Who are you?
Hi, my name is Jason. I grew up in Chantilly, VA, and I am currently pursuing my Bachelor's in Health and Physical Education at George Mason University. I played football and wrestled throughout my childhood and high school years, and I now coach high school wrestling. In my free time, I enjoy working out and spending time with friends and family.

Why did you become a massage therapist?
After high school, I regularly received massages and noticed how much they improved my body’s function and overall well-being. A former colleague, who was a massage therapist, encouraged me to pursue this path, saying I had a natural touch. This motivated me to become a licensed massage therapist. I want to help others understand the importance of maintaining their bodies, comparing it to taking care of a Ferrari—regular maintenance keeps it running smoothly, while neglect can lead to breakdowns. Your body is just as valuable!

Where and when did you go to school?
I attended Northern Virginia School of Therapeutic Massage in Falls Church, VA, graduating in 2016.

What modalities do you specialize in?
I specialize in Trigger Point Therapy, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching, Active Release Technique (ART), Cupping Therapy, and Sports Massage.

List any dysfunctions and acute/chronic conditions you have treated or particularly specialize in:
I specialize in treating conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, sciatic nerve pain, and shoulder strains.

Why is massage important to you?
Massage allows me to help others while educating them about its health and wellness benefits. The positive impact massage has on the body is remarkable, and I want more people to be aware of it.

How would you describe your style of massage?
My style is very focused on the client’s specific needs. I begin by warming up the tissue and then work gradually deeper to release tension. I often incorporate muscle contractions to reach the targeted areas effectively. I believe in working collaboratively with clients to meet their wellness goals.

What keeps you motivated?
Seeing my clients’ satisfaction and improvement keeps me motivated. I aim to positively impact each client’s health, and I stay current on new massage techniques and research because education is a lifelong journey.

Who are you?
My name is Darnell Jones, LMT. I have returned to Northern Virginia after working in South Carolina with Basics Track Club and the University of South Carolina’s Women’s Soccer and Volleyball teams.

Why did you become a massage therapist?
I was searching for a career change and found myself surrounded by massage therapists—my mother, friends, even random strangers. It felt like I’d found my tribe, so I decided to pursue this path, and here I am!

What modalities do you specialize in?
I specialize in Deep Tissue, Therapeutic, Relaxation, Assisted Stretch, and Sports Massage.

List any dysfunctions and acute/chronic conditions you have treated or particularly specialize in:
I have experience treating a variety of conditions, including headaches, anxiety, fibromyalgia, sciatica, carpal tunnel, thoracic outlet syndrome, frozen shoulder, plantar fasciitis, and jumper’s knee.

Why is massage important to you?
I believe that massage is medicine. Many people go through life experiencing regular pain, and massage can offer relief without the side effects of pain medications.

How would you describe your style of massage?
I focus on using "appropriate pressure" and addressing both agonist and antagonist muscles to relieve pain and discomfort. I prefer sessions of 90 to 120 minutes, as this allows me to incorporate multiple modalities and provide thorough treatment.

What keeps you motivated?
I am driven by results. I enjoy seeing the physical progress of my clients, including improvements in gait, posture, and general mood.

Who are you?

Hi, I'm Marjorie. I came to the United States in 2003, and since then, I’ve discovered new facets of my personality—embracing positive changes that have fueled both my personal and professional growth. I am deeply committed to pursuing my career goals as both a Physical Therapist (PT) and a Massage Therapist (MT).

Why did you become an LMT?

Since I was young, I’ve wanted to help others overcome physical and emotional challenges, which led me to study physical therapy. After moving here, adapting to a new language,culture, and motherhood made me reassess my path. 

While I couldn’t continue as a PT in this state, I found that massage therapy allowed me to keep doing what I love—helping others heal with passion and purpose.

Where and when did you go to school?

I received my 4+ Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy in Colombia in 2001 and worked as a physical therapist for two years before moving to the United States in December 2003. In 2012, after a year of training, I graduated from the Northern Virginia School of Therapeutic Massage.

What modalities do you specialize in?

My specialty is in Therapeutic and Medical Massage, as well as Neuromuscular, Sports, and Deep Tissue Massage. I often combine these techniques with complementary modalities such as Cupping Therapy (both dynamic and static), Reflexology, Hot Stone Massage (using volcanic or Himalayan stones), Myofascial Release, Trigger Point Therapy, and others—adapting each session to the specific needs of my clients.

