Practitioners

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“Anandha” Kathryn Gerstman is the owner of OM Shanti, and a seasoned body worker with nearly two decades of experience in the healing arts. She is a NYS Licensed Massage Therapist, Reiki Master, and Kripalu-certified yoga instructor. She also holds certifications in Ayurveda, Positional Therapy, Hot/Cold Stone Therapy, Crystal Healing, Thai Massage and more. Kathryn is a nationally recognized NCBTMB Continuing Education provider for Traditional Thai Yoga Massage, and leads other professional trainings for massage therapists, light workers and yoga instructors alike. 

Kathryn creates a truly custom experience for each client & student. Her broad skill set integrates body, mind, and spirit for transformative evolution. She is known for her intuitive touch that is rooted in a deep understanding of various healing modalities and how they apply to the neuromuscular and myofacusl systems of the body.

Kathryn brings a grounded, heart-centered, holistic approach. Whether you’re seeking relief, restoration, or reconnection, Kathryn offers a safe and sacred space to support you where you are, as you are. 

With a deep commitment to wellness and a passion for holistic healing, Monica is a Licensed Massage Therapist specializing in therapeutic bodywork, deep tissue, cupping, and nurturing prenatal massage. She graduated from Albany's very own Center for Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy in 2014. Monica's practice is dedicated to helping clients in the Capital Region achieve lasting relief from pain, reduce stress, and cultivate a deeper connection with their own bodies. Monica believes that effective massage is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. Her approach is rooted in careful listening and detailed assessment, ensuring every session is uniquely tailored to the client's specific needs and goals. She blends advanced techniques to address the root causes of chronic tension and pain, ultimately improving mobility and promoting muscle recovery. Whether a client is dealing with neck stiffness, lower back discomfort, or general muscular fatigue, Monica strives to provide tangible, lasting results. As a specialist in Prenatal Massage, Monica also offers a gentle, safe, and deeply soothing experience for expectant mothers. Her goal is to alleviate common pregnancy discomforts—like sciatica, hip pain, and swelling—while creating a tranquil space for emotional and physical restoration. 

Kaitlynn has been practicing as a licensed massage therapist since 2022. Their journey began with the desire to learn how to support others through the power of touch, but it became a spiritual journey where they realized their own wholeness and inner peace. Kaitlynn's goal is to help each client to feel at home in their body, and to help create gradual changes through the fascia. Their preferred modality is Myofascial Swedish, but they are always learning and expanding their offerings. 

Laura Kavanaugh has been a NYS Licensed Massage Therapist since she graduated from The Center For Natural Wellness School of Massage in 2005.  She has enjoyed working with the developmentally disabled population, treating each and every client with dignity and compassion.  Laura has also received certifications in working with those dealing with chronic pain due to Fibromyalgia and Lyme’s Disease helping many of her clients dealing with these challenging syndromes. Swedish massage is the foundation and basis of each of her massages, as the various techniques can help loosen, relax and energize muscle tissue, as well as break up scar tissue and increase range of motion in the joints. Laura has studied various energy modalities, including Reiki, and IET, sound therapy in the form of tuning forks, cupping, hot stone reflexology and aromatherapy and will incorporate them into her sessions at the client’s request. 

Dawn is an experienced licensed massage therapist. She has been in practice since 2004. Over 20 years! She is well-versed and certified in multiple modalities of massage. Also, she is a Certified Compassionate Touch Practitioner and an Aromatherapist. Her specialities at this time are customized therapeutic massage, relaxation massage, aromatherapy massage, and elder massage. She is especially fond of massage for women and elders.