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Seminar Instructors

Myofascial Release I Instructors

John F. Barnes, PT

John F. Barnes, PT teaches most of the Myofascial Release I Seminars and all of the Myofascial Unwinding, Myofascial Release II, Cervical Thoracic, Myofascial Rebounding, Advanced Myofascial Unwinding, Women's Health Seminar, Myofascial Release III, and Quantum Leap Seminars. For more information on John F. Barnes, PT, please click here.

John F. Barnes, PT teaches over 40 Myofascial Release Seminars a year. Over the past 30 years, Myofascial Release I has been a huge success and the demand has grown exponentially. John is not capable of teaching all of these seminars, therefore we are now offering this very popular seminar closer to where you reside, which ultimately means a quality educational experience at incredible cost-savings for you.

John Barnes will teach you the anatomy, principles and physiology of the Myofascial System on DVD format. His top instructors will then present extensive live “hands-on” workshops to help you learn the “feel” of his valuable Myofascial Release techniques.

Please refer to your confirmation letter for the specific speaker that will be presenting at the seminar that you signed up for. If you prefer to attend a seminar that John Barnes’ will be presenting “live” in its entirety, please contact us and we will happily transfer you to the seminar of your choice.

The Myofascial Release I DVD Seminar has had rave reviews and we are very pleased to share this important information that will allow you to decrease burdensome paperwork and increase your income while enhancing your ability to help others.

The On-Site Seminar Leader for this important seminar will be one of the following therapists. Please refer to your confirmation letter for the specific therapist.

Celia McDermott, LPTA, LMT

While raising her three children, Celia graduated with honors from Floyd College in Georgia, becoming a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant. She worked in the field of pediatrics from 1998- 2007. In 2005, she participated in her first Myofascial Release series of classes with John F. Barnes, and could not believe what she was feeling under her hands, then the difference in her patients by bringing Myofascial Release into her sessions with children. She soon worked on and received her LMT license, to open her own practice, Atlanta Myofascial Release.

A rehab professional since 1998, Celia has extensive experience working with people of all ages, including babies, children, and people with special needs. Her clinical experience includes children's rehab, neuro rehab, orthopedic clinics, and private practice. With Georgia PTA and LMT licenses, she has been a John F. Barnes’ Myofascial Release Approach® therapist since 2005 and a seminar instructor since 2010. She loves being able to provide a safe, non-judgmental space to help people regain their health with Myofascial Release. She feels that the Barnes’ MFR Approach has been a calling, the missing link, and has dramatically changed her life.

Carol M. Davis, DPT, EdD, MS, FAPTA Professor University of Miami School of Medicine,
Department of Physical Therapy

Dr. Davis received her undergraduate degree in biology from Lycoming College, an MS in physical therapy from Case Western Reserve University, and a Doctorate in Humanistic Studies (psychology and philosophy) in the School of Education at Boston University and a clinical doctorate in physical therapy from Mass General Institute of Health Professions. As a faculty member at the University of Miami School of Medicine, Dr. Davis has served as Clinical Assistant Professor with Family and Internal Medicine from 1983-1985 where she coordinated the fellowship in Clinical Geriatrics and from 1987 to now serves as Professor and Assistant Chair of Physical Therapy. Carol has been studying with John F. Barnes, PT since 1988 and has been assisting with Myofascial Release Seminars since 1997.

Dave Frederick, RN and CMT

He has been an RN since 1974 and a CMT, through the NCBTMB, since 1999. He started taking MFR classes in 1997 and completed all of John's courses by 1998. Since then he has repeated most courses and has been an instructor with John F. Barnes, PT.

In 1999 he left hospital-based nursing and now has a busy full time MFR practice in Port Huron Michigan. Dave has been very involved in health education teaching through his career. 1974 to present RN licensed by the State of Michigan, License number 4704106539. 1999 to present NCBTMB certified in therapeutic massage and bodywork, NCBTMB number 154922-00. 1999 to present Professional member of AMTA, AMTA number 93334. 1992 to 2000 Certified Provider and Instructor/Trainer for the following Basic Life Support (CPR), Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Trauma Nursing, Advanced Trauma, Nursing, Emergency Pediatric Nursing.

Robert Maggio, PT Masters of Science in Physical Therapy

Daemen College, NY 1987, Bachelor of Science in Biology – St. Bonaventure University, NY 1984, Certificate in Massage – N.A.M.T.I. Sedona, Arizona 2005, NCTMB 2005.

Since 2004 Rob has been the Director of Therapy Services at Therapy on the Rocks a John Barnes’ Myofascial Release Treatment Center in Sedona, AZ. His responsibilities include patient care, financial accountability, marketing, and program development of an internationally recognized physical therapy outpatient facility. Rob is also responsible also for daily operations as well as well as future planning and strategic implementation. Coordinator of all MFR Seminars presented in Sedona, Arizona. Coordinator of Skill Enhancement Seminars, presented weekly at Therapy on the Rocks, for therapists wishing to deepen their skills in the field of Myofascial Release. Prior employment, Director of Rehabilitative Services – Pendleton Memorial Methodist Hospital through HealthSouth, New Orleans, LA August 1991 - April 2004 and a Traveling Director for Health Focus Wharton, TX 1988 - 1991.

Valerie McGraw, PT

Valerie McGraw, PT is a 1987 graduate of Temple University in Philadelphia PA, B.S. in Physical Therapy. License #'s PA: PT-002122E and NJ:QA04032. Valerie began studying with John F. Barnes P.T. in 1986 during her undergrad training in Physical Therapy. She continued her post graduate studies with John F. Barnes, PT while working as a senior physical therapist and P.T. Pain Team Coordinator at Bacharach Rehabilitation Hospital in New Jersey. She was a lecturer at the Chronic Pain Seminar with Stanley Paris and the BBRH Pain Team in 1990.

