[Spa Director]

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

[Therapists and Service Providers]

Leah Arpadi (Licensed Massage Therapist) Through her practice, Leah intends to foster a holistic approach to healing that uses neuromuscular and deep tissue therapies to integrate the mind and body as they move toward seeking a natural, healthful equilibrium. She appreciates massage therapy as preemptive health care, as it encourages stress reduction and increases mind/body awareness. In this vein, she likes to incorporate full body flushes through traditional Swedish techniques with slower, more deeply focused work to address habituated patterns of tension. Leah is excited to collaboratively design a unique session for each client, building upon their interests and insights. Before receiving her license, Leah graduated with a BA in Art History from Ithaca College. She carries her passion for critical thinking into her massage practice, wherein she seeks to understand the effects of environmental relationships on personal experiences. Leah is available on Saturdays and Sundays.

Avi Baumgold (Licensed Massage Therapist) has been practicing massage for 3 years. Combining his passion for sustainability with a lifelong background in martial arts, dance and yoga, he views 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 specializes in connective tissue therapy, also referred to as deep tissue therapy. His primary areas of focus are neck, shoulder and hips. Avi's continued training in shiatsu, biodynamic cranial sacral therapy, and connective tissue therapy creates an approach that blends those modalities with neuromuscular therapy, and Swedish massage to understand everybody's individual story; whether there is chronic pain or simply a need to reduce stress. He believes that our bodies hold the story of how we live, and that we are continually rewriting that story in our body's tissue. His love of shiatsu and Eastern theory inspire him to bring balance to his sessions. Avi can be booked on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and by request.

Susan Clarke (Licensed Massage Therapist) is interested in the holistic approach to health and healing. After becoming a certified and practicing Reflexologist ('95), she has worked to expand her knowledge of healing techniques, nutrition, and massage. Susan graduated from FLSM in 2010. She values the healing effects of deep tissue, relaxing Swedish massage, and invigorating sports massage. She also works, more holistically, with trigger point therapy, acupressure meridian work, and reflexology. She believes that everybody needs bodywork. Susan is at Rasa on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Teri (Cleveland) Hornsby (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. She is available on Fridays and by request.

Karen Cutler (Licensed Massage Therapist) sees massage as an ever evolving body of knowledge. Her work is motivated by that growth and her own persistent pursuit to continue educating herself. She brings that knowledge, excitement, and inquiry to each session and creates a shared space and experience where she and her clients cooperate. Her integrated work combines movement, deep tissue, and connective tissue work with energy palpation and reflexology. She values effective work, listens to the client as her guide for what feels good and what kind of change is expected, and aspires toward result-driven work. Drawing from her background in herbology, teaching, and dietetics, Karen advocates letting the breath guide, trusting the body's wisdom, and surrendering to the abundance of your own being. She can be booked on Saturdays and by request.

Jessica Decker (Licensed Aesthetician & Licensed Massage Therapist) centers her work on head, neck, and face. She understands how great skin and a balanced body affect a whole person in a positive way and creates an empathetic and educational session for each client. Jessica graduated from FLSM in 2000 and went on to work as a medical massage therapist. She was drawn to facial massage, skin sensitivities and allergies, and attending to the skin's health. She attended Atelier Esthetique Institute of Esthetics in Manhattan to study skincare and offers a gentle and aware touch. Jessica is at Rasa on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and some Sundays. 

Melissa Fleischman (Licensed Massage Therapist) attributes her call to body work to the same spirit that originally drew her to counseling: a desire to assist others on their path to wellness. She believes that massage benefits people on many levels, from the physical to the emotional and spiritual.  Melissa provides her clients with deep, heart-centered integrative bodywork.  She assists her clients along their paths of healing from injuries to the body and the heart with compassionate touch and the intention to help clients bridge the gaps between heart, mind, and body.  Her technique stems from elements of Swedish and connective tissue therapy, and often incorporates movement, stretching and energy work. Melissa can be booked Wednesday through Saturday. 

Jennifer Forte (Licensed Massage Therapist) graduated from Finger Lakes School of Massage (2010) and immediately began at Rasa. She enjoys giving deeper work to people who struggle with chronic pain or injury and values lighter, more relaxing sessions for long-term stress reduction. Jen is attuned to Reiki level 1 and is a Certified Lymphedema Therapist who can provide Manual Lymph Drainage to cancer survivors who have developed Lymphedema as a result of cancer treatment. Before becoming a massage therapist Jen pursued and studied Visual Arts, Psychology. She continues to practice beekeeping. Jen is available Thursday through Saturday. 

