Vera is great!

I’d love to reinforce the positive feedback I gave you briefly yesterday after my massage with Vera: Vera was wonderful with me! First of all, her manner is mature and respectful, not insisting on personal chat, which is always a relief for the client (who often just wants to...

Image Lindsay Eisensmith – Owner, Founder & Integrative Wellness Therapist

Qualifications: B.Sc., LMT, CES
CHHC – Integrative Wellness Therapist & Ayurvedic Practitioner

Master Therapist CT Massage License: #4402
Corrective Exercise Specialist

Lindsay founded Vitality Spa & Wellness in 2005 as the first wellness center in our community.

I am passionate about what we are doing here at Vitality, Bodywork is an essential investment in your health, just like exercise, adequate sleep, proper nutrition and plenty of water.

Lindsay received her degree in Exercise & Sports Studies from Smith College (2001), and her Personal Trainer / Corrective Exercise Specialist certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (2000).

From there, her interest in the optimal performance of the human body led her to study massage at the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy (2005), the most highly accredited school in the state, where she graduated at the head of her class.

Her research on cardiovascular exercise was published by the Journal of Strength & Conditioning (2006), and her case-study on the Effectiveness of Massage Therapy in treating TMJ Dysfunction was published by the Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies (2007). Read the abstract.

READ MORE ABOUT Lindsay

On a continual quest to advance her wellness education, Lindsay went on to study at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (2010) becoming a Holistic Health Counselor and member of the American Association of Drugless Practitioners.

The culmination of these pursuits came in 2010 when she created Vitality Spa. Rooted in the Japanese belief that Longevity & Vitality are your greatest wealth, her team of expert therapists redefine your spa experience, fusing intuition with advanced technical skills to create your customized experience through results-driven massage and facial therapies combined with the powerful health benefits of relaxation and stress reduction.  Our tranquil environment appeals to both men and women seeking a therapeutic oasis to enhance overall wellness, longevity & Vitality.

Read more about her philosophy – Practice Wellness

Image Jill Stranger – Spa Manager

Jill has worked as a business manager in the healthcare field for many years.

Her experience working at a naturopathic office led to her belief that optimum health can only be achieved by attending to the nourishment of body, mind and spirit. Personal experience with the benefits of therapeutic massage and acupuncture gave Jill an understanding of how valuable alternative healthcare is to overall health and wellness.

Joining the Vitality team brings to fruition her dream of working in a professional environment where the health and well-being of everyone, including staff, is valued and incorporated into the philosophy and mission of the spa.

Jill will turn her hand to any aspect of Spa Management and brings a wealth of customer service experience to Vitality.  Her methodic approach is balanced by a “wicked” sense of humor developed from her travels and upbringing in England and South Africa.

When she is not at Vitality, Jill can often be found hanging out with her grandchildren.

Image Luray Shepard BA, LMT – Licensed Massage Therapist, Spa Manager

Qualifications: CT Licensed Massage Therapist: #8597

 

Luray received her BA in Psychology from Loyola College in MD and has worked in the social service field for the past twenty years.

After observing the benefits of massage on a terminally ill family member, she decided on a career transition. “It was during that hour session my cousin felt “normal” and her pain was alleviated for hours after. I want to be able to give that peace of mind to people.”

reserve1000Luray graduated with academic achievement from CT Center for Massage Therapy in Groton.

She has advanced training in oncology massage, which allows her to modify sessions for clients with cancer and cancer histories, from the robust to medically frail.

Luray is a Level 2 Certified Reiki Practitioner and taken Visionary Craniosacral Classes 1 & 2.

Her empathetic nature and understanding of people help clients relax while receiving a therapeutic massage blending her extensive training and natural intuitive style.

 

Image Kristi Mason, LMT

Qualifications: CT Licensed Massage Therapist: #9955

Kristi has been a fulltime practicing licensed massage therapist for 11 years. She trained at the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy in Groton, CT and advanced her education at the Source Institute of Massage Therapy & Bodywork in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, graduating in 2013.

vitalitybutton-reserveappointmentnowShe is a level 2 Reiki practitioner and is certified in a variety of modalities including, Manual Lymph Drainage, Restorative Stretching therapy, Oncology massage, Prenatal massage and Tuning Fork therapy.

Kristi is passionate about her career as a licensed massage therapist and enthusiastic about the many benefits that she’s able to provide for her clients through massage therapy.

