MASSAGE THERAPISTS

Vela draws the highest level of professionalism and skill available to deliver therapeutic massage in a relaxing and peaceful environment. We hope that your experience at Vela Massage Retreat is exceptional. Please keep in mind that massage is a very personal experience and it may be necessary to try several massage therapists before you find your match. Feel free to express what you are looking for in your massage so we can better match you with one of our excellent massage therapists.

TODD THOMPSON

Certified Massage Therapist since 2006 CAMTC #1406

Massage or Related Schools:

National Holistic Institute, Petaluma, CA

Western Institute of Science and Health, Rohnert Park, CA

Areas of Study:

Swedish, Deep Tissue, Pre Natal Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Myofascial Therapies, Sports Massage, Shiatsu Massage, Aromatherapy, Body Scrubs, Rehabilitative Techniques, Acupressure, Trigger Point Therapy, Passive Stretching, Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Kinesiology

"My goal is to help improve the quality of life for all who cross my massage table. I believe it takes teamwork: with conscious effort in the client's daily life, and my intuitive and firm, yet gentle, healing massage, a life of less pain and decreased stress can be accomplished."

HAILY KEMP

Certified Massage Therapist since 2019 CAMTC #81696

Massage or Related Schools:

National Holistic Institute, Sacramento, CA

Areas of Study:

Swedish, Shitasu, Deep Tissue, Myofascial Release

“It’s my job to create a space where the facilitation of healing can happen. I believe with knowledge, intention, listening ears, intuition, and an open mind, anything can happen. My work is based on what you need during your session. It’s my goal to help you feel like the best version of yourself you can possibly be! “

SIMONE COULARS

Certified Massage Therapist since 2014 CAMTC #61932

Massage or Related Schools:

McKinnon Body Therapy Center, Oakland, CA

Acupressure Institute, Berkeley, CA

Reiki training with Anna Dorian, SF, CA

Ayurvedic training at Hale Pule, NZ

Yoga teacher training in NYC & India

Areas of Study:

Swedish, Prenatal, Thai Yoga Massage, Shiatsu, Acupressure, Hot stones, Lomi Lomi, Reiki, Craniosacral, Deep Tissue, Yoga, Ayurveda

“I love offering sessions that combine sensitivity and strength to support deep relaxation of the nervous system and allow for deeply held tensions in one's body and mind to release. The sessions I offer are often a blend of flowing massage to support relaxation, combined with deep tissue to ease restrictions. I also incorporate the occasional Thai massage stretch to help open up the joints and promote more energy flow throughout the body. On occasion I also bring in the subtle art of acupressure for emotional balancing if this is wished for."

YOKO HASHIMOTO

Certified Massage Therapist since 2021 CAMTC #85852

Massage or Related Schools:

Halau Uhane Lomi Lomi Lapa’au, Big Island, HI

Kalani Massage School, Big Island, HI

Tara Process, Chakra Healing with Dr.Beatrix Pfeiderer, Big Island, HI

Universal Therapy, Osaka, Japan

Sunshine Massage School, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Reiki training with Renee Adolphe, Bahia, Brazil

Yoga teacher training 200YTT, Rishikesh, India

Fair Oaks Massage Institute, Fair Oaks, CA

Areas of Study:

Lomi Lomi, Japanese Moxibustion, Swedish, Craniosacral, Reflexology, Deep tissue, Shiatsu, Acupressure, Thai, Myofascial Release, Trigger Point Therapy, Reiki, Chakra healing, Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Kinesiology

“My foundation in the healing arts started as a child with my mother, a Japanese moxibustion massage practitioner. I saw so many miracles of healing during her sessions. I lived in Hawaii for 16 years studying Hawaiian healing, including Lomi Lomi, dance and chanting with various Kumus (teachers). I bring this body and energy knowledge to the massage table.”

STEPHANIE NEELY

Certified Massage Therapist since 2013 CAMTC #47014

Massage or related schools:

Skyline College Massage Therapy Program, San Francisco, CA

La Stone Therapy, Oakland, CA

California College of Ayurveda, Nevada City, CA

Dhyana Center, Sebastopol, CA

Areas of study:

Relaxation/Swedish, Hot Stone Massage, Deep Tissue, Trigger Point Therapy, Post Isometric Relaxation Stretching, Marma Therapy, Aromatherapy, Lymphatic Massage, and Prenatal.

"The body is truly fascinating. Massage is one of the many modalities that reveals the language of the body. I find that understanding the body's language provides me with a clear understanding of how to best assist each client. I've noticed that when I listen and follow the energetic flow of a body, it brings a client into a deeper state of relaxation because the body intuitively feels loved, listened to, and safe."

Jeri Berkson

Certified Massage Therapist since 2011 CAMTC #22098

Massage or related schools:

IPSB, International Professional School of Bodywork

San Diego, CA

Areas of Study:

Swedish, Deep Tissue, Prenatal, Hot Stones, Reiki, Chakra Balancing, Cranial Sacral and Sound Therapy

"My passion for helping people feel and be their best is at the heart of my work. With over 16 years of experience in high-end spas and alongside chiropractors and other holistic healers, I’ve developed a deep respect for the body’s innate ability to heal itself. Through a combination of Intuitive Touch, Deep Tissue, Swedish, and various other modalities, I create customized sessions designed to restore balance, relieve tension, and promote overall well-being. My goal is to provide each client with a therapeutic and deeply relaxing experience that nurtures both body and mind."

Fa Jun Real

Certified Massage Therapist since 2004 CAMTC #3867

Massage or Related Schools:

Boston Shiatsu School, Acupressure Institute, Heartwood Institute, International Institute of Medical Qigong

Areas of Study:

Deep Tissue, Sports Massage, Shiatsu, Acupressure, Trigger Point Therapy, Tui Na (Chinese Medical Massage), Orthopedic Bodywork, Thai Massage, Reiki.

"My aim is to meet each client where they are - offering a range of techniques from deep tissue all the way to subtle energetics. I love to craft each session in a way that meets the unique needs of the moment, and provides an overall sense of relaxation and integration!"

Mazie Agazarm

Certified Massage Therapist since 2017

CAMTC #77209

Massage or Related Schools:
East West College of the Healing Arts

Areas of Study:

East West College of the Healing Arts 800 Hour Massage Therapy Program, College of Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Massage Studies, Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Myofascial Release, Trigger Point Therapy, Craniosacral Therapy,
Intuitive, Client-Centered Bodywork, Anatomy & Physiology

“I believe true healing begins when a person feels safe, supported, and deeply relaxed. My intention is to create a space where the body can soften, the nervous system can reset, and clients leave feeling restored, grounded, and at ease.”