Mary Szegda, MA, ADTR, LMT, CEIM
Spa Room Founder, Massage Therapist and Spa Consultant
mary@sparoommassage.com
I’ve enjoyed many years of working and training in the field of mind-body studies. These days I’m happily integrating my experience as a dance movement therapist, professional counselor and Feldenkrais instructor at The Spa Room. This work is informed by a MA in applied psychology, certification as an Infant Massage Instructor, an intensive study of drama therapy , teaching creative movement in Montessori schools and supporting people with brain injuries in their rehabilitation. I’ve been a licensed massage therapist since 2003.
I love creating new massage spaces and spa menus each with their own unique personality. When I’m not in the massage room, I enjoy choreographing and performing post-modern dance.
It has been an honor and joy to perform and tour with Human Landscapes Dance. Please ask me about it!
MT#0526
Mary does not keep regular hours. Please email us to request a session.
Jessica LaGarde, LMT
Senior Massage Therapist
jessica@sparoommassage.com
I have been practicing massage therapy since graduating from Pomotac Massage Training Institute (PMTI) in early 2006. My work is guided by the belief that we are at our best when we have a quiet mind, an easeful body, and a joyful spirit. Through an intuitive blend of massage, stretching and energy work, I strive to give you the tools to find your way back in to balance. Massage is never something that I do to fix you, but rather a subtle, often subconscious, conversation between the two of us.
My advanced training courses include prenatal massage, infant massage instruction, Active Isolated Stretching, and CranioSacral therapy. I have also received the first level Reiki attunements and worked as a preschool creative movement instructor. One of my favorite things about being a massage therapist is teaching–both massage students and my clients. I developed the Physical Wellness for Handcrafters curriculum for The Yarn Spot in Wheaton, MD and The Spa Room’s community massage education program. I have also served as a lead instructor and clinic supervisor at PMTI.
Away from the massage table, I enjoy knitting, handspinning, cooking, yoga and being outdoors.
MT#0954
Jessica regularly sees clients on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Other appointment times may be available by request.
Tyler Bishton, LMT, GCFP
Licensed Massage Therapist/Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner
tyler@sparoommassage.com
I have had an ongoing interest in massage from a very young age. After getting a degree in Kinesiology (human movement) at University of Maryland, becoming a liscensed massage therapist and certified Feldenkrais Method practitioner, I have been focusing on helping people solve problems in their lives by helping them feel and move better. My background and intensive study of human anatomy, motor learning and development, combined with a lifetime of touching people with the intention of helping them improve their lives, allows me to quickly zero in on problem areas, and get people an astonishing amount of relief in a short period of time and often leaves people saying, “I didn’t know I could feel this good.”
Away from the bodywork table, I spend time whitewater kayaking, practicing tai chi, and enjoy creating challenges like puppet making and juggling.
Tyler sees clients on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Sally S. Burkholder, LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist
sally@sparoommassage.com
I am a graduate of Potomac Massage Training Institute (PMTI), nationally certified, licensed in DC and Maryland, and a member of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). Trained in Swedish and deep tissue massage, I blend these techniques to provide a relaxing and therapeutic treatment session for each client. I have also taken courses in hot stone and prenatal/postpartum massage. I believe that through relaxation and increased body awareness, massage can be a component of whole body wellness.
I love the outdoors and animals of all kinds. In my free time, I also enjoy swimming, running, crafty projects like cake decorating or quilting, and reading!
MT#1299
Sally sees clients on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Suzana Caro, LMT, NCTMB, CD (DONA)
Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Doula
suzana@sparoommassage.com
I have been a certified massage therapist for almost 20 years. Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, I studied massage with a focus on the meridians and points of Chinese Medicine. After moving to Israel in 2000, I studied and received certification as a Birth Doula and Zen Shiatsu Therapist, and worked with developmentally disabled adults using Shiatsu to help them establish greater connection and communication with others. In 2008, I moved to the United States to marry my husband. I completed my US massage program at PMTI in Swedish Massage and Deep Tissue, and received certification in massage for pregnant women with Kate Jordan Seminars. I am a DONA certified Doula and am currently pursuing US Certification in Shiatsu through the Ohashi Institute in NYC.
