Amanda Lewis, a Nationally Certified massage therapist since 1996, left the frantic pace of hotel and corporate massage in San Francisco several years ago to slow down and build this business in the beautiful Napa Valley. She's put her Bachelor of Science in Advertising & Marketing from the University of Florida to work growing this grass roots alternative to a cookie-cutter day spa. While in the treatment room, she emphasizes long flowing strokes, firm foot massage and thorough neck work to achieve a head to toe balance for muscles and energy. She lives by the philosophy that the cure for anything is saltwater, sweat, tears or touch.

Babs Bornemann is a massage therapist, esthetician and manicurist who has been licensed for 10 years. This travel industry veteran decided to focus her talents on the spa industry because “it’s always evolving, it’s never boring and everyone enjoys receiving spa treatments.” A graduate of the University of Northern Colorado, she holds a degree in Cultural Geography and has extensive training in skincare, holistic wellness and spa management. When not at work, Babs can be found riding motorcycles, snowboarding or traveling the world.

Carlos Uribe came to massage almost accidentally, like many therapists do. After graduating from Saint Mary's College with a Bachelor's in biology, Carlos decided to pursue nursing. As a means to that end, he went through the massage program at the Napa Valley School of Massage in 2003. What began as an easy opportunity for a good part-time job while still in school, grew into a deep passion for using his hands to help others feel better. Carlos combines his education with real-life  experience playing sports to create a combination of massage with stretching that leads to faster recovery times and relief from pain. With a clear understanding of movement within the body, Carlos focuses on upper back holding patterns in the shoulder and neck.

Carmen Ochoa received her certification through Napa ’s Lifestream School of Massage. The inspiration for Carmen came when she was suffering from chronic pain due to an old whiplash injury. After numerous visits to the doctor without much relief, she was enrolled in a “self-massage” class normally offered to patients suffering from arthritis. “Realizing firsthand the difference massage could make for people suffering from chronic pain inspired me to become certified.” Carmen is an active runner and puts fitness high on her priority list. She is certified by the Lemond Academy in stationary cycling and is a Physical Training Leader for the U.S. Air Force. Favoring deep tissue, she finds massage is a great way to speed up recovery after a hard workout or a race.

Elbrick Pasayes completed 750 hours of massage training at the Bay Area’s Trinity College in 2003. However, his interest in helping people through touch began as a small child in Guatemala. His wine country work experience outside of Amanda’s Massage & Bodycare includes massaging at a busy, exclusive upvalley resort as well as a chiropractic office. So from deep relaxation to chronic pain and injuries, he’s got a wide repertoire of advanced hands-on skills. Elbrick possess a genuine love of people and a keen sense of energy or Qi.

Isabelle Sage Ansell completed her massage therapy certification in 1998 through Lauterstien & Conway School of Massage in Austin, TX. Inspired by her mother, who is a chiropractor, she chose massage as a profession because she could see the benefits of touch in the healing arts. Isabelle focuses her massage on deep relaxation with special attention to communication with clients and assessing their needs. She coaches clients in receiving bodywork, breathing, and being in deep connection with the process of healing. In the summer months, Isabelle can be found massaging the guests at Flathead Lake Lodge in Montana.

Kim Aronsen began studying plant medicine while serving with the Peace Corps in Nicaragua. Since returning in 2001 she has honed her intuitive skills in a three year natural healing course and several women’s wisdom classes. She became a certified massage therapist at Napa’s Lifestream Massage School and has also studied pregnancy massage. Kim is inspired by massage therapy because she places a high value on helping people to heal themselves naturally.

Kris Cole parlayed 14 years working in veterinary medicine to a career helping humans. After graduating from Sonoma College with a certificate from the Advanced Massage Therapy Program, Kris worked in a local acupuncturist’s office. Moving to Amanda’s Massage & Bodycare, provided Kris with the opportunity to get her hands on even more people. Her massage has widespread appeal, due to her ability to modify pressure and creatively work the neck. Advanced training includes pregnancy massage and Kris still keeps her heart with the animals, by practicing Canine Massage.

Lisa Mar trained more than 15 years ago at the Jupiter Hollow School of Massage in Glen Ellen. For several years before and after the training, friends and family encouraged Lisa to pursue massage therapy more seriously despite having a full-time job in another field. Perhaps because of, rather than in spite of, Lisa’s current “regular job” in a busy, local dentist office, her massages stay fresh and focused. As an avid runner who plays on city league softball and volleyball teams, Lisa relates to the athlete’s body with deep pressure and the intention to get you playing  and feeling better soon.  Almost 2 decades of practicing Mindfulness Meditation brings a calming, intuitive touch to her sessions.

Pamela Orr practices her massage intuitively. Her foundation includes a BS in Health Science, minor in Holistic Health from SFSU, certification from the Amma Institute of Traditional Japanese massage and sports massage certification from UCSF Med. Extension. Her skills have been honed in chiropractic clinics, athletic clubs, teaching and private practice working with professional athletes, children, pregnant women, cancer survivors, hospice patients as well as folks in need of a break. Her passion for wellness strengthened when working for Planetree Medical Library as a research assistant, providing information to clients regarding their specific health concerns.

Patty Villas balances her 30+ years as a local nurse by also working as a massage therapist. "Touching people is my passion." While using myofascial techniques to work deeply on the connective tissue of the body, Patty achieves a very firm yet gentle pressure that provides relief from pain and tension. Since completing studies at Napa's Lifestream School of Massage in 2001, Patty has trained with John Barnes, internationally recognized for developing myofascial release, in Sedona and San Francisco.

Whitney Jaeger is a Napa native who surely knows the beauty of this valley inside and out. Inspired in part by being born and raised in this remarkable location, Whitney pursued a career helping people feel and look beautiful, too. She's a licensed Cosmetologist specializing in hair, esthetics, and nails. "I'm detail-oriented by nature which is so important for nails and skin. Yet I do have a creative streak. Enhancing natural beauty on all levels is my focus." While facials, waxing and perfect pedicures keep Whitney pretty busy, you can also find her designing hair at a nearby salon.

          
Amanda's Massage & Bodycare
is a proud member of the Napa Chamber of Commerce, the Napa Valley Conference & Visitors Bureau and the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork