If you are a wellness professional who shares our core values of integrity, honesty, mutual respect, compassion, and loving what you do, please contact us to apply.
Anastasia grew up in a variety of locations across the United States due to her father’s job in the Marine Corps. Her love of traveling brought her to Mexico to live as an exchange student, to Athens to study during her second year of college, and to a grand total of 53 countries on six continents during and after her four years with United Airlines. She worked as an Advertising Executive in charge of national accounts prior to founding Healing Hands in 2011.
Anastasia graduated magna cum laude from Harding University with a double major in Spanish and International Relations. She became a licensed massage therapist in 2010 and obtained her CCWS certification (Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist) in 2018. She is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program.
In her free time, she enjoys participating in community service projects and raising money for various worthy causes with her Rotary Club, where she served as Club President for the 2018-2019 term. She also volunteers with The Cat Network, travels with her husband, and enjoys the outdoors when it’s not too hot and humid.
Karina has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management. In addition, she is also a certified personal trainer and Fitness Nutrition Specialist through the American Council of Exercise. She holds a CPR/AED certification and a First Aid certification through the American Red Cross.
Her passion for wellness began with a journey to get back in shape when she was in college. She realized she could hardly walk to her car without getting winded. This was at age 18! So, she decided to make some changes and recommit to her health, and along the way she fell in love with living a healthy lifestyle. She now enjoys feeling strong, confident, and able to balance a healthy lifestyle with a happy life. She helps others do the same through online programs or in-person exercise sessions. She says, “Fitness changes lives and it is my passion to help show you how!”
Karina is also extremely organized and this comes in handy in her role as Wellness Coordinator. She helps staff our wellness events and keeps them running smoothly. She is also an excellent writer and helps with the blog. We are lucky to have her on board!
I have been in the health and wellness industry for almost 3 decades, having received a degree as a Physical Therapist in my native Brazil in 1990.
After moving to the United States, I attended the American Institute of Massage Therapy and became licensed as a massage therapist in 2008 and as an esthetician in 2010. Throughout the years I have perfected my craft in many diverse environments ranging from chiropractic offices to five-star luxury spas.
I specialize in a variety of massage modalities including Swedish, deep tissue, hot stone, Thai, pre-natal, lomi-lomi, shiatsu, sports, manual lymphatic therapy, and trigger point therapy. I can also perform e-stim (Electrical Stimulation Therapy) and ear candling.
In my free time, I enjoy swimming (I am a certified swimming instructor) and helping out at my church. In addition to my native Portuguese, I am also fluent in English and Spanish.
I started my Pilates journey in 2006, during recovery from persistent back pain. After realizing Pilates was the only method that kept me vertical and pain-free, I decided to share my joy with others and became certified through the Aerobic and Fitness Association of America in 2015. I have worked with a variety of people and take care to offer modifications, as warranted. I like to create a comfortable environment, which brings better student-teacher communication, thus leading to a better overall experience for the student.
In addition to teaching Pilates, I also teach Silver Sneakers classes, a program encouraging older adults to participate in physical activities that will help them to maintain greater control of their health. Silver Sneakers sponsors activities and social events designed to keep seniors healthy while encouraging social interaction.
I attended the State University of New York at Albany, receiving my Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Management Information Systems. After many years working in my field of study, I raised 2 smart and beautiful daughters, now both in college–one at UGA and one at GA Tech. I enjoy creating art, volunteering for Clark Howard’s Consumer Action Center as a Consumer Advocate, and spending time with my family and pets.
I was born and raised in South Florida. Brought up in a household filled with the love of my devoted parents and three sisters, I was raised to be compassionate and kind to all. My passions are always found in nature and at the core of my being, the ocean.
When I attended my first yoga class, I found something I did not even know I was searching for. Yoga fulfilled my desire for something more therapeutic for my body,healing for my heart, and a practice so stimulating for my mind. I greatly wanted others to experience the magical effects that I had discovered through yoga, so I made the decision to deepen my own practice by dedicating my life to sharing my practice with the world.
After years of my own practice and creating my own healthy and joyous lifestyle, I completed my first 200-hour Teacher Training Certification at Om Joyful Yoga in Cooper City, Florida in 2016 with Joy Kochmer. There, I developed a soft yet powerful style of teaching that incorporates both the physical and spiritual aspects of yoga, connecting mind, body, and soul. Then in 2018 I completed my second 200-hour Teacher Training at Anuttara Yoga Shala in Delray Beach, Florida with Phillip Christodoulou and soon afterwards I completed another 200-hour Raja Yoga Teacher Training there as well.