Melissa Colburn, BSW, LMT
Community Liaison
melissa@sparoommassage.com
I have been practicing as a massage therapist full time for 16 years. I attended Phoenix Therapeutic Massage College (PTMC), Phoenix, AZ and graduated with a Certificate in Therapeutic Massage in 1997. I feel that continuing education and working regularly with other massage therapists is essential to building my skills to better address client issues. In addition to my initial 1,100 hour program, I have over 400 hours of continuing education.
I came to the massage therapy profession after earning my Bachelors of Social Work at the University of Illinois and working for some years as a social worker. I think my background informs my work at the massage table. I enjoy getting to know my clients, their lifestyles and habits, to help them make changes in their environment and activities that can help them support and improve their wellbeing.
Away from the massage table I enjoy walking my dog, Tripper, exploring the city with my partner, Jonathan, teaching fitness classes and volunteering with the American Massage Therapy Association.
Melissa sees clients on Monday, Tuesday and Saturday.
Abby Greene, LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist
abby@sparoommassage.com
Having been raised in a family full of doctors, nurses, and therapists, I was exposed at an early age to the importance of self care. I remember giving my my parents shoulder rubs at the dinner table, at an early age.
The world of medicine does not always focus on the mind-body experience and I wanted to explore that. Studying theatre at UMass-Amherst helped me get in tune with my body through acting, singing, dancing, and using the Alexander Technique. It was after college and moving to DC that I became reacquainted with the study of massage. I graduated from the Potomac Massage Institute and am certified in Swedish massage and Deep tissue. I am also trained in prenatal, hot stone, and employ some Trager tools within my work.
When I am not at the spa room, I work as a floor auctioneer, sing, make jewelry, and love to do strength-training.
Abby sees clients Tuesday- Saturday.
Don Norwood, LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist
don@sparoommassage.com
I attended Potomac Massage Training Institute (PMTI), the most comprehensive massage therapy training program in the region with a curriculum focused on academic knowledge and practical application of human anatomy, kinesiology and pathology as it relates to massage.
In addition to my studies at PMTI, I have studied ayurveda and ayurvedic bodywork at the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health and with Jai Dev Singh, former Clinical Director and Pancha Karma Director at the California College of Ayurveda.
Whether you come for therapeutic massage or an ayurvedic body treatment my goal is to leave you feeling relaxed, renewed, and well cared for.
MT#1382
Don sees clients on Thursdays and Saturdays.
Stephanie Roche, LMT, NCBTMB
Licensed Massage Therapist
stephanie@sparoommassage.com
I attribute my extensive background in dance as what brought me to eventually become a massage therapist. After many years of intensive dance training and a brief professional career in the field, I decided to explore the more “behind the scenes” world of athletes via massage, and attended the Potomac Massage Training Institute here in DC. Upon graduation, I continued working with the school as both a massage therapist and teaching assistant, and later interned with the DC United soccer team in the summer of 2011.
Through my background, schooling, and work experience, I quickly discovered that my personal knowledge of the human body greatly deepened and enhanced my massage practice – not only with athletes, but with all of my clients. I regularly employ modalities including Swedish and deep tissue, and also have training in prenatal massage, active isolated stretching, and Reiki.
I am very interested in the whole picture when it comes to our wellbeing, and the astounding connection between mind, body, and spirit. This greatly contributes to my life outside of my massage practice, where I am studying to become a holistic health coach at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, and am striving to get my yoga teacher training certification in the next year. I also greatly enjoy blogging, both personally and professionally.
MT#1507
Stephanie sees clients Sunday-Thursday.
Heather Tatum, LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist
heather@sparoommassage.com
My life changed when I received my first professional therapeutic massage; from that moment I knew that I wanted to be a massage therapist. Helping people to achieve better
health and wellness is very rewarding and that is among the reasons why I love this work so much!
