Rasa Spa is blessed with a wonderful staff, who have decades of experience across all massage modalities, and who are committed to helping you achieve better health and relaxation. Scroll down to read about their individual experience and areas of specialty. 

PLEASE NOTE: While most of our staff are scheduled to work on specific days, this does not necessarily limit availability. We are happy to be flexible where we can be in order to accommodate our clients' schedules and special staff requests.

Rachel Hogancamp is the co-founder of Rasa Spa, in partnership with Cayuga Medical Center and Island Health and Fitness. A licensed massage therapist since 1994, Rachel has taught classes at the Finger Lakes School of Massage (FLSM) in most massage modalities, as well as in the areas of communication skills and business for massage therapists, while growing her own committed clientèle. An active member of her community, Rachel has focused her volunteer work on serving the needs of those with particular health challenges. To that end, Rachel has been a supporter of the AIDS Ride since its inception, as well as for the Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes. An avid and accomplished photographer, and a supporter of the visual arts, everywhere you look at Rasa you will see the work of local artists.

When the opportunity came to open Rasa, Rachel was eager to create a full-service spa, dedicated to serving the whole person, and for the spa to be not simply a place of luxury, but a fully-integrated part of the health care offered in the entire Island Health complex. It is Rachel's singular vision to communicate her passion for achieving whole body health to the greater Ithaca and nationwide spa communities, and her overreaching hope that the spa will be able to serve the needs of the widest possible array of people from our community who are all on the path to achieving their best health. rachel@rasaspa.com

Avi Baumgold (Licensed Massage Therapist) graduated from Brandeis University in 2004 with a degree in philosophy.  After traveling throughout Central and South America pursuing organic farming and sustainability, Avi came to Ithaca in 2007.  Combining his passion for sustainability with a lifelong background in movement and dance, he was drawn to massage and the healing arts as a way to sustain body, mind and spirit and to offer a sense of ease and self-awareness as tools for moving through the world. Avi graduated from FLSM in June of 2009. His integrative approach to massage creatively combines Shiatsu, Connective Tissue Therapy, Swedish, Neuromuscular Therapy, Kinesthetic Awareness through Movement, and energy work allowing him to meet his client's individual needs.  His love of Shiatsu and Eastern theory inspire him to bring balance to his sessions.  He is available Thursday, Friday and Sunday.

Jim Bucko (Licensed Massage Therapist & Reiki Master Teacher) has been practicing healing services for over 10 years and graduated from FLSM in 2010. He is an Usui and Karuna Reiki Master-Teacher, propelled from the world of spiritual healing, into Reiki, then into Massage. Jim graduated from Cornell University in 1986 with a BS in Human Service Studies/Adult Education and in 1999, Jim began offering corporate and personal leadership development and team-building skills workshops incorporating his shamanic practices. These team-building programs are strongly based on his approach for healing but also on the beliefs, based in the medicine wheel, of indigenous peoples' as well as our relationship with nature and how we can examine this relationship to help heal ourselves and our communities. All of Jim's work over the past 11 years has focused on a healing of four aspects of ourselves: Mental, Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual.  Jim is on shift Monday and Tuesday and can be seen upon request.

Jennifer Chorba (Licensed Massage Therapist) is a 2000 graduate of Finger Lakes School of Massage.  Since becoming licensed, Jenny has had the experience of working in a wide range of environments including chiropractic offices, spa industries and integrative healing centers.  In her journey's she has developed a signature massage which combines a rich blend of Eastern and Western modalities including deep tissue therapy, Thai massage, Reiki and Active Isolated Stretching.  At the age of 23, Jenny found a new love of Yoga and is now a registered Yoga instructor, graduate of Asheville Yoga Center. Combining her experiences of different massage modalities with yoga, Jenny will help assist you to feel more centered and more relaxed, whether you have a specific injury or issue or are in need of some deep relaxation.  She is dedicated to serve each individual for their specific needs and to help the client build awareness in their bodies and minds so they can continue to feel good and heal after the massage.   Jenny is available Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and by request.

