Irene Bopp
Irene started her yoga journey in 2000 courtesy of her employer’s in-house fitness facility and immediately found it relaxing and stress reducing. Upon retirement Irene elected to share her experience with others. Her initial teaching certification was obtained through Yoga Fit, but, wanting more, she entered the Columbia Yoga Center’s 200 Hour Teacher Training Program. Through continuing education programs, she has obtained specialized teaching certifications for seniors, chair yoga and more recently a training program sponsored by the National Capital Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, adapting yoga for individuals with multiple sclerosis. Irene is a current member of Yoga Alliance.
Donna Britt – RYT 200
Donna first took yoga 15 years ago in Mexico and fell in love with its beauty, precision and spirituality. After years of studying Iyengar and vinyasa flow yoga, Donna trained with Yogafit and taught mixed-level flow yoga for three years at White Oak Sport & Health. Because she thinks everyone should find joy in yoga, Donna infuses her classes with adventure, spirit and compassion and reaches out to students at every level. Beginners will feel challenged but most find that they advance quickly. A member of the International Association of Black Yoga Instructors, Donna is on leave from her column at The Washington Post while she writes her memoirs.
Liz Butler – RYT 200
Director, Yoga and Movement
Liz is an Anusara-Inspired RYT200 and current Yoga Director at Blue Heron Wellness. She was brought to yoga and remains inspired by her three children and their unique relationships with the universe. Liz’ intention is to use a playful and spirited attitude to make yoga and its benefits fun and accessible for everyone.
Annie Carlin
Annie approaches her yoga teaching based on the firm belief that everyone can practice and accept the benefits of yoga regardless of race, creed, fitness level, body type and gender. Her goal for her classes is to create a safe space for all to enjoy the mental, physical and spiritual benefits of yoga. Annie emphasizes self acceptance and specializes in customizing poses and sequences to suit her students’ practice. Annie’s training is with Tias and Surya Little of the Prajna Yoga School in Santa Fe, NM and incorporates asana principles from the Astanga and Iyengar traditions as well as detailed anatomy study and wisdom from the yoga spiritual traditions. In her ten years of practice, Annie has also studied flow and Iyengar yoga. Annie sends her deepest gratitude and love to all of her teachers including Tias and Surya Little, Stephanie Creaturo, her wonderful friends and her always supportive and adoring parents.
Elizabeth Cosgrove – E-RYT 500
Elizabeth is a graduate of WSYC YTT and AYTT, as well as an Affiliated Anusara Teacher. She began her studies in Raja and Hatha Yoga in 1974. Her energetic and playful nature embrace Anusara Yoga’s unique style and therapeutic quality. Sacred poetry, music and artistic expressions of mudras, asanas and chanting create an imaginative journey into the art of yoga.
Beth Finney – RYT 200
Beth is an RYT 200. She is inspired by her many teachers and classmates and is grateful for the support of her incredible yoga community. When she is not at the front desk at Blue Heron, she is outside playing with dogs
Carrie Ganz
Carrie loves to share her delight in Anusara yoga with her students. She finished her 350 hour teacher training program at Willow Street yoga in 2006 and continues to deepen her own practice by studying yoga and therapeutics. Carrie firmly believes that yoga is for everyone; every body, every age and stage of life. There are few things she enjoys more than helping a student into a new pose for the first time. Her classes emphasize empowerment and joy and are imbued with a sense of creativity, play and freedom.
Katalin Gimes – RYT 200
Katalin received her 200 hour Yoga Alliance certification at Hot Yoga USA. She also studied at Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville, and continued her training with Lauren Peterson, Micheline Berry, Annie Carpenter, Shiva Rea, Rod Stryker, Sarah Powers, Gary “Gopal” Bello and Seane Corn. Katalin originally found yoga while looking for a “workout” and over the past five years her life has been transformed by the process. Her vinyasa style hatha yoga class incorporates elements of yin yoga with a focus on detoxification while building alignment, strength and flexibility. During the class she guides the practitioners in deepening their awareness and helps to remove the blockages that the mind created in their body. Katalin moved to the States 18 years ago from Budapest, Hungary where she was a television producer.