I am committed to continuing my education and the study of this sacred science of Yoga so that I can further share it with my students. I specialize in Hatha, Bikram, Raja, and Vinyasa Yoga. My mission in life is to inspire, enlighten and elevate those who surround me. By way of my practice and teachings, I hope to lead my students to self-transformation, realization and inner peace through the practice of yoga.
I am a Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Fitness Instructor, and Licensed Zumba Instructor. I’m very energetic and physically fit.
I graduated from Atlanta School of Massage in 2009 and became licensed in January 2010. So I have been in the massage industry for about a decade, and have been in the fitness industry for more than 20 years. I also served in the US Army Reserves and was a part of Operation Desert Storm.
I have a passion for working with the muscular skeletal system whether it is through massage, personal training, fitness, etc.
I have been told by many people that I am very thorough when it comes to massage therapy. I have worked on a variety of clients with a broad range of different challenges and issues, and It is very rewarding to know that clients really benefit from my work.
I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from the University of South Florida and my Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Central Florida. Although I worked for six years as a social worker, I kept finding myself drawn back to my longtime passion, yoga.
I finally decided to get my yoga certification, which I completed in 2017. In the last few years, I’ve developed a practice that explores the mind-body connection. I use the breath to guide my students into the poses and it’s been an essential tool to transforming the asana practice. I love to see the look of surprise and gratitude on my students’ faces when they are able to ease themselves into different shapes with complete awareness of the breath and a deeply integrated mind-body connection.
I am comfortable teaching all levels from beginner to advanced. I tell my students that if a particular pose doesn’t feel right, don’t do it. So often I find that we are more in our head and less in our body. But when we build a solid foundation, release expectation, and surrender to what is, the body will surprise us. And often, so will the mind.
I am originally from Cali, Colombia. I have been a massage therapist and esthetician since 1995 and re-certified in the USA in 2015 at the Beauty School of America. I am trained in Swedish, Deep Tissue, Trigger Point Therapy, Pediatric, and Chair Massage as well as a variety of modalities for skin care.
I have always been a believer in preventative healthcare and truly love helping people. As a massage therapist, I feel fortunate to be able to perform a craft that is both an art and a science. I greatly enjoy my work and my clients, and I have been told it shows in my helpful nature. I continually strive to go above and beyond for every person who experiences my caring touch.
In my free time, I enjoy pursuing my other passions in life including international travel, music, and yoga.
Although I began studying martial arts for self-defense purposes after being bullied in my youth, I soon fell in love with them for the benefits they provide in terms of fitness, fun and self-defense, and later as a form of self-cultivation.
My study of Shaolin Kung Fu drew me to Tai Chi, and the other Internal Martial Arts. While I have studied a wide variety of fighting systems, both Eastern and Western, the depth and health benefits of Tai Chi continually draw me deeper.
I have more than two decades of martial arts experience, having practiced Tai Chi and other Chinese Internal Martial Arts since 2001. I am a student of James Cravens, director of the Chinese Boxing Institute International, as well as a disciple of Chen Taijiquan (Tai Chi) lineage holder Chen Xiaowang. I teach Chen-Style Taijiquan, Baguazhang, Xingyiquan, Qigong, and Chinese Boxing.
While I hold a bachelors degree in Marketing, it is yoga, mindfulness, and Reiki that are my true passions.
I began my personal Yoga practice on a lunch hour in 2012 following a co-worker’s suggestion. Feeling adventurous, I decided to try something new and have been hooked ever since. I completed the 200-hour teacher training in 2016, and have always been very drawn to the shivasanas at the end of each yoga session; guiding my students in mindful imagery with positive affirmations is immensely gratifying to me.
Whether I’m teaching yoga or mindfulness, I enjoy helping my students find balance, inner peace and self-love through a relaxed state of mind. Due to my previous work in corporate America, I particularly enjoy helping those who work in an office environment to decompress from their workday and release stress, and remind them it’s okay to take some time for themselves.
I am a firm believer in positive thinking and using the power of affirmation to create the life you truly desire. I love sharing yoga and mindfulness with everybody as it can benefit all.
I’m from Miami, Florida but my journey took me to Seattle, Washington; Virginia Beach, Virginia; San Jose, California and in 2010 right back to South Florida where I started!
From 2007-2008 I attended the National Holistic Institute school of Massage in San Jose, California. I studied Anatomy, Physiology, Kinesiology, Deep Tissue, Trigger Point Therapy, Sports Massage, Stretching, Reflexology, Swedish/Relaxation, Aromatherapy and Craniosacral Therapy.