Kate Goldswer (Licensed Massage Therapist) is a graduate of FLSM. She is certified in Thai Yoga Massage with additional training in Shiatsu. She integrates these Eastern modalities into every session along with Swedish massage, Connective Tissue Therapy, and breath awareness. She brings a love of stretching the body in new ways, and work that is both relaxing and profound. For clients with specific issues, she offers a strong focus that illuminates problem areas, which supports deep healing. Her multi-disciplinary work encourages a sense of whole-body integration and sensational awareness. Kate is available on Fridays and Saturdays, and Thursdays at our Community Corners location. 

Leslie Gravel (Licensed Massage Therapist) approaches bodywork from her belief that our bodies can tell us everything we need to know, it's just a matter of learning how to listen. Am I clenching my jaw? Are my hips tight? Am I holding my breath? With awareness, we can begin to heal. Through integrative massage - combining Swedish, shiatsu, deep tissue, stretching and traction - Leslie seeks to bring awareness to her clients. As a LMT, she is interested in building relationships with clients; she wants to establish a trusting relationship to co-create a plan for healing from injury, stress, or emotional struggle. Leslie can be booked on Mondays and Thursday through Saturday. 

Olivia LeDee-Green (Licensed Massage Therapist) views body work as transformative and integrative. She believes that through receiving bodywork, one can transform their consciousness, and become more integrated, connected to, and comfortable in the beautiful physical vehicles we all have - our bodies.  Attuned to Reiki one in 2001 and Reiki two of the Usui lineage in 2005  Olivia began practicing energy works at a very young age. Immersed in the world of crystal healing, meditation, energy healing, ceremony, and energy psychology, Olivia has a passion for increased body/mind/spirit integration, clarity, love, and soul evolution.  Her massage focus is on adapting to each individual client. The techniques she uses vary, from deep tissue to energy work. Olivia can be booked Saturday through Tuesday. 

Jody Haring (Licensed Massage Therapist) 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 myofascial 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 is at Rasa on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. 

Gabriel Hoff (Licensed Massage Therapist) graduated from FLSM. He uses a breath-centered approach and deep, connective tissue work. This practice is complimented by gentle, smoothing strokes to release the tensions and stresses of daily life. Drawn to medical massage, especially helping people with nervous system pathologies and neck issues, Gabriel is attentive to the needs of each individual. He crafts each session to honor the client and the intention to create a sense of bodily integration and wholeness. Gabriel believes in the art of closely listening to one’s body. Outside of Rasa, he's working toward certification in Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy as part of his commitment to strengthen the mind-body connection. All of his work guides clients down a path of healing and into a state of relaxed awareness. Gabriel is at Rasa on Wednesdays and Friday through Sunday. 

Charisse Eliana Koba (Licensed Aesthetician, Makeup Artist, Tanning Artist) approaches skincare as a holistic endeavor so clients feel radiant in their skin. Her approach to skincare melds her education of skin with a passion for art and beauty. She graduated from the Aesthetic Science Institute in 2008 where she also earned her paramedical certificate. She holds an advanced certification in Brazilian waxing, has experience with advanced chemical peels, microdermabrasion, acupressure, reiki, European facial massage, and application of essential oils. She has been a makeup artist for 10 years and spray tan professional for the past 4 years. She is inspired by her clients and wants to highlight and value their natural beauty. Charisse is available on Mondays, Thursdays, and by request. 

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 - Swedish, deep tissue, neuromuscular therapy, sports massage and even hot stone massage. When you lie down on Renee's table, your body will get exactly what it needs. She listens to the body and adjusts the session to meet the body's needs. She enjoys doing deep tissue work, but is capable of pampering as well. Her training has enabled her to expand into different modalities such as Ananda, hot stone, immune boost and much more. Renee Looks forward to working with her clients to give them the massage they desire. She can be booked Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. 

Leana Love-Fabian (Licensed Aesthetician) attended Continental school of Beauty in 2004 and has loved being an Aesthetician ever since.  Her love of skincare started long before when she was a little girl with face masks, bubble bath and makeup.  She promotes good skin care practices, not solely to benefit the look of your skin, but also for the fulfillment that caring for yourself brings. Leana brings her broad spectrum of knowledge and experience to each session and tailors the treatment towards the clients desires and needs. Most of all she shares her love and warmth with the sincere intention to uplift and inspire. Leana is at Rasa on Mondays and Fridays, and at our Community Corners location on Thursdays and Saturdays. 

Rachel Meade (Licensed Massage Therapist) aspires to be an outlet for healing. Rachel came to Ithaca in 2011 to attend the Finger Lakes School of Massage. Her approach to bodywork is unhurried, permitting her clients time to relax. Using a fusion of Swedish, connective tissue therapy, Kinesthetic Movement Through Awareness, Stretching and energy work, she hopes to bring awareness to the body. Drawing upon her interest for details, she creates a unique session for each client. 

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 Wednesdays and by request. 