Teri Cleveland (Licensed Massage Therapist) became interested in massage and bodywork after experiencing its therapeutic benefits firsthand. She graduated from the Finger Lakes School of Massage in July 2010. She enjoys helping others understand holistic therapies and their positive effects on the body. Teri has worked in the medical field for over 6 years as a Veterinary Technician and is intrigued by the results that therapeutic touch has for animals as well as people. Her bodywork integrates Swedish, Neuromuscular Therapy, movement and energy work with specific focus in Connective Tissue Therapy. Each session is unique to the client's individual needs. In her free time, Teri enjoys hiking with her dogs, yoga, and appreciates the local music scene that Ithaca has to offer. Teri is available at Rasa on Friday, & Saturday.

Kristen Crouse (Outreach Director) advocates slowing down. It's not new to value time; it's not new to see how time enables restorative processes, rejuvenation, and enkindles engagement with the present moment and its opportunities and possibilities for growth. It is, however, difficult to actualize the idea. To practice the old idea of valuing time requires gifting ourselves with hours, the space for time to be our own, and it requires that we begin to see "calmness" as a tool in wellness. Collaborating with Rasa Spa, Kristen's coordination offers empathy towards your goals in making room for holistic health care. Kristen wants to ensure that you are enabled to find time for your well being and that you are honored for your self care. Kristen received her MFA in Poetry and her BA in Philosophy and Russian Literature; she taught college courses in Chicago, but longed for more openness, somewhere to collect elderberries. After being entrenched in academia, Kristen learned to acknowledge cooperation between mind and body and she sought to nurture both the mind and the body. She is grateful to be joining Rasa's dedication to health care, self care, and community.

Karen Cutler (Licensed Massage Therapist) is a 2002 transplant from Washington State, arriving in Ithaca sight unseen to attend the Finger Lakes School of Massage, and never regretting that decision. Karen has been practicing massage for almost 5 years now as well as supervising clinics at FLSM. She finds that her work is like a constantly evolving piece of art and loves that each session adds something new to the "body" of work. Karen's work is integrative in nature, combining movement, deep tissue, energy work and reflexology while letting the session follow the client's own needs and flow. Karen is available on Wednesday through Saturday, and by appointment.

Jessica Decker (Licensed Aesthetician & Licensed Massage Therapist) graduated from F.LS.M in 2000 and went on to work as a medical massage therapist on long island focusing her work mostly on head neck and face. After discovering a new interest in facial massage and having dealt with skin sensitivities and allergies herself, she attended Atelier Esthetique Institute of Esthetics in Manhattan to study skincare.  She truly understands how great skin can affect a whole person in a positive way.  You can see Jessica at Rasa on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, every other Sunday and by appointment.

Jennifer Forte (Licensed Massage Therapist) received her Bachelor's of Science in Visual Arts in 2009 from SUNY New Paltz. Shortly after, she began taking beekeeping classes in the Hudson Valley from local beekeepers and bee doctors, cultivating a lifetime interest in apiculture and a hobby in caring for honeybees. In 2010, she came to Ithaca to study at the Finger Lakes School of Massage, and is currently working on obtaining her M.S. in Nutrition Science. Jennifer's work comes from a place of genuine desire to make healing connections with people, and to assist them in the healing process they have set in place for themselves through positive intention. Jennifer's bodywork integrates connective/deep tissue therapy, neuromuscular therapy, Swedish, Kinesthetic Awareness through Movement, and healing energy palpation. Jennifer is available at Rasa on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and by appointment.