Debbie Jensen – RYT 500
Debbie is a Registered Yoga Teacher 500 hours with Yoga Alliance (RYT500), member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists, and graduate of the Yoga Center of Columbia’s Teacher Training program. As a former Registered Nurse, she began teaching a gentle yoga class in 1999 for Breast Cancer Survivors that is still in session. Debbie focuses her years of training on how yoga can heal the body through a therapeutic approach to injuries and chronic illnesses. She supports the development of her student’s own awakening of body/mind awareness through poses, breath, meditation, and relaxation. Debbie has been teaching pre-natal yoga classes since 2001 and is a senior teacher and trainer at the Yoga Center of Columbia.
Marvin King – RKC-2, NCSF, NARS
Marvin is a Certified Professional Trainer (CPT). Marvin has achieved the RKC Level 2 certification from Pavel Tsatsouline, (pioneer and founder of the RKC, Russian Kettlebell Challenge). He has been certified through NARS (National Association of Rehabilitation Services) and is teaching the amazing diversity of exercises and overall health benefits of Authentic Russian Kettlebell Training. Marvin has been teaching in the combat sports arena (Martial arts) for over 30 years. His class programs today combine the flexibility and breathing patterns from yoga and tai chi with the strength and body balance of kettlebell lifting for a unique workout experience. People from of all ages are experiencing renewed joint mobility through a series of daily exercises he calls “The Morning Workout”. Marvin has been seen on the “Absolute Body Power”, a weekly fitness program aired in Montgomery County. He continues to share his extensive knowledge of fitness to help both young and old experience an improved quality of life.
Edie Lazenby – RYT 200
Edie’s first yoga teacher was at a Gold’s gym in D.C. with Ruby Blue, who was over 75 years old at the time and quite an inspiration. Ruby introduced herself to each student as they came to class and remembered their name during class. Edie brings the same personal touch, knowing yoga’s capacity to heal and help each practitioner to transform their life in the way they wish. Registered with the Yoga Alliance, E-RYT-200 and an Anusara Inspired TM teacher, Edie’s classes will challenge you to find your personal best while having fun.
Hannah Leatherbury – RYT 200
Hannah (RYT-200) received her training in Classical Hatha yoga through Kashi Atlanta urban ashram in June 2009 and has been teaching ever since. Since arriving in the metro DC area in October 2010, she has been teaching group classes and private sessions at corporate gyms, residential homes, yoga and dance studios. She is completing studies in Yoga Therapy and looking forward to incorporating more customized modifications to her classes to better meet the needs of all bodies. She found Blue Heron Wellness Center as a practitioner and looks forward to sharing the teachings she has learned with the other practitioners here.
Leyali
Leyali is a professional middle eastern dancer, specializing in traditional Egyptian style artistry. She has studied for years under master teacher Yasmin Henkesh and rounds out her training through workshops with Leila of Cairo, Randa Kamel, and others. Popular with Arab audiences, Leyali’s public performances include numerous middle eastern restaurants and clubs in the DC metro area. Her classes focus on classical technique, with an emphasis on musicality and cultural interpretation. Leyali continually strives to create a cultural understanding of the middle east through its beautiful art form of dance, and looks forward to sharing that knowledge with her students.
Ashley Litecky – ERYT200
Ashley embarked on her study of yoga over twelve years ago and began teaching at the University of North Carolina – Asheville in 1998. Her love of travel has taken her to classes throughout the United States and she has studied and taught yoga in Australia and Costa Rica. In 2003 Ashley received her first certification with Yoga Alliance as a 200-hour registered teacher in Integrative yoga. She went on to complete a 200-hour Kundalini teacher training program with a focus on breath work and meditation. Her background style is a combination of Anusara, playful flow, Jivamukti, and Kundalini. Her classes inspire a deep sense of community and provide a warm and welcoming environment for students to explore yoga and enjoy their bodies. Ashley serves as the director of Blue Heron’s yoga teacher training program, which unites the fields of yoga, wellness and Ayurveda. In addition to her background in yoga, Ashley holds a M.Sc. in clinical herbal medicine, and maintains her clinical practice at Blue Heron Wellness.
Catey Miller
Catey is a Certified Personal Trainer and correction Exercise Specialist. Catey motivates and inspires her students and clients to push past any fears and weakness with their body and discover the physical, emotional and spiritual benefits of implementing a proper exercise style and regimen. Catey’s Certifications are with the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Catey is trained and certified to work with all populations including pre-natal strength training.
