and higher education to Southern Maine School of Massage Therapy. Holding a Master's degree in Athletic Training, Tony has dedicated his career to understanding human movement, performance, injury prevention, and rehabilitation.
Throughout his professional journey, Tony has worked extensively with athletes, active populations, and clients seeking to improve function and quality of life. His expertise in Anatomy and Physiology provides students with a deeper understanding of how the body is designed to move, what happens when movement patterns break down, and how therapeutic interventions can help restore optimal function.
In addition to his clinical experience, Tony has taught at the University of Southern Maine and served as a Student Liaison for Athletic Training students, mentoring future healthcare professionals and helping bridge the gap between classroom education and real-world practice.
As a full-time bodyworker and educator, Tony is passionate about making complex anatomical concepts practical, understandable, and directly applicable to hands-on massage therapy. His teaching philosophy focuses on helping students understand not only how techniques work, but why they work, empowering them to become thoughtful, effective, and confident practitioners.
As Co-Founder of Southern Maine School of Massage Therapy, Tony is committed to preparing students for successful and sustainable careers through a combination of scientific knowledge, practical application, and real-world professional experience.
Nicole Taiani, LMT
Co-Founder & Bodywork Educator
Nicole Taiani has over 20 years of clinical and educational experience owning Southern Maine Massage and Wellness right next door. As a Licensed Massage Therapist, educator, and business owner, she has dedicated her career to helping clients from all walks of life feel seen, supported, and empowered through therapeutic touch and meaningful human connection.
Nicole believes that exceptional bodywork extends beyond technique alone. Her teaching emphasizes the importance of communication, presence, and building authentic connections with clients. She helps students develop the confidence to work with diverse populations while learning how to create a safe, welcoming, and therapeutic environment for every individual who walks through their door.
Her extensive training and experience include a variety of therapeutic and holistic modalities, including Lomi Lomi Massage, Reflexology, Craniosacral Therapy, Pre- and Postnatal Massage, Neuromuscular Therapy, and Structural Integration approaches. Drawing from decades of hands-on practice, Nicole teaches students how to blend technical skill with intuition, critical thinking, and compassionate client care.
As a full-time practitioner, educator, and Co-Founder of Southern Maine School of Massage Therapy, Nicole is passionate about preparing students for successful and sustainable careers. Her teaching focuses on developing exceptional bodywork skills, professional confidence, meaningful client relationships, and the practical business knowledge needed to thrive in the massage and wellness industry. She is committed to helping students become not only skilled therapists, but compassionate, adaptable professionals capable of making a lasting impact in the lives of those they serve.
Body Mechanics & Continuing Education
Amy Rolnick
Teaching Body Mechanics, Amy Rolnick brings more than 30 years of experience in massage therapy, bodywork, and movement to her role as an educator at Southern Maine School of Massage Therapy.
With a strong foundation in anatomy and physiology, Amy helps students understand not only how to perform effective bodywork, but why proper technique and movement matter. Her approach emphasizes thoughtful technique, efficient body mechanics, and sustainable practices that allow massage therapists to care for their clients while also protecting and supporting their own bodies throughout their careers.
Amy leads with kindness, patience, and intention, creating a learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, practicing new skills, and building confidence. Her ability to combine technical knowledge with a compassionate teaching style makes complex concepts approachable and practical.
Through both foundational education and continuing education, Amy encourages therapists to work with greater awareness, purpose, and respect for the body—helping them develop techniques that are effective, intentional, and built to last.
Reiki & Continuing Education
Lindsey Hersey
As a Reiki Master, massage therapist, and dedicated educator, Lindsey Hersey has spent more than 20 years practicing, studying, and sharing the principles of Reiki and holistic bodywork. Her passion for education is rooted in helping students understand Reiki not simply as a technique, but as a thoughtful practice built on intention, awareness, presence, and connection.
Lindsey brings a wealth of real-world experience into the classroom, creating an approachable and supportive environment where students can explore energy work, ask questions, and develop confidence in their own abilities. She encourages students to trust their intuition while building a strong foundation of knowledge and respect for the practice of Reiki.
Passionate, driven, and deeply committed to her work, Lindsey teaches with an emphasis on intention, awareness, and trusting the connection between practitioner and client. Her years of experience allow her to guide students beyond simply learning a technique, helping them develop confidence in their intuition and a deeper appreciation for the role energy work can play within a well-rounded bodywork practice.