Therapist Bios

Meet Our Awesome Team!

Sandy

Owner/President, Licensed Massage Therapist
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.

Bobbe

Education & Training Director, Licensed Massage Therapist
The opportunity to serve and help guide the massage therapy profession to become what it can be is extraordinary. Bobbe's focus has been and continues to be helping solidify massage therapy standards of excellence and competency through development/revision of curriculum, training, orientation, observation, and performance evaluation of staff to ensure consistency.

Joseph

Licensed Massage Therapist
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.

Karen

Licensed Massage Therapist
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.

Lauren

Licensed Massage Therapist
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...

Gayle

Licensed Massage Therapist
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.

Rick

Licensed Massage Therapist
Rick believes that massage therapy is a crucial component to supporting a healthy lifestyle. Whether one seeks out deep relaxation or more specific bodywork, massage has the ability to create a more balanced state essential for our body. Rick takes pride in his touch and intuitive...

Jessi

Licensed Massage Therapist
Jessi believes that massage is an important aspect/therapy for well-being. It is important to her to work with each individual to create a quiet, comfortable massage environment in order to listen, nurture, and encourage the body to change and restore balance.

Nando

Licensed Massage Therapist
Nando believes that regular massage therapy is a necessity that everyone could benefit from to support one’s health. Depending on what each client is looking for, he can provide a therapeutic massage to promote relaxation as well as a more specific approach to reduce discomfort. Each massage session will be customized to meet your specific needs. In addition, he incorporates self-care practices to help maintain the benefits of the massage therapy received.

Isabel

Licensed Massage Therapist
Isabel believes in setting the highest and greatest intentions for her clients so that they receive excellent services. Healing happens when the client acknowledges that pain can result from physical, mental or emotional trauma. Many have endured some form of stress with our bodies coping with that stress in a physical response. The magic happens when she and the client discover the root of their issues and begin resolving them through any of the methods mentioned above.

Julia

Licensed Massage Therapist
Julia is passionate about helping people feel good in their bodies so they can live well and thrive in their daily lives. Julia provides personalized sessions to achieve desired levels of functionality and to support overall well-being. Her emphasis is a gentle, mindful experience that promotes relaxation and balance within the body. Julia is committed to using her depth of knowledge and life experience to collaborate with her clients and to empower them to achieve their wellness goals.

Amy

Licensed Massage Therapist
Amy believes massage therapy is more than just relief from aches and tension – it’s a way to reconnect with their body and restore balance. She is convinced that stress, pain, and past experiences manifest physically and through intentional, personalized care, she can help clients release what no longer serve them.

Matthew

Licensed Massage Therapist
Matthew has always been passionate about helping through the service of others. Whether it was during his time serving in the United States Air Force, helping his Schnauzer puppies Lola and Holly, to serving his clients through massage therapy. Massage therapy has a unique opportunity for the client and the therapist...

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Sandy

Owner/President, Licensed Massage Therapist

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 their 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 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 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

 

Bobbe

Education & Training Director, Licensed Massage Therapist

Treatment Philosophy: The opportunity to serve and help guide the massage therapy profession to become what it can be is extraordinary. Bobbe’s focus has been and continues to be helping solidify massage therapy standards of excellence and competency through development/revision of curriculum, training, orientation, observation, and performance evaluation of staff to ensure consistency. 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. She believes 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.

Specialties & Types of Clients best suited to their style of massage therapy:

  • To help people understand their body so that they can realize their potential for growth and healing.
  • To collaborate with clients who are looking for stress relief, relaxation as well as alleviating pain.

Preferred styles of massage therapy used in treatments:

  • I use an eclectic approach to performing massage treatments based on the goals of the session. I always try to release soft tissues with techniques that are easiest to receive on the body first.
  • Anatomically focused work whether the treatment is for relaxation or a specific clinical approach.
  • Myofascial Release, Neuromuscular Therapy, movement/mobilization, stretch and lengthen, and techniques that promote circulation.
  • Pressure scale 4-8.

Education Licenses & Certifications:

  • Chicago School of Massage Therapy 1986
  • Licensed Massage Therapist
  • University of Illinois B.S. Physical Education 1970
  • Cortiva Education Director 2008-2013
  • Massage Therapy Technique and Musculoskeletal Anatomy Instructor 1987-Present
  • Dance/Exercise Instructor 1970-1985
  • Neuromuscular Massage Therapy Certification 1988
  • Kinesiotape
  • Sports Massage
  • MLD Certification 2016
  • Cupping 2017

Joseph

Licensed Massage Therapist

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 their 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 work out 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, 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
  • Cupping 2023

Karen

Licensed Massage Therapist

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 their 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 her focuses on how the body is used and what muscles are affected by the movement; next, addressing areas affected by your repetitive motions.
  • Her 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
  • Manual Somatic Rehabilitation 2020

