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AMBI Faculty & Staff

The faculty and staff at the American Massage & Bodywork Institute share the same vision: to enhance the student experience, and to provide the most talented and work-ready therapists in the country. 

We strive to provide an elite education to individuals with a great interest in helping others feel better through the power of meaningful touch.

Scott Deidun
Co-Owner, CEO & President
Scott Deidun, MBA, is a graduate of Walsh College in Troy, Michigan. Scott also holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biological Sciences from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. Scott has served in various leadership roles in education, with the majority of that time being spent in massage therapy.
Phyllis Myers
Financial Aid Director
Phyllis comes to us with 20+ years of extensive customer service experience. Fueled by a passion for hospitality and assisting others, she earned her Associates Degree in Hospitality Management in 2015. Her bright and inviting smile is a glimpse into the family-like culture that our students, instructors, and clients have come to expect with AMBI. Having been with AMBI for 5 years, Phyllis now uses her compassion and empathetic nature to help prospective students through the process of obtaining financial assistance while pursuing their education.
Hannah Harris
Campus Administrator
Hannah earned her bachelor’s in vocal performance from James Madison University in 2015. Before joining the AMBI family she worked as a Music Educator both privately and in Early Childhood Education.Hannah’s bright spirit and engaging personality is evident in her passion to help others. In her spare time she enjoys creating handmade pottery items to share with friends and family.
Sylvia Harris, LMT
Day Lead Instructor
Sylvia has been practicing Massage Therapy since 2014. Throughout these past 9 years, she has focused on Prenatal Massage, Neuromuscular Therapy, and developed a deep passion for Myofascial Release. Her driving force has been helping others with pain relief and being able to positively impact a person’s life so they may live more fully. Asked why she is passionate about massage, “it’s a simple tool, the human hand, that can make a really big change in someone’s life in a really positive manner”. Her goal as an instructor is to impart the knowledge she has gained to date.
John Smith, LMT
Campus Coordinator, Instructor
John joins AMBI as a 23-year veteran of massage therapy and has performed thousands of hours of therapeutic massage. A proud graduate of the National Holistic Institute College of Massage in Emeryville, California; he has studied several modalities including Neuromuscular Therapy, Shiatsu, Thai yoga, Myofascial Release, Positional Release Techniques, Integrated Lymphatic Drainage and Structural Integration.In addition to teaching John currently provides in-home massage therapy for clients and has more than 20 years experience working as the Massage Department Manager and Educator at Elizabeth Arden's Red Door Spas and Salon in Tysons and Fairfax, Virginia. From 2009 - 2012 he had the honor of being listed in Allure Magazine’s 'Best of The Best’ issue.Utilizing his experience and continued passions for the art of massage John joined American Massage and Bodywork Institute in 2019. ‘I get to help guide my students’ natural gift of touch and intuition with the power of education and clinical reasoning. Giving back and helping them have work they love.’
Marisa VanDyke, OTR/L, LMT
Instructor
Marisa received a clinical doctorate of occupational therapy from Creighton University and spent years in the medical fitness industry specializing in yoga, balance, strength, and boxing for older adults with a variety of mobility and health conditions. While in school, she developed a passion for manual therapy, and has been in private practice since 2016, offering Myofascial Release in the John F. Barnes method. Self-described 'forever student', Marisa has accrued thousands of hours of continuing education credits in bodywork and movement therapies. She believes there is always more to learn as science keeps evolving.
Rebecca Hart, LMT
Instructor
Becca Hart has been a dedicated massage therapist since graduating NVSTM in 2008. Her years working in fitness facilities, luxury spas, and clinical settings have provided a wealth of experience in different settings and from varied perspectives. She is trained in prenatal, hot stone, Thai stretching, sports massage, pain management, and mastery of Reiki. Her driving motivation is to never stop learning and to be the best at every aspect in her field. "Massage is a practice! Never stop studying and striving for excellence!"
Andi Zayas, LMT
Instructor
Andi was introduced to the art of Massage Therapy in college when she was hired as an admin for a Bay Area massage school. After falling in love with the practice, she completed their certification program and worked as an MT from 2000-2002. In 2002 she received her BA in Political Science from SFSU and decided to put massage on hold to work in her initial field of study. In 2017 she returned to her passion for bodywork, completed another certification program, and has been a practicing massage therapist since.

Is a Rewarding Career in Massage Therapy Right For You? Get More Info…

If you’re interested in learning more about careers in Massage Therapy and exploring whether AMBI is right for you, fill out the form on this page to receive more information.

For immediate questions, call 571-620-7170