About Us — New York Massage Institute

History & Mission

A Legacy of Healing Education

The New York Massage Institute was founded in 1978 with a single conviction: that therapeutic massage, practiced with clinical precision and ethical care, is a legitimate and powerful form of healthcare. That conviction has guided every decision we've made for nearly five decades.

Our founders were practitioners first — licensed therapists who understood that the quality of massage therapy education in New York needed to rise to meet the demands of a growing profession. They built NYMI from the ground up as a clinically grounded school, not a trade certificate mill.

Today, NYMI continues that mission by maintaining small class sizes, employing only licensed, actively-practicing faculty, and continuously updating our curricula to reflect the latest evidence-based practices in massage therapy and bodywork.

"We don't just teach massage. We train therapists who will change the lives of every client they touch."

— Founding Mission Statement, 1978

46+

Years of Training

3

Licensed Programs

100%

Licensed Instructors

NY

State Licensed School

Our Journey

NYMI Through the Decades

1978

Founded in New York

NYMI opens its doors as one of the first dedicated massage therapy schools in New York State, founded by practicing licensed therapists.

1984

NY State Licensure Obtained

New York State Bureau of Proprietary School Supervision grants NYMI full institutional licensure, validating our academic standards.

1993

1000-Hour Program Established

We launch our flagship LMT program in response to evolving New York State licensing requirements, setting a new bar for comprehensive training.

2005

Sports Massage Specialization

The 500-hour Sports Massage program is introduced, partnering with athletic organizations to provide field practicum opportunities.

2015

AMTA School Membership

NYMI achieves American Massage Therapy Association school membership, connecting our graduates to the largest professional network in the field.

Today

Continuing the Mission

NYMI continues to train the next generation of massage therapy professionals with updated curricula, experienced faculty, and a commitment to clinical excellence.

Our Values

What We Stand For

⚕

Clinical Integrity

We teach massage therapy as a healthcare profession — with the anatomical knowledge, ethical standards, and clinical reasoning that demands.

🎓

Student Success

Every program decision is made with one question: will this help our students pass their boards, enter the workforce, and build sustainable careers?

🤝

Inclusivity

NYMI welcomes students from all backgrounds. We believe diverse perspectives make better therapists and a stronger profession.

🌿

Respect for the Craft

Massage therapy is both science and art. We honor both dimensions — rigorous training in anatomy and technique, alongside sensitivity, presence, and care.

Our Faculty

Learn from Active Practitioners

Every NYMI instructor holds an active New York State massage therapy license and maintains a clinical practice. You learn from professionals who treat patients, not just teachers.

A

Dr. Angela M. Torres, LMT

Program Director · 1000-Hour Program

22 years of practice. Specializes in orthopedic massage and chronic pain management. Former clinical supervisor at NYU Langone.

R

Robert J. Klein, LMT, CSMT

Lead Instructor · Sports Massage

18 years of practice. Certified Sports Massage Therapist. Former team therapist for two professional New York sports organizations.

C

Carmen D. Reyes, LMT, LE

Lead Instructor · Swedish Massage

15 years of practice. Licensed Esthetician. Expert in Swedish technique, hydrotherapy, and spa-integrated wellness.

M

Michael B. Huang, LMT, PT

Clinical Science Instructor

Licensed Physical Therapist and Massage Therapist. Teaches anatomy, pathology, and rehabilitation massage in our 1000-hour program.

About New York Massage Institute