Lauren

Licensed Massage Therapist

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 their style of therapy

  • Clients who have a specific goal whether it is to relax or to receive focused work.
  • She consistently adapts 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.
  • 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

Gayle

Licensed Massage Therapist

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.  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 their 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.
  • 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 2010
  • Myofascial Release Certification 2011
  • Pregnancy Certification 2015
  • Reiki 2017
  • Cupping 2017
  • Bamboo Fusion 2020
  • Auth Forearm Method
  • MLD Certification 2023

Rick

Licensed Massage Therapist

Treatment Philosophy – Rick believes that massage therapy is a crucial component to supporting a healthy lifestyle.  Whether one seeks out deep relaxation or more specific bodywork, massage has the ability to create a more balanced state essential for our body.  Rick takes pride in his touch and intuitive nature and uses those attributes to deliver a personalized treatment plan based on each client.

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

  • Clients seeking ultimate relaxation and relieving stress.
  • Clients finding the importance of receiving regular massage for their well-being.
  • Clients dealing with neck and headache pain incorporating specific work with relaxation and scalp massage.
  • Expecting mothers are on his wish list clients, as he loves helping to nurture the bond between mother and child.

Preferred styles of massage therapy used in treatments

  • Swedish/relaxation; chair massage.
  • Himalayan and hot stone massage.
  • Enjoys myofascial release, specific work, trigger point therapy.
  • Working at a balanced, slow pace.
  • Pressure scale 4-8.

Education Licenses & Certifications

  • The Soma Institute Certificate 2017
  • Licensed Massage Therapist 2017
  • Illinois State University, BS Communicative Disorders 1989
  • Pregnancy Certification 2019

Jessi

Licensed Massage Therapist

Treatment Philosophy – Jessi believes that massage is an important aspect/therapy for well-being.  It is important to her to work with each individual to create a quiet, comfortable massage environment in order to listen, nurture, and encourage the body to change and restore balance. Through regular massage, she believes you will be able to maximize your wellness by decreasing the effects of stress and muscle dysfunction.

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

  • Working with clients looking for stress relief, relaxation as well as alleviating pain.
  • Pre/post-natal massage.

Preferred styles of massage therapy used in treatments

  • Swedish massage.
  • Hot and Himalayan salt stone massage.
  • Clinical or specific work utilizing trigger point therapy.
  • Cupping
  • Pressure scale 3-8.

Education Licenses & Certifications

  • Utah College of Massage Therapy, 1997-98
  • Licensed Massage Therapist 2009 (Colorado/Illinois)
  • LaStone Hot Stone Certification, Colorado 2002
  • Prenatal Certification, BCMT, 2007
  • Cupping 1, ICTA, 2021

Nando

Licensed Massage Therapist

Treatment Philosophy – Nando believes that regular massage therapy is a necessity that everyone could benefit from to support one’s health. Depending on what each client is looking for, he can provide a therapeutic massage to promote relaxation as well as a more specific approach to reduce discomfort. Each massage session will be customized to meet your specific needs. In addition, he incorporates self-care practices to help maintain the benefits of the massage therapy received.

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

  • Clients who are active and well aware of their body and have specific complaints.
  • Clients new to receiving massage or those returning to massage.
  • Clients of every age to enhance their understanding of how to feel good in their body.

Preferred styles of massage therapy used in treatments

  • Enjoys myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and assists with stretching.
  • Working at a slow, steady pace using a variety of strokes following the contours of the body.
  • Pressure scale 4-8.

Education Licenses & Certifications

  • Chicago School of Massage Therapy 1998
  • Licensed Massage Therapist 1999
  • Myofascial Massage Certification 2000
  • Prenatal Massage Certification 2012
  • Manual Lymphatic Drainage Certification 2024
  • Associates Degree in Applied Science, Physical Therapy Assistant, Morton College 2013

Isabel

Licensed Massage Therapist

Treatment Philosophy – Isabel believes in setting the highest and greatest intentions for her clients so that they receive excellent services. Healing happens when the client acknowledges that pain can result from physical, mental or emotional trauma. Many have endured some form of stress with our bodies coping with that stress in a physical response.  The magic happens when she and the client discover the root of their issues and begin resolving them through any of the methods mentioned above. Her goal is to work together to take better care of their long-term health. She loves helping her clients on their journey to a balanced, mindful, and happy life.

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

  • Isabel enjoys working with athletes, post operative patients, pre/postnatal, reiki and anyone seeking self- care!
  • She enjoys mobilization techniques and stretching.
  • Hot Stone Therapy.

Preferred styles of massage therapy used in treatments

  • She prefers to take a therapeutic approach to massage.
  • She focuses on consistent pressure and sustaining an appropriate level of engagement in the tissue, working with the client’s comfort level.
  • She adjusts the pace during her sessions to encourage relaxation and uses proper engagement to promote circulation throughout the body.
  • She enjoys incorporating stretch techniques to vitalize the joints and optimize their abilities.
  • Pressure scale 3-8.

