Before moving to the Atlanta area I was a resident of Boston, MA for seven years. I received my BA degree in Secondary Education from Boston College, where I was able to teach in Austrailia and on an Apache Reservation. After college I was a teacher for two years, but was continuously drawn to Massage Therapy and continued my education at the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy (which is the state where my wonderful family resides). At CCMT I learned many modalities including Deep Tissue, Swedish, Sports, Pregnancy, and Acupressure. I also tutored Anatomy, Physiology and Kinesiology after graduating.

Education is a big part of my life and I am constantly seeking opportunities to stay fresh in my profession. Most recently I have complimented my massage education by completing courses such as Myofascial Release, Working with Clients with Cancer, Parkinson's Disease and Massage, and Hot Stone Massage. I also have a great love for working with pregnant women and women trying to conceive. I am certified by Nurturing the Mother Seminars which specialize in Fertility Massage, Pregnancy Massage, Postpartum Massage, and Infant Massage.

The Art of Touch opened its doors on July 4th 2007. Dreams do come true and my dream of helping others ease their pain through massage becomes a reality every day. Our therapists are the best I have ever met and they amaze me with their knowledge and professionalism. When we opened our doors we made a promise to be involved with the community. Some of our community events include a monthly book club, Nurturing the Pregnant Couple Seminars, and art shows where we support local artists. I have been able to also join my passion for exercise and massage by volunteering at sporting events such as the ING Marathon, AIDS Walk, and MS Bike-a-thon.

My goal is to give you all your body deserves through massage and education. Join us in our beautiful space and see what others have found in our serene escape.

My journey into the field of healing arts has been an evolving and natural process. I revel in the holistic world, the wealth of knowledge at our fingertips is ever expanding and fascinating. My decision to become part of the community was not a question, it was a necessity. I experienced the modality of massage first hand for years before enrolling at Rising Spirit, which propelled me into this wonderful and inspiring career. If asked to describe my work detailed is the first word that comes to mind. I love the personal journey I embark on with each individual client customizing our session to best suit them and their healing process. I graduated in 2004 and specialize in Neuromuscular Massage, Deep Tissue, Myofascial Release, Swedish, Reflexology, and Assisted Stretching. The sensation of unwinding your stress sends me out of our session just as relaxed as my clients, it's my therapy to massage you. I couldn't think of a more perfect profession, or beautiful space to practice. The Art of Touch has touched me, and I'm eager and excited daily to touch you.

Initially, I thought massage therapy would relieve my muscular tension and health problems. That's one of the many reasons why I started massage therapy school. However, as time progressed, I found myself happier, with more self confidence, carrying less anxiety, and possessing greater awareness of the relationship between outward stress, and inward pain. My energy levels rose, I slept better, and my posture started drastically improving. It's truly amazing to watch these things and so much more take shape within my clients.

Georgia Career Institute 2006

Intrests:

• Holistic Massage
• Sports Massage
• Myofascial Release

I love being a massage therapist and seeing how it improves peoples’ lives. I became a massage therapist in 2003 and am even more passionate about it now than when I started.

I have had excellent results with clients having chronic patterns of pain from low back and neck pain, rotator cuff injuries, and fibromyalgia. I have worked closely with chiropractors and physical therapists and have seen massage therapy enhance their care. Relaxed, healthy muscles are better able to hold the body in proper alignment.

As a parent and avid outdoor enthusiast, I understand the need to be healthy and feeling good in order to deal with today's complex lifestyle. Massage Therapy allows me to combine my interest in health and fitness with my desire to help others live healthier lives.

I have certifications in Clinical and Neuromuscular Massage, Fijian Barefoot Massage and Thai Massage.

Dina Casso is a graduate of the Chicago School of Massage Therapy and has been practicing for over four years. She specializes in Swedish, Deep Tissue, Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial Release, Sports, Pre-Natal, Therapeutic Stretching and Craniosacral modalities. Her approach to bodywork is both nuturing and therapeutic by integrating multiple modalities to achieve optimal wellness outcomes for her clients.

It's so amazing when a therapist and client can really connect, which is exactly what we strive for every session at The Art of Touch. As a therapist I am constantly searching for new modalities to fit each client's individual needs as well as wants. My massage education started at the Atlanta School of Massage and I have also explored extra courses in myoskeletal alignment. I am certified in Swedish, deep tissue, neuromuscular therapy, reflexology, pregnancy massage, and even traveled to Thailand for a better understanding of the art of Thai massage. My quiet sessions provide pain management along with soothing aromatherapy and specific heat therapy to ease you into a relaxed and rejuvenated state. The world may turn your stress on, but let me tune in and in no time you'll drop out.

I consider it an honor to guide clients through their own self-healing. As they heal, I heal and hence the greatest reward with massage therapy is the healing exchange that takes place. Every person has a different body that continuously shifts in response to everyday activities, stress or physical trauma. My intent with massage therapy is to assist clients with achieving relaxation, pain reduction and ultimately maintaining optimal structural alignment and overall well-being. In each session I partner with a client to not only build a customized treatment plan but also share my knowledge so that he or she has a better understanding of the body and how to better support it.

Education: Academy of Somatic Healing Arts (ASHA)

Modalities: Integration of Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT), Deep Tissue, Sports Massage, Muscle Energy Techniques (M.E.T.s), Stretching and Swedish Massage

I believe that touch is a vital part of our lives. I am passionate about healthy, healing touch and its ability to be a powerful tool in wellness and holistic health. I have witnessed how massage does much more than heal the body… it helps the body remember how to heal itself!

It is my goal to help you become aware of your body and the way it responds to the demands put upon it in this busy world and to assist you in releasing stress and tension by listening to your specific needs and preferences. Since each of us is different and our bodies change on a daily basis, no two massages are the same!

I began my study of Massage Therapy at the Napa Valley School of Massage in California and furthered my studies at the Atlanta School of Massage. I enjoyed working for nearly two years as a massage therapist in Geneva, Switzerland and earned Certifications in Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage, Neuromuscular Therapy, Reflexology, and Spa Treatments.

I love people and helping them relieve their muscle tension and stress!

I first realized my passion for health and wellness when I was in my teens. In high school, I enrolled in elective classes such as Anatomy & Physiology and nursing. These classes sparked a deeper interest in how this complex and extraordinary machine called the human body worked. In college, I studied Health and Physical Education all while working at a physical therapy office in Atlanta. I then began working as a personal trainer for several years until I realized that something was still missing. My passion for helping others achieve an optimal state of well being was still calling. I then enrolled at Atlanta School of Massage. While taking classes there, I realized that massage therapy was indeed my calling. I immersed my mind, body and and spirit in neuromuscular, reflexology, deep tissue, seated and swedish massage therapies. Nothing gives me more gratification than to be able to help you feel better by simply using the art of touch.