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 Island Health and Fitness. A licensed massage therapist since 1994, Rachel started her own company, Bodyworks, after graduation from the Finger Lakes School of Massage. Over the years, Rachel has taught classes at 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 Ithaca Breast Care Alliance. An avid and accomplished photographer, the photos you see on the Rasa site all come from the lens of Rachel's camera, and because of her affinity for 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 spa within Island, a full-service center, dedicated to serving whole body health, not simply considering the spa a luxury, but a fully-integrated part of the health care offered in the 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 a wide array of people from our community who all share in the quest for greater health.

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 the Finger Lakes School of Massage in June of 2009. His integrative approach to massage at Rasa 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.

Shri (Rachel) Bush (Licensed Massage Therapist) graduated from the Finger Lakes School of Massage in 2006 and has been studying alternative health care and movement for five years. Her practice blends elements of Swedish, Deep Tissue, Connective Tissue Therapy, and Trigger Point Therapy. She enjoys giving specific attention to areas of injury or chronic pain, and offers her clients tools for self-care as a way to empower their recovery. In addition to practicing massage, Shri also teaches yoga and is an ardent student of Ayurveda. She is passionate about health and healing and is honored to offer her best to each of her clients. Shri works Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.

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 Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and alternating Saturdays.

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 every other Saturday.

Alyssa Denea Duerksen (Licensed Massage Therapist) is a graduate from the Finger Lakes School of Massage. She has a background in theatrical movement and dance from Ithaca College where she earned a B.F.A. in Acting. At Ithaca she took classes in the Feldenkrais Method, and was introduced to The Alexander Technique, both of which completely changed the way she moves through life. Her experience at Ithaca was the spark that eventually lead her to expand her knowledge of bodywork. Her goal as a massage therapist is to integrate a number of modalities that allow her clients to discover the many ways their bodies speak to them. Some of the techniques she loves to offer are: Connective Tissue Therapy, Reflexology, Energy Healing, Neuromuscular Therapy and Kinesthetic Awareness through Movement (KAM). Denea is available on Monday, Tuesday, Saturday and by appointment.

Sara Giordano (Licensed Aesthetician) Upon graduation from Ithaca High School in 1993, Sara moved down south to attend college, first to New Orleans and eventually to Charleston, South Carolina. Sara received a B.S. in Elementary Education from the College of Charleston. Although she loved working with children and was passionate about her role as a teacher, the combination of her desire to have a more flexible schedule, lifelong interest in the beauty industry and the upcoming birth of her son motivated her to make a career change. She attended Continental School of Beauty Culture for aesthetics, graduating in 2004. Working in the field of aesthetics brings her great happiness, she is still able to utilize her skills as a teacher, now teaching how to best care for ones skin. Sara enjoys all aspects of the skin care industry whether it be facials, waxing or giving a lesson in makeup application. Her approach to skin care is very nurturing and educational, believing that beautiful, healthy skin is achieved through a holistic care.  Sara is available for services at Rasa on Mondays, Tuesdays and by appointment.

Delilah Heshmat (Licensed Massage Therapist) has had a lifelong involvement in athletics and dance. In 2007, while bicycling across the country, Delilah made the decision to pursue massage. The next year, she attended the Finger Lakes School of Massage and through her education there, realized the profundity and effectiveness of therapeutic touch.  Delilah tries to imbue her clients with an awareness that our emotional and physical realities are shared, and hopes that her clients will leave her session feeling more confident about how to care for themselves. When not at Rasa, Delilah practices Bikram yoga, enjoys cycling, and skates with the Ithaca League of Women Rollers on the SufferJets roller derby team. Her integrative approach to massage combines Swedish, Connective or deep tissue therapy, trigger point therapy, movement and energy healing.

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 and Sunday.

Maya Ittah (Licensed Massage Therapist) graduated from the Finger Lakes School of Massage and has been practicing in Ithaca ever since. Maya was drawn to massage due to her long held interest in Holistic Health and Self-Healing. Her practice integrates a rich mix of Cranial-Sacral work, Thai Massage/Shiatsu, Connective Tissue Therapy, Neuromuscular Therapy, and Sport Massage. She is dedicated in empowering the body to find balance and peace through holistic touch to promote health in each individual.  She is passionate about her work and will accommodate each session to her clients' needs with love and compassion.

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 Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

Christina Lower (Licensed Massage Therapist/ Licensed Aesthetician) is a native Ithacan and 2001 graduate of the Finger Lakes School of Massage and the Continental School of Beauty Culture for Aesthetics. Christina integrated Medical Massage into her practice in 2003 and became a Certified Infant Massage Therapist and Instructor in 2006. With years of private practice, medical massage and spa industry experience, Christina utilizes a completely integrative technique, specializing in Neuromuscular Therapy, Site-Specific Connective and Deep Tissue Massage, Pain Management, Accident and Injury Recovery, Stress Relief, and Kinesthetic Awareness through Movement. Christina enjoys Aromatherapy and the development of unique body treatments. As an aesthetician, with a strong background in ingredient knowledge, she is able to educate her clients on improving the functionality of the skin. Christina is available on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 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.

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 Thursdays and Fridays and by appointment.

Maggie Montgomery (Spa Reception) will be one of the smiling faces that greets you at the spa.  She comes to Rasa Spa from Annapolis, MD, with a background in office management, boat building, and paddling.  She also moonlights as a knitter, quilter, gardener, and canner.  Maggie welcomes your questions about staff, treatments and anything else she can help with and hopes to help you feel right at home.  She can be found at the front desk Monday through Friday.

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.

Grace Santana (Licensed Massage Therapist, Lead Therapist) graduated from the Finger Lakes School of Massage in June 2005. Through her experience in the spa industry, Grace has discovered her own unique style of massage that combines Deep Tissue, Swedish, Trigger Point, and movement in a soothing integrated flow. Also a Certified Personal Trainer, Grace is able to offer a unique perspective on muscle imbalances and how they can be addressed through massage and fitness. Grace works Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and recently began working in the Cayuga Medical Center's Physical Therapy Department on Fridays.

Stephanie Scaglione (Spa Reception) 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.

Lisa Scherer (Licensed Massage Therapist) brings her passion for movement and her creative energy to every massage. As a lifelong dancer, athlete and artist she loves to create integrative sessions with rhythm and flow that offer a sense of wholeness and appreciation for your greatest work of art...your body!  She has been in the Ithaca area for five years and graduated from the Finger Lakes School of Massage in June of 2007. When she's not massaging she's most likely found hiking with her dogs in the nearby wilderness. Lisa is available only by appointment.

Jennie Lowe Stearns (Spa Reception) Jennie is a songwriter, singer, and visual artist and has made Ithaca her home for over twenty years since leaving New England. Her music career has taken her across the US and all over Europe. She is a co-owner of the Ithacaʼs Volume Records and has many strong ties with the Ithaca music community. Jennie will greet you at the front desk and help you as best she can before you embark on some Rasa relaxation.

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 available Tuesdays, Saturdays and by appointment.

Joy Trushell (Licensed Esthetician) studied in Raleigh, North Carolina at Mitchel's Academy, graduating in 2008. She has a passion for indulging her clients in uniquely-customized skin care services and enjoys imparting her knowledge of technique, product, skin types and more to her customers. Outside of Rasa, she also enjoys yoga, nature hikes, gardening.

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 Saturday.

Special providers:

Michelle Courtney Berry (Reiki Master) received her certification as a Karuna Reiki® Teacher (Reiki Level IV) from the International Center for Reiki Training, having practiced reiki for over 7 years. Michelle was attuned to reiki slowly, sharing reiki with hundreds of clients between the acquisition of each of the four reiki levels, over a period of four years. Michelle approaches reiki and the balancing of her clients' energy levels and chakras with a deep respect for the ancient roots, philosophies and practices of reiki. She also values the roles of poetry, peace, humor, restoration and relaxation in an individual's overall healing. Michelle is available upon request.

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.

Stephanie Rothe (Licensed Massage Therapist/Oncology Massage Therapist) specializes in Pre- and Post- Operative Mastectomy Therapy, Breast Health and Lymphatic Drainage. She is a graduate of The Finger Lakes School of Massage with extensive post-graduate work in Oncology Massage including training in Medical Massage for the Cancer Patient at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Manual Lymph Drainage at the Upledger Institute, Mastectomy Massage and Breast Massage at Pittsburgh School of Massage, and advanced courses in Caring for Clients with Cancer with Tracy Walton. Stephanie is a Lay Health Advisor with the Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes, she is a Reiki Master, and has been a volunteer massage therapist for Hospice patients since 2006. Stephanie Rothe is a member of and is insured by the International Massage Association.  Please visit our oncology massage page or her website for additional information.

 

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