Meet Kneaded Relief’s Massage Therapists
Mary
WI Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), Nationally Certified in Therapeutic, Massage and Bodywork (NCTMB)
Hi! My name is Mary. I am a Wisconsin Registered and Nationally Certified Massage Therapist. I have been practicing massage therapy since 1998 and I am a professional member of the International Massage Association. I have over 650 hours of training, including the following modalities: Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Therapy, Sports Massage, Neuromuscular therapy, Reflexology, Sinus Massage, Aromatherapy, and Body Mobilization. I have also completed continuing education in Muscle Release Techniques for the treatment of chronic pain and repetitive use injuries such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Most recently, I have completed continuing education in LaStone Therapy.
I incorporate into each massage part of all these modalities, tailoring each massage to suit the individual needs of the client. I listen to what each client is telling me about his or her own physical symptoms and apply this to how I will effectively treat each person. Whether their needs are relaxation for stress relief or treatment of acute or chronic pain, educating clients on the benefits of plenty of water and teaching the importance of stretching are all keys to helping each client achieve their desired result. Take advantage of a massage therapist who will give you her undivided attention. You’ll be glad you did!
“Mary is fantastic! Always love my massages!”
Angie
WI Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), Nationally Certified in Therapeutic, Massage and Bodywork (NCTMB)
Hello! My name is Angie, and I’m so grateful to be part of the wellness team here at Kneaded Relief! My passion for massage began with a love for activity. In my household, we’re silent sports enthusiasts (cycling, paddling, x-country skiing, etc.). I’ve learned that performance is based on three things: training, fuel and recovery. Regular massage helps the body heal itself more efficiently by helping to maintain balance.
I graduated from Blue Sky School of Therapeutic Massage and Body work with an emphasis in medical/therapeutic work. I’m currently working towards certification in Precision Neuromuscular Therapy as well as Craniosacral Therapy. However, more than any one modality, what I am most passionate about is helping my clients feel better. No two massages are the same, and I work to tailor my treatment plan to each client’s needs.
I love giving massage as much as receiving it. Whether the goal is stress relief, therapeutic or general relaxation, I am going to do my best to help you feel better.
“Excellent massage from Angie, as always! She is thorough, perceptive, and professional. I always look forward to coming in to Kneaded Relief, and specifically, having a massage from Angie.”
Tori
WI Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), Nationally Certified in Therapeutic, Massage and Bodywork (NCTMB)
Hello and welcome! My name is Tori and I’m so excited to be back and part of the Kneaded Relief team. My wellness journey has taken me down many paths over the years. Starting out in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, I was honored to work alongside and learn from many knowledgeable healers such as yogis, acupuncturist, chiropractor and nutritionists. While in Portland OR, I enjoyed hiking the many trails, camping on the mountain and exploring all the treasures of the ocean. After a few years back home I decided to pack the Volvo wagon up and head back to Madison WI to enjoy lake life, fireflies and all the good times that come with Midwest living.
One thing I love about being a therapist is that every human body is beautiful and unique, and yet universally the same. Through touch we can become more in-tune with our self and our environment. So much of the time we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives that we forget to stop and enjoy the simplicity of it all. I find massage a time to quiet the mind, calm the nerves, let go of our daily tension, and simply breathe and be one with ourselves. I like to listen to the body and let it tell me where to go. I utilize both intuition and simple technique, which flow together to create a harmony within, and help the body and mind communicate and find balance. Through a mixture of basic and comfortable technique such as Swedish, Deep Tissue, Trigger Point, Myofascial Release and breath work, I try to create a smooth, steady and lasting experience for every client.
I’ve been doing massage full-time going on ten years now and love that it continues to be a new experience with every client that walks through my door. I find there is something to learn from every individual, and human connection is the first step to communication. I’m honored to take part in your journey of a healthier and more balanced life style.
“I so very much enjoyed my massage and time with her. Honestly it is the best massage I can remember having.”
