Massage Therapists

Nika Avila

 

Nika is a Certified Massage Therapist with over two decades of experience helping clients restore balance, healing, and relaxation through therapeutic touch. Her journey into massage therapy began after friends and family recognized her natural healing touch and encouraged her to pursue her gift professionally. What started as intuition quickly became a lifelong passion and purpose.

Nika believes that massage is more than physical relief - it is an opportunity to help people reconnect with their bodies, release stress, and support their overall well-being. She is deeply passionate about creating a safe, nurturing space where clients can relax, heal, and feel cared for.
Her modalities include Swedish, Deep Tissue, Prenatal, and Sports Massage, allowing her to tailor each session to the individual needs of her clients. With every massage, Nika combines skill, intuition, and compassion to provide a therapeutic experience that is both restorative and healing.

Even after more than twenty years in the field, Nika’s passion for massage therapy continues to shine through in every session she provides.
Quote: "Be grateful, Be patient, And Breathe."

 

 

 

 

 

Michelle Chua



 

is a Certified Reiki Practitioner, Sound Healing Practitioner, and Registered Yoga Teacher who has guided healing and conscious movement since 2010. Her work is shaped by a lived journey of healing—through physical injury and emotional trauma—and a deep trust in the body’s innate wisdom.

Rooted in nature-based traditions, Michelle has trained with energy healers globally. She attributes her path to a lifelong relationship with the natural world and a dedication to movement as a practice of presence and authenticity.

In her Reiki, yoga, and sound healing sessions, Michelle holds compassionate, grounded space for people to soften inward, reconnect with their natural peace, and awaken their own healing intelligence—integrating body, heart-mind, and spirit.

A Reiki Master Practitioner in Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki, Michelle also completed Shoden and Okuden training in traditional Jikiden Reiki in Kyoto, Japan. Her background includes Himalayan Sound Healing certification in Kathmandu, Nepal, YogaWorks 200-hour training, and a 300-hour certification in Yoga Psychology. She continues to train in the disciplines she offers, in service of personal and collective well-being.  Learn more about Michelle Chua and her wellness offerings at root2riseyoga.org.

Quote: "The mind is the ground for both bondage and liberation."

 

 

 

Gustavo De La Torre



Step into a space of deep restoration and remembrance. Gustavo de la Torre, also known as “DreamBear”—a name gifted to him by an Indigenous elder in honor of his grounded presence and peaceful spirit—brings over two decades of experience in somatic bodywork and energy healing.

With compassion, intuition, and care, DreamBear creates a safe and supportive environment where the body can soften, unwind, and release what it has been holding. His sessions are designed to help clients reconnect with themselves, often leaving them feeling lighter, freer, and more at ease.

At the heart of his work is a specialized form of advanced energetic acupressure—a gentle yet powerful technique that helps identify and release patterns of tension, emotional stress, and physical holding within the body’s muscular, energetic, and nervous systems. This process supports greater ease of movement, deep relaxation, and an overall sense of well-being.

 

 

 

Jackie Fink

 

Jackie is dedicated to helping others feel their best through massage and yoga. Combining a deep respect for traditional healing practices with an intuitive understanding of anatomy as a yoga instructor, Jackie shares a soothing massage style that includes calming meditations and breathwork. Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic practices have a strong influence on the bodywork and massage offerings of Jackie.

The Full Body Flow technique offered by Jackie allows for a head-to-toe refresh. After a consultation about your needs, Jackie uses a variety of massage techniques in the Full Body Flow: deep tissue, Swedish, Thai, sports, lymphatic drainage, acupressure, and myofascial release. Communication throughout the session guides the work as we dive deep to leave your body feeling both relaxed and energized. 

Jackie was raised in the small Pennsylvanian city of York, just above Baltimore, Maryland. Holding a Master’s Degree in Education from Penn State University, Jackie excelled in her career as a teacher, trainer, curriculum developer and content producer for 20 years. During this time, she had the great fortune to travel to Asia often, studying with a Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor in Kunshan, China where she connected her knowledge of yoga with massage. Jackie continues to share her teaching gifts through yoga while offering massage and bodywork to help each person she works with feel better in their bodies and more peace in their minds. 

Jackie's massage offerings include Full Body Flow, Deep Tissue, Swedish, Lymphatic Drainage, Myofascial Release, Prenatal, with add-on options of Hot Stone, CBD and Aromatherapy. 

Quote: " The gift of peace in our bodies and minds is immeasurable."

 

 

  

Eva Fried

 


Eva is an integrative massage therapist with over 30 years of experience. The last several years she's had a very successful career in the high end spa and hotel industry, but wants to get back to her true calling which lies within the practice of integrative body work. Healing both body and mind.

