Becky Raik is a New York State Licensed Massage Therapist. Her approach is investigative, thoughtful, confident, and warm. She works with her clients to ensure that each session meets their individual and specific needs. Becky studied at The Swedish Institute where she gained a firm understanding of shiatsu, myofascial techniques, and Swedish and deep tissue massage. She has enhanced her training with courses in trigger point therapy and a certification program in advanced sports massage. In addition to her practice as a massage therapist, she has served as the assistant teacher for the palpation class at The Swedish Institute. Her knowledge of anatomy and passion for bodywork just keeps growing.

Phoebe Brown, a born and bred New Englander, grew up in a family of “doers”; daughter of a fire chief and a microbiologist-turned-nurse. She understands the value and reward of hard physical labor but the toll it can take on the body. She devoted the first two decades of her life to concert dance, ballet and modern dance, and graduated from Adelphi University in 2018 with her BFA in Dance. She had a special interest in Paul Taylor’s athletic style of modern dance, studying and performing various excerpts and pieces of his during her time at Adelphi as well as interning in the company archives. In 2019 she began studying massage therapy at Pacific College of Health and Science and graduated in 2021. The combination of these two worlds has sparked a keen interest in how each individual body moves and works and this often translates directly into her bodywork.

Karen Clifton Mahoney is a New York State Licensed Massage Therapist and proud Brooklynite in practice for over 10 years. A graduate of New York City's esteemed Swedish Institute, her work is a relaxing and free-flowing fusion of Swedish and Deep Tissue massage. She often incorporates other massage modalities and techniques including Reflexology, Sports massage, Acupressure and stretching, creating unique treatments for her clients. So whether your goal is to reduce stress or to help relieve chronic pain, Karen customizes her sessions to best suit your needs. Additionally, she is certified in Pre/Postnatal Massage, having studied under Susanrachel Condon, CCE, CNM, LMT at the Swedish Institute.

Dylan's interest in massage was piqued when he first decided to attend the Swedish Institute for massage therapy. Having previously earned his BFA in Acting from Ohio University, he thought himself woefully underprepared. But with excellent instructors and an insistence that he do nothing short of his best, he graduated summa cum laude. Dylan takes an analytical approach to massage moving from one concern to the next assembling a treatment plan as he does his assessment. He makes every effort to help clients understand what he finds and what he believes to be the source of their concern. It is his firm belief that you do not come in to be worked on but are an active participant working with your therapist to achieve the best results possible. Communication and trust are pillars of his work which he learned while earning his degree as an actor. Outside of massage, Dylan is passionate about his place in the Capoeira community and is a regular cyclist.

Crissy has been practicing massage for as long as she can remember. Her father would have her walk on his back when she was four or five years old and ever since then she has been developing and crafting an intuition she has been happy to embrace. Her education from the Swedish Institute gave her the tools and language necessary for working to alleviate pain and initiate serenity within people. In her five years as a licensed therapist, she has worked in many settings from day spas to chiropractic offices, always absorbing new methods and techniques to add to her own cocktail of remedies. Integrating Shiatsu and Swedish in a seamless session, she finds, leaves clients with a feeling of completeness and newness that makes 90 minutes feel like a week of rest. She understands that her client's bodies and minds are changing everyday and every session reflects that. She feels it's her job to find those changes and basically make her clients feel like marshmallows. Healthy, happy marshmallows.

Daniela is a graduate of Academy of Massage Therapy. They have been practicing Massage Therapy in NY since 2007. Daniela believes in the power of touch and its ability to facilitate the body's innate wisdom in healing itself. They have experience in both the medical and spa setting and works on a diverse clientele with varying physical conditions. She is skilled in many massage modalities and combines effective techniques to fit individual needs and preferences.

