Therapist Bios

Treatment Philosophy – Deep tissue is great when appropriate. It is up to the intuitiveness of the therapist to determine if what the client is asking for is the right thing for them at that time. Sandy uses every opportunity to educate the client on what is going on with their body and how to achieve their health goals. She is their partner in health and believes that it is the clients’ body that does the healing, not her personally – she is just a facilitator.

Specialties & Types of Clients best suited to my style of therapy 

• Neuromuscular and deep tissue are her favorite techniques to use for clients who are suffering with migraine headaches, back and neck pain, hip and shoulder dysfunction

• she loves to be a detective in order to figure out what the source of the pain is and then treat the whole person, not just the area of pain

• she loves to stretch clients out to create length and restore posture
• educating clients on home self-care is a passion and she will refer out to many sources in order that clients get the care they need.

Preferred Styles of massage therapy used in treatments  

• deep tissue, combined with Neuromuscular, Orthopedic and broad Swedish strokes make for a deeply relaxing and therapeutic experience
• works on restoring the muscles back to their original state with stretching and maybe a little Craniosacral work to ensure that the changes will take hold making clients feel new again
• pressure scale 5-10

Education Licenses & Certifications

• Chicago School of Massage Therapy 1988
• Licensed Massage Therapist
• Chiropractic Assistant – Palmer Chiropractic College
• AA Business Administration – Scott Community College
• Pre- & Peri-Natal Massage Certification
• Upledger Craniosacral Therapy I & II
• Paul St. John’s Neuromuscular Therapy

• Orthopedic Massage

• MLD 2016, Certified Lymphatic Therapist 2019

• Cupping 2017

• Rock Tape 2018

Sandy Gets Accepted to the IL State Licensing Board for Massage Therapy

After 35 years as a Licensed Massage Therapist and owner of Therapeutic Kneads for 25 years, Sandy Saldano wanted to give back to the profession of massage therapy by applying to be a Board member of the Illinois State Licensing Board for Massage Therapy.  As of May 2022, Sandy was accepted to the Board. The mission of the Board is to protect the public health, safety, and welfare by maintaining standards of licensure and professional practice.  

As a member of the 7-person board, Sandy’s role is to make recommendations to the Secretary on questions involving the standards of professional conduct, discipline, and qualifications of candidates and licensees under Massage Licensing Act in Illinois.  The board meets quarterly and as needed when cases arise to decide the fate of issuing, suspending, or denying licensure of massage therapists who have allegedly acted inappropriately or have been convicted of a crime. Massage therapists have been licensed in Illinois since 2002, and the licensing act continues to evolve over time to ensure that the public’s safety is the number one priority.

Not only does Sandy see this as an honor to sit on the board and represent the profession for the State of Illinois, but she also sees it as her duty to ensure the integrity of the profession she has worked so hard to elevate through her hard work and dedication to the craft of massage therapy.  She transfers that same belief into her business through her training program and the hiring of great therapists.  

The opportunity to serve and help guide the massage therapy profession to become what it is capable of becoming is extraordinary. As the Training and Development Director at Therapeutic Kneads Bobbe’s focus is to help solidify massage therapy standards of excellence and competency. Her dedication, passion, and enthusiasm for massage therapy emanates from wanting to impart interest and reverence for the body whether she is in the role of therapist or educator. The ideas of listening with heart and hands, being patient and slowing down, waiting for the process of unwinding to facilitate the body’s inherent wisdom is transformative in the therapeutic relationship. Bobbe has a B.S. degree in Physical Education and was a former dancer and dance/exercise instructor before deciding to attend massage therapy school. Since graduating from the Chicago School of Massage Therapy in 1986, she has been a technique and musculoskeletal anatomy instructor, a practitioner as well as an education director with the goal of maintaining standards in the massage therapy profession. She’s been responsible for the development and revision of curriculum, training, orientation, observation and performance evaluation of staff to ensure consistency. She holds certifications in Neuromuscular Massage Therapy, Kinesiotape, sports massage, cupping and MLD. Because of this background, she understands the qualities necessary to be a successful practitioner. Bobbe is passionate about helping people realize their potential, about making a difference that ensures all have the opportunity to excel, grow and feel great in their body.

Treatment Philosophy – Amy believes massage therapy is a beautiful form of art.  Everybody is unique and special in their own way, deserving customized treatment every time.  The benefits of massage are endless, ensuring any individual an improved quality of life.

