Our Staff
Our Massage Therapists are licensed by the state of Illinois, are competent in Swedish, relaxation, deep tissue, prenatal and medical massage and specialize in chronic muscle pain due to overwork or overuse and also work with many equestrian riders, dancers, runners and athletes on their specialized needs and conditions. Our therapists were all tested and nationally certified by National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.
Jon Petersen, Founder
Jon studied at Lakeside School of Therapeutic Massage in Milwaukee and has completed advanced anatomy studies at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. He has studied massage for cancer patients at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York, was lead massage therapist at Centegra Sage Cancer Center in McHenry, Illinois and is experienced in post-surgical scar tissue treatment. Jon was trained in the St John method of neuromuscular therapy and myofascial release and specializes in chronic muscle pain due to overwork or overuse. Jon is currently not accepting new massage therapy clients.
Taylor Edwards, Massage Therapist
Taylor is a nationally certified massage therapist licensed by the State of Illinois. She has completed an intensive massage training course from Cortiva -Chicago School of Massage Therapy. Taylor has exceptional technique, truly loves what she does and is known for her warmth and thoroughness. She became a massage therapist because of her desire to positively affect the health and well-being of her clients. Taylor is well respected for her therapeutic massages, prenatal and hot-stone massages.
Mattie Ackerman, Massage Therapist
Mattie is a 2008 graduate of First Institute in Crystal Lake, Illinois. She was nationally certified and practices massage styles ranging from stress reduction / relaxation massages to therapeutic / deep tissue massages. She is a Reiki practitioner and believes in the natural ability of the body to heal itself with the proper care. Mattie is dedicated to providing the best essential bodywork to her clients to help facilitate the healing process.
Liz Shanahan, Massage Therapist
First Institute in Crystal Lake in June 2012, passed her boards and started her massage career employed by a local chiropractor in August of that year. During her time at the chiropractic office, she studied various techniques and procedures that allowed her to improve her abilities to treat her patients for pain relief and improved functions. She helped her patients with their muscular tension and pains, migraine headaches, aided in rehabilitation from vehicle accidents and surgeries, and helped relieve the pain from arthritis and fibromyalgia.
Yvette Fuiava, Massage Therapist
Yvette is a graduate of Columbia College of Missouri and a 2012 graduate of Cortiva Institute of Crystal Lake. She believes that there are many paths to healing and enjoys helping others meet their wellness goals through massage. Yvette practices Thai bodywork, Reiki, deep tissue and relaxation massage and has expanded the Thai Yoga Massage program at Natural Therapy Wellness Center which has been receiving glowing reviews from her clients. She is STAR Program Certified through Oncology Rehab Partners. Her favorite quote is “If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you” by Fred DeVito.
Bonnie Spina, Acupuncturist
It's time to start taking care of you.