She's trained in several modalities Eastern and Western, including Swedish, deep tissue, trigger point, bioenergetic & polarity, Reiki and sports and impact injury. She utilizes all modalities to tailor her sessions to each clients' specific needs. As someone who has experienced great healing from alternative therapies, she's made it her life's work to bring that same healing to others. 

Quote: "Breath is the key to life, the internal massage”


 

 

 

Genevieve Grady-Grot

Genevieve started her career in the healing arts in 2017 as an esthetician, and became a Certified Massage Therapist in 2021 (CAMTC), along with a Reiki Master Practitioner in 2022 and Karuna Reiki ® 1 Practitioner in 2025 (ICRT).  With her experience working in chiropractic offices and acupuncture and wellness clinics, she has developed a style of massage that combines her intellect with intuition.  She is a firm believer of the mind-body connection, with her added two-decade performing arts experience to set this, and encourages others to gain awareness of their own connection through her sensitive and knowledgeable touch.

 

Quote: "When in doubt, breathe it out."

 

 

 

Shi Huang

 


Born and raised in the culturally rich city of Foshan, China, often referred to as the "buddha mountain," Shi embarked on a journey that eventually led him to becoming a passionate and skilled massage therapist in the United States.  At the age of 18, he left behind his familiar surroundings in Foshan and set forth to the United States with his family. As a first-generation immigrant with limited knowledge of American culture, He made the decision to enlist in the U.S. Army. This path not only provided him with an education in laboratory science but also instilled in him the values of education and resilience. 

After completing his military service, he made a shift in his career trajectory to become a massage therapist. His journey in the field of massage therapy began with a deep fascination for holistic well-being and the transformative power of touch. Shi honed his craft through rigorous training and hands-on experience, gaining expertise in a variety of massage techniques such as Swedish, deep tissue,  Thai, Acupressure, Lomi Lomi, Reiki, and trigger point therapy. With over 8 years of dedicated practice in the art of massage therapy, he’s committed to continued learning ensures that he provides clients with the most effective and personalized therapeutic experiences. His approach is centered on creating a tranquil and nurturing environment where clients can relax and heal.  

Quote: "The only real valuable thing is intuition.”

 

 

 

Yael Kutler

Yael's career as a massage therapist started 20+ years ago. Living in a remote village in the Himalayan of India, where Acupressure and Ayurvdic massage centers were literally in every corner, she started to experience the benefits of regular massages and very quickly become more passionate about natural healing & wholistic lifestyle.

Massage balanced and centered her so much that she decided this is something she likes to offer to effect and benefit others.

Yael has expertise in healing arts techniques and is certified as a practitioner of Acupuncture, Traditional Thai Reflexology,  Acupressure Massage, Thai Yoga Bodywork, and others.

She studied Traditional Chinese Medicine at ECAN International School of Acupuncture, India and received her Thai Healing Massage training from leniege of teachers at the Sunshine Network ,Lahu village in Northern Thailand.

Managing a massage centere in a beach resort in Sri lanka for 18 tourists seasons, she has been privileged to give  thousands of therapeutic treatments to visitors from all around the globe. 

 Her style of work is definitely on the deeper therapeutic side.

She prefers wholistic approach, integrating different traditions and techniques in her treatments.

Her sessions combining slow and gentle warming techniques, essential oils aroma touch, stretches, decompressing and pressing key Acupressure points and Energy Lines throughout the  body, Cupping Therapy and others. 

Quote: "Massage is  a mini healing retreat from a world that never stops.

 

 




Rivka Moshe






Rivka's mission is to help others find peace, relief, and balance through the healing power of touch. She believes that massage therapy is an essential part of self-care that nurtures the body, calms the mind, and restores the spirit. Rivka does this work because she genuinely cares about people's well-being. It brings her joy to create a soothing space where clients can let go of tension, reconnect with themselves, and leave feeling refreshed and empowered. Every session is guided by intuition, skill, and compassion, tailored to support your unique journey toward wellness. Rivka completed her massage therapy training at National Holistic Institute, A College for Massage Therapy, where she studied a wide range of modalities and techniques. She uses a combination of Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Lymphatic techniques. She had the privilege of working with clients from all walks of life - each with their own goals, stressors, and stories. With every session, she brings not only her skills, but also a deep sense of presence and care. What sets her apart is her calm energy, attention to detail, and ability to intuitively tailor each session to your unique needs. Whether you're looking to relieve physical tension, manage stress, or simply take much needed time for yourself, she creates a nurturing, spa-like experience designed to support your well-being on every level. 


Quote:"Relax. Rebalance. Restore."









Ted Parker


Ted was born in the state of New Mexico, USA and was raised in Los Angeles California. He has made a living doing clinical neuromuscular therapeutic massage in California and the far east for the past 16 years. 

Ted has extensive experience in outpatient clinical settings like urgent care, internal medicine, general surgery, ortho/podiatry, chiropracty and physical therapy acquired over a 17 year medical assisting career. Ted applies his knowledge of diagnostic reasoning and physical assessment to accurately identify the cause of the clients imbalances, dysfunctions and limitations, if any. 