Peter Mosher
Peter has been teaching movement and meditation in the Washington, DC area since 1972. He is certified in deep muscle and polarity therapy, and has a Masters degree in Social Work with many years in mental health work. He developed Nature Therapy to utilize the gifts of the natural world for healing and personal growth. Since the early 90’s he has been studying, practicing and teaching Qigong and mindfulness meditation.
Geneva Moss
Geneva is a certified Budding Yogi teacher with a heart centered approach to yoga and life. Being introduced to yoga at the age of twenty, she began a committed Anusara and Parayoga practice in 2001. After moving to Amman, Jordan with her newborn baby and husband in 2004, she began her dharma of teaching. Now back in the states Geneva continues to study with Rod Stryker and other senior teachers of Tantric Yoga. She credits her now six year old daughter as being not only her constant teacher but her greatest blessing. Geneva brings her great love, enthusiasm and joy of being a parent, teacher and student into yoga. She invites kids and parents to celebrate their own incredible beauty and sweet perfection as we breath into the precious art of being human.
Claudia Neuman – RYT 500
Claudia is a Certified Anusara Yoga teacher, RYT 500, the culmination of a lifelong devotion to achieving excellence in yoga. She has over 21 years of formal yoga training, starting in Santa Monica, California, in 1984, where she became the first person to offer yoga at the YMCA. While at USC completing a Masters Degree in Social Work, she taught yoga to students and faculty. She integrates her knowledge of yoga with her skill as a social worker, developing corporate stress reduction programs, working with oncology patients at Children’s Hospital, and teaching yoga to artists and performers. She has trained with noteworthy teachers of Ashtanga and Iyengar Yoga including Rod Stryker, and assisting Erich Shiffman. In 1993, faced with possibly losing the use of her left arm as a result of a debilitating car accident, she began studying Pilates and therapeutic yoga. This led her to John Friend, creator of Anusara Yoga, with whom she now studies.
Janet Richards
Janet is committed to helping individuals stay active, healthy, and participating in life. Janet has been practicing and teaching Pilates in the area for over five years and brings her experience as a personal trainer and fitness coach into her classes. She received her certification from the Pilates Institute of America and has continued her studies of Pilates through workshops and seminars. Her background in working with physical and occupational therapists has deepened her understanding of safe and effective movement therapies.
Lauren Richardson
Lauren discovered yoga over ten years ago as a way to balance her athletic pursuits. After practicing a variety of styles, she trained with Jonny Kest and became a Registered Yoga Teacher in 2005. She teaches a dynamic series of sequenced postures that flow together to promote mobility and healing in the body. She enjoys working with all ages and abilities and believes that yoga meets you where you are, as it is both therapeutic and invigorating. In addition to working in studios, Lauren has had the opportunity to share the benefits of yoga with many athletic teams including soccer, lacrosse and hockey. She enjoys inspiring student athletes to use their breath for personal awareness and stress reduction as well as for strength and flexibility training. Lauren believes that yoga provides an opportunity to practice the delicate balance of effort and ease.
Sherry Weber
Sherry has been a practicing massage therapist for over ten years. She is a graduate of The Baltimore School of Massage. She has experience working in a variety of settings. She has worked extensively with seniors, worked with parents and caregivers teaching infant massage, in corporate offices, health fairs, and wellness retreats doing seated massage. Her toolbox includes techniques from Swedish, deep tissue, myofascial and Thai massage. Sherry believes that massage and yoga belong together, and are two of the best things you can do for yourself! She considers herself blessed to be doing what she loves!
Susan Berman
M.Ac., L.Ac., Dipl.Ac., LCSW-C
Susan is licensed by the state of Maryland in both acupuncture and clinical social work. As a couples, family, and individual therapist for twenty years, she has applied her skills in promoting and building relationships with and among people as a practitioner of Traditional Five Element Acupuncture. Her current healing work is based on traditional Chinese, Japanese and Korean theories of the several thousand-year-old practice of acupuncture that works with people interested in a holistic approach to balancing the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual facets of wellness and health. She holds graduate degrees from the George Washington University in counseling, from the University of Maryland School of Social Work and from the Traditional Acupuncture Institute, (now called the Tai Sophia Institute for the Healing Arts) where she also teaches classes in diagnostic interaction and was a clinical supervisor in the student clinic. She is a member of the Maryland Acupuncture Society and the National Alliance of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Sue has specialized in working with clients in the areas of addiction, sexual and physical abuse and bereavement. She is also a clinical hypnotherapist. For clients who have experienced trauma, Sue’s training in Somatic Experiencing® augments her acupuncture treatment.
