AMBI Faculty & Staff

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. In 2013, Scott was presented with an “Excellence in Education” award by Massage Envy for his work with that organization.

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 4 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 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 has been practicing Massage Therapy since 2014. Throughout these past 5 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 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 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.

Trace completed his massage training at The Potomac Massage Training Institute in February 1997 and has been practicing massage for over 25 years. Since completing his initial massage training he has continued his education by training in Deep Tissue, Cupping, Trigger Point, Sports Massage, Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Reiki, Hot Stone Massage, Himalayan Salt Stone Massage, Hypervolt Massage, and Pre-Natal Post-Partum Pregnancy Massage. Additionally, in 2016 Trace completed a beginner level 200 hour training program in Integral Hatha Yoga at Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville. Trace teaches with a direct communication style in a relevant and accessible way. He loves to laugh and connect with his students as he shares his wealth of knowledge.

Angela Serabian is a Licensed Massage Therapist who has been practicing since 2017. She has a background in Mental Health and worked at Non-profit Mental Health Organizations for 4 years after receiving her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. In 2015 Angela was inspired to change directions in her career towards massage and the healing arts when she discovered the power of Holistic medicine.In addition to being a LMT, Angela is also a Certified Personal Trainer, a Reiki Master, and is currently pursuing her graduate degree in Acupuncture. Specializing in Medical and Injury Massage, Cupping Therapy, and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Angela is passionate about combining Holistic, Integrative, and non-invasive treatments to alleviate Orthopedic, Psychiatric, and Neurological disorders.

Chrystal Sterling was born in Charlotte, NC and has been is living in MD for the past 34 years. She graduated with a BA in Biology from McDaniel College and graduated with honors from Howard University with a master's degree in occupational therapy. She is a registered licensed occupational therapist in the state of Maryland. She has been practicing in the skilled nursing setting with a variety of clients (orthopedic, CVA, and TBI) for the past 7 years. She loves her career and helping people enhance their quality of life. She is a graduate from AMBI, licensed in MD and VA, and is excited about joining the family as an instructor. Chrystal will do her very best to assist her students in succeeding to become massage therapists. She lives by the scripture "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" and her motto "walk by faith not by sight." Being with AMBI, she hopes to encourage others that they can do the same thing.

In 2013 Shanelle attended Eastern Virginia Career College, where she received an honors diploma in Medical Massage Therapy in 2014. At that point Shanelle knew she wanted to focus more on the medical side of things. She went on to specialize in lymphatic drainage massage, myofascial release and unwinding, deep tissue, trigger point and Himalayan Stones. Over the years she has worked in spas, physical therapy offices as well as chiropractic offices. Her goal is to help people in pain with restrictions to move better and gain pain free range of motion.

JB comes to AMBI with a background in oriental medicine and Martial Arts. He holds a second-degree black belt in taekwondo and comes from a family of acupuncturists. He has been practicing massage for 15 years and has worked at spas, fitness centers, and with chiropractors and acupuncturists; incorporating Eastern and Western techniques for pain and stress relief. JB specializes in Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Acupressure, and is certified in Medical Massage.