List any dysfunctions and acute/chronic conditions you have treated or particularly specialize in:

With years of experience as a physical therapist and 12+ as Massage therapist, I have treated a wide range of conditions in neurological, geriatric, orthopedic, and sports-related cases. Conditions I Specialize In:

Neurological Disorders:

Parkinson’s, Cerebral Palsy, MS, Stroke, Neuropathies, Spinal Cord Injuries, Tremors.

Chronic & Acute Pain:

Frozen Shoulder, Back Pain, Herniated Discs, Whiplash, Sciatica, Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Migraines, TMJ

Sports & Lifestyle Injuries:

Rotator Cuff Injuries, Tendinopathies, Strains, Plantar Fasciitis, Carpal Tunnel, Sprains.

Why is massage important to you?

As PT, I once had a limited view of the impact therapeutic massage could have on injuries or health conditions. However, after over a decade as a Massage Therapist, I’ve seen how powerful it can be in accelerating recovery, helping people return to daily life more quickly, improving their quality of life, and making everyday tasks less stressful. Massage helps keep both the body and mind in balance.

I love educating others about the importance of massage and how it helps the body feel better in every way. I’ve always believed that massage has tremendous potential as a rehabilitative therapy, making a real difference at various stages of life.

How would you describe your style of massage?

I am a therapist who welcomes challenges. My approach is unique, especially when dealing with clients facing neurological, orthopedic, or sports-related issues. I tailor each session to the individual’s current needs, recognizing that even long-term clients may have different concerns each visit. I adapt my protocols and techniques to provide effective, personalized care.

What keeps you motivated?

My children and family are my core motivation. They are everything to me. My career is another significant part of my life, as it brings fulfillment and joy. My patients also play a vital role; many have been with me for years, inspiring me to continue growing professionally. Beyond the role of an MT, I see myself as a caring therapist who listens while maintaining client confidentiality, making this work truly meaningful.

Who are you?

I am Edith, a Licensed Massage Therapist with four years of experience.

Why did you become a massage therapist?

I am punctual, dependable, a good listener, professional, skilled with massage techniques, and committed to each client.

Where and when did you go to school?

I attended the American Massage & Bodywork Institute (AMBI) in Vienna, VA.

What modalities do you specialize in?

I specialize in a range of massage therapies, from the soothing Swedish to the intense Deep Tissue, catering to athletes with Sports Massage, and supporting expectant mothers with Prenatal Massage. My expertise extends to the warmth of Hot Stone, the innovative Lipo Massage, and the detoxifying Lymphatic Massage. I also offer targeted relief for migraines, Cupping for stubborn areas, the holistic approach of Reflexology, and the deeply relaxing Scalp Massage, ensuring a tailored treatment for every client's needs.

List any dysfunctions and acute/chronic conditions you have treated or particularly specialize in:

I have treated frozen shoulder, sciatica, rotator cuff injuries, rounded shoulders, trapezius and neck pain, tennis elbow, plantar tendinitis, piriformis syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, runner’s legs, hamstring and quad issues, and trigger points.

Why is massage important to you?

Massage is important to me because it contributes to better overall health and well-being for clients. It is a profession that allows me to continually learn and grow, improving my skills.

How would you describe your style of massage?

My massage style is therapeutic, relaxing, and healing, focusing specifically on the needs of each client. I combine different techniques to improve overall well-being.

What keeps you motivated?

I stay motivated because massage allows me to make a positive impact on people’s lives, fostering both professional growth and personal well-being.

Who are you?

Hello, I’m Elizabeth Esper. I’m originally from Wisconsin and grew up as a military child in a family full of healthcare and education professionals. My father was a pediatrician, my grandfather a podiatrist, another grandfather was an Ohio State music professor and clarinetist for John Philipp Sousa and among my other relatives are a cardiologist, an oncologist, a veterinarian, and a physiatrist—my brother—who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating conditions involving the musculoskeletal and nervous systems.

Today, my husband and I continue to embrace the military lifestyle, along with our adult children and extended family. We actively volunteer with Wreaths Across America, Honor Flights, and a variety of other military-related events and functions.

Why did you become a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)?

As a child, I saw my father, a pediatrician, explain postural techniques and demonstrate percussive movements to help children loosen and mobilize mucus from their lungs. My grandmother often talked about using Swedish massage to relieve muscle strains. My parents were involved with respite care for area foster families, so I was always helping with the care of others in our family. These early experiences stayed with me.

Later, as I became a mother, I took infant massage classes after the birth of my first child. That experience deeply influenced me and inspired a desire to help others incorporate therapeutic massage—and music—into their lives from infancy through adulthood. I’ve seen firsthand how infant massage benefits both parents and babies, especially through the release of oxytocin, which supports bonding and emotional health.