Susan Dykeman – M.Ac., L.Ac.
Susan is a licensed Acupuncturist and certified Chinese Herbalist. Born and raised in Bethesda, MD, Susan graduated cum laude from both the Sidwell Friends School and Yale University. She earned her Masters of Acupuncture degree from the Tai Sophia Institute, and completed an additional two year training program in Chinese Herbal Medicine. Using the powerful twin modalities of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs, Susan addresses concerns ranging from a general sense that life could be better to difficult physical issues including chronic pain, infertility and cancer treatment support. Because Chinese medicine is a truly holistic approach to wellness, clients find that as they work with Susan to resolve the concern that brought them in the door, seemingly unrelated positive physical, emotional and even spiritual changes often occur. As clients become more harmonious on all levels, symptoms tend to resolve, while whole new possibilities open up for vitality, satisfaction and peace of mind.
Kathy Gonzalez – M.Ac., L.Ac.
Kathy has spent many years in the healthcare environment after earning a BS in Healthcare Administration from Columbia Union College (cum laude). Seeking a broader perspective than the prescription pad and scalpel of western medicine, Kathy embarked on a journey in which she could use her gifts to influence others on a natural path to wellness. She completed the Masters of Acupuncture degree at the Tai Sophia Institute for the Healing Arts and enjoys the possibility of empowering others to uncover their own potential for a greater well being through the practice of Five Element Acupuncture. Kathy is also certified in Facial Rejuvenation acupuncture.
Chichio Hand – R.N., M.Ac., L.Ac.
Chichio began to study the art of acupuncture after she found that her own body was not responding to western medical treatments. Chinese medicine had a profound impact on her healing and she was so enthralled with the results that she decided that she had to be a part of acupuncture’s healing circle. Coming from a strictly western medical training herself, it was at .rst daunting to make the switch but as she witnessed more and more dramatic, powerful and wonderful changes in patients, including some of her family members, at the student clinic she knew she had made the right choice.
Chichio received her undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland and her Master’s degree in Acupuncture from the TAI Sophia Institute for the Healing Arts, in Laurel, Maryland the oldest accredited acupuncture school in the United States. She also has a certificate in Chinese Dietary and Nutrition. Chichio continues her studies with world renowned acupuncturist and 88th generation Daoist priest, Jeffrey Yuen. She also regularly attends seminars to expand her knowledge of Chinese traditional healing, concentrating on weight loss, preventive care for cancer, fertility and other chronic diseases that are so prevalent in our country today.
Chichio’s enthusiasm and strong desire to create wellness for herself and her patients is enhanced by her many years of practicing as a registered nurse. She is known to create special bonds with her patients in both modalities and has received many accolades for her caring and compassion.
Farris Johnson
Farris grew up in Georgia and worked for years as a youth wilderness counselor, teacher, and tutor before moving to Maryland to pursue a degree in acupuncture. A recent Tai Sophia graduate, he is committed to bringing affordable acupuncture and wellness education to groups in the DC Metro area.
As Farris puts it, “I am continually amazed that tiny pins inserted just under the surface of the skin and a thoughtful question by a practitioner helped heal my shoulder, strengthen my bladder, and lift my depression; the same medicine has allowed me to help others heal their necks, stomachs, cancers, and spirits. I believe acupuncture is the answer to crises of healthcare, community, and ultimately the planet.”
Rebecca Snyder – M.Ac., L.Ac
Rebecca has been studying and practicing Chinese medicine and related fields for 12 years. A licensed acupuncturist, Rebecca earned her Masters of Acupuncture degree from Tai Sophia Institute and is currently doing post-graduate study with Lonny Jarrett. Rebecca’s treatment approach addresses not only physical and emotional imbalances, but reaches toward even higher goals – promoting the personal evolutionary edge of each patient. This involves a working partnership where the patient may discover their highest potential. Her acupuncture style blends meridian, TCM and 5-Element acupuncture traditions. Additionally, Rebecca offers acupressure and chi gong healing, two powerful healing modalities that do not require needles.
