Meet the Professionals

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!

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Mary regularly sees clients Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

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.

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Jessica regularly sees clients on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.  Other appointment times may be available by request. 


Sally S. Burkholder, LMT
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!

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Sally sees clients on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Stephanie Nale, LMT, NCBTMB
stephanie@sparoommassage.com

I am a graduate of the Potomac Massage Training Institute, where I gained extensive training in Swedish and deep tissue massage, as well as basic knowledge in courses such as prenatal massage and active isolated stretching. Through my training and strong dance background, I realized that I have a particular passion for sports massage, and am working on pursuing a career catered specifically to dancers and athletes. I currently work as an intern massage therapist with the DC United soccer team in addition to my work at The Spa Room.

I find it fascinating how many modalities of massage exist in the world, and how widespread the benefits can be. I love being able to work with a wide range of people to help them relax, relieve tension, ease knots and pain, stretch, etcetera. The possibilities are endless!

Aside from massage, I also enjoy yoga, dancing, photography, and blogging.

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Stephanie sees clients Tuesdays-Fridays and Sundays. 


Don Norwood, LMT
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.

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Don sees clients on Thursdays and Saturdays.

Abigail Greene, LMT
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.
Tyler Bishton, LMT
Massage Therapist/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.”
Tyler sees clients on Wednesday, Thursdays, Saturdays 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 on Thursday mornings and by appointment.

Katie Harris Banks, E-RYT 200
Yoga Teacher

Katie is an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher trained in the YogaWorks method, as well as a professional modern dancer and dance teacher.  Katie’s style is influenced by the flow and vigor of Ashtanga, the alignment and precision of Iyengar, and her skilled knowledge of the body from a dancer’s perspective.  Her classes focus on kinesthetic awareness of the body, stress relief, and creating an enjoyable and sustainable yoga practice to promote general well-being.  Katie believes in the healing power of yoga and hopes to inspire students to bring yoga to everyday life.