Leslie Gravel (Massage Therapist) is a recent graduate of FLSM and new resident to the Ithaca area after relocating from Brooklyn, NY. Coming from a background in photography and graphic design, she brings a spirit of creativity to bodywork and draws from a variety of modalities including: Swedish, Shiatsu, Kinesthetic Awareness through Movement, Connective Tissue Therapy, stretching and traction. Each session is a new opportunity to meet her clients' needs and creatively pursue bodywork as a practiced craft. Leslie was drawn to massage after caring for an ailing relative and seeing, first hand, the healing benefits of touch. She works from a place of intuition and remains conscious to the science and research behind the work, which she actively shares with interested clients. Outside of Rasa, she prefers hiking the many gorges in the area.  Leslie is available by request.

Holly Green (Lead Licensed Aesthetician & Makeup Artist) comes from a holistic background and she practices skincare that attends to the whole person. Holly holds certifications in: Aesthetics, Breathwork, Massage Therapy, Reiki I, Rosen Method Body Work, Advanced Makeup Artistry, Microdermabrasion, Chemical Peeling, Candela Laser Training (Smoothbeam, GentleYag, AlexTriVantage, VBeam) and is certified in the Advanced Treatment of Minor Skin Irregularities by Skin Classic. She is currently working on her Oncology Aesthetics Certification. Holly offers 14 years of experience combining all her skills in bodywork and approaches facials and skincare with an understanding of the whole body, the whole person. Not only has she written and published her very own E-book, Goddess Glow, she also created her own, customized, natural skin care line, Norabloom Botanicals. Rasa Spa is proud to offer her products exclusively. Holly is available on Thursdays and Saturdays by appointment only.

Jody Haring (Licensed Massage Therapist) Jody graduated from FLSM in 2001 and has been continually practicing massage over the past ten years. Her style is slow and attentive with the purpose of connecting the mind to the body to induce relaxation and healing. She likes to incorporate Myofacial release techniques, shiatsu, traction, and stretching to release tension and increase range of motion in joints along with deep connective tissue work in areas where it's needed. She especially enjoys helping clients with back, hip and shoulder ailments. Jody also has a background in esthetics and likes giving scrubs, wraps, and dry brushing that is offered here at Rasa.  Jody works Monday and by appointment at Rasa.

Madigan Holohan (Licensed Aesthetician/Licensed Massage Therapist) Madi graduated with an Associates degree in Massage Therapy from New York College for Holistic Education in 2000 and a certification from Long Island Skin Institute in 2003. Madi's lifelong interest in alternative healing has lead her to study Aromatherapy, Lomi Lomi Massage, Esalan Massage, and Amma Meridian Therapy. She incorporates these modalities into her bodywork and skincare sessions hoping to bring relaxation and rejuvenation to each client. Working on her teenage son and daughter has further deepened her belief that bodywork is essential to emotional and physical well being. Madi is available on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, every other Sunday and by appointment.

Wendy Houseworth (Guest Services) is an Ithaca native. After some years living in Wilmington, NC; Boston, MA; New Zealand and Manhattan, she has happily declared Ithaca her home once again. Wendy received her massage certification in 2001 while living in Wilmington. After two years of operating a private practice she realized that her potential could be more fully met on the administrative, marketing and public relations side of the business. She began fulfilling this role for a spa/health club in Wilmington and continued practicing massage privately. After moving back to Ithaca, Wendy changed career directions and moved into restaurant/business management (Stella's, Inlet Island Cafe, Serendipity Catering & Gimme! Coffee) and then found her way back into wellness, and Rasa. Over the years, she has acquired an eye for detail and organization, marketing, graphic design and management. Wendy can be found at the front desk Wednesday and Friday evenings and would be more than happy to assist you with creating the most fulfilling Rasa experience, catered individually to you.