Betty Antonelli
Betty is a licensed Maryland massage therapist. She has been practicing massage for the past 8 years. She graduated from the Potomac Massage Therapy Institute in Washington, DC . She loves massage. Before she became a massage therapist, she used massage as a tool for her own enjoyment and preventive health maintenance. Her specialty is neck and back pain. She likes to customize her massages to her clients needs. This usually means some Swedish for relaxation and deep tissue in areas like the neck and back that have pain. Sometimes she does Shiatsu on the scapulas to open up the chest for better circulation and a larger space for breathing. Massage is a good addition to any personal program that you are developing for longevity.
Stephanie Ayala – LMT
Stephanie holds a B.S. in General Studies, Pre- Physical Therapy and is currently applying to graduate school for PT. She graduated from Baltimore School of Massage two years ago and has had the opportunity to work with professional athletes. She enjoys giving all modalities especially deep tissue, sports and muscle release technique (stretching). She says, “I enjoy the transition made from the minute the client steps through the door, often complaining of a trouble spot, and watching the way they are ready to take on anything once they leave. It’s rewarding knowing that I can help a complete stranger just by touch!”
Rachel Barth – LMT
Rachel is a graduate of Baltimore School of Massage. She specializes in Myofascial, Deep Tissue, Swedish, and Traditional Thai Massage. Rachel feels that compassionate, mindful presence is the most important part of any therapeutic work.
John Cox – RMP
John is certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Body Work and the State of Maryland Board of Chiropractic Examiners. He is trained in working with individuals who suffer from acute and chronic pain and stress-related stiffness due to accumulated toxins in the body. He also performs sports massage for the athlete in training or the “weekend warrior.” John’s expertise spans a wide range of services to a broad spectrum of clients, including members of local professional sports teams, pre/post event marathoners, assisted living residents and corporations offering chair massage to their employees.
Joan Davis
It is Joan’s strong belief that in the time, place and busy-ness in which we live, we absolutely must stop from time to time to relax, recover, and recharge, and it is in the dynamic stillness that this can take place. A strong supporter of self-care, she appreciates clients who take an active and interactive role in their wellness process. Joan has an integrative, therapeutic approach to massage. This includes deeply focusing in on a problem area as part of whole-body stress relief and relaxation. She blends modalities in each session to meet the client where he or she is in that moment. These include Swedish, deep tissue, Muscle Release Technique, Reiki, Visionary Cranial Sacral work, Strain Counterstrain, Bodywork for the Childbearing Year and sports massage, as well as inspired ingenuity. Corporate experience and the toll it takes on the body/mind/spirit, as well as the fulfillment of contributing to the health and wellness of others and herself as an aerobics instructor, informed Joan’s passion for massage. In fulltime private practice since 1994 graduation from Potomac Massage Training Institute, Joan has also worked at the University of Maryland Health Center, the International Monetary Fund fitness center, USAID Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, and Sport and Health clubs. And she has and continues to provide seated massage at Rockville City Hall and many and varied other venues and events.
Gabriela De Anda
Gabriela has been practicing massage therapy since 1998. She received her Associate’s Degree in Occupational Studies from the Swedish Institute in NY and is also a graduate of the Potomac Massage Training Institiute in DC. Her philosophy is that each person is their own health expert. As such, each massage therapy session is approached as a partnership with each client toward the goal set at the beginning of the session. She draws from the various modalities in which she was trained to achieve the established goal but specializes in deep tissue work incorporating eastern (Shiatsu) and western techniques (myofascial). This technique lengthens shortened contracted muscle creating space for joints and bones to move more freely. Her style has been described as a perfect post-race treat. Although her technique can be appreciated by anyone who would like to feel the effects of length and space in tight sore, muscles. Gabriela brings presence, non-judgment and awareness to the session and invites her clients to do the same – be present in your body, observe your body and remember what it feels like to be relaxed in your body.
Glenda Enagonio – LMT
Glenda is a graduate of the Potomac Massage Training Institute and became nationally certified in 2004. She holds a BS degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology and is a graduate of the Indigo Light Institute. She has more than 20 years experience in working with people in the mind-body field and brings to her work the desire and intuition to help people in process oriented bodywork. Glenda is trained in massage for people living with cancer, Swedish, Deep Tissue, Myofascial, Hot Stone and Pregnancy massage as well as Reiki and Somatic Experiencing.
Angela Gover-Walker – LMT
Angela graduated from the Baltimore School of Massage and became nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork in 2000. She has been giving massages to friends and family her whole life and credits them with her success in the professional world of Therapeutic Massage.