He uses tried and true therapeutic techniques over a myofascial meridian road map to correct muscular tension imbalances like hip rotations, (uneven leg length), rib subluxations, (upper back pain radiating to neck, arm and back), straight neck (military/tech neck), twisted neck (wry neck) as well as all other aches and pain acquired by living ones life. 

Book with Ted to get relief from your nagging aches and pains. The longer you have had an imbalance the more sessions are required to achieve lasting relief. In a perfect world, 5 to 7 one hour treatments in rapid succession provide an overall positive transformation. Posture, gait, sleep  are all improved; head, neck and shoulders are balanced and even, hips and legs are balanced and scoliosis is reduced if not resolved, depending on the severity. The more frequent your sessions, the bigger your permanent gains. 

Quote: "Let it go!" 

  


 

 

Clarissa Ricks

 

 

Clarissa is dedicated to helping others feel aligned, restored, and fully at home in their bodies through intentional, high-touch bodywork. With a trauma-informed approach and an intuitive understanding of anatomy, Clarissa creates a space where healing goes beyond the surface—supporting both physical recovery and nervous system regulation. Her work blends clinical precision with an intuitive, grounding presence, allowing each session to feel both therapeutic and deeply restorative.

The ALIGN method offered by Clarissa is designed to meet the body where it is and guide it back into balance. After a personalized consultation, Clarissa integrates a range of techniques into each session, including deep tissue, Swedish, trigger point therapy, and targeted recovery work. Whether addressing chronic pain, injury, or overall stress, communication throughout the session ensures that the work is effective, intentional, and tailored. Leaving the body feeling relieved, supported, and reconnected.

Clarissa is a Los Angeles-based Licensed Massage Therapist specializing in recovery, preventative care, and nervous system support. Her work is rooted in the belief that healing should be accessible, empowering, and rooted in real results. With experience working across a wide range of clients, from everyday individuals to high-performance environments, she brings both professionalism and presence into every space she enters.

Clarissa’s massage offerings include Trauma-Informed Bodywork, Deep Tissue, Swedish, Trigger Point Therapy, and Recovery & Preventative Care sessions, each designed to support long-term wellness and functional movement.

 Quote: “Alignment isn’t a luxury; it’s a return to your highest self.”








Mingyang Sun 

Ming was born and raised in China. He studied Tuina massage at Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China and majored in nursing at the Integrity College of Health in the United States. Proficient in traditional Chinese medicine meridian acupoints and western medicine anatomy.

He has been engaged in the massage industry for nearly 18 years and is proficient in various massage techniques. Good at dealing with various soft tissue injuries and chronic strain injuries. For example, periarthritis of the shoulder(frozen shoulder), tennis elbow, low back pain and knee pain, etc. He can also help relieve anxiety, depression and other symptoms through massage. For example, insomnia, migraine, chest tightness, etc., and some internal diseases have also improved to some extent.

He is also proficient in scratching, cupping and other alternative therapies. He hopes that these natural remedies can help people promote and improve their health.

Quote: "Nothing is more important than health."

 

 

 

PJ Terrazas

 

Born and raised in Los Angeles County, PJ developed a passion for sports and the science of the human body at a young age.  After playing competitive basketball his entire life until he graduated high school, he knew he wanted to pursue a career that would allow him to stay immersed in the world of fitness and human anatomy. This would drive PJ to pursue a degree in Kinesiology, which can be defined as the study of human body movement. 

In December 2019, PJ graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology, with an emphasis in Clinical Movement Science. Wanting to maximize his time learning in college, he graduated with a Magna Cum Laude distinction from California State University, Fullerton while also becoming a member of the Phi Kappa Phi national honor society. This educational background would serve as a perfect transition into a massage therapy career.

After considering going to a graduate program to become a physician assistant, PJ decided to become a massage therapist. He viewed his kinesiology degree as a huge advantage in a field that was centered on the human body, athletic performance and recovery. Now with over 2 years of experience as a massage therapist, including a position at one of the top day spas in Hollywood, he is eager to continue growing his practice at Shiva. Book with PJ for an anatomically specific bodywork experience that will correct range of motion issues and reduce tension from breaking down painful knots in the body.

Quote: "Your body is a temple, but only if you treat it as one."






Kimberly Warren



Since childhood Kimberly has had a passion for music, performing in choirs and playing multiple instruments throughout her educational years. Shifting focus and receiving a Bachelor's degree in Anthropology, Kimberly's interest in culture and spirituality grew. Since 2020 Kimberly's spiritual journey has led her to become a certified Reiki Master, Sound Therapy Practitioner, and Massage Therapist. By incorporating several modalities Kimberly is able to create a safe space for healing and growth.


Quote:
"Life is about learning and healing"


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