Renee Kovalycsik (Licensed Massage Therapist) received her Associates of Science degree in Massage Therapy from Heritage Institute in Jacksonville, Florida. Upon completion of school in July 2009, Renee moved to the Ithaca area to begin a new chapter in her life. She continued her education at FLSM and graduated in Oct 2010.  She began her career as a therapist in 2010 here at Rasa Spa. Renee has always had the desire to help people. She finds comfort in administering a range of modalities that fit her clients needs, from Swedish, Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular Therapy, Sports Massage and even Hot Stone Massage. Renee Looks forward to working with her clients to give them the massage they desire. She is available Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

James Longley (Licensed Massage Therapist) graduated from Finger Lakes School of Massage in 2003 and has been in practice ever since. His style of bodywork has its foundation in Connective Tissue Massage synergizing with Swedish, Kinesthetic Awareness through Movement, Neuromuscular Therapy, and energy work. James believes his most important traits as a bodyworker are faith in his intuition and sensitivity to the subtle changes in each client's tissue.  James is available on Saturday and by appointment.

Debra Martens (Licensed Massage Therapist) graduated from the Finger Lakes School of Massage, with a 1000-hour Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Hydrotherapy with her clinic work being completed at Cayuga Medical Center's Rehabilitation Program. Debra graduated from Cornell with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works as a graphic designer when not practicing massage therapy. She is also a graduate of, and teacher in, the IM School of Healing Arts. Her many years of body, mind and spiritual studies are brought to her massage work, which is informed by a compassion-filled affinity for body work and a desire to hold a safe, healing space for her clients. Modalities combined include Swedish, Connective Tissue, Sports, Medical, Pregnancy, Elder, Kinesthetic Awareness through Movement, and Energy Work. Her style tends to be slow, deep rhythmic Swedish with some connective tissue and includes energy work. Debra's highest priority is to genuinely be of service, To that end her style is very flexible and adaptable to the individual client's request.  Debra is available by appointment.

Emily Melcher (Licensed Massage Therapist) is a graduate of the Finger Lakes School of Massage. She has a BA from Hamilton College and is also a registered nurse. She has lived in Ithaca since 2002. Coming from the medical profession, Emily has a strong desire to help people to feel better. She feels that deep relaxation brought on by massage is the perfect place to start. Her massage technique combines Swedish strokes with connective tissue therapy and trigger point therapy. Emily loves to individualize her sessions to meet her clients' needs. She is available on Thursday, Saturday and by appointment.

Laura Moore (Licensed Massage Therapist) graduated from the Finger Lakes School of Massage in July 2011. Native to Pennsylvania, Laura returned to the east coast after several years adventuring out West to reconnect with her roots and pursue her interest in sustainable farming. She was led to FLSM to fulfill her dream of supporting others in health and healing through bodywork and joins the FLSM staff as Student Services Coordinator for the Part-time Program. Laura's fascination with the human body is rooted in her studies at Lehigh University, where she graduated with a B.S. in Biochemistry in 1999. She has come to discover through her own path toward healing that being well is being balanced in body, mind, emotion, and spirit. She cultivates this holistic approach to health and wellness in her massage therapy practice, integrating Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Therapies, and Energy Balancing to deeply benefit her clients. Laura has also received additional training in Reiki and is looking forward to furthering her understanding of the relationship between energy balancing, nutrition, and overall health through future study. Whether you are seeking a massage focused on relaxation, preventative care, pain management, or rehabilitation, Laura offers presence, compassion and healing therapeutic touch and is delighted to support you in your pursuit of whole body health. Laura enjoys nurturing her own being through cooking, playing guitar, stretching, and exploring the many wonders of the natural world.

Jennifer Reuning Myers (Licensed Massage Therapist) is an Ithaca native and a graduate of Finger Lakes School of Massage. As a professional violinist, Jennifer initially became interested in massage as a way to help musicians prevent injury and heal from injury. She especially enjoys working with musicians, and people with shoulder, back and neck issues, drawing on a combination of Swedish massage, Connective Tissue Therapy, Shiatsu, Energy work, and Trigger Point Therapy. She loves working at Rasa because of the variety of clients she can treat with massage and bodywork therapy. Because every person is different, every session is different, and Jennifer enjoys being able to tailor the session to meet the particular need of each person she works with. She is available upon request.