As part of the program, I interned with the San Jose Ballet Company where I gained experience working with athletes to help improve range of motion and help prevent injury, as well as with Destino Spa in Palo Alto, CA, where I learned to provide relaxing spa treatments.
Massage is my passion! I love to assist people and help them feel less pain from injury, stress, surgery, or general discomfort. Even during a deep tissue massage, I can still add techniques that result in a relaxing session. I tend to use a variety of modalities depending on the needs of the client. I have assisted people with migraines, sinus issues, neck pain, and lower back pain to name a few.
To get the most out of your massage session, it is important to relax the mind as well as the body and to focus on your breathing. For this reason, I make it a rule for myself to never engage in conversation first. At the same time, it’s not a problem if I have a client who prefers to talk during their session. Either way, I welcome any communication or feedback so I know if the pressure is too much or not enough.
I am a native of Brazil; my family emigrated to the US when I was 12 years old. My “day job” is a residential appraiser / realtor but I live and breathe my passion: Zumba!
I have always loved to dance and more than a decade ago I received my training from Zumba Fitness Founder Beto Perez and became a licensed instructor. I love sharing the joy of Zumba with everyone from young children to the elderly. I also enjoy planning large-scale Zumba events for major festivals including Calle Ocho.
My zest for life and love for Zumba are matched only by my other great passion: the charity I founded to help young women in developing countries receive the dental treatments they need, particularly braces. In 2017, I established Scala Inc 4 Braces, a 501(c)3 nonprofit.
In addition to my native Portuguese, I am fluent in English, Spanish and Italian.
I am a certified Fitness Trainer with a license in Stretch Therapy.
I have held a national certification in Fitness Training with the National Academy of Sports Medicine since 2017, and received my license in Human Kinetics as a Stretch Therapist the same year.
As a Fitness Trainer since 2006, I have trained many clients ages 15 to 98, each of whom had distinct training goals and capabilities. I am open to working with people of all ages, abilities, and levels of experience. I am passionate about helping my clients meet their fitness goals and it shows in my work every day as I motivate and encourage all those around me to trust themselves and dig deep to achieve their full potential.
As a Stretch Therapist, I educate my clients on the importance of stretching before and after exercise, as well as teaching them flexibility exercises for full range of motion to alleviate pain.
I love to help others feel their absolute best!
I am a United States Navy Veteran as well as a Licensed and Nationally Certified Massage Therapist. I have extensive experience working in the health, wellness and fitness industry. I specialize in Chair Massage as well as Therapeutic, Geriatric, and Oncology Massage. In addition, I teach Reiki, Qigong, Stress Management, Yoga, and Functional Fitness.
I received my Bachelor of Arts degree from Norwich University – Vermont College with a concentration in the “Silent Sciences” (meditation, synchronicity, intuition, Buddhism, visualization, energy work, aromatherapy, and Shamanism).
I’ve worked as a personal trainer specializing in nutrition, corrective exercise, and weight loss since 2011. I am originally from the island of Roatan, Honduras.
I began my fitness career at the Downtown Athletic Club in Miami, Florida where I trained pro athletes, doctors, lawyers, judges, and other professionals, passionately working with each individual to reach their personal fitness goals.
While working as a personal trainer, I continued my education at Miami Dade College where I majored in Exercise Science. I was then accepted to the University of Miami on a partial academic scholarship where I obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Medicine and Film, graduating with honors.
I am a certified personal trainer with NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) and hold specializations in nutrition, corrective exercise, stretching, and performance enhancement. In my free time, I enjoy photography, travelling, and spending time with my family.
Born and raised in Broward County, massage is what I was born to do! I knew from my early teens that massage was my calling. I never even considered studying or pursuing anything else.
I attended Florida College of Natural Health in Pompano Beach and graduated in 2006 with an Associate of Science degree with a concentration in Advanced Therapeutic Massage. I also have additional certifications in Neuromuscular Therapy, Sports Therapy and Active Isolated Stretching.
After graduation I went straight into corporate wellness, working the first 11 years of my career at the Active Wellness Center at Motorola’s offices in Plantation, FL. I’ve also had the pleasure of working alongside several great chiropractors and acupuncturists over the years as well as a few massage establishments and spas. I’ve worked with running groups at sporting events during trainings, and on game days for pre- and post-event massage. While I consider myself fairly well-rounded as a therapist, I find myself happiest when performing therapeutic massage.