In 1990, Valerie began working as a physical therapist at John F. Barnes’ Myofascial Release Treatment Center in Paoli, PA. She became Chief Physical Therapist in 1991 and Clinic Manager of the Center in 1993. Valerie is a senior seminar instructor and seminar coordinator with Myofascial Release Seminars. She coordinates the Myofascial Release Treatment Center's on-site Skill Enhancement Seminar and trains therapists from around the country in the application of Myofascial Release in the clinic.

Molly McMillan, OTR/L

Medical College of Georgia—1988 B.S. in Occupational Therapy, cum laude. Nominated to Alpha Eta honor society, and chosen as Commission on Education student representative to AOTA’s national conference 1987. State Licenses— New York, Massachusetts and New Hampshire pending.

Creator, owner and director of Manhattan Myofascial Release—New York, NY. A private occupational therapy practice with a focus on using myofascial release (MFR) as the primary modality to treat a variety of diagnoses and clients, ranging in age from 6 months to 82 years old, with a goal of maximizing their functioning in all activities of daily living. Educating clients is also a primary focus, empowering them to prevent problems and in maintaining their abilities. Other treatment approaches used are movement therapies, i.e. Yoga, Feldenkrais, Sensory Integration (SI) and a home exercise program that includes MFR principled stretching and strengthening. In addition, Molly has worked in home treatment of developmentally delayed children ages 0–3 using MFR, SI and Neuro-developmental therapy (NDT), as well as other modalities, to improve fine motor and adaptive skills to an age appropriate level. She has worked closely with parents to educate them on how to help their kids outside of therapy time.

Joan Miller, PT

Joan Miller, PT is a 1978 graduate of the Medical College of Virginia. B.S. in Physical Therapy. License # FL-4075. Her post graduate studies include extensive one on one training with John F. Barnes, PT in Myofascial Release since 1986. She has also studied manual therapy extensively in multiple approaches including John McM. Mennell, MD, James Cyriax, M.D., Stanley Paris, PhD, PT., McKenzie Approach, Maitland Approach and Brian Mulligan, PT.

Joan is a senior instructor with the national Myofascial Release Seminar series; she taught the Myofascial Mobilization course from 1987-1989 and has been teaching the Fascial Pelvis course since 1990. She has a thriving private practice in Lakeland, Florida, Dynamic Directions, Inc, where she treats solely with myofascial release, manual therapy and exercise.

Michael Servant, MPT

Masters of Arts in Physical Therapy - University of Delaware 1996, Bachelor of Science in Biology - University of Delaware 1994.

Since 2004 Mike has been the owner of Authentic Healing, Inc. a private physical therapy clinic utilizing primarily myofascial release and functional exercise. He specializes in treating a variety of diagnoses, with emphasis on chronic pain, fibromyalgia and sports injuries. Mike has been training and teaching with John Barnes since 2000. He resides in Southern Oregon with his family and two canine hiking companions. Myofascial Release has enabled him to continue his competitive swimming pursuits.

Sepi Aeen, DPT

Sepi is a graduate of California State University Northridge (CSUN), holding two Bachelor degrees in Health Education and Physical Therapy and a Master's degree in Physical Therapy. She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and is licensed in the State of California since 1997.

She has worked in the field of Physical therapy since 1989 and opened her own private outpatient practice in September 1999 in order to provide her patients with the high quality, individualized treatment that they deserve. It didn't take long for Sepi to realize there was limited improvement with her patients using conventional physical therapy. It wasn't until she discovered John Barnes' Myofascial Release (MFR) Approach in 2001 that she found her passion and purpose in life. Since then she has had 17 years of experience exclusively practicing MFR and completed over 1,000 hours of MFR seminars nationwide, and as an instructor has assisted in advanced seminars with John F. Barnes and his team. Sepi continues to attend MFR seminars as well as educate her patients and therapists on the benefits of MFR. Physicians affiliated with Cedars Sinai, USC and Providence Tarzana Hospitals have asked Sepi to speak on the benefits of Myofascial Release and entrust their patients care in Sepi's hands.

In 2010, Sepi realized her long term dream of designing and building an MFR healing center. Sepi is the founder and president of From the Heart Physical Therapy, Inc., the only Myofascial Release Wellness Center in Los Angeles County. "After listening to John speak for 5-10 minutes about this work at my first MFR Seminar, I knew this work was my calling. - Sepi Aeen, MPT

Donna L. Killion, LMT, MS, CCC-SLP, CCS

Master of Science in Speech/Language Pathology James Madison University, VA 1992, Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, Allegheny College, PA 1988, Associate Degree in Math/Science NCCC, NY 1986, Licensed Massage Therapist 2004, and Personal Trainer/Certified Conditioning Specialist 1998.

Donna has been studying under John F. Barnes since 2001. Since 2004, Donna has been working as an LMT at both the Eastern Myofascial Release Treatment Center (The Sanctuary), in Malvern, PA , as well as Therapy on the Rocks in Sedona, AZ. She has also been the on-site coordinator/senior instructor for John F. Barnes’ Myofascial Release Seminars since 2004. Donna began taking seminars because of her own pain/tightness from various athletic injuries throughout her life. Donna has extensive experience in weightlifting/training and found this approach to be the only therapy to help to get her life back and regain function and athletic activity.