Rachel Green – CMT, LMT
Rachel has always loved massage, from the first time she walked on her father’s back at age four (with her mom’s help), to the advanced techniques she has learned from massage therapist friends and teachers through the years. After graduating Oberlin College and entering the world of politics, she realized she would prefer to focus on healing rather than dividing. She graduated from the National Massage Therapy Institute in 2010, and is a nationally certified and Maryland-licensed massage therapist. She also has her Level 2 Reiki attunement, and will be working on Level 3 soon. Rachel loves working with clients through Deep Tissue and Swedish massage, and enjoys finding and working out any trouble spots. Her favorite technique is the “Pec Release,” which opens the chest muscles and releases shoulder and arm tension. The result of a good release is a visible change in shoulder position, and a feeling that the shoulders are farther back. She also loves working to relieve sciatic pain, back tension, and other problems, for lasting effects. Rachel brings a calm, relaxing presence into the massage room, and feels it is very important to be mindful of the needs of the client, both body and mind.
Sooyong Kim – LMT
Sooyong is an intuitive practitioner of shiatsu, Reiki, and Cranio-Sacral therapy, who provides a safe space to facilitate your healing process. She believes that everyone has the power to heal. A 1998 graduate of the Ohashi Institute, she is also a Reiki Master, and has studied many modalities, including Cranio-Sacral Therapy with the Upledger Institute, Qigong, Spiritual Healing and Aikido. Sooyong grew up in South Korea, Malaysia, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. She worked in the corporate world in New York City after graduating from Princeton University, and responded to an early mid-life call to the healing arts.
Leslie Knee – LMT
Leslie, BA, LMT is a graduate of the University of Maryland and the Baltimore School of Massage (2000). She was originally drawn to massage therapy as a client for treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. After her recovery, she was drawn to pursue a career of helping others achieve wellness through massage. Leslie’s training in Deep Tissue Massage, Myofascial Release, Trigger Point Therapy, Pregnancy Massage, Oncology Massage and Manual Lymph Drainage has provided relief to clients living with discomfort and pain. Her work with Swedish Massage, Reflexology, Essential Oils, Hot Stone Therapy and other energy-based techniques provides deeply relaxing and soothing treatments for clients who would like to reduce the negative effects of stress in their lives. She is an advocate for people living with chronic illness (such as fibromyalgia, diabetes and cancer) to receive massage as part of their medical treatment to relieve pain, anxiety, circulatory issues, and more. Leslie is certified in Manual Lymph Drainage, and is a member of the Association of Bodywork and Massage Professionals. A former bodywork instructor at the Baltimore School of Massage, Leslie now dedicates her work to clients full-time, and teaches the occasional seminar.
Marie Maurer – LMT
Marie graduated from the Baltimore School of Massage. Several years after college, she developed a deep appreciation for receiving massages and wanted to share that with others. She believes
that the relaxation that massage can offer assists in all modalities of healing. She is happy to be with a
healing center where the teachers and practitioners share an appreciation of the healing arts.
Lorraine Rao – RMP
Lorraine is a graduate of the Potomac Massage Training Institute in Washington, D.C. She has been a professional massage practitioner for three years and is certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork as well as the State of Maryland Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Lorraine uses both Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage techniques that facilitate whole-body relaxation and support health and healing. She has a special expertise in issues surrounding the back, neck and shoulders – areas of the body that are highly vulnerable to stress from everyday activities (such as driving or working on the computer) as well as to acute injury. Lorraine understands how relaxation and massage can help people achieve other important health goals, and has helped clients incorporate massage into a variety of thier goals, including pain management, weight management, healthy aging, emotional wellness, and stress reduction. Most important to Lorraine’s practice are putting clients truly at ease and listening attentively to their needs and their body’s stories.
Selena Reames
Selena is a nationally and locally certified and licensed massage therapist. She completed her initial training at the Potomac Massage Training Institute in 2000. As well as practicing Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage she has also gone on to study Craniosacral Therapy with the Upledger Institute, Neuromuscular Therapy with Judith Delaney, Active Isolated Stretching, and Orthopedic Massage with Ben Benjamin. Selena is also an instructor at the Potomac Massage Training Institute. Selena’s unique ability to customize sessions and integrate different modalities works to facilitate the client’s own healing responses and helps to restore and maintain optimal functioning.
