Our Dream

Have you ever had a dream that somehow became reality? We have - our little yellow house where we specialize in therapeutic massage has been a long-time dream.

The Art of Touch is a place where our clients can receive a massage that will have long-term benefits, not just serve as a Band-aid to their ailments. Our exceptional therapists have seen the amazing changes massage can make and want to share them with you. They will customize a plan that will truly benefit your health.

Give us your body for an hour and we will give you back your mind.

By the way...our name was chosen because we support local artists. Come and see their talent on our walls.

Meet our Therapists

Shannon Grant, Owner

LMT# MT001038

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.

Sara Nesselbush

LMT# MT004150

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.

Anne Cortino

LMT#MT004499

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
Kristin Gipson

LMT#MT003912

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.

Sarah Espinosa

LMT# MT005312

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, 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.

Tanya Jackson

LMT# MT005862

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

Janelle Simmons

LMT#MT005929

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.

Elizabeth Meeley

LMT#006270

Like most things in life, massage has been a gradual metamorphosis born from the many facets of myself.  Upon my graduation from Indiana University three years ago I made a life altering decision to move out west and attend the Boulder College of Massage Therapy.  I was touched through touching and the rest, as they say, is history.  My passion lies in helping to communicate, embrace and nurture one's freedom of self through therapeutic muscle manipulation.  I am certified in Swedish, Neuromuscular, Prenatal, Postpartum , Sports, and Integrative massage.  I look forward to helping you find peace and support in the midst of all the hustle and bustle, one hand at a time!

Brittney Turner

LMT# 006840 

Studying massage at the Atlanta School of Massage was one of the most profound experiences that I've had in my life and I feel blessed to be one of those that are able to offer a gift like this to people. Hearing family members complain of their aches and pains and seeing them live with that everyday compelled me to find something that I could do to help ease them of all their tension. That's what makes me so committed to this profession. My clients can always expect my absolute attention and energy to bring their mind and body to a state of relaxation and healing. Mymodalities include swedish, deep tissue, pregnancy, NMT, and beginner levels
  of myofascial release.

Laureen Dietrick

MT0006705

My name is Laureen Dietrick and I love what I do.  I graduated from Atlanta School of Massage in May 2009. At ASM, I learned Musculoskeletal Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Kinesiology, Orthopedic Assessments, Spa Modalities, Pre- natal Massage and Conditions & Assessments. Once I graduated, I got a job as the lead massage therapist for a Chiropractor in Atlanta.  There, I learned many more rehabilitative and trigger point techniques that I would perform on clients who had chronic and acute muscular pains. After working for the Chiropractor, I was offered an opportunity to work for a high-end spa, in Belize, on the resort island called Caye Caulker. I accepted the offer and one month later I found myself living and working on an island.  There, I was trained in many Mayan and Shamanic healing techniques that helped my skills, as a therapist blossom even more.  I got to live, and work there for 3 months, and once my visa expired I had to return home.    Once I did, I came to realize that all of my good friends from massage school were working here, at the Art of Touch, and they were hiring.

My friends told me that I would love it, and they couldn’t be more correct. I love working here, because this is not a typical spa where we are asked to perform the same technique on every client. Here we are given full freedom to use any techniques possible to help you achieve your care goals, whether its to achieve complete relaxation or to increase your range of motion in a tight soar joint.  I specialize in Swedish, Pregnancy Massage, Deep tissue, Myofascial Release, Chair Massage, Shamanic healings and Assisted Therapeutic Stretching.  You deserve to feel your best every day, so when life happens and things get you down, I can help you get back, to feeling like you again.

Andrea Burke

As an athlete for the majority of my life, I have always been interested in preventing and rehabilitating injuries.  Massage therapy is not only my career, but my passion.  After working in a busy physical therapy clinic for many years, I have adopted techniques, theories, and exercises into my practice.  I have compassion for all my clients, whether they are in pain, trying to prevent an injury, or just want to relax.  I empathize with my clients, therefore I am able to connect on a much deeper level than what meets the surface.  By combining what you tell me, and what my hands tell me, I create a therapeutic session designed specifically for you.  I am certified in Swedish, deep tissue, sports, Active-Isolated Stretching, and Orthopedic massage.  As long as you leave my table smiling and relaxed, I am happy.