Abbie Norman (Licensed Massage Therapist) is a 2008 graduate of OSTM in Syracuse. Abbie spent her first years as a massage therapist working privately, in spa industries, and, most recently, for a Chiropractic office in Florida. She enjoys concentrating work on single areas of chronic pain, working with scar tissue, and aiding injury-recovery. While each session is unique to the client, the techniques combined are Swedish, connective tissue therapy, trigger point therapy, and using active and passive movements to increase range of motion. Abbie is available by appointment.

Christian Przygocki (Licensed Massage Therapist) is a graduate of the Finger Lakes School of Massage and has been practicing in the Ithaca area for over three years. His unique approach to massage integrates Deep Tissue Massage, Neuromuscular Therapy, Shiatsu, Connective Tissue Therapy, Swedish and reflexology. Christian's interest in the medical and clinical application of massage is due to his lifelong study of health and wellness.  Christian is at Rasa on Mondays or by appointment.

Meredith Reilly (Licensed Massage Therapist) Meredith has been enjoying her work as a massage therapist for over 6 years, and she specializes in deep tissue massage. She uses slow, penetrating strokes to warm and melt the tension out of muscles and connective tissue (tendons, ligaments, and fascia). She specializes in neck, shoulder and jaw work. She is currently exploring further training in myofascial release, a form of massage that uses focused therapeutic touch to release patterns of tension in the body. She has additional training in Biodynamic Cranial Sacral Therapy, Aromatherapy, Reiki, and Herbal Medicine. Meredith values communication and connection, and aims to bring you the exact massage you are looking for - be it for general relaxation or work on a specific issue. She cherishes being able to support the healing process of each client. In her free time, she loves to hike, swim, sing, chant, and practice yoga. You can find Meredith at the spa on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Saturdays.

Stephanie Scaglione (Guest Services) moved to Ithaca in 2005 from Dayton, Ohio. She is one of the smiling faces greeting you as you walk through the door at Rasa Spa. Stephanie has a background in graphic design and printing and her artwork and logos can be found everywhere from Ithaca to Paris. Among her many talents, Stephanie is a potter, a published author, a member of the Pittsburgh Artist Guild and a new mother. You can find her at the front desk Saturday and Sunday.

Sarah Scheiber (Licensed Waxing Specialist) was drawn to the area in pursuit of a Master’s Degree and stayed because of the amazing supportive community which emphasizes Holistic Healing. Her desire to connect with others in deep meaningful ways led her to the Hidden Treasure program at Light on the Hill. In turn, that self-connection stirred her desire to help others create beauty and feel good about themselves and their body through waxing. Her passion for waxing drives her to explore new techniques and products as they become available in the industry. She has a gentle (and healing) touch with clients which she attributes to her attunement as a Reiki Master and ARCH practitioner.  Sarah is available Tuesday, Friday, and by appointment.

Sarah Liz Schwartje (Licensed Massage Therapist, Licensed Cosmetologist) graduated from the Finger Lakes School of Massage in summer 2010.  Prior to that she received her cosmetologist license mastering hair, nail and skin care.  She believes that is not only healing for each client, but also herself as well.  She loves so many modalities within massage, her work is a combination of Neuromuscular or Trigger Point Therapy, Medial Massage, Deep Swedish, Kinesthetic Awareness Through Movement (KAM) and Energy work.   She likes addressing each clients' "problem areas" including the head, neck and upper body and working with chronic pain.  She truly caters to each persons' needs and loves the connection between client and therapist.  On her days off Sarah enjoys hiking the finger lakes trails and camping.  Sarah is available at Rasa on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and by appointment.

Dyian Steele (Licensed Massage Therapist) earned her Master's degree in 2008 from Binghamton University in history and education. She graduated from the Finger Lakes School of Massage in October 2009 after being drawn to massage personally as a powerful tool for reconnecting mind, body and spirit. She has since come to know massage for its ability to support the body in healing and maintaining overall health. Her interests lie mainly with injury-recovery and women's health issues. She believes her role as a massage therapist is to listen compassionately to the needs of her clients and offers a range of modalities including Swedish, Connective Tissue Therapy, Neuromuscular Therapy, Medical Massage, Shiatsu, and Energy Work. She is currently available upon request.