Stacy Melozzi (Licensed Aesthetician) took a huge leap of faith two years ago and left working in corporate America to do something she was truly passionate about: studying skincare. Stacy cares about skin health and wellness, she wants to educate her clients about the connection between feeling good and looking good. Stacy builds long-lasting relationships with her clients by listening to their needs and working towards their goals. In her spare time, Stacy enjoys cooking, doing anything outdoors, spending time with her husband and two beautiful children and continuing her education in the ever evolving world of skin care. Stacy can be booked on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and some Sundays. 

Jennifer Reuning Myers (Licensed Massage Therapist)is an Ithaca native and graduate of FLSM. 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. She draws 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 that she sees. 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.

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.

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 available on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and by request. 

Meredith (Reilly) Carpenter (Lead Licensed Massage Therapist) specializes in deep tissue work. Her engaging, attentive massage addresses injuries, chronic pain, and habitual patterns of tension. She is adept and fluent in working with low back pain, postural difficulties, sciatica, neck and shoulder issues, TMJ dysfunction, and athletic injuries. She is a passionate educator and is devoted to helping clients learn about, and learn to care for, their own bodies. Meredith has been practicing massage for over seven years and has additional training in Meridian Massage (acupressure), myofascial release in the neck and jaw, biodynamic cranial sacral therapy, and aromatherapy. She is available by request. 

Chandra Russell (Licensed Massage Therapist) is a Finger Lakes native; Chandra graduated from the Finger Lakes School of Massage in 2004 after attending SUNY New Paltz to study Theatre Arts. Following FLSM, she relocated to Manhattan to practice bodywork in a medical center and spa. Adhering to natural healing practices and the integration of mind, body, and spirit through therapeutic healing sessions, Chandra follows Hippocrates' belief that "Natural forces within us are the true healers of disease." With communicative direction from the client, she listens to the client's directions and desires. Whether you are seeking specific work, general relaxation or stress relief, Chandra adapts her knowledge of deep tissue, neuromuscular therapy, Swedish, myofascial release, shiatsu, KAM, and energy work to match client interest. Following her general love and fascination for babies, Chandra became a Certified Infant Massage Teacher in 2008. Outside of bodywork, Chandra enjoys music, movies, yoga, swimming, hiking, photography and visiting as many spas as possible! 

Sarah Scheiber (Licensed Waxing Specialist) consciously works to affirm self understanding and self value. As a waxing specialist, Sarah's work offers refined, cared for beauty. Likewise, her energy work cultivates a space to connect with your experiences and your authentic self. For Sarah, the intuition to define individual beauty through waxing and to care for energetic beauty are linked; this relationship guides Sarah's compassionate hands to help clients radiate their grandest self actualization. Her attunement as a Reiki Master Teacher and ARCH practitioner, education in health and wellness, and her passion to co-create with clients make Sarah an able console to all wellness routines. She is at Rasa on Tuesdays and Fridays. 

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.

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. He can be booked on Tuesdays and by request. 

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.

[Special-Care 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.

Suzana Jelovecki's (Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine) acupuncture practice carries deep respect for Daoist teachings. She believes healing starts when one fully embraces the self in the light of authentic physical and spiritual presence. Suzana holds a BA in Literature from University of Zagreb, Croatia. When she arrived in the United States, she honored her passion for alternative medicine as her career. She earned her Master's Degree from the Swedish Institute School of Acupuncture. There, she studied with Mr. Jeffrey C.Yuen, a Daoist priest and renowned educator of Classical Chinese Medicine. With Yuen, she intensely studied Chinese Medical Aromatherapy, and she continues to study Chinese Herbal Medicine under his mentorship. Suzana was fortunate to also study Western Herbalism with Pika Trenkle at the New York Open Center. In 2009, Suzana relocated with her family to Slaterville Springs, NY and has practiced Chinese Medicine in various settings. In her practice, Suzana almost exclusively utilizes classical acupuncture and enhances treatments with essential oil application and dietary counseling based on Chinese Medicine dietary therapy principles. With an open, compassionate heart and a focused mind, Suzana guides clients to recover and discover body, mind and spirit wisdom.

Cha Roberts (Aromatherapist) is the creator of Rasa's signature line of oil blends.

[Guest Services]

Wendy Houseworth (Boutique Manager & 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.

Kaitlin Kohberger (Guest Services) promotes and cultivates Rasa's mission to support health and wellness. She recently returned to Ithaca after spending a year teaching English in two Austrian High Schools and taking in the rolling hills with Huskies at an animal assisted therapy organization. Kaitlin has a passion for people and cross cultural exchange. Her energy gravitates toward traveling and she appreciates international and ancient healing modalities. She is very interested in increasing awareness about how one's daily life and culture influence their mind and body, affecting overall well being. Kaitlin uphold Rasa's standards of excellence with returning clients, and works with new clients to create a spa experience tailored to their needs.

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.

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