Specialties & Types of Clients best suited to my style of therapy

• Swedish/Relaxation
• enjoy incorporating relaxation techniques into a massage
• Cupping Massage

Preferred styles of massage therapy used in treatments

• General Relaxation
• Cupping Massage
• Specific work
• pressure scale 4-7

Education Licenses & Certifications

• First Institute Massage Therapy School – Crystal Lake, 2015
• Licensed Massage Therapist since 2022

Treatment Philosophy – Ashley believes massage therapy should be viewed as a necessity rather than a luxury to improve one’s quality of life.   Massage will help alleviate signs and symptoms that affect the body, mind and spirit.

Specialties & Types of Clients best suited to my style of therapy

• clients who like pressure and need specificity

• enjoy incorporating relaxation techniques into a massage

Preferred styles of massage therapy used in treatments

• myofascial release and trigger point therapy incorporated into a deep Swedish massage
• pressure scale 7-8

Education Licenses & Certifications

• College of Lake County, Massage Therapy Certification 2011
• Licensed Massage Therapist since 2011
• Hot Stone Therapy
• Prenatal Massage
• Cupping 2017
• MLD 2019

Treatment Philosophy – Brandon believes that massage therapy complements self-healing qualities that already lie deep within the body.  He thinks that touch enables restoration to the body by increasing blood circulation to the muscles as well as creating a sense of comfort and relaxation.  

Specialties & Types of Clients best suited to my style of therapy

• Clients suffering from anxiety, depression, panic attacks, PTSD
• Clients who have jobs or a lifestyle that is more sedentary
• Clients suffering from hypertension, chronic stress, migraines
• Clients who are active, exercise and those wanting to complement physical therapy and or chiropractic care
• Clients looking for cupping massage

Preferred styles of massage therapy used in treatments

• Swedish, Pregnancy, Trigger Point Therapy, Deep Tissue, Stretching, Myofascial Release 
• Pressure Scale 4-8

Education, Licenses & Certifications

• Associates in Massage Therapy – National University of Health Sciences Lombard 2020
• Licensed Massage Therapist 2021
• Bachelor of Science Business Administration – IL State University 2019
• CPR Certified 2022

Treatment Philosophy – Christine believes in using a relaxing, “melting” approach to her
massages. She strives to provide nurturing comfort while integrating therapeutic techniques
that incorporate joint mobilization and gentle stretching to assist in reducing pain while
increasing mobility. Her goal is to ensure that each client leaves with a feeling of ease and
relaxation.

Specialties & Types of Clients best suited to my style of therapy

• clients needing to relax and reduce stress
• enjoys providing Swedish and clinical massage therapy
• clients with fibromyalgia, arthritis
• working with clients to help reduce the pain and discomfort that occurs in the neck, shoulders and back associated with prolonged sitting from computer work or cellphone use

Preferred styles of massage therapy used in treatments

• Swedish relaxation, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, stretching
• hot and Himalayan salt stone massage, cupping
• pressure scale 3-7

Education Licenses & Certifications

• Cortiva Institute Crystal Lake January 2012
• Licensed Massage Therapist since 2012
• Hot Stone 2014
• Bamboo Fusion 2014
• Cupping

Treatment Philosophy – Our bodies have great healing abilities and massage can assist in the process.  By starting with gentle compressions and working from the superficial muscles to the deeper tissue as needed, muscles can return to their optimum state of function.  The better function enables us to continue doing the activities we love to do with the ones we love.

Specialties & Types of Clients best suited to my style of therapy

• clients needing to relax and destress 
• enjoys providing Swedish and clinical massage therapy
• clients with fibromyalgia, athletes & musicians – young and old, clients new to massage therapy, and those looking for a more, gentle approach (light to moderate pressure)
• successfully works with clients whose jobs require long periods of computer/desk work, which often brings about a forward head posture affecting the neck, upper back, and shoulder muscles

Preferred styles of massage therapy used in treatments

• Swedish, relaxation, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, stretching, and chair massage 
• sessions of Raindrop Therapy, hot or cold stone massage, and Himalayan salt stone massage
• pressure scale 3-7

Education Licenses & Certifications

• Cortiva Institute Crystal Lake March 2010
• Licensed Massage Therapist since 2010
• Myofascial Release Certification 2011
• Pregnancy Certification 2015
• Reiki 2017
• Cupping 2017
• Bamboo Fusion 2020
• Auth Forearm Method

Treatment Philosophy – Joseph believes that Massage Therapists are one of only a few healthcare workers who see clients weekly/monthly and are indirectly/directly affecting quality of life.  He treats everyone as the most important person in his life.