Naeema James

Naeema graduated from the Atlanta School of Massage in 2004.  Since graduating from ASM, Naeema has worked in a variety of settings including, health clubs, chiropractic offices, salons, as well as spas.  An American Council on Exercise (ACE) personal trainer since 1998, she has a passion for anatomy.  Naeema enjoys the intricate and focused aspect of deep tissue massage.  However, she enjoys making her clients melt with the soothing and pampering strokes of Swedish massage.  This mother of three toddlers delivers a loving and nurturing touch.

Germaine Ehlinger

Germaine Ehlinger

GA License: MT004226

My journey to becoming a massage therapist began over twenty years ago while studying Dance at Ohio University. As a former dancer, I am deeply interested in how posture affects chronic muscular stress patterns in our daily lives. I advocate stretching and strengthening the overworked and underworked muscle groups to help alleviate muscular and fascial discomfort. . I work closely with you to address your particular muscular needs, bringing your body into balance with your physical demands and goals. Each session concludes with specific suggestions for you to help maintain muscular health and comfort.

I graduated from Atlanta School of Massage in 2005 and my practice includes Deep Tissue, Swedish ,Neuromuscular Therapy and Pregnancy massage. I am also a Touch For Health Practitioner?? a healing modality using subtle muscle testing, spinal reflexes, acupressure, neurovascular and neurolymphatic points, as well as the 14 Meridians of the body. A balance session is performed clothed and can be completed in 30, 45, or 60 minute sessions and can be combined with a massage appointment.

By attending fully to each person’ unique physiology, I strive to facilitate physical healing one muscle fiber at a time.

 

Mary Yao

I have always had a passion for helping people.  After following the path less traveled, it finally took me to the path of holistic healing and bodywork.  I attended the Academy of Somatic Healing Arts (ASHA) where I was certified in Swedish Massage, Clinical Sports Massage and Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT).  I have also delved into Reflexology, Polarity Therapy, Myofascial Release and Nutrition.  It is my goal for every client to leave me feeling relaxed, pain-free and balanced.

Grace Prior

I am so happy to be someone who can honestly say that I love my job. Being a massage therapist has been a beautiful process, one that I am continuing everyday. For most of my life I have had a peaked interest in the healing arts. After watching chiropractors and other massage therapists at work, I knew that this was the field I wanted to go into. In 2009, I started my journey towards massage therapy at the Atlanta School of Massage. I now specialize in Swedish, Reflexology, Pregnancy Massage, Deep tissue, Myofascial Release, and I am looking for more things to learn everyday. I look forward to being a part of your path towards rejuvenation and health!

Jaklin Mofardin

There’s always been something about the healing world of massage that has captivated me. My passion for massage and my desire to expand my skills have coexisted for nearly a decade.  I attended the National Institute of Massotherapy in Cleveland, Ohio, where I studied a vigorous curriculum of anatomy, physiology and massage theory and skills. While a student at the school, I studied other complimentary forms of healing and became attuned as a Level One Reiki practitioner (Usui Reiki Ryoho lineage). I graduated in 2002. 

 After graduation, I moved to Virginia Beach, Va and started my first professional massage therapy position at Alternative Body Care. During my employment there, I had the fortunate benefit of working under a former instructor of the world-renowned Cayce/Reilly School of Massotherapy. I absorbed so much during my time there and added to my massage skills Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular, Pregnancy, Hot Stone, and reflexology techniques. I also became certified in sports massage.

 After a couple of years in Virginia I found a way to fulfill my wish to travel the world while working as a massage therapist, working on the Disney Magic cruise ship. I helped “create the magic” as one of the ship’s massage therapists!  This period in my life is a time I think about fondly, for I had the opportunity to live and work with people from all over the world and expand my horizons.  The standard is set very high for those who are chosen to represent Disney. I feel that this level of expectation encouraged me to develop the strong work ethic that I hold to this day.

 After two contracts on the ship, traveling the Caribbean and Mediterranean Oceans, I decided to leave the water for land.  It was then that I relocated to Atlanta, GA and love it here. Recently, I've gained more experience by studying CranioSacral Therapy and Thai Yoga Massage (Thai Yoga has become a very big passion of mine!). I also honed in my skills in Deep Tissue massage.

 Those of us who are drawn to do work in massage therapy truly understand that it is a transferring, healing gift to others - both physically and emotionally. And, I recognize that there is quite an exchange of trust involved in a massage session between massage therapist and client. I honor it as sacred.  After all, everyone deserves to feel good.  Massage therapy, to me, is my small contribution to help make the world a happier, healthier place.

 

GA license #MT005635