PROFESSIONAL PROFILES

Massage Therapy

Karen Stevens

Karen graduated from the Branford Hall massage therapy program. She has since pursued continuing education in medical, sports and prenatal massage in an effort to augment her already solid background in Swedish and deep therapeutic massage. She worked at a Physical Therapy practice to further her knowledge in applied kinesiology and pathology as well. She is passionate about working with clients to achieve wellness and understanding of proper body mechanics after injury. During a session with Karen a variety of techniques will be used, including acupressure, trigger point therapy and positional release, leaving you relaxed and tension-free.

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Lauren Hammeal

Lauren graduated from The Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy in 1997. Prior to that, she worked in hospice, helping patients achieve comfort. It was her experiences there that lead her to a career in massage therapy. Her intention with clients is to improve their sense of wellbeing. Lauren finds it amazing, the difference even one session can make. She incorporates her knowledge of Swedish massage, deep therapeutic, hot stone, prenatal massage, reflexology and Jin Shin Do into her practice. Every session Lauren performs is thoughtful, detailed and creatively designed to improve the way your body moves and feels.

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Melissa DiLauro

Melissa is a graduate of the Branford Hall massage therapy program. She has become proficient in Swedish massage, deep therapeutic, hot stone, prenatal massage, and sports massage (pre and post). Prior to working in a spa environment, she was employed at a chiropractor’s office where she acquired extensive experience working with people who had neck and back injuries. Many of the patients she worked on had serious and chronic pain due to car accidents, work-related injuries and overuse of muscles. As such, deep therapeutic massage became her specialty. Melissa offers client centered massage sessions that are designed to aid in pain relief or discomfort, help or improve overall circulation and lymph flow, and improve one’s overall health.

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Viki McAdams

Viki graduated from The Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy in 2005, and has been practicing massage therapy ever since. Prior to coming to Rituals, Viki worked at a Wellness Center that offered massage and chiropractic services. She is trained in Swedish massage, deep therapeutic, hot stone, prenatal massage, body wraps and scrubs. Viki enjoys incorporating an array of modalities into each massage so that each session is tailor made to meet the needs of the individual. It is Viki’s objective to create an experience where you have forgotten your worries and have escaped from the pain, stress and hurry in your life.

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Kristin Hurd

Kristin has been practicing therapeutic massage for over a decade. As a graduate of The Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy, she has had extensive training within the field of massage therapy that includes prenatal, caring for clients with scoliosis and oncology massage. Her focus tends to be medical, but she realizes the benefit of a session that balances deep therapeutic manipulations with gentle touch. This balance is prevalent in her technique and something her clients have come to genuinely appreciate.

Kristin is also a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University with a Bachelors degree in Public Health and is currently pursuing her nursing degree. She has, and will continue to flourish in her career as she incorporates complementary and alternative therapies through her continued education and career path.

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Kenny Wallach

Kenny is a graduate of the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy, and has been one of the top personal trainers in New Haven County for twenty-five years. After much success as a trainer, he realized that he could further assist his clients by offering massage therapy as a means to heal sore muscles, increase muscle recovery time and flexibility. Because of his extensive knowledge of the body and its musculature, Kenny has a comprehensive understanding of the way in which muscles should be worked. He recognizes the delicate balance of deep tissue massage when needed to relieve pain or soreness as well as the gentle touch required to elicit deep relaxation.

Kenny is well seasoned in Swedish, deep therapeutic, sports and hot stone massage.

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Facial Treatments

Misty Dias

Misty studied esthetics at Gal Mar Academy. She holds a strong background in European facial massage techniques and pressure point massage. Her experience consists of over six years in all elements of the beauty industry. She is a certified Celebrity Make-up Artist and specializes in bridal make-up. She enjoys continuing her education by attending various skin care conventions and make-up courses throughout the northeast.

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Tara Savio

Tara graduated from Brio Academy, completing the fully accredited 600 hour Esthetic Program. Upon completion of her program she received a certification in esthetics. Along with facials, she also studied full body and facial waxing, nail services, make-up application and body treatments. Tara specializes in the SunFx all-natural sunless spray tanning method offered at Rituals. Her clients leave the spa looking and feeling better with a natural, flawless bronze glow.

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Shyanne Magoon

Shaynne attended the fully accredited 600 hour Esthetic Program at Brio Academy of Cosmetology. Upon completion of her program she received a certification in esthetics. After she finished school, she practiced esthetics at a spa in her hometown where she received extensive hands-on training and experience. Shyanne is dedicated to learning new techniques to improve her work, and has traveled throughout the northeast to receive additional training in various skin care lines as well. Shyanne has performed numerous bridal, prom and other specialized make-up applications and is experienced in bridal runway shows.

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Veronica Omrod

Veronica graduated from the Paul Mitchell School in August of 2005. She was introduced to skincare as a teenager at which time her skin seemed to be in a constant battle for clarity. Veronica decided to become her own advocate through education and professional training, and has since achieved a multitude of personal and professional successes. After receiving her esthetics license, she practiced esthetics in a spa where she gained extensive and comprehensive knowledge by training in products, facials, full body waxing, make-up application, body treatments, and natural nail care. If you are looking for fantastic brow, body waxing or a deep cleansing and relaxing facial, Veronica is passionate about her work, and they are her specialty.

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Nail Care

Behije Bajramovski

Behije has six years experience in a variety of different styles of manicure and pedicure techniques. She prides herself on her attention to detail as well as her ability to work efficiently. Behije realizes each manicure and pedicure that she executes here at Rituals is an opportunity to make someone feel beautiful. Not only does Behije enjoy doing nails, but she loves to get to know her clients and makes them feel great through relaxation and beautification.

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