I particularly enjoy collaborating with clients to come up with a session plan to meet their goals. Together we identify specific concerns (stress, chronic pain, recent muscle tension, injury, etc.) and create a customized session that addresses those needs.
A graduate of the Potomac Massage Training Institute (PMTI) in Washington, DC, I am trained in deep tissue, Swedish, pre-natal, and sports massage.
Having worked at a DC law firm, I recognize the need for massage to relieve stress and bring some balance to our hectic fast-paced lives. I strive to soothe and uplift the human
spirit, one person, one massage at a time.
MT#1706
Heather sees clients Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
Daniel Burkholder, MA
Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner(cm)
daniel@sparoommassage.com
I have taught dance and movement for over 20 years. In addition to my private practice, I have taught at the University of Maryland College Park, George Washington University, American University, Joy of Motion Dance Centers, Dance Place, CityDance Center at Strathmore and at festivals and workshops across North America. I have a M.A. from American University, a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College, a Certificate of Somatic Studies from Moving On Center/School of Participatory Studies in Oakland, CA, and graduated from the Baltimore Professional Feldenkrais Training Program.
Daniel sees students for FI sessions on Mondays and Fridays, and leads ATM classes every Monday evening.
Patricia Bonnard
Energy Worker & Aromatherapy Practitioner
patricia@sparoommassage.com
I’m a Master/Teacher/Practitioner of a number of forms of Reiki and Integrated Energy Therapy (IET). I’m also a certified Professional Aromatherapist, registered with the Aromatherapy Registration Council and a member of the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) and the Alliance of International Aromatherapists (AIA). I’ve been practicing complementary healing for seven years. I offer sessions, full certification and short classes in aromatherapy, energy work and combining healing modalities and I make all kinds of handcrafted and custom aromatic products. My goal as a healer is to support self healing and self actualization in others (see more at www.starchaser-healingarts.com).
I also hold a PhD in Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics. I have worked in Africa, Latin America and Central Asia on poverty alleviation, economic empowerment of small-scale farmers, food markets and famine early warning for over 25 years. I continue this work on a part-time basis through Starchaser Consulting where I am increasingly focusing on opportunities for smallholders in aromatics, medicinals and natural products.
For me it’s important to surround myself with other healers in order to exchange, grow and create new services and products that everyone can benefit from and enjoy. When I’m not giving healing sessions or working in my aroma lab, I enjoy the outdoors, gardening, running, yoga and learning about Ayurveda, intuitive healing and vibrational medicine.
Patricia sees clients by appointment. To schedule, please email the spa and we will connect you.
Gopi Kinnicut, E-RYT 500
Yoga Teacher, Ayurvedic & Thai Bodyworker
Gopi Kinnicutt is an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher with the Yoga Alliance (ERYT-500), a trained Ayurvedic body worker and Thai body worker. Through her personal yoga practice and experience, Gopi has developed her own unique teaching style in yoga that has empowerd her in her work as a Ayurvedic and Thai body worker. Her ability to connect and to heal is multi-dymensional.
She describes her yoga classes as liquid lava: a combination of fire that brings light for illumination and heat that dissolves blockage, combined with fluidity. She specializes in yoga therapy–working one on one with individuals both emotionally and phyically.
She incorporates deep marma (pressure point) therapy techniques when assisting clients both in yoga and massage body work. She is very expert in inserting correct alignment that is specific to each individual student and addresses individual needs and limitations, creating a safe environment for her clients, guiding them through physical, emotional and spiritual dimensions.
Gopi leads international retreats and travels to teach transformative and healing workshops.
Gopi first trained in Astanga Vinyasa, and further trained extensively with Shiva Rea and completed an advanced training with Ana Forrest. She has also deepened her studies in yoga therapy, completing her certification in Trauma Sensitive Yoga and Foundation to Yoga Therapy with Gary Karftsow. Gopi is certified in Thia yoga body work, completing her training with Micheal Buck. Her Ayurvedic body work includes a vigorous herbal oil body massage (vishesh) and a deep relaxation head treatment called shirodhara.
Gopi sees clients by appointment only. To schedule, please email the spa and we will connect you.