With a background in medical anthropology and experience as a world traveler, I’ve observed how various cultures use nurturing touch and music for connection and healing. I value the interdisciplinary lens that medical anthropology offers in understanding human health. I also recommend exploring the work of Dr. Tiffany Field and the Touch Research Institutes at the University of Miami for more on the science behind touch. Please also visit: www.infantmassageusa.org to learn about the benefits of infant massage for the infant and the parents. Infant Massage USA has podcasts as well, so please consider listening to us on Spotify. I recommend the “Who’s the Man?!” podcast episode for fathers interested in learning infant massage.

As a violinist, a pianist, and a music teacher, I am also committed to helping my students prevent injury and maintain healthy posture and technique. Studying anatomy and physiology has empowered me to educate others on avoiding repetitive strain injuries, especially in the performing arts.

Where did you go to school?

I earned my undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin. I also hold a paralegal certificate in International Business from The Philadelphia Institute for Paralegal Training and studied at the U.S. Department of State’s Foreign Service Institute. I became a Certified Educator of Infant Massage through Infant Massage USA, and completed my massage therapy training at the Northern Virginia School of Therapeutic Massage. I also plan to study the Vodder technique for lymphatic drainage through the Academy of Lymphatic Studies.

What modalities do you specialize in?

I specialize in Swedish massage, trigger point therapy, and teaching infant massage to parents. In the future, I hope to expand my practice to include manual lymphatic drainage using the Vodder technique.

What conditions or dysfunctions have you worked with?

I have worked with clients experiencing stress, headaches, neck pain, and back discomfort. In addition, I’ve taught parents how to massage their infants to support better sleep, improve digestion, and promote oral-motor development. And yes—better sleep for infants often means better sleep for parents, too!

One of my favorite parts of this work is teaching fathers infant massage. My own father was a U.S. Navy doctor who went on to practice pediatrics after his service, so supporting fathers in this way is especially meaningful to me.

I also deeply value working with soldiers and rescue workers who may have missed the birth of their child or the early days of their child’s infancy due to deployment or the demands of their profession. Infant massage offers a powerful opportunity for bonding and connection during those precious early moments.

Why is massage important to you?

Massage is a powerful wellness tool that supports physical and emotional well-being at every stage of life. From bonding during infancy to stress relief in adulthood, therapeutic massage offers benefits that extend beyond physical relief. While it’s not emergency medicine, it can play a vital role in a healthy routine by promoting circulation, reducing muscle tension, and releasing endorphins that help break the pain cycle.

How would you describe your style of massage?

I use Swedish massage techniques to promote relaxation and overall well-being, along with trigger point therapy to target specific areas of muscle tension.

What keeps you motivated?

Seeing clients embrace massage therapy as part of a lifelong wellness routine is deeply rewarding. It inspires me to continue growing in this field and to provide care that truly makes a difference in people’s lives. I believe wellness begins at birth—and it’s an honor to support individuals on that journey from the very start.

Who are you?
Hi! I'm Su, originally from Thailand.

Why did you become a massage therapist?
I’ve always cherished the benefits I received from massages and wanted to share that sense of well-being with others.

Where and when did you go to school?
I graduated from the Northern Virginia School of Therapeutic Massage in 2017. Prior to that, I completed a course in Thai Massage at the Thai Union of Thai Traditional Medicine Society in Thailand in 2014.

What modalities do you specialize in?
I specialize in a range of massage techniques including Therapeutic Massage for pain relief and healing, Swedish Massage for relaxation and improved circulation, Reflexology to harmonize body systems, Sports Massage tailored for athletes' performance and recovery, and Head Massage to alleviate tension and promote tranquility, ensuring each session is a step towards your health and well-being.

List any dysfunctions and acute/chronic conditions you have treated or particularly specialize in:

• Muscle tightness

• Neck and shoulder pain

• Upper back tension

• Migraine headaches

• Lower back pain

• Sciatica

Why is massage important to you?
Massage offers numerous benefits that enhance both physical and mental health, and I love being part of that journey for my clients.

How would you describe your style of massage?
My style integrates stretching with therapeutic massage techniques to alleviate muscle tension and improve circulation.

What keeps you motivated?
The joy of helping others drives me. It’s the most fulfilling aspect of being a massage therapist.

Who are you?
Hi, I’m Christopher Cole, a dedicated massage therapist passionate about helping clients achieve wellness and relief through therapeutic touch.