Specialties & Types of Clients best suited to his style of therapy

• clients needing to relax and destress
• enjoys providing Deep tissue and sports massage therapy
• clients with sports injuries, athletes, and those looking to complement their physical therapy with specific massage and stretching
• clients who have suffered from hip/knee replacements, shoulder, and low back pain
• successfully works with clients who workout and have active lifestyles, as well as those new to physical fitness who are looking to manage weight loss and need additional support with massage therapy

Preferred styles of massage therapy used in treatments

• Post-rehab, neuromuscular, Trigger Point and myofascial release, trigger point therapy, cupping, deep tissue and stretching
• pressure scale 4-8

Education Licenses & Certifications

• Cortiva Institute Crystal Lake 2010
• Licensed Massage Therapist since 2010
• Kinesiotaping 2014
• Reflexology – 2015
• National Academy of Sports Medicine – Certified Personal Trainer
• Rehab Specialist Certification in Physical Therapy 1992
• BS in Exercise Science UIC Chicago 1997
• BS in Psychology – Elmhurst College 1994
• Associates in Science – Triton College 1993

Treatment Philosophy – Karen believes in treating muscles both anteriorly and posteriorly to correct holding patterns and release tightened areas contracted by life. She is passionate and enjoys working in clinical settings unwinding postural patterns.

Specialties & Types of Clients best suited to my style of therapy  

• headache relief, neck and shoulders, low back/lumbar issues, frozen shoulder, scar tissue & rehabilitative massage

Preferred styles of massage therapy used in treatments  

• deep tissue, Cranio-Sacral techniques, therapeutic stretch, body mobilization, pin and stretch, myofascial release, slow deep effleurage, sports massage, injury rehab
• a treatment with me focuses on how the body is used and what muscles are affected by the movement; next, addressing areas affected by your repetitive motions
• my treatment is elongating as to create space in the joints and “intersections”
• pressure scale up to 9

Education Licenses & Certifications

• Chicago School of Massage Therapy August 1993
• Licensed Massage Therapist since 1993
• Myofascial Release Certification
• Visceral Manipulation & Craniosacral Therapy – Upledger
• Prenatal Massage
• Anatomy Trains
• Reflexology 2016
• Cupping 2017, 2018
• Essential Oils 2018

Treatment Philosophy – Lauren believes that everyone can benefit from massage therapy treatments as part of a self-care routine. In each individualized session, she promotes ease of movement, increased muscle circulation and more awareness as the body relaxes and returns to a more balanced state.

Specialties & Types of Clients best suited to my style of therapy

• clients who have a specific goal whether it is to relax or to receive focused work
• she is able to consistently adapt to each client’s needs to provide the best experience

Preferred styles of massage therapy used in treatments

• works comfortably doing relaxation massage as well as clinical work
• also enjoys myofascial release, joint mobilization
• pace, stroke and flow depend on the client and the type of massage they are seeking
• pressure scale 4-8

Education Licenses & Certifications

• Harper College Massage Therapy Certificate 2021
• Licensed Massage Therapist 2021
• BFA in Dance University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana 2018

Treatment Philosophy – Yan has been practicing massage therapy for over 7 years. He believes that receiving a massage is like a passive exercise for the body. It is a natural way to help the body to become and stay healthy by improving systemic and local circulation. We are healthy when the body circulation is good.

Specialties & Types of Clients best suited to my style of therapy

• clients who have a specific goal whether it is to relax or to receive focused work
• he is able to consistently adapt to each client’s needs to provide the best experience

Preferred styles of massage therapy used in treatments

• he is a peaceful and thoughtful massage therapist and can adapt his style of relaxation and clinical techniques to your needs
• especially enjoys providing trigger point therapy, deep tissue and acupressure to “knots” or areas of tension
• likes a more upbeat tempo during the treatment but can use a variety of tempos as well
• pressure scale 4-10

Education Licenses & Certifications

• Elite Professional Career Institute 2021
• Licensed Massage Therapist 2021
• Introduction to Medical and Community Interpreting 2016
• Training in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Massage, Acupuncture, Cupping and Guasha 2004
• Martial Arts
• Cruise Ship Industry