Natalie Ferraro is originally from Tampa, Florida. She began her passion for massage therapy in 2008 as a graduate from FCC, and became Nationally Board Certified in Massage Therapy and Bodywork through NCBTMB. Over the years she has expanded her knowledge in Deep Tissue, Cupping, Trigger Point Therapy, TMJ Therapy, Reiki, Aromatherapy and so much more. In 2015, she and her husband relocated to Brooklyn where she studied at Swedish Massage Institute and earned her NYS Massage License in 2016. Additionally, she is certified in Pre/Postnatal Massage, under the instruction of Elaine Stillerman, LMT. After working mostly in luxury day spas, she is thrilled to be at Melt where she can customize her focus on each client. Her approach is warm and intuitive. She loves meeting new people and spending time with family.

Danielle Fink is a New York State Licensed Massage Therapist and National Board Certified Massage Therapist since 2004. Danielle also received her Certificate in Aromatherapy and Registered Aromatherapist status in 2002. She holds a BFA in Acting from New York University and has spent over 20 years working in the performing arts. She is a certified Biodynamic CranioSacral Therapist under the tutelage of Stillpoint NYC and Franklyn Sills, one of the pioneers in the field. Danielle’s work draws on her many years of hands on experience in several modalities, including traditional Swedish and Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular Therapy, Shiatsu, Thai Massage and Reiki Energy Healing. Her “listening hands” are known to find areas of tension and holding whereupon she draws upon her deep knowledge of the body and intuitive sense of touch to find the best method for release. Danielle does not believe that massage need be painful in order to be effective. Specific, thoughtful techniques applied with the client’s comfort and session goals in mind is what creates a successful outcome. Whether clients come in for acute or chronic pain issues, or to relax and de-stress, Danielle is equipped to provide a tailored massage experience that best suits their needs.

Having started her practice in 2009 as a Licensed Massage Therapist after graduating from the Swedish Institute, Marielena is excited to venture into Melt Massage. In 2015, she became an internationally trained Doula through DONA - Doulas of North America, advancing her knowledge in the legacy of pregnancy, after becoming certified in prenatal/postnatal massage. She has five star hotel spa experience, seven years of vinyasa yoga and four years of running knowledge and an awareness of how daily living affects the body. Before investing into a more holistic lifestyle, she studied creative writing and photography in college and has been published in LA’s Latin magazine “Palabra”. Marielena organically integrates Traditional Chinese Medicine, Aromatherapy and Ayurvedic principles into her bodywork and creative work and has been a practicing vegan since 2004.

Betsy has been a Brooklynite for over twenty years, and a New York State Licensed Massage Therapist since 2010. A graduate of the Swedish Institute, she considers bodywork both a career and a passion, and firmly believes in the transformative power of therapeutic touch. In addition to massage, Betsy has an MFA in poetry, and is also a drummer, bicyclist, half-marathoner, and proud member of LGBTQ+ and sobriety communities. Her client-centered approach is detailed and thorough, and may incorporate techniques such as trigger point therapy, myofascial release, and energy work to bring the body and mind into greater balance.

Sophie is a Haitian-American who hails from Brooklyn, NY. They are currently in pursuit of their psychology degree, with the goal of becoming a social worker to promote & prioritize the physical and mental wellness of underserved children and young adults. Sophie has a strong belief that the mind and body are harmonious in its function, so they entered into the field of wellness to facilitate people’s journey on the path of healing. They love being hands on with guiding people to the best resources that can provide life & spirit changing experiences. They enjoy spreading love & joy through cooking and spends a lot of their free time perfecting recipes for their future food zine. In their free time they enjoy listening to music, going to museums & parks, and biking when the weather is nice.

Daniel’s approach to bodywork is nervous-system-focused, responsive, pain-free, and gentle yet powerful. He believes each individual is the expert at being in their own body, and massage is a collaboration to help calm, connect, gain self-awareness, and ease pain, tension, and guarding. With sensitivity, open communication, and current pain science in mind, Daniel intently listens to you and your body and empowers you on your wellness journey.

