All of our therapists and aestheticians are licensed by the state
of Massachusetts. Some are licensed in other states and/or are nationally
certified.
All of our staff is committed to continuing their education. Our
therapists have been trained in a diverse variety of massage modalities.
When you call for an appointment we will attempt to match you up with the right therapist for your
particular situation.
Peter Ochsner, founder and co-owner of Essential Therapies, received his
massage training at the Dovestar Institute in Hooksett, NH. Peter
is a nationally certified massage therapist and a third degree
Reiki practitioner. In the past few years Peter has studied myofacial
release and unwinding with John Barnes, hot rock massage with LaStone,
craniosacral therapy with the Upledger Institute, raindrop
therapy, Lomi-Lomi massage and Shiatsu. Peter is former instructor for the Solidago School of Massage,
offering an elective course in Spa Management and Spa Hydrotherapy.
He also offers consulting services to spas during their planning,
design, and construction phases.
Peter's signature is an eclectic massage integrating Reiki, Shiatsu stretch, Kriya and a smattering of his own massage techniques. Peter also does unwindings, a modified hot rock massage, shiatsu, Lomi Lomi massage, and various wet room treatments.
Judie Ochsner , the other co-owner and Peter's
better half, works part-time at the spa booking appointments
and keeping us organized. Also helping out in the office are
Julia and Starr , two local high school students.
Heather Morrissey, our Spa Aesthetics Manager, received her training at the Catherine Hinds Institute of Aesthetics. Heather joined the spa in 1998 and worked for several years as an aesthetician before returning to the Catherine Hinds Institute where she completed a 1200-hour Medical Aesthetics Course. This course included training in invasive skin care and advanced facial massage techniques. Heather always greets her clients with a smile and a kind word. Heather does an array of facials and waxing and when not doing aesthetics, you will find her managing many of the day to day functions of the spa.
Laura Jodry , our Spa Manager is nationally certified by the American Reflexology Certification Board. She also holds certificates of advanced training in reflexology from Denmark, Taiwan, and China. She is past president of the Reflexology Association of America and has been a liason between reflexology and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Laura is trained in Dr. Young's raindrop therapy technique and is also a reiki master and teacher. Laura's lighthearted and sometimes humorous approach to healing and wellness is surrounded by a wealth of knowledge and sincerity. She hopes to help each individual feel safe and optimistic along the path to wellness. Laura recently finished her massage training at The Solidago School joining our massage staff as well.
Our Staff
Angela received her training as a licensed aesthetician at the Catherine Hinds Institute of Aesthetics.
She entered the field of aesthetics enjoying the experience, helping to make your facial one of relaxation and rejuvenation. Angela offers facials and waxing at the spa.
Anne-Marie is a graduate of Catherine Hinds Institute of Aesthetics, where she completed 1200 hours of training in both spa therapy and medical aesthetics. She is licensed as aesthetician and manicurist. Anne-Marie has also received reiki training that she enjoys incorporating into her facial treatments. Anne-Marie also does waxing, pedicures and wet room treatments.
Linda is a class 1 aesthetician, manicurist and registered electrologist with 25 years of experience. She received her training at the Eleanor Roberts Institute in Boston and Mary Angelis School of Electrology. She does facials, pedicures and wet room treatments at the spa. She also does electrology and laser hair removal at her private office.
Lisa graduated from the Holistic Program at the Polarity Realization
Institute in Westboro, MA. She received her certificate
in Swedish massage and Polarity Therapy. She provides
relaxation by integrating some energy work with a medium pressure
massage. Lisa also does hot rock massage and wet room treatments.
Marceline is a nationally certified and licensed massage therapist. In addition she is a certified B.E.S.T. therapist having studied with Dr. Morter, who developed Bio Energetic Synchronizing Technique during his forty years of research into alternative care for health. She also is certified in reflexology, pregnancy- and sports massage and Touch for Health. Marceline recently trained with dr. Berg who developed A.S.E.T. (Accupressure Stress Elimination Technique) during his eighteen year research in problems of resistant weight. Born and raised in Belgium, she quickly learned from experience that the body’s potential is so much greater, as long as we set the mind to it. Her three children have strengthened her belief in intuition and have taught her to simplify life to the ease of being. Marceline lives what she practices.
Pam is a nationally certified and licensed massage therapist. She is a graduate of the Bancroft School of Massage Therapy and has a private practice which began in 2005. Pam has a certificate in Core Integration Movement Therapy and continues to take advanced courses in Core Integration. Believing her role is to facilitate the body's own healing powers, Pam's gentle touch allows for self-awareness and restoration of ease in body, mind, and spirit. Using a combination of Swedish relaxation massage, functional Core Integration Movement Therapy, and Positional Release Techniques, Pam tailors her sessions to meet each individual client's needs. This often results in relaxation and reduction of chronic muscle tension. Pam also has specialized training in massage for frail clients and those with cancer, and devotes time each week volunteering for support of women with breast cancer.
Sandi is a licensed
massage therapist, having received her training at the Bancroft
School of Massage. She has pre-natal massage training and does
equine massage part-time. Sandi studied Pilates Yoga and teaches
weekly yoga classes at the spa.
Shannon is our most recent hire and a full time student at Fitchburg State College. She received her massage training at the Salter School in West Boylston. Shannon brings a sense of caring and tranquility to her sessions, helping you relax and let go of your stress.
Terri studied at the Bancroft School of Massage Therapy opening the door to a career as a professional massage therapist. In March of 1997 she opened her own practice and joined our staff at Essential Therapies in 2005. She has been a reiki practitioner for 10 years and also does prenatal massage, myo-fascial release, ki-iki jitsu, hot rock and raindrop therapy. Her love of life supports Terri’s passion for massage therapy and she is grateful for the opportunity to share this gift with her clients. Terri resides in Harvard, MA with her two daughters and loving husband and believes there is amazing strength in the power of love and faith.
Vicky received her training from Assabet Valley Tech, and is also certified in glycolic and smart peel microdermabrasion. Vicky also does waxing. Vicky has a very outgoing personality and enjoys working with people and the rewards this line of work offers. Vicky brings personal touches to her work and her greatest satisfaction is knowing that her clients are completely satisfied and happy with the services she provides them.
