Meet Our Massage Therapists

Laura Beth

Licensed Massage Therapist

Laura Beth’s philosophy on healing: “Touch was never meant to be a luxury. Human touch facilitates healing of the mind, body and soul.”

Laura Beth graduated from Cortivia Institute: Crystal Lake School of Massage Therapy in 2011 and has been practicing ever since.  Her favorite massage modalities are reflexology and myofascial. Before finding massage therapy Laura Beth worked in corporate America until she finally found her place in massage therapy!

Laura Beth grew up in Dixon, Illinois and moved to the suburbs five years ago, where she lives in Cary, IL. She has been fortunate enough to travel to Turks and Caicos, Mexico, Florida, California, Arizona and Las Vegas! Her dream vacation would be to go anywhere in the Caribbean and Greece.

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Brittany’s philosophy on healing: “Massage is the ultimate healer.  It eases the mind, body and spirit in a natural, efficient way.”

Brittany attended Everest College and received her diploma in Therapeutic Massage.  She is planning on earning her associates degree in Applied Science so she can study physical therapy.  Brittany favorite massage modalities are mostly deep tissue massages.  “I like to do deeper work, because I like to make a significant impact in a therapeutic way.  I enjoy rubbing the knots out and releasing built up tension.  I also enjoy soothing and relaxing massages just as well!” 

Brittany was born in Biloxi, MS.  Her and her family then moved to McHenry, IL while she was still very young and has lived here ever since.  She has vacationed in many places; some including, Florida, Mississippi, Northern Wisconsin, Europe where she traveled through Italy, France and Amsterdam.   Her dream vacation would be a trip to somewhere tropical, preferably an island such as Barbados or Jamaica!

Brooke’s philosophy on healing: “Finding time to do something for yourself is very important and therapeutic; you have to keep in touch with your true self to be happy.”

Brooke studied massage therapy at the First Institute of Massage Therapy in Crystal Lake and has been practicing since.  Her favorite type of massage to give is Swedish massage.  Previous to becoming a massage therapist, Brooke held the most difficult job of all…Mom!  Brooke also lived in Chicago, Southern Illinois, Texas, and California.  She traveled extensively through Europe while working in the US Air Force as a Cardiopulmonary Technician.

Brooke has traveled all over the US, Canada, Mexico, Germany and France.  In addition to living in Illinois, she has also lived in Texas and California.  Brooke would love to travel to so many different places and experience the sights, smells, and tastes of different countries.

Gina’s philosophy on healing: “I believe in the treatment of the spirit, soul and body. The balance of all three is needed to maintain health.  I also believe the body has the ability to heal itself and massage helps facilitate the process.”

Gina was born and raised in Chicago, which is where she attended the Chicago School of Massage Therapy-Cortiva.  Her favorite massage modalities are myofascial release, clinical massage, lymphatic drainage and deep tissue.

Before finding massage therapy, Gina was a customer service representative for United Airlines.  And while working for the airlines she was lucky enough to be able to travel all over the United States and England. Gina's dream vacation would be to either Costa Rica or Thailand.

Heather’s philosophy on healing: "Pain is not always gain, pain causes the muscles to contract and reject touch which is counter-productive."

Heather was born and raised in Wisconsin and has been in Illinois since 2002.  She graduated from Cortiva Insitute: Chicago School of Massage Therapy in 2010 and has been practicing ever since.  Her favorite massage modalities include myofascial release, trigger point therapy and deep tissue massage.

Before finding massage therapy, Heather was an office clerk at a corporate litigation law firm in downtown Chicago.  She has been lucky enough to travel some states and Scotland!  But her dream vacation would be a year of travel to Brazil, the UK, Amsterdam, Russia, Australia and New Zealand!

Jacqui’s philosophy on healing: "Symmetry and balance of the whole body leads to health, allowing for the body to maintain and function in a self-healing manner."

Jacqui was born in England and has since been lucky enough to live in New York City, Long Island, Pennsylvania and St. Louis.   She attended Arizona State of Integrated Studies, College of Lake County for massage therapy, and Webster University where she received a Bachelor in Art.  She has been fortunate to travel all over the world, including England, France, Switzerland, Germany and many of the states.  Her dream vacation would be to sail around the Greek Islands.

Her favorite massage modalities are myofascial release, neuromuscular therapy, sports massage, polarity and muscular activation techniques.

Joan’s philosophy on healing: "I strive to introduce and educate people on the benefits of massage therapy."

Joan grew up in northern Wisconsin and lived there until her twenties, and then moved to Chicago, IL.  Before finding massage therapy, Joan was attending Phoenix University where she received her degree in business.  Besides being a massage therapist, Joan is also a human resource manager for the last 15 years.

