
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 ones 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 & 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.”
MEEGAN FORCHETTE-SHEPPARD
Certified Massage Therapist since 2012, CAMTC #33588
Massage or Related Schools:
Bryan College, Gold River, CA
Areas of Study:
AA in Advanced Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork-- Swedish, Deep Tissue, Pre-natal Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Sports Massage, Aromatherapy, Body Scrubs, Trigger Point Therapy
"My massage style is led by intuition, blended with a Swedish flow and interwoven with Deep Tissue detail and focus. My approach to the body does not work against it but rather with it. This allows me to alleviate pain and tension, all the while, bringing relief and relaxation. My intention is to assist your body to ignite it's own ability to heal, a well as, reconnecting your awareness to your body. I absolutely love what I do and that love is an integral part of every session I am a part of."
Gwendolyn Barclay
Certified Massage Therapist since 2014, CAMTC #64653
Massage or Related Schools:
Sebastopol Massage Center, Sebastopol, CA
Celebrating Spirit Institute of Bodywork Therapies, Healdsburg, CA
Lytle's Redwood Empire Beauty College, Santa Rosa, CA
Kundalini East, Yoga Teacher Training, Manhattan, NY
Areas of Study:
Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue, Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial Therapy, Hot Stone Therapy, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Reflexology, Cranio-Sacral, Thai Massage, 1 & 2 Homeopathic Spinal Alignment & Pediatric Massage.
“I tune each massage treatment to meet your goals, through intuition and functional knowledge from my education and hands-on experience. I am devoted to supporting others to grow, heal and be active participants in their well-being. I am committed to enhancing each client’s potential through the highest quality of care.”
Gabriel Beeson-McArdle
Certified Massage Therapist since 2012, CAMTC #64775
Massage or Related Schools:
Natural Healing Institute, Encinitas, Ca
Ho’omana Spa, Maui, Hi
Aloha School of Massage, Maui, Hi
Reiki W/ Shawna Schenk, Big Island, Hi
Yoga Teacher Training W/ Zeeky, Maui, Hi
Areas of Study:
Sweedish, Thai, Hawaiian Lomi Lomi, Myofascial Release, Deep Tissue, Sports Massage, Hot Stone, Chinese Cupping, Yoga, Aromatherapy, Reiki, Anatomy, Chanting, Kinesiology, Acupressure, Trigger Point Therapies, Breath-Work, Cold Water Therapy, Meditation, Craniosacral, Reflexology
"Massage is such a blessing and an incredible gift, I am eternally grateful to be called to do this work! It is my goal to provide a safe and comfortable space to allow the healing and magic, to unfold. I utilize my intuitive abilities as well as my technical knowledge to customize a perfectly balanced session. The combination of focused awareness, and sensitive, informed touch, creates a soothing, deeply relaxing experience."