Robin Shepherd
Robin is a graduate of University of Maryland and Potomac Massage Training Institute. She began her work as a massage therapist focusing on orthopedic massage in a physical therapy clinic setting. She incorporates deep tissue, Swedish and myofascial work into her therapeutic massage. She recently graduated from the Ohashi Institute where she studied shiatsu. Adding this knowledge to her practice has allowed her to realize more fully the mind/body connection and treatment of the body as a whole. As a mother of two she also understands the difficulties of fertility, pregnancy and the trials of raising young children. Massage is an essential tool for helping to relieve these everyday stresses.
Michelle Simon – R.N., LMT
Michelle is a graduate of Towson University, Howard Community College and the Baltimore School of Massage. She is also a Maryland Licensed Registered Nurse and holds a BS in Psychology. Michelle specializes in the neck and back and her objective for every client is to address and relieve their tension, aches, and pains using Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Myofascial techniques. Clearing the mind while alleviating the effects of stress on the body, helps to promote physical and psychological health and wellness. This is the ultimate goal that she hopes to help all of her clients achieve and maintain.
Sherry Weber – LMT
Sherry has been a practicing massage therapist for over ten years. She is a graduate of The Baltimore School of Massage. She has experience working in a variety of settings. She has worked extensively with seniors, worked with parents and caregivers teaching infant massage, in corporate offices, health fairs, and wellness retreats doing seated massage. Her toolbox includes techniques from Swedish, deep tissue, myofascial and Thai massage. Sherry believes that massage and yoga belong together, and are two of the best things you can do for yourself! She considers herself blessed to be doing what she loves!
Ashley Litecky – M.S.
Ashley began her lifelong study of herbs and nutrition as a child. Her personal experience with severe allergies and asthma brought her to alternative medicine when conventional methods failed. She began her training in herbal medicine in 1997 while studying environmental science at the University of North Carolina, Asheville. Inspired by the relationship between people and plants, she traveled to Australia, studying traditional Aboriginal plant-spirit medicine. In 2003 she completed her B.A. in Integrative Health Studies from UMBC with an emphasis on the intersection of modern and traditional medicines. After spending time in the jungles of Costa Rica working on a biodynamic farm in 2004, she returned to complete a three year Masters of Science in Herbal Medicine program from the Tai Sophia Institute. Ashley currently teaches yoga, leads retreats, designs herbal products and practices clinical herbal medicine in the Maryland and DC area.
Jillian Benstein
Jillian is a licensed skin care professional who studied and practiced esthetics in Alexandria, VA prior to joining the Blue Heron team. She specializes in skin analysis, natural acne treatments, and anti-aging peels that focus on addressing skin concerns while maintaining young, healthy skin. Jillian strives to serve her customers by offering expert advice and service that provide her clients with the best tools and education to achieve their individual skin care goals.
Julie S. Holly
Julie began her interest in skincare following her search for a treatment for acne. Julie enjoyed make up but found that she needed to treat her acne before she could apply cosmetics. This lead to her course of study at Yvonne DiVillar Scientific Skin Institute and a profession using natural products for her clients’ treatment needs. As a Licensed Esthetician, Julie relishes seeing her clients’ confidence increase as they become more comfortable in their own skin – literally and figuratively. Julie also holds a Bachelor’s degree from Howard University.
Lori Chaikin – Director, Workplace Wellness
Lori’s experience has taken her from classroom to boardroom and from showroom to treatment room. Beginning her career as an elementary school educator she then spent 15 years in corporate Human Resources for specialty retailers in Washington, New York, Los Angeles and Miami.Leaving the corporate world to manage the showroom and staff of a local importer of antique French furniture allowed her to also pursue her life-long passion for fitness and exercise and build a personal training business. After experiencing the benefits of the integrated wellness services of Blue Heron Wellness as a client, she joined their team. She has brought her commitment to improving the health and well-being of others and her marketing and management skills together to design and implement their expanded Workplace Wellness program.
Lori – Liz Albershardt
Liz Albershardt, Adrienne Evans, Beth Finney, Rachel Green, Leilani Padua, and Nicole de Pedro – our fabulous front desk team, will be happy to greet you, give you a tour of Blue Heron, schedule appointments and help make your experience welcoming and memorable. We are grateful to all of them for their dedication and skill at smoothing your way as you join our wellness community.