Joan attended the Chicago School of Massage Therapy and her favorite massage modalities are hot stone massage, custom work massage, and Reiki.

 Kyle's philosophy on healing: “Healing can happen in many ways, however through self awareness and massage therapy, I believe you can achieve a higher level of healing and wellness.”

Kyle was born in southeastern Missouri.  He has traveled throughout the Golf shores of Alabama, Orlando Florida, and northern Michigan.  His dream vacation would be traveling through Europe to experience the cultures, art, and historic sites.

Before finding massage therapy, Kyle enjoyed a career of DJing and promoting for various companies, including his own.  Kyle attended and graduated from the Cortiva Institute of Massage Therapy, and his favorite massage modality is deep tissue.

Kylie’s philosophy on healing: Every person needs massage.  Whether there is a specific muscle injury or the need to simply relax.  Massage therapy is important in the bodies natural healing and cleansing process.

Kylie attended Cortiva Chicago School of Massage Therapy in 2008.  She is also a certified medical massage practitioner.  Her favorite massage modality is deep tissue and specific work because it allows the body to focus on the area that needs healing the most.

Kylie was born and raised here in Palatine, IL and has also lived in downtown Chicago while attending school.  She would love to travel to anywhere in the United States, and hopes to do so soon!

Laura’s philosophy on healing: “I love promoting wellness-whether it’s massage or making time to do what you love.  Health is about balance.”

Before finding massage therapy, Laura was on track to be part of the world of arts.  She still paints with water colors and draws in her free time as a hobby, but found massage therapy to be a natural thing for her.  She studied massage at Cortiva Institute of Massage in Chicago and has been in love with the career ever since.  When asked what her favorite massage modalities were, she said “I really like utilizing myofascial techniques, deep tissue and I think a great Swedish is very beneficial in reconnecting the body.”

Laura loves the desert and the mountains, so her favorite places to vacation are California, Arizona and New Mexico.  Her dream vacation would be a trip to Europe or South America.

Leah’s philosophy on healing: "Regular massage, a healthy diet, and exercise are essential to having a well-balanced life."

Leah studied massage therapy at the Montgomery School of Bodywork and Massage and has been practicing ever since.  She is originally from Montgomery, Alabama and recently moved here to Illinois.  Leah realized that massage therapy was her calling two years after she graduated high school and feels very fortunate for realizing that so early on in her life.  Her favorite massage modalities are Swedish and Deep Tissue.  She is also currently learning to be an Infant Massage Instructor, where she will be teaching parents how to massage their babies and soothe them.

Leah has been lucky enough to do quite a bit of traveling so far in her life.  She has been to Hawaii, Amsterdam, Prague, France, London, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Alaska.  She also visits Colorado on a regular basis and has traveled throughout most of the states.

Lore’s philosophy on healing: “Massage therapy is not a luxury, but instead a necessity in the process of healing the body, mind, and spirit.”

Originally from Romania, Lore has a degree in Elementary Education from Pedagogic College (in Romania) and worked in the field previous to becoming a massage therapist.  She also holds a degree in Office Technologies from Triton College in Illinois.  Lore studied massage therapy at the Illinois School of Health Careers and has been practicing since.  She loves all kinds of massage therapy and enjoys including stretches and suggestions for her clients for their at home care.

Lore has traveled to Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin.  She adores going on fishing/camping trips with her daughter and husband.  Outside of the US, Lore has been to Cancun, Acapulco, Mexico, Toronto, and Niagara Falls.  Her dream vacation is to see and explore Egypt.

Lucie’s philosophy on healing: The body has a possibility of quick healing with the help of massage therapy.  I strongly believe that massage can help put people back on track; physically, sociologically, and mentally.

Lucie studied massage at the European Massage Therapy School in Skokie, IL and has lived in Chicago as well, however Lucie was born in the Czech Republic.  Lucie’s favorite massage modalities are Swedish massage, deep tissue work, and prenatal massage.

Lucie has been lucky enough to travel extensively around the world.  Places she has been include the Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, Italy, Bulgaria, Florida, and Colorado.  Her dream vacation would be a trip back to the Czech Republic because there a many historical places that she has not yet experienced.  When she is not massaging, she loves being a mom!

Olga’s philosophy on healing: Healing is a natural thing.

Olga was born and raised in Ukraine and just in the past few years moved to Chicago, IL.  She studied massage therapy at the European Massage Therapy School and has been practicing ever since.  Olga comes from a family of doctors and understands in great detail the benefits of massage therapy.  Her favorite massage modalities are Swedish massage and BMT. 

Outside of being a massage therapist, Olga has another very important job-being a mom!  She misses Ukraine very much and often travels there, but her dream vacation would be to a big forest, to escape from it all!

