We are pleased to introduce you to our staff: Our staff consists of therapeutic massage practitioners, medical massage practitioners and a varied range of wellness practitioners: Click here and link to Customer Testimonials

MASSAGE THERAPISTS:
There are two tiers of therapists from which you may choose: therapeutic massage practitioners or medical massage practitioners. Many of our maintenance/relaxation massage therapists practice medical massage techniques but these therapists are still in the process of developing their medical massage skill and experience. Please reference the hours and pricing and techniques and wellness pages for more details.  

List of Practitioners (see individual profiles below):

 

Profiles of THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE PRACTITIONERS

Barbara Gilly, LMBT #2908   In 1995, Barbara graduated from the Muscular Therapy Institute in Cambridge, Massachusetts where she completed a 1200-hour massage therapy program. Since then, she has practiced in locations throughout New England and North Carolina. Barbara's continuing education includes 300-hours of Shiatsu, five-element theory, and traditional chinese medicine from the Boston Shiatsu School. Additionally, she has training in cranio-sacral massage, reflexology, and hot stone massage. Barbara is presently involved in Hands on Health's neuromuscular medical massage on-site training and certification program.

Marcy Bowden, LMBT #6580 In June 2006, Marcy graduated from Miller-Motte Technical College where she learned deep tissue, trigger-point, sports massage, hot stone, and Swedish massage modalities. She obtained more than 120 hands-on clinic hours, working one-on-one with customers who sought massage for pain relief and relaxation purposes. Before joining the Hands On Health team, she practiced massage therapy in Wilmington, NC. In May 2004, Marcy graduated with a  BA in Government/Political Science from Campbell University, NC and interned in the Attorney General's office of Delaware and DA office in Lillington, NC. She has over 10 years of experience in the customer service industry. Presently, Marcy studies medical massage by partaking in Hands on Health's integrative neuromuscular therapy certification program.

Donna Zubrod, LMBT #7120 In 2006, Donna graduated from the Body Therapy Institute in Siler City, NC where she studied anatomy and physiology and deep tissue, trigger-point, sports massage, and Swedish massage modalities. She also obtained more than 60 hands-on clinic hours, working one-on-one with oncology patients and caregivers who sought massage for pain relief and relaxation purposes. Donna can directly relate to the effects of poor workplace ergonomics and stress on posture and finds massage therapy was one way that kept her "in touch" and out of pain while working full-time in a corporate office environment for the past 26 years. Current continuing education achievements include I-NMT #1, Internal Jaw/Anterior Neck/Spine & CranioSacral therapy Level 1, Upledger Institute. Donna’s dream is to advance her studies in medical massage and she is currently participating in Hands on Health’s integrative neuromuscular therapy certification program.

Tammy Dunsmore, LMBT #7378 In June 2007, Tammy graduated from the American and European Massage Clinic located in Raleigh, NC where she studied with Vadimir Bogatov, MD. Before joining the Hands On Health team, she obtained a BS in education with an emphasis in sports medicine from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va. She then went on to practice as a certified athletic trainer in a physical therapy clinic for seven years. Presently, Tammy studies medical massage by partaking in Hands on Health's integrative neuromuscular myofascial therapy certification program. Tammy's continuing education includes many hours of credits in athletic training studying knee/ankle therapy and elbow/shoulder therapy. She is very passionate about helping those with neck/shoulder strains, headaches caused by TMJD, plantar fasciitis, and medial/lateral epicondylitis of the elbow.

Jessica Silverman, LMBT #6022 In Fall, 2005, Jessica graduated from Miller-Motte Technical College in Wilmington, NC, a 500+ hour massage therapy certification program. She learned a variety of techniques such as Swedish relaxation, deep tissue, and pregnancy massage. Her hands-on experience includes more  than 120 session hours with customers seeking pain relief and relaxation therapies. Prior to becoming a massage therapist, Jessica studied marine biology at Brunswick Community College in Supply, NC and interned at Fort Fisher Aquarium. She is open water scuba certified. Her background includes 14 years of dance and theater and she comes from a "family of theatrical/teacher folk". Presently, Jessica studies medical massage by partaking in Hands on Health's integrative neuromuscular therapy certification program.

Cheryl Hynes, LMBT #7425 Cheryl had been told for years that she should go into massage therapy. After taking several "scenic paths" she attended the Medical Arts School in Raleigh, NC and completing her certification in 2007. Before aiding others, her interests began with a more self-healing intention. Chronic, recurring back pain led her to an herbalist and then chiropractic. Along her scenic paths she learned a great deal about posture and pain, human anatomy, nutrition, iridology, and the body's chemistry of self-healing.  "I realized that had I been referred to massage therapy years ago my back pain may have been alleviated. It took a long time for someone to finally mention that I should try massage therapy. I immediately felt better and the results were long lasting...I want to help people with their pain struggles with whatever methods I can provide. I want to learn all that I possibly can. I am very interested in the medical aspect as well as aromatherapy, energy work, and nutrition.