I would describe my massage style as “intuitively therapeutic.” While my main goal is always to leave each client in a better condition than when we started, it’s also very important to me to work WITH the body, not ON it. I try to listen carefully to not only the needs and concerns of the client, but I also do my best to listen the body itself. This ensures that every massage is unique and catered to each individual client.
We all have within us everything we need to heal ourselves. Being able to tap into what the body is asking for and assist in someone else’s healing is what I find to be the most rewarding part of my job. I don’t mind chatting if that’s what my client prefers, but I know I give my best massages when it’s quiet. That’s when this amazing flow of relaxation and therapy seems to happen almost effortlessly and it truly makes for the BEST massages.
I have been a fitness lover for more than 20 years. I firmly believe that we are able to become our own healers and improve our health and happiness through meditation and the alignment of the mind, body, and spirit.
I had long been aware of yoga, but for many years I was engaged in other types of physical activities such as weight lifting and Zumba. It was not until a few years ago, due to a shoulder injury, that I gave myself the opportunity to explore the benefits of Yoga.
What started for me as an alternative therapy, actually gave me the chance to know my true self. During that time, I had the opportunity to meet wonderful teachers who taught me much more beyond the poses. I learned that “true yoga is not about the shape of your body, but the shape of your life.” –Aadil Palkhivala
As a yoga instructor, I am passionate about helping people achieve their own goals, whether physical or emotional. I enjoy the awareness of the new person we become with the practice.
In 2011, I began a journey. From my starting point as a stressed out and overwhelmed real estate sales broker, I slowly transformed into someone who focused on simplifying his life to have less stress and more inner peace. That transformation was the seed for my first published book, The Inner Peace Experiment.
I have been meditating during that seven-year period, and have been teaching mediation for the last several years. During my mindfulness studies, I traveled through Asia and spent three months in India. There I completed the 10-day, 120-hour Vipassana Meditation course in Mumbai, India.
I have seen firsthand the life-changing benefits of meditation, mindful living, and the focus and clarity it can bring to one’s life. My passion is to share what I’ve learned and help others progress in their life by developing an increased awareness of the present moment.
My passion is to share with others how mindful living and meditation can reduce stress, increase physical health, sustain energy, sharpen awareness, observe and control emotions, as well as increase productivity.
Meditation changed my life, and it can change yours too.
I have been a Dual-Licensed Massage Therapist and Esthetician since 2011. I also received my Second Degree in Reiki in the Summer of 2017.
My approach to bodywork is rather unique, integrating Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Trigger Point massage, as well as weaving in my knowledge of sports massage, myofascial release, and Reiki. I believe we all contain the innate ability to heal, and I use an intuitive approach to create the ideal environment for your body to unwind.
Through compassionate and careful listening, I address both physical and energetic issues, gently ushering your body toward peace, balance, relaxation and the potential for deep release. You will find me ready to provide you with a complete session tailored to your specific needs.
I am a spokeswoman and teacher for self-care, wellness and prevention, health and healing, through the ancient Chinese Healing Arts of Tai Chi and Qigong. Additionally, I am a facilitator of meditation through guided visual imagery and qigong techniques, as well as a certified senior fitness specialist and personal trainer. I am an award-winning National three-time Gold Medalist, having won the title of becoming the 2nd highest-ranked female in the United States for Tai Chi and sword forms.
With a career spanning 30 years, I have helped hundreds of individuals learn to destress their mind and body, improve balance, achieve better posture, and develop correct breathing techniques, all of which serve to strengthen the muscular skeletal system. I pride myself on being able to make Tai Chi, Qigong, and meditation work for any age or condition.
I believe that exercise is optional, movement is not. We don’t stop moving because we get old, we get old because we stop moving. We are designed to move, it is HOW we move through life that can bring us the greatest joy and optimal wellness. With a “Daily Dose of Vitamin Chi,” Tai Chi and Qigong are the self-care exercises that we can grow old with to stay young. Practiced regularly, they can be considered as preventive medicine and becomes cost-effective as your Daily Dose of Vitamin Chi!
I have been a licensed massage therapist since 2005 and am a graduate of Florida College of Natural Health (now known as Cortiva). During my studies, I acquired a degree in the medical and physical training setting.
I specialize in medical massage, treating muscular conditions, deficiencies, and injuries, as well as movement therapy. My hands-on approach to movement therapy utilizes gentle rocking movements that help release deep-seated patterns of tension and stress in the body.