Daniel is a New York State licensed massage therapist and a graduate of Pacific College of Health and Science. His style is informed by Dermo-Neuro-Modulation, myofascial techniques, PNF, Swedish and Thai Massage, Shiatsu, and reflexology. In addition to passive massage, he offers activating and stretching techniques that help to alleviate pain and tension and increase movement and awareness. He has a background as a professional ballet dancer for 20 years. Through the challenges and demands of being an athlete, Daniel experienced varied forms of bodywork, training, and somatic practices, all of which inform his work today. He is an ACE certified personal trainer and an NASM certified corrective exercise specialist. For over 6 years he has been working with people in one-on-one strength and flexibility training sessions and teaching Fascia Love fitness classes (think yoga meets Pilates).

Ria has been a Licensed Massage Therapist since 2005. She is an NCBTMB Certified Oncology Massage Specialist, a Gendai Reiki Master and is also certified by Core Pilates NYC to teach Mat Pilates. She is a 4x marathon finisher and her love for running inspired her to create a signature Warm Bamboo massage treatment for runners and other athletes.

Ria is an instinctive massage therapist. Each treatment plan is uniquely designed utilizing several modalities including, but not limited to, medical massage, oncology massage, trigger point therapy, myofascial techniques, Shiatsu and Thai massage, while incorporating rehabilitative stretching and strengthening exercises. She specializes in restoring healthy bodies ailed by chronic pain brought upon by injuries, and traumas. Her treatments complement Physiotherapists, Physical Therapists, Chiropractors and other healthcare and fitness professionals. A session with Ria is not only rejuvenating, but it can also be educational. She will guide you to understand why you might be feeling certain pain patterns in your body. Together you will discover the core issues of what movements and patterns you perform daily that might be a contributing factor to your aches and pain.

Thomas Tyger Moore (he/him) originally from Washington, DC is a kinetic storyteller/ youth facilitator/ teaching artist based in Brooklyn, NY. He is also currently studying acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.

Thomas creates and performs with his soul sister Adrianne Ansley in ‘Thomas & Adrianne’ and talks about self-care and healing on their “You’re Welcome w/ Thomas and Adrianne podcast”|@thomasandadrianne.

Thomas collaborates with Gibney as a Community Actionist, leading and reimagining creative movement classes and workshops for kids and young adults about healthy relationships and dating abuse.

Thomas plays competitive tennis, loves biking and talking about traditional Chinese medicine and mint chocolate chip ice cream, who are we kidding?...Thomas loves food!

Cynthia A. Mustafa studied massage therapy and personal training at the Swedish Institute College of Health Sciences, received additional training and certification in Prenatal and Perinatal massage therapy under Carole Osborne Sheets, and is an NSCA Certified Personal Trainer as well as a NYS Licensed Massage Therapist. Since obtaining her license in 2009, she has performed massage therapy in chiropractic offices, massage clinics, wellness centers, luxury spas, and health clubs. Always seeking to grow and learn as a wellness professional, Cynthia has pursued continuing education in anatomy for movement injuries, postural assessment, body reading, myofascial techniques, prenatal massage, and functional movement screening.

Cynthia’s customized therapeutic massage treatments incorporate deep tissue techniques, Swedish massage techniques, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, passive and active stretching, deep breathing, hydrotherapy, and aromatherapy. Having worked closely with a varied population that includes athletes, fitness enthusiasts, sedentary office workers, elderly clients, chronically injured clients, and physically-challenged clients, Cynthia is committed to applying her education and experience to help her clients reach their wellness goals.

Marisol Ortiz has had a passion to help people feel better since childhood. When she was young she would give massages to family and friends and noticed what a positive impact she could have on their lives by helping them relax or de-stress. She became their go-to for muscle aches and pains. She was encouraged by everyone around her to enroll in the Swedish Institute. Working hard and with determination she earned her license to pursue a career in massage therapy.

Marisol is a very empathetic and approachable therapist that listens to her clients to determine the areas of pain that need to be addressed and the intensity of the massage that is needed. She has a very intuitive ability to sense the source of the tension/ pain and an ability to help her clients heal.

Having worked closely with a chiropractor for several years, she noticed the benefits and amazing results of massage for back pain, neck pain and neuropathy. She recently earned an additional certification in medical massage adding to her abilities in energy regeneration and de- stressing.

She combines her in-office skills with some instructions for rehabilitative stretches between sessions and helps guide her clients with a positive helpful attitude and a genuine interest in helping.