Georgina Sweeney (Consultant) Prior to her recent move to Ithaca, Georgina spent 4 years in Maine and over 15 years in Europe and North America as an international marketing executive and business coach. Her passion is helping heart-centered women entrepreneurs and small business owners to release their inner and outer blocks to success, so that they can help more people, make a bigger difference AND be richly rewarded for their efforts. In addition to business coaching, Georgina is a holistic health and wellness practitioner, both trained and licensed in skin care, holistic health counseling, Reiki, Energy Psychology (EFT) and Image Consulting. 

Lauren Walker (Licensed Massage Therapist) earned her Bachelor's in Wellness and Alternative Medicine from Johnson State College in Vermont in 2008. She then graduated from The Center for Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy in Albany, NY in 2010. She has had a long-standing passion for holistic health and believes strongly that the synergistic weaving of mind, body and spirit are central to achieving and maintaining well-being. It is her intention to encourage balance and grounding, helping to facilitate a deep, fulfilling sense of relaxation and healing. She does this by incorporating both body-centered and energy-centered approaches while giving her full presence to each session. Integrated techniques most commonly include elements of Swedish, Shiatsu, Cranio-sacral, Reiki, and Connective Tissue/Deep Tissue and are intuitively tailored to meet each individual client's needs. She is available Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Saturday and by appointment.

Dex White (Licensed Massage Therapist) graduated from the Finger Lakes School of Massage and has been working as a massage therapist for seven years.  He is now an instructor at FLSM as well as the Student Adviser.  His sessions usually incorporate Swedish, Connective Tissue Therapy, Reiki, and other energy work. Dex truly enjoys following his intuition and responding to his client's needs in the moment and he places great importance on laughter and play.  Dex sees clients at Rasa on Tuesday and by appointment.

Trisha Williams (Licensed Massage Therapist) studied massage therapy at the Advanced Fuller School of Massage until she headed back to her Upstate NY roots, finishing her schooling at the Finger Lakes School of Massage in 2002. After graduation, Trisha created a successful business within a Chiropractic Healing Arts Center in Sierra Vista, Arizona, where she specialized in helping clients rehabilitating from injury or needing site-specific work, as well as focusing energy on sports massage and deep tissue work. Over this time, Trisha formed a deep appreciation and talent for head and neck work, aimed at helping people with TMJ, migraines and other specific issues. Trisha is available by appointment.

Linda van Almelo (Licensed Massage Therapist) is a 2000 graduate of the Finger Lakes School of Massage and has had a private practice for 11 years. Continuing Education studies include Medical Massage, Massage and Cancer, Trager, Reflexology and Cranio Sacral. Linda has also been on the faculty at the Finger Lakes School of Massage since 2004, teaching Kinesiology, Pathology, Medical Massage, Sports Massage and Massage and Cancer. Linda is available for Oncology Massage by request.

Special providers:

Sharon Costianes (Guild Certified Feldenkrais PractitionerCM) holds a BMu from Ithaca College in voice and sociology, a certificate from Feldenkrais Resources in Manhattan, as well as Professional Certification from The Feldenkrais Guild® of North America. Her primary teacher was David Zemach-Bersin who, aside from being one of the foremost trainers in the Method, was one of Dr. Feldenkrais' original American students. Sharon began learning about the Feldenkrais Method® as a means of improving her singing and performance abilities while at Ithaca College. When the Method® helped her recover from a back injury in only one session, Sharon knew this work was significant on a larger scale and began Practitioner training a year later. She has been practicing this profound work since 2006, and is honored to offer it here at Rasa spa. To learn more about Sharon's philosophies and approach to the Feldenkrais Method® visit our webpage or her website for additional information.

 

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