Why did you become a massage therapist?
I became a massage therapist because I deeply believe in the transformative benefits of massage. It promotes healing, reduces stress, and enhances overall well-being for both clients and practitioners.

Where and when did you go to school?
I attended the Baltimore School of Massage, where I received comprehensive training in massage therapy techniques.

What modalities do you specialize in?
I specialize in deep tissue, trigger point, myofascial release, reflexology, and migraine relief massage.

List any dysfunctions and acute/chronic conditions you have treated or particularly specialize in:
I have extensive experience treating clients with frozen shoulder, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, and chronic back and neck pain, helping them regain mobility and reduce discomfort, and more.

Why is massage important to you?
Massage is profoundly important to me because it serves as a powerful tool for healing. It provides pain relief, supports stress management, and improves sleep quality, benefiting both clients and practitioners alike.

How would you describe your style of massage?
My massage style focuses on targeting tight muscles and their attachments with firm, deliberate pressure. I work slowly and mindfully to encourage tension release and promote lasting relief.

What keeps you motivated?
I’m motivated by the heartfelt gratitude my clients express after a session, which reaffirms the positive impact of my work. Regular self-care through massage also keeps me inspired and energized to continue helping others.

Who are you?

My name is Katya Morrow; I was adopted from Russia when I was five years of age.

I grew up in Reston, VA. Lived in the northern area pretty much my whole life. I love being out in nature. Love being around animals of all shapes and sizes. Walking is one of my favorite activities. About 3 hours at a time, 3 to 4 times a week. I love making things with my hands from jewelry - bracelets to drawing and coloring. Any type of arts and crafts. I love making natural skin care products.

I am also going to school for herbalism. There is so much to learn in the world. I always believe you are never too old to learn something new. I think that's what really keeps us young at heart. It is to keep learning and moving. I love music. Motown to early 90's. I will blast my music very loudly in my car. Like I am in a private concert. I also learned how to speak English through 90's music.

Why did you become a massage therapist?

After I was adopted, I would massage my mom's feet and legs and give her pedicures all the time.

I really enjoyed it. Mostly I loved the way it would make her feel. I never thought I would do it professionally. Years went by and I did a lot of retail jobs, and I loved it. Because I loved helping people find what they needed. I needed to have a relationship that didn't work out. And that's when I decided to go to school for massage and the rest was history. Best thing I did for myself. I loved every moment of school. Even the hard parts.

Where and when did you go to school?

I went to NMTI ~ National Massage Therapy Institute. 2013. West Falls Church, VA. Right past Tysons Corner.
They closed a few years after I graduated.

Which is sad because it was a really great school with amazing teachers.

What modalities do you specialize in?
Swedish massage ~ Light – deep work (depending on the client's need).

Active Release Technique, Stretch work, Therapeutic, Relaxation, Reflexology

 Head and neck massage, Slide cupping, Reiki / Energy work, Joint work, Focus work.

I customize each massage based on the client's wants and needs.

List any dysfunctions and acute/chronic conditions you have treated or particularly specialize in:

I have worked on clients with all kinds of issues to just relaxation.
Here are a few.
~ fibromyalgia, nerve pain (all areas), wrist issues to carpal tunnel. Neck and head pain to headaches.
All kinds of feet issues. Tennis elbow. Inflammation in the body. Trouble sleeping. Knee surgeries, to spine infusions. Clients that have metal in the body as well as cancer clients.

 The more information I have the better I can help the clients in need.

Why is massage important to you?

Massage is not something that just feels good. It's something that can really help improve one's way of life. I love educating others of different ways you can help improve your life on a day-to-day basis. There are so many different kinds of massage and it's good to try different modalities, to help your body feel at its best. Massage isn't just about the body, mind and emotions play a part as well. Your body holds tension in different ways. Massage is a really good way to find what one is holding on to, from mind, body, and emotions. I also like to take my time, when I work with my clients, to make sure they are happy and get some kind of relief that they are looking for.

How would you describe your style of massage?

My massages are personalized based on what my client is asking for. I give them a little of what they want and as well as what they need.

I would say it's more therapeutic infused with some energetic work naturally. I like to incorporate some light stretching as well. Because I know how much we all do a lot of sitting for desk jobs to being in the car.

What keeps you motivated?

What keeps me motivated is when my clients come back and tell me that I have helped them feel relief in their body and mind. That is priceless to me. It warms my heart. And that's what keeps me going. I love what I do. And it shows from my clients.