Pamela is a Licensed Massage Therapist living in New York City. She graduated from the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in NYC, and has worked in 5-star spas and with renowned chiropractors and doctors. She knew that she would do massage since the age of 12, when she met a man who had studied massage under a Shaman in Mexico, and has been enthralled since by the combination of energy work with therapeutic touch. She has been trained in aspects of both Western and Eastern Massage, and enjoys communicating with her clients to help them to understand their muscular tensions from emotional, energetic, as well as Western Medical standpoints. She is highly influenced from her years of practicing yoga, and feels that through the rhythmic control of the breath, clients are better able to release tension. This is because it is through this rhythm that we are able to better harmonize the rhythmic pulsations of our heart, and by attaining peace in our heart, we are able to increase blood circulation and achieve acceptance of all the traumas we have endured. This acceptance helps us to confront and to let go of those traumas and leave the massage feeling lighter and more brisk, and better able to receive the benefits of the massage itself.

Dawn Elane Reed is a Nationally Board Certified, New York State Licensed Massage Therapist and RYT 200 Yoga Instructor. She received her initial massage training at the Swedish Institute in New York, and holds certifications in Pre and Post-natal massage, Sports Massage and Medical Massage.

She worked for nearly 20 years at Google, helping to initiate the massage program in their New York office in 2003, and expanded wellness offerings from Chair Massage to include traditional Table Massage, Shiatsu, and Thai Massage as well as MindBody Awareness offerings and self-care classes designed to help alleviate common discomforts from office work and specialty classes for runners and teams.

In addition to massage, Dawn has a BA in Theater and French from the University of MN. She moved to New York City to pursue her career as a performer and director. She had always found herself helping others with massage, whether it be family members or fellow performers backstage. Her training as a massage therapist was a natural extension of that journey. “When theater is good both the performer and the audience are transformed. There is an exchange of energy that can touch the soul, it can heal and transform. That is the same quality of energy I find in my work with massage clients.”

Her massage sessions incorporate a variety of massage techniques to address individual needs, including Swedish, Thai massage, deep tissue, sports massage, and more, helping to encourage clients to relax, recharge, recover from injury, and achieve a higher level of well-being.

She Loves to work with runners, and has completed 8 marathons, including the NYC Marathon three times!

Jaz is a Brooklyn native who recently graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering. They quickly decided to follow their true passion in health and wellness, so they switched gears. Jaz spends their days lifting weights, flowing through Pilates, getting creative with graphic design, and focusing on their personal healing journey. Jaz landed in a massage therapy studio, where they get to meet unique people all striving to better themselves. Although they are not a practicing LMT, they love soaking up all the knowledge this space has to offer. Who knows, maybe one day Jaz will join the ranks. But for now, they are doing their bit to spread some positivity and healing!

Jill Rothenberger is a New York State Licensed Massage Therapist with over 10 years experience in the field. Her passion for wellness and mind/body integration began at a young age and was enhanced through studies at the Aveda Institute, the Ohashi Shiatsu Institute, and Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. Her success in the field comes from her devotion to meet each individual client’s needs, her ability to asses their ever-changing health goals and communicate effectively with them for optimum results. She knows through experience that wellness is dynamic, and that Massage Therapists are most effective when they use a variety of approaches, always working with compassion at the forefront. Drawing from both Western and Eastern modalities, Jill utilizes techniques from Swedish massage and Deep Tissue to Shiatsu and Reflexology. She is also fully trained in pre-natal massage. Being a Massage Therapist has become more than a career for Jill, it has become a meaningful and rewarding calling. Jill believes that health and well-being are the gatekeepers of potential and that self-care is not a luxury, it is our right. Jill is proud and honored to be a part of such an exciting field and as a member of the great team at Melt.

Krystal specializes in Active Release Techniques, Deep Tissue, Sports and Swedish Massage as well as Graston and Cupping. She assists in teaching medical massage at the world-renowned Swedish Institute in New York City. She has over 7 years of experience in a range of settings, from chiropractic and physical therapy offices to New York Presbyterian hospital and high-end spas.