Education Licenses & Certifications

  • European Massage Therapy School 2016
  • Licensed Massage Therapist 2016
  • Pre/Post Natal Massage Certification 2019
  • Reiki 2022
  • CNA Certified 2017

Julia

Licensed Massage Therapist & Certified Asian Bodywork Therapist

Treatment Philosophy – Julia is passionate about helping people feel good in their bodies so they can live well and thrive in their daily lives. Julia provides personalized sessions to achieve desired levels of functionality and to support overall well-being. Her emphasis is a gentle, mindful experience that promotes relaxation and balance within the body. Julia is committed to using her depth of knowledge and life experience to collaborate with her clients and to empower them to achieve their wellness goals. Julia was a successful chef and restaurant owner who understands a stressful lifestyle and has benefited from years of body work. Now it’s her life’s mission to share this with others.

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

  • Julia’s specialties are Zen Shiatsu, Asian Bodywork Therapy, and Craniosacral Therapy.
  • Clients that will benefit from Julia’s style include those with chronic pain, people with mental health concerns, individuals who have many demands on their time and would like to release built-up tension, and anyone needing help to relax and sleep well.

Preferred styles of massage therapy used in treatments

  • Julia specializes in Zen Shiatsu which is a hands-on touch therapy that provides physical relief from tension, fatigue, pain, and stiffness. Shiatsu improves circulation while strengthening the musculoskeletal system, the nervous system and organ function. It is energy-based body work that balances the entire system, thereby facilitating healing, well-being, and connection on all levels: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual.
  • Julia’s style is a deeply relaxing and nurturing preventative therapy that helps build immunity and resilience. Works with the fluidity of joints through passive movement and stretching.
  • Zen Shiatsu delivers a different experience to that of western massage styles due to it being performed fully clothed and without the use of oil.

        Education Licenses & Certifications

  • Shiatsu Massage Certification from Zen Shiatsu Chicago – 2024
  • Shiatsu Mastery Program, Zen Shiatsu Chicago – 2025
  • Licensed Massage Therapist / Illinois – 2024
  • Nationally Certified Asian Bodywork Therapist / AOBTA CP – 2024
  • Craniosacral Certification Levels I, II & III – 2024
  • Certification in Stretching the Emotions – 2024
  • Graduate of The Culinary Institute of America – Hyde Park, NY – 1995
  • DANB’s National Infection Control (ICE) Certification – 2020
  • DANB’s National Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) Certification – 2020

Amy

Licensed Massage Therapist

Treatment Philosophy – Amy believes massage therapy is more than just relief from aches and tension – it’s a way to reconnect with their body and restore balance. She is convinced that stress, pain, and past experiences manifest physically and through intentional, personalized care, she can help clients release what no longer serve them. Every session is an opportunity to listen to what a client’s body needs, whether it is deep relaxation, targeted pain relief or simply a moment to breathe. Her goal is to create a welcoming space where clients can unwind and heal so that they leave feeling better physically, mentally and emotionally.

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

  • Swedish/Relaxation.
  • Enjoys incorporating relaxation techniques into a massage.

Preferred styles of massage therapy used in treatments

  • General Relaxation.
  • Specific work.
  • Pressure scale 4-7.

Education Licenses & Certifications

  • First Institute Massage Therapy School – Crystal Lake 2015
  • Licensed Massage Therapist since 2022
  • Cupping 2023

Matthew

Licensed Massage Therapist

Treatment Philosophy – Matthew has always been passionate about helping through the service of others. Whether it was during his time serving in the United States Air Force, helping his Schnauzer puppies Lola and Holly, to serving his clients through massage therapy. Massage therapy has a unique opportunity for the client and the therapist, working together to enhance the mind/body connection through trust, respect, education, self-awareness, and the healing power of touch. He believes that massage therapy is an important component to taking care of oneself just as eating healthy, exercising, and getting enough sleep. Matthew feels it is an honor, and privilege, to have the unique opportunity to help you take care of yourself.

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

  • Clients new to receiving massage or those returning to massage.
  • Working with clients looking for stress relief, relaxation, as well as alleviating pain.
  • He enjoys working with clients of all ages, helping them understand the importance of receiving regular massage for their individual care needs.

Preferred Styles of massage therapy used in treatments

  • Works comfortably performing Swedish massage as well as specific work.
  • Sport massage, Deep Tissue and Stretching.
  • Pressure scale 2 – 8

Education Licenses & Certifications

  • European School of Massage Therapy – Skokie, IL. 2014
  • Licensed Massage Therapist 2014
  • United States Air Force Active Duty 2000-2004
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