Rebecca Blanchette, LMBT #8218 Rebecca received her 720 hour massage therapy training from the Medical Arts School in Raleigh, NC. She is nationally certified, holds a NC license in massage and bodywork therapy, and is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association. Rebecca emphasizes keeping in touch with hands-on healing and understanding and focusing on each client's individual needs. Through a combination of trigger point, hot stone therapy, Swedish, deep tissue, and Reflexology, she helps restore and maintain the natural balance of the body/mind that is so easily disrupted by stresses of daily living. Rebecca enjoys working with pregnant women, infants, and with a dental assistant background, a special interest in TMJ pain relief. Her continuing education includes treatment of the internal jaw and anterior neck with Hands On Health's I-NMT medical massage training seminars.

Jennifer Henderson, LMBT #5661 After graduating from the Medical Arts Massage School in early 2005, Jennifer was recruited for the Hands on Health team by one of her former therapeutic techniques teachers, Laura Landsiedel. Laura was impressed by Jennifer's attention to detail in her hands-on work as well as her comprehensive written treatment analyses. Jennifer's therapeutic touch comes naturally and gives one the impression that she has been a practicing therapist for years. "I would refer any one of my patients to her for a massage treatment...without hesitation," Dr. Elizabeth Etemad, DO; family practice and physical medicine.

Brenden O'Hara, LMBT #5122 Brenden graduated from the Albany College of Pharmacy in 1997 and has been a practicing licensed pharmacist since 1998. Brenden returned to school in 2003 to obtain his licensure in massage and bodywork therapy. After graduating from the Body Therapy Institute in Siler City, NC, Brenden joined the Hands on Health team. Brenden's dual careers in medicine and massage therapy make him a knowledgeable candidate for medical massage therapy training at Hands on Health. Currently, Brenden practices maintenance and relaxation therapies as well as training medical massage therapies. Brenden brings sensitivity, knowledge, and an eagerness to be supportive to each of his massage therapy sessions.

Profiles of MEDICAL MASSAGE THERAPISTS

Meridith McVickar, LMBT #4368 Meridith received her massage therapy certification from the Medical Arts Massage School in 2003. In June, 2006, Meridith completed her medical massage training and became a certified St. John neuromuscular massage therapist. Additional continuing education includes Tom Meyers - Postural Assessment and Body Reading. Meridith has a background in Fine Arts Studies from UNC Greensboro. Her background in stage theater gives her unique insight when working with artists, dancers, and theater professionals. Meridith excels at postural assessment, temporomandibular joint (tmj) release, and treatment of hip and neck dysfunction via the practice of pelvic stabilization.

Nancy Jo Campbell, LMBT #5140                                                                    In 1986, Nancy graduated with a BA from Warren Wilson College where she studied Fine Arts. She graduated from the Body Therapy Institute where she completed a 650-hour massage therapy certification program in 2004. She passed the national certification exam and was licensed by North Carolina shortly thereafter. In June 2005, Nancy joined the Hands on Health team. Not only did she bring solid Swedish, deep tissue, myofascial, and observation and analysis skills, Nancy was able to tap into her former career by assisting with promotion and advertising, graphic design, and publishing Hands On Health's e-newsletter. After two and a half years of practicing medical massage, receiving direct mentorship from advanced practitioners, and over 100 in-class hours, Nancy became a certified Integrative Neuromuscular Myofascial therapist. Her passion is with facilitating wellness and lifestyle choices and helping her clients with chronic pain issues via massage and therapeutic education.

WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS:

Mary Ellen Decker, RN, Skin Care Specialist, Clinical Educator Mary Ellen Decker is a former neonatal intensive care unit nurse who developed an interest in skin care through years of experience and research in wound treatment and management. In May of 2000, Mary Ellen received Advanced Aesthetic Certification from the American College of Advanced Aesthetics in Atlanta, Georgia. She has additional training in skin laser techniques and minimally invasive skin care treatments. In 2003, Mary Ellen Decker launched her own skin care business, Aesthetic Results, Advanced Skin Therapies Treatment and Educational Center. Besides offering treatments locally, Mary Ellen is a clinical educator throughout the United States, teaching physicians, nurses and other aesthetic clinicians proficiency in anti-aging strategies. To set up a consultation or to obtain additional information about the techniques and services she offers, please call Mary Ellen Decker at 919-244-0668.

Barbara Gilly, Foot Reflexology                                                                                          See Barbara's profile under massage therapists above.

Mocha "du Doggie" Landsiedel, wellness greetings coordinator In 2002, Mocha joined the staff of Hands on Health as resident therapy dog on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Mocha's presence has been known to lower blood pressure, induce spontaneous animal adoptions, and ear-to-ear smiles. Mocha also would like to put others at ease; she does not bite or bark, she parks her fur at the end of Laura's treatment table, she practices only in Raleigh, and in her seven years of practice has not caused an allergic response with her clients. Although unhappy to do so, she respects some people's wishes for her to stay out of the room during the session. Additionally, scratches, belly rubs, and treats are always welcome!

~Keys to excellence ...

Compassion, skill, & practice~