Our Essential Therapies Staff.
All of our therapists and aestheticians are licensed by the state of Massachusetts. Some are licensed in other states and/or are nationally certified.
All of our staff is committed to continuing their education. Our therapists have been trained in a diverse variety of massage modalities. When you call for an appointment we will attempt to match you up with the right therapist for your particular situation.
Our Management Team
Peter Ochsner, founder and co-owner of Essential Therapies, received his massage training at the Dovestar Institute in Hooksett, NH. Peter is a nationally certified massage therapist and a third degree Reiki practitioner. In the past few years Peter has studied myofacial release and unwinding with John Barnes, hot rock massage with LaStone, craniosacral therapy with the Upledger Institute, raindrop therapy, Lomi-Lomi massage, Thai massage, and Shiatsu. Peter is former instructor for the Solidago School of Massage, offering an elective course in Spa Management and Spa Hydrotherapy. He also offers consulting services to spas during their planning, design, and construction phases.
- Who says a classroom has to be dull – this is where Peter learned Lomi Lomi and Shiatsu
Peter’s signature is an eclectic massage integrating Reiki, Shiatsu stretch, Kriya massage, Thai massage and a smattering of his own massage techniques. Peter also does unwindings, a modified hot rock massage, shiatsu, Lomi Lomi massage, and various wet room treatments. Peter does what he likes to receive and has borrowed strokes from some of the the very best including members of his own staff.
Judie Ochsner, the other co-owner and Peter’s better half, works part-time at the spa booking appointments and keeping us organized. Also helping out in the office are Danielle and Zollie, two local high school students.
Our Staff
Amy received her certification in Holistic Massage Therapy from Spa Tech Institute (formerly the Polarity Realization Institute). Her trainining included Swedish Massage, Hydrotherapy and stretching techniques. This training also included Polarity Therapy which concentrates on the energetic systems of the body. Amy received additional training in Thai Massage and is certified in pregnancy massage and reiki. Amy specializes in an integrative massage in which all the techniques she has learned are incorporated into a customized massage for each individual. Amy also does hot rock massage and wet room treatments.
Anne-Marie is a graduate of Catherine Hinds Institute of Aesthetics, where she completed 1200 hours of training in both spa therapy and medical aesthetics. She is licensed as aesthetician and manicurist. Anne-Marie has also received reiki training that she enjoys incorporating into her facial treatments. Anne-Marie also does waxing, pedicures and wet room treatments.
Janet During a session I help create a nurturing space for healing energy. I use gentle rocking, stretching, Craniosacral work, Polarity Therapy, and Reflexology combined with long flowing massage strokes and the use of hot stones to help open a pathway for relaxation and a connection to one’s own energy. Being aware of your breathing and learning to ‘pause’ allows for gentle healing. I have loved this calling since 1999.
Lisa graduated from the Holistic Program at the Polarity Realization Institute in Westboro, MA. She received her certificate in Swedish Massage and Polarity Therapy. She provides relaxation by integrating some energy work with a medium pressure massage. Lisa also does hot rock massage, pregnancy massage and wet room treatments.
Marceline is a nationally certified and licensed massage therapist and health coach. In addition she is a certified B.E.S.T. therapist having studied with Dr. Morter, who developed Bio Energetic Synchronization Technique during his forty years of research into alternative care for health. She also is certified in reflexology, pregnancy- and sports massage and Touch for Health. Marceline recently finalized her certification with Dr. Berg who developed A.S.E.T. (Acupressure Stress Elimination Technique) during his eighteen year research in problems of resistant weight due to hormonal imbalances. Marceline also does hot rock massage and wet room treatments. Born and raised in Belgium, as youngest in a family of five children, she quickly learned from experience that one’s mind set dramatically defines the body’s potential. Her three children strengthened her belief in intuition and taught her to simplify life toward ease of being. Marceline lives what she practices.
Micaela received her aesthetics training at the Spa Tech institute in Westboro, Ma. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Art Therapy from Anna Maris College. Micaela specializes in various facial treatments and waxing. She loves working with people, and helping to make them look and feel their best.
Michelle is our spa aesthetics manager. She received her aesthetics training at Assabet Valley Tech and has a nail technician license from Rob Roy Academy. Michelle is also certified in Reiki I. Michelle does facials, waxing, wet room treatments and pedicures. She is also trained to do microdermabrasion and laser hair removal. She loves her job & she enjoys helping people relax. Michelle brings a warm personality & a wonderful sense of humor to her sessions.
Pam is a nationally certified and licensed massage therapist. She is a graduate of the Bancroft School of Massage Therapy and has a private practice which began in 2005. Pam has a certificate in Core Integration Movement Therapy and continues to take advanced courses in Core Integration. Believing her role is to facilitate the body’s own healing powers, Pam’s gentle touch allows for self-awareness and restoration of ease in body, mind, and spirit. Using a combination of Swedish relaxation massage, functional Core Integration Movement Therapy, and Positional Release Techniques, Pam tailors her sessions to meet each individual client’s needs. This often results in relaxation and reduction of chronic muscle tension. Pam also has specialized training in massage for frail clients and those with cancer, and devotes time each week volunteering for support of women with breast cancer. Pam also does hot rock massage and wet room treatments.
Shelley is our most recent hire. She is a licensed aesthetician and does facials and waxing at the spa. Shelley has a gentle soothing touch and a very pleasant demeanor.