Of course, I also practice the mainstream massage modalities including deep tissue and Swedish. I am also skilled in sports massage, range of motion stretching, and neuromuscular therapy.
Natalia was born in Puerto Rico and raised in Argentina. She has lived in Miami for two decades and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her massages. Licensed since 2004, she is not only a practicing massage therapist but also a popular instructor of Continuing Education massage classes throughout South Florida.
Natalia enjoys combining a variety of techniques into her massages, including stretching and joint mobilizations. If you are lucky enough to schedule with her, you will experience her unique style that is both holistic and practical.
I am a proud graduate of Educating Hands School of Massage. I incorporate deep tissue techniques, reflexology, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy in my massages, as well as a variety of therapeutic stretching techniques. All of these techniques guarantee a relaxing yet effective massage, perfect for relieving tight muscles or injuries.
I decided to become a massage therapist because I enjoy helping others. I worked for many years as an esthetician in Colombia before moving to the United States, and also recertified as an esthetician here in the US.
I am continuously enhancing my massage education by attending different seminars and learning other techniques. I strongly believe in the importance of health, fitness and a balanced lifestyle overall.
I have more than 20 years of active participation in the fields of Fitness and Massage.
My interest in the fitness industry began through my development as a 10K runner and progressed as I achieved my BA degree in Physical Education. As an instructor specializing in helping individuals with disabilities, I implemented and taught programs in Self-Defense, Dance, Fitness, and Stretching.
After directing the fitness and massage program at a major hotel spa, I became an independent contractor for personal training as well as a licensed massage therapist and a certified fitness and yoga instructor. I also worked for five years as a Wellness Coach at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, where I assisted in the rehabilitation of athletes who were recovering from injuries or surgery.
I possess extensive, practical knowledge of the human body and today I teach anatomy and physiology at Miami Dade College. An active marathon runner, paddle boarder, distance swimmer, and mountain biker, I relish the opportunity to utilize my skills to help others improve their quality of life. I apply my own personal experience as an athlete in my work with clients.
I am passionate about wellness and helping others. As a fitness professional and a licensed massage therapist, my favorite modality is stretching, as it both relaxes and invigorates the body.
I am committed to promoting health and lifestyle modifications for people who desire to live happy, holistic lives.
I have been a yoga practitioner for more than 15 years. In 2002, I was in a near-fatal car accident and struggled to manage my chronic pain. My doctor recommended yoga as something to help relieve my chronic tension. I had no idea it would lead me down a path that would change my life.
I attended the University of Texas at San Antonio where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. In college, I affectionately earned the nickname ‘That Yoga Chick’. Yoga was the key to helping me manage my pain and I wanted to share this profound knowledge with others.
This inspired me to complete my 200-hour yoga teacher training through YogaFit, the leader in mind and body fitness education. Since then, I’ve completed intensive trainings under internationally recognized teachers including Seane Corn, Ana Forrest, Kathryn Budig, and Sadie Nardini. These trainings, along with my understanding of how the body moves thanks to my Kinesiology degree, gives me an extensive knowledge of both anatomy and physiology, which are taught as fundamentals in my classes.
I am proud to teach my students very safe and effective yoga sequences that are both calming and therapeutic, with the goal of restoring balance to the body and mind.
I am one of those few people fortunate enough to have discovered my life’s purpose at the age of 18.
As a young child, I was plagued with horrible allergies and as I reached my 20’s I began an amazing healing journey from within. I discovered Pilates and soon after I was introduced to Holistic Nutrition, and was able to use them both to help heal myself through movement and nutritional changes. For the first time in my life, I became allergy-free. This had a very positive impact on my life and it was from then that I decided to help and guide others on their journey back to that divine healing energy in all of us.
I received my B.S. degree in Exercise Physiology from FIU in 2010, and in that same year I also became certified as a STOTT Pilates instructor. I enjoy teaching clients on the Mat or the Reformer. I am also a graduate of the C.H.E.K. Institute and am a Holistic Lifestyle Coach. Educating others is a huge passion of mine and I love to educate people about how to manage weight, deal with stress, and help them with any nutritional and physical challenges they may be facing.
In my Pilates practice, I use a holistic approach and I am very conscious of treating the body as a whole and assessing lifestyle habits accordingly. Working with clients one-on-one or in a group setting allows me to share my passion and that is what truly fulfills my heart.
I fuse my knowledge of Functional Exercise, Pilates, and Corrective Exercise with a holistic approach to health and wellbeing. I believe acute body awareness and a deep mind-body connection grants us the ability to tap into our bodies’ restorative and healing potential.