Krystal has a Bachelors degree in Health Science/Alternative Medicine and obtained her foundational massage therapy training at the Swedish Institute. She has always had a passion for helping others and for health and wellness. Krystal is a native New Yorker and a lifelong athlete.

Rachel is a graduate of Finger Lakes School of Massage, Mount Kisco. Inspired by her own experience addressing chronic pain from dance and athletic injuries, Rachel began teaching yoga and Pilates so that she could share her explorations into the workings of the human body with others.

As a manual therapist, Rachel draws from her background as a movement educator to promote self-care, freedom from struggle, and reliance on breath for overall well-being. She encourages clients to tune into the sensations that come up during sessions and holds space for them to approach what they feel with curiosity rather than fear of the unknown in order to help them build mindfulness, resilience, and insight into their embodied experiences.

Leah Sophinos is a Reiki Master, a NYS Licensed Massage Therapist and is certified in Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Prenatal Massage. She graduated from Pacific College in 2021 and takes an intuitive, evidenced -based approach to her work. She believes that the body has the innate ability to heal itself and this can be done in a state of relaxation. Her sessions are focused on restoring balance throughout the central nervous system by reconnecting the mind, body and spirit, all while providing pain and tension relief with massage therapy, reiki and manual lymphatic drainage.

Megan believes deeply in people's innate capacity for healing. She approaches each massage as an opportunity to soothe aches and pains and to create space in the body for positive changes to occur, whether physical, mental, or emotional. A Swedish Institute graduate and avid ongoing learner, Megan is trained in a variety of techniques, including therapeutic relaxation massage, Myofascial Release, Tui Na, Shiatsu, Pre and Post-Natal Massage, and massage to encourage and support labor. Whatever techniques she is using, Megan's massage is guided by a love of comfort, relaxation, and ease and the belief that a little nurturing brings us all a step or two closer to our best selves. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and her very active toddler who occasionally stops moving long enough to request a foot massage.

Nik got her start in the field of wellness after working for many years as a New York City public school educator. While passionate about the idea of helping people she found that there was little time or energy left for self-care and left education for a career as a massage therapist. Although she no longer does direct care as an LMT, she is still passionate about the work and Nik uses her background in massage, bodywork, and wellness to create warm, clean, organized, and communicative spaces where that work gets done.

Diane has been a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) since 2005. She provides intuitive, therapeutic massage therapy and bodywork, incorporating elements of Swedish and Deep Tissue massage and Shiatsu. Each session takes into account any acute or chronic issues as well as the client's specific intentions. Diane has worked with a wide variety of clients over the years to help relieve their pain and discomfort and regain a sense of balance and calm in the body. The goal is always to promote self-healing and encourage body awareness. She continues to be inspired by people and their myriad experiences in their bodies and wishes to support clients where they're at with all the wisdom they bring. Diane is also a Certified Core Energetics Practitioner (CCEP), which is a type of body-centered psychotherapy that encourages the healing of energetic blocks in the body, helping people live fuller lives. She is currently seeing Core Energetics clients on Zoom.

Derek is an LMT and graduate of the Finger Lakes School of Massage. He uses a combination of myofascial deep tissue techniques, trigger point therapy, Traeger technique, Swedish massage, Shiatsu, Ayurvedic Abhyanga and energy work to create flowing treatment plans catered to his clients' individual needs. He is also a certified Reiki practitioner and YTT200 hour certified yoga teacher, and has had a dedicated practice of yoga, qi gong and energy work for over 10 years. This has deepened Derek's relationship with his own body and given him the chance to move through and let go of many old patterns, emotions, anxieties and energetic blocks, and has left him in awe of the power of all forms of bodywork to transform individuals and the world! Finally, Derek is an internationally touring musician and can be found on stage and in the audience of various bars, clubs and venues throughout NYC and the world. His intuitive massage style is deeply informed by his music and yoga practices and he is fully committed to meeting every client right where they are that day, that moment, to offer them what they need in order to facilitate deep and long lasting healing.