Our Staff

Rasa Spa is blessed with a wonderful staff, all committed to making your experience unforgettable. Scroll down to read about their experience and specialties.  You'll also find the days our service providers work at Rasa for your convenience when scheduling.
 

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 focussed 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 from Island to open Rasa, Rachel jumped at the opportunity to create a spa within a full-service health center, dedicated to serving the idea of 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 the quest for greater health.

Karla Archambeault (Licensed Massage Therapist) graduated from the Finger Lakes School of Massage in June 2005. Since then her work has evolved into a therapeutic combination of rhythmic Swedish and deep tissue massage with the purpose of instilling a sense of balance and restoration. She approaches massage with a sense of curiosity and humor, and focuses on creating a safe and nurturing space in which both self-discovery and deep relaxation can occur. To stay inspired, Karla studies herbalism, polarity therapy, women's health and healing, and finds peace through spending time in the natural world.  Karla currently works Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.

Rachael Brown (Licensed Esthetician) s a NY State Licensed Esthetician who graduated from the Continental School of Beauty in Rochester in 2002. Her specialties include European facials and Brazilian waxing. Rachael's experience includes a year of intensive study within the medical skin care field at the Center for Plastic Surgery of Western New York. Other work experience includes assisting with facial rejuvenation through acupuncture at Face Fitness in Buffalo, opening Anana's spa in South Hampton, and serving as an Estee Lauder beauty advisor. Rachael currently works everyday but Thursday.

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 is on shift for massages  Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

Jennifer Chorba (Licensed Massage Therapist) Jennifer is a 2000 graduate of FLSM, since school she has had the experience of working in a wide range of environments including Chiropractic offices, Spa industries and Integrative healing centers.  In her journeys she has developed a massage with a rich blend of Eastern and Western modalities including deep tissue therapy, Thai massage and Reiki.  She enjoys massage therapy for its never ending learning capacity; every person brings a new and welcoming experience.  Monday and Saturday.

Karen Cutler (Licensed Massage Therapist) a transplant from Washington State. She arrived in Ithaca in 2002 to attend the Finger Lakes School of Massage sight un seen and has never had a day where she's regretted this decision! She's been practicing massage for almost 5 years now as well as supervising clinics at the massage school. She finds that her work is like a constantly growing piece of art and loves that each session adds something new to the "body" of work. Karen says that her work is integrative combining movement, deep tissue, energy work and reflexology primarily but enjoys most letting the session follow the clients own flow. Karen is on shift as a massage therapist Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Jeannine d'Estries (Licensed Massage Therapist) provides integrative, holistic massage, specializing in the areas of deep tissue massage, kinesthetic awareness through movement, and breath awareness. An alumna of, and current Anatomy and Physiology instructor at, the Finger Lakes School of Massage, she empowers her clients by increasing their knowledge and understanding of their own bodies. Jeannine strives to provide a safe, caring atmosphere in which her clients may fully relax and be in the moment.  Jeannine is available upon request at Rasa.

 

Marney Lieberman (Licensed Massage Therapist) While exploring ideas of energy and transfer of energy during her final year at the Island School of Design, Marney received her first shiatsu session. This led her to study at the Ohashi Institute in NYC, graduating in 1997.  Practicing professionally since that time, she then went on to study and graduate from the Finger Lakes School of Massage in 2001. Other work experience includes 4 years at Two Bunch Palms Resort and Spa in Desert Hot Springs, CA.  She gratefully acknowledges all of her instructors, clients, co-workers and her cats for their teachings.  Marney is available upon request.

James Longley  (Licensed Massage Therapist) James graduated from FLSM in the spring of 2003.  Since then he has been practicing in the Ithaca area.  His style of bodywork has it's foundation in connective tissue therapy synergizing with Swedish, KAM, 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 clients' tissue.  You can schedule with James on Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

Jenny Marion, an Ithaca native, is one of the first faces you'll see when arriving at Rasa, bringing a solid background in sales and customer service to the Spa. Her familiarity with the treatments offered and dedication to making your visit with us the best that it can be helps to ensure that your total experience at Rasa is peaceful, relaxing and healing, from the moment you walk in.

Thom Ouimette (Licensed Massage Therapist) graduated from the Finger Lakes School of Massage in June 2007. He spent the last nine years in the health field, working as a personal trainer, a nutritional counselor and a motivational speaker. It is his hope to utilize several styles of massage as an integral part of wellness and health. Thom is also an astute believer in the benefits of eating a vegetarian diet.  Thom is on the schedule Sunday, Friday and by request.

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 deep tissue massage integrates neuromuscular therapy, (trigger points), Shiatsu, connective tissue therapy, Swedish massage and reflexology. Christian's interest in the medical and clinical application of massage is due to his life long study of health and wellness.  Christian is available Monday, Friday and by request.

Grace Santana (Licensed Massage 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 through Saturday.

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 on the schedule Monday, Thursday and Saturday.

 

Maren Waldman (Licensed Massage Therapist) is a 2006 graduate of the Finger Lakes School of Massage and continues on staff at the school as a clinic supervisor. Her background in kinesiology (muscle physiology) and lifetime of training in dance contribute to her sessions a fluidity that integrates specificity with an appreciation of movement on a whole-body level. She primarily uses Swedish Massage, Kinesthetic Awareness Through Movement, Neuromuscular Therapy and Shiatsu to address areas of discomfort and to invite healing change. She gains deep fulfillment from creating a safe and comfortable atmosphere in which she invites her clients to relax and unwind.  You can schedule with Maren on Sunday and Monday.

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 – he truly enjoys following his intuition and responding to his client's needs in the moment.  He places great importance on laughter and play!  Dex sees clients at Rasa on Tuesday and Saturday.

Susan Wilczewski (Licensed Massage Therapist) is a 2004 graduate for the Finger Lakes School of Massage.  Her interests are deep tissue massage, sports & medical massage.  In her sessions, she combines different styles with Swedish for both a relaxing and therapeutic experience.  In addition to massage therapy, Susan also has a career as a veternary technician in the oncology department of Cornell University Hospital for Animals.  Susan presently fills in when we need a hand and can be available upon request for sessions.