“Firm, steady and continuous. She recognized where I was needing extra work and focused on those areas.”
Erica
WI Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)
Hello there! I hope I get the opportunity to work with you. I have been practicing massage since 2011. I began my college path with Graphic Design and realized that it wasn’t what I wanted to do in life. A friend suggested I go for Massage Therapy, but this career path had never even crossed my mind before. So I looked into the program liked what I saw, and enrolled at Globe University in La Crosse WI. After starting classes, I really enjoyed doing massage and I knew I had made an excellent choice.
Since graduating massage school I decided to keep going to college. I have always had a strong passion for art and after hearing about the amazing Art Therapy Program at Edgewood College, I packed my things and moved to Madison. I’m currently working towards my Masters in Art Therapy and minoring in Psychology and Studio Art. After completing my degree, I plan to work with Military men and women coming back from overseas who suffer from psychological disorders from combat exposure. I will be able to help them with the use of art, to help them express themselves through art rather than verbally expressing their experiences. I also plan to keep doing massage and bettering my skills.
In addition to everything I do, what brings me great joy is painting and drawing. In my spare time I do a lot of my own personal art work. I also like to go biking, hiking, shoot archery, snow shoe and read.
“Tremendous prenatal massage and spa experience. Erica Jean is very skilled and I would highly recommend!”
Mezi
WI Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)
Hello, my name is Mezi I’m a massage therapist at Kneaded Relief. I came from Addis Ababa Ethiopia when I was 21 years old. I graduated from East West healing arts in 2016. Prior to that, I was a Certified Nursing Assistant at UW Hospital on the oncology floor, which was my initial motivation to start my journey to become a massage therapist.
I didn’t know that people went to school for massage, until I was planning on going to nursing school. One of our nurses suggested I go because a patient had “loved” what I did for them. I started looking at massages schools and found a program at East West.
I came across a post from Kneaded Relief for massage therapists and applied. The spa seemed like a great environment for me to be a part of since I enjoy helping others in the healing process.
I have always had a heart to help people. Through all the schooling and massage experiences I have learned the healing power of touch. Techniques of massage and body healing that I specialize in are Swedish, Prenatal, Hot Stones, Fire Cupping and Reiki.
“Mezi is a wonderful soul. Kind, caring and compassionate.”
“Mezi did an awesome job. I came in tense with tight muscles and left feeling Fantabulous! Thanks Mezi!”
Duke
Co-Owner, Fitness Professional
WI Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)
Hello, my name is Duke Harvey and I would like to tell you a little story about me. I was born in Cleveland, MS a long time ago. I have two brothers and three sisters, mom and dad. I’m the youngest of my brothers. We moved from Mississippi in 1976 to Chicago, Illinois. What a major change for me. From slow pace to fast pace, overnight. Stayed in Chicago a few years and mom’s decided it is time for another change. We moved to Middleton, Wisconsin in 1981. What a culture/ethic shock. I’m very proud to say that I have a very KOOL mom that always showed me love and taught me how to understand and accept the good things that life has to offer. As my journey continues with day-to-day changes, I left Middleton and moved to Madison the following year. There I went to Verona High School and graduated from West High School. Yeah, I know a lot of folks.
After high school, I continued to explore life and landed my first full time job in 1984, Humana Insurance Co. In April 1985, my son was born. I have been a single parent since 1986. I resigned from Humana in April 2002 as an Account Executive Medical Underwriter. During the 18+ years in Corporate America, I tailored my life on what keeps me happy. I really enjoy communicating and dealing with people. It’s a natural niche for me. I got into Personal Training 20+ years ago and took that to the next level. From there I moved forward to Natural Bodybuilding, that’s a major “rush,” extremely fun and exciting.