Sue’s philosophy on healing: Massage therapy facilitates the body’s natural healing process.  Allow me to be your facilitator.

Sue grew up in Illinois and has lived here all her life, except for the 7years in which she served in the Army.  She attended Chicago School of Massage and graduated in 2004 as a massage therapist.  Her favorite massage modalities are myofascial release, sports massage, trigger pot therapy and repetitive use therapy. 

While in the Army she had the privilege of traveling all over, to places such as Hawaii, Europe, and various places throughout the United States.  Her dream vacation however, would be anywhere warm with a beach!

Suzanne’s philosophy on healing: "Healing deals with the body as a whole, if one thing doesn’t function correctly everything is affected.  Therefore, it’s more important to maintain a healthy mind, body, and spirit since they are all one."

Suzanne was born and raised in Illinois and attended Harper College where she earned her massage therapy certification.  Before finding massage therapy, she was working in retail but knew it wasn’t for her.  Her favorite massage modalities are deep tissue and Swedish.  She is also interested in learning prenatal and infant massage in the future. 

Suzanne has taken many family vacations all over the states; however her dream vacation would be a trip to Ireland or Scotland since that’s where her ancestry is from!

Tatyana’s philosophy on healing: Healing should be natural, natural relaxation with the touch of hands that have good energy.

Tatyana was born and raised in Russia, but has traveled all over, some places including; California, Ohio, New York, Texas, Kentucky, Wisconsin, and Florida.  She is now living in Buffalo Grove, Illinois.  Tatyana obtained a Bachelors and a Masters in Education from Petersburg University in Russia.  She majored in Biology and Geography before she found her passion for massage therapy and was an elementary and high school teacher for biology and geography, and still loves teaching. 

Tatyana attended the International Academy of Massage here in Illinois and has been practicing ever since.  Her favorite massage modalities are reflexology and Swedish.  Although Tatyana has traveled all over, her dream vacation would be to either Japan, Australia, or around the Pacific Islands.

Vladimir's philosophy on healing: "Pain is weakness leaving the body."

Vladimir was born in Serbia, and has been fortunate enough to visit beautiful countries such as Germany, Greece, and Mexico. He hopes someday to see Jamaica. 

Before finding massage therapy, Vladimir worked in the pharmaceutical industry, making tooling.  Vladimir attended and graduated from the Solex Medical Academy for massage therapy.  His favorite massage modality is deep tissue and stretching. 

Nicole studied business at St. Charles Community College and the University of Missouri, St. Louis.  Her first experience in the business field was an internship in sales for a major financial institution.  Nicole credits much of her success in the business world to her parents.  Having been an only child, she feels blessed by the amount of academic attention she received through many of her formative years. 

As a result of her father’s profession Nicole has lived in many different states, such as Oregon, Missouri, Louisiana, Georgia, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and now Illinois.  Not to mention she was also born on an army base in Nuremburg, Germany.  Nicole has been on vacation to Florida and outside the US to Mexico and Canada, but would love to travel around Greece and Italy to visit much of her heritage.  Nicole lives for her boyfriend, family, friends, and her dogs. 

Nicole feels if you want to enjoy life then working hard at something you love and respect is important.  “I feel very fortunate to have found exactly what I want to do for the rest of my life.  I take pride in working for a company that truly takes clientele and employee interest to heart.”

Amber’s philosophy on healing: “To keep the body in good health is a duty, otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.” –Buddha

Amber attended Empire Beauty School, where she obtained a cosmetology degree and has been working as a hair stylist for the last 3 years.  She also attended The International Academy of Design and Technology.  She is now hoping to obtain a degree in photo journalism.

Her favorite massage modality is a good deep tissue massage in order to get out all of her knots!  Amber has traveled to places such as Florida, Alabama, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Mexico, and Colorado.  After all this, her dream vacation would still be a trip to Ireland, Rome, New Zealand, Australia, Hawaii or California!

Dominique’s philosophy on healing: “I believe in natural healing.  The body works certain ways for certain reasons and reduction of stress will bring out less sick people.”

Dominique has lived in Illinois all her life, some cities including Chicago, Mundelein, and Crystal Lake.  She received her Associates in Applied Science from College of Lake County.  She recently finished her classes at Cortiva School of Massage Therapy is working on becoming licensed.  She will then join our team of therapists!  Her favorite massage modality is a Swedish massage; she believes that a relaxing Swedish massage can do wonders for a human body and mind. 

Dominique has family in California and enjoys traveling there often, as well as Florida, Wisconsin and Michigan.  However, her dream vacation would be to a beach with white sand and clear blue water-relaxation at its finest!