 

Image Vera Reed, LMT

Qualifications: CT Licensed Massage Therapist: #2494

Vera is a graduate of the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy.
Vera’s unique blend of Swedish, deep tissue and myofascial techniques provides relaxation and relief.
She is a nationally certified instructor and a professional member of the AMTA.
Vera’s eclectic studies include Chinese Herbal Medicine, Reiki, Shamanic Healing, Sacred Hot Stone Therapy,
Pure Essential Oil Therapy, Ear Candling, Cupping, Tui-Na/Guasha, Organic Facials, Thai Yoga Massage,
and Yoga Instruction.
With 23 years of experience, Vera is licensed and specializes in shiatsu, lymph drainage, energy balancing, reflexology, aromatherapy, and Chinese medical massage.
Her main focus is on healing the body.

vitalitybutton-reserveappointmentnow

 

Image Lesley Laudano BSc, LMT

Qualifications: LMT, BSc 
- CT Licensed Massage Therapist: #6324

vitalitybutton-reserveappointmentnowLesley graduated magna cum laude from Colby-Sawyer College in 2007, where she received her B.S. in Exercise Science and was presented with the Baccalaureate Award for demonstrating the highest degree of dedication and excellence in her field of study.

Lesley began her career at the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy – the most highly accredited school in the state, graduating in 2010 with honors for academic and hands-on excellence.  As a former collegiate athlete and “red shirt” member of the award winning CT Sports Massage Team, she values the importance of stretching and range of motion and will often incorporate these techniques into her sessions.

Lesley joined Vitality in 2010 and in addition to her talents as a dedicated massage therapist, her calm demeanor, intelligence and sense of humor have made her a trusted and indispensable member of the team.  Her intuitive approach makes anyone she works with – clients or colleagues – feel good. So whether you are seeking stress reduction or deep tissue bodywork, Lesley’s warm and gentle approach, combined with her sports science background translate to deeply therapeutic and restorative massage sessions.

Image Beth Chinigo, Licensed Esthetician

Qualifications: Certified Esthetician

Bethany is a Licensed Esthetician and graduate of Brio Academy in Niantic, Connecticut

Reserve an Appointment

Beth’s passion has always been skin care and all aspects of esthetics. She sees her professional reward in making her clients feel relaxed and at ease during any spa treatment.

Beth’s growing interest in a vegan way of living has also influenced  her work at Vitality.She is passionate about the Solavedi line used at the spa; made only of organic and wild-crafted food-grade ingredients.

I love to learn new things, especially pertaining to my field. I constantly immerse myself in finding natural solutions for all my clients specific needs.”

“Our skin is the largest organ of the human body which is why I believe that we should take the extra effort to nourish it, develop knowledge of what we are exposing it to, and how to protect it.

Beth loves working with people to help them manage the affects of lifestyle, environmental and hormonal factors on their skin. Her knowledge and experience of home-care regimes has shown in the results of fresh and clear complexions using only the most natural of products.

Image Barbara Harvey, LMT

Qualifications: CT Licensed Massage Therapist: #000974

vitalitybutton-reserveappointmentnowBarbara graduated from Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy (CCMT) in Newington, CT in 1988 and has been a practicing massage therapist since that time. Barbara is a professional member of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) and a licensed massage therapist in the State of CT.

She is certified in Lymphatic Drainage and Mother Massage: Massage During Pregnancy. She earned Hot Stone massage certification through Carollanne Crichton at Solavedi Organics in Guilford, CT. Her continuing education includes: Craniosacral Therapy Level I, Sports Massage, and Myofascial and Visceral Release.  Barbara has taught prenatal partner massage at Backus Hospital, and worked as an assistant teacher at CCMT for several years. She practiced massage therapy in the New Haven area working with both chiropractic and naturopathic practitioners as well as in a day spa setting.

Barbara was a co-owner of Mystic Therapeutic Massage in Mystic from 2001 until 2015. During this time, she was drawn toward treating elderly and health-challenged clients both in home and in inpatient facilities. Over the years, she has volunteered at many local charity events including the Terri Brodeur breast cancer walk, Angel Ride, and Tour de Lyme, among others.

Since moving to Niantic in 2015 Barbara has continued to practice massage in various settings from Stonington to Old Lyme, CT. She is passionate about self-care and massage therapy and believes it should be part of everyone’s wellness regimen. Her extensive experience and training allows her to customize each massage session to suit the client’s specific needs.