I met Nichol Schumacher (my business partner) at Bally’s Health Club (in which the gym was my second home). Eleven months later in December 1997, Nichol and I purchased Kneaded Relief Day Spa. Another goal completed. I enrolled at A SpiriTouch Massage School in July 1999 and completed the 700 hour program in: Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, Reiki I, Posturology by Paul St. John, trigger point, acupressure massage, sports massage, lymphatic drainage massage (head, neck and shoulders), St. John’s Neuromuscular Pelvic Stabilization, utilization motions massage, hydrotherapy and aromatherapy massage.
I graduated from A SpiriTouch Massage School in May 2000. After a car
accident, I became unable to perform massages, but I continue to find
fulfillment in personal training and meeting all the wonderful people that
visit us at Kneaded Relief. Well, this chapter is coming to a close; I would
like to thank you for reading this.
My next journey is to get to know “you.” Live in peace and keep smiling.
Cryssanne
WI Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)
Hello, my name is Cryssanne! Welcome to the most beautiful Day Spa in Madison, Wisconsin! I received my Massage Therapy diploma from the Aveda Institute of Beauty and Wellness and earned my license as a Massage Therapist in February 2023. During the fall of 2022, I discovered Kneaded Relief through a bus tour I went on with my former classmates and absolutely fell in love with the location, cleanliness, and friendliness of the staff. Shortly after that impressive tour, I decided to dip my toe in the water and applied to Kneaded Relief. Before I became certified, I started out as a Guest Service Representative so that I could experience what my career as a future LMT would be like working for a Spa.
In 2016 I graduated from Hope College in Holland Michigan with a Dual Major in Dance Performance and Choreography and Psychology. My dream was to pursue my craft and become a professional dancer in a big city with a Dance Company. As for my Psychology degree, I knew that I had an interest in helping people and wanted to have a career that would make that passion of mine become a reality. I moved back home to Madison, Wisconsin, and danced with a Modern Dance Company for a few years. Understanding how the body and the human mind connect, plays such an important role in Massage Therapy. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I was called to pursue this career.
On February 8, 2020, I lost my father. His passing awakened my spirit and because of his story, it helped me find my calling which gave me a window of opportunity to shine in ways I never knew that I could. Over time, I’ve realized that my passion for helping others led me to become the healing hand that I am today. I believe that a Massage Therapist should lead you through a session that is tailored to your body and helps you find the grounding and peace that is within all of us. Finding these tools enhances the wellness of the human body, mind, and spirit and can help us move forward with confidence and hope in better days to come. Every day I genuinely affirm out loud to myself that “I love my job,” because it is the most rewarding career path I have truly ever experienced. I look forward to many years of growth and continuing education. I have finally found myself, and it is my goal to help others find themselves too.
Love and Light, Cryssanne <3
“Cryssanne is a great massage therapist - kind, upbeat, and responsive. I thouroughly enjoyed my recent sixty-minute massage and am hoping to return for another one soon.”
Valerie
WI Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)
Hello! My name is Valerie. I am a Wisconsin Licensed Massage Therapist at Kneaded Relief. I truly love providing massage therapy and working with the muscles, the fascia, and the nervous system. I see this as a way to thank and support our bodies for the incredible constant work they do carrying us through our day, through our lives, and through every situation we encounter.
I graduated from East-West Healing Arts Institute in September of 2022. I enjoy providing both relaxing, grounding massage therapy as well as deep tissue/therapeutic massage to support the body through the process of healing and regenerating in its ongoing work toward balance and health. Every day I am building on my knowledge and experience. I continue to develop my intuition, integrate my understanding, and improve my techniques through education, training, mentorship, and through working with clients. I am infinitely grateful for this process.
I grew up in the Chicagoland area and have been in the Madison area for over 25 years. I value being so close to the lakes, the birds, the trees, and the extraordinary nature we have all around us here as well as the beautiful people, music, restaurants, local businesses, and community. I cherish my friendships, my family and my life. I appreciate connecting with my colleagues and my clients and I am deeply grateful to be part of this unique and absolutely wonderful community here at Kneaded Relief!
“Very friendly and welcoming, easily makes you feel at ease.”
Andreu
WI Licensed Massage Therapist
Path coming soon…