Download Wellness - Massage Therapy Oakland (2024)

Download Wellness - Massage Therapy Oakland (1)

Memi Vaughn

Founder & Mentor

Memi is a Certified Sports Massage Therapist and the Founder of Download Wellness. When starting this journey, Memi decided she wanted to have a wellness studio that was for all people and offered various servicesunder one roof with free parking. As a single mother of three (twins and a terrific toddler), she found that there wasn’t much time left in a day for self-care and relaxation. So, Download Wellness was born. Download Wellness allows clients to come in and relax through massage therapy. Memi holds a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration & Management. Throughout Memi’s journey as a massage therapist, she has witnessed the transformative shifts in health that can occur when clients adopt a routine of bodywork, diet management, and breathing exercises. She has established a strong client base and has an excellent reputation for bodywork throughout the Bay Area.

Memi has helped thousands of clients and patients reach their health and wellness goals through her massage and bodywork techniques. She has built a successful business and helped practitioners grow their private practice.

Currently, Memi is mentoring at Download Wellness, amongst several other not-for-profit companies throughout the Bay Area. She mentors student interns at Download Wellness from the National Holistic Institute.

Memi enjoys giving back to NHI students who are just starting on their path to becoming a massage therapist. She has now truly found balance in her life. From creating a successful business, having her twins now at universities in Los Angeles, raising a pre-teen, and now married to a wonderful husband. Memi has decided to focus more on her self-care while mentoring so

others can thrive.

Download Wellness - Massage Therapy Oakland (2)

Scott Patterson

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Scott Patterson is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Download Wellness. In this role, he oversees the organization's budget and ensures the financial health of a small but mighty business in Oakland. He is responsible for developing and implementing the financial strategies, operating and capital budgets, system of financial reporting, and controls that support the overall mission, goals, and objectives of our patients, clients, and practitioners of Download Wellness. He is actively involved in planning and executing strategic partnerships and oversees financial planning and funding strategies. Scott has held various positions at several hospitals in the Bay Area and is passionate about helping patients with their overall wellness.

Download Wellness - Massage Therapy Oakland (3)

Dr. Clayton M. Johnson, M.A., Psy. D.

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Johnson is from Los Angeles, California. He holds a Doctoral degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Organizational Management and Consulting. Dr. Johnson also has a Master's Degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family therapy. With 10 years of experience in assessing and diagnosing clients of all ages, Dr. Johnson has a track record of being an advocate for all ages and backgrounds while assisting said clients in getting their needs met. Dually, he works as a director of Training & Development, with 15 years of residential treatment experience, former Psychology professor, and currently serving as an internal consultant & leadership coach for growing & transitioning agencies.

Download Wellness - Massage Therapy Oakland (4)

Arthur Ramos

Chief People Officer

Arthur is the driving force behind Download Wellness’s people strategy and its alignment to key business imperatives. In addition to overall workforce planning, executive talent strategies and talent management, Arthur brings a particular focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion providing executive oversight and support to drive this small business’s action plan. He is also responsible for culture and change, holistic practioner wellness, client engagement, and technical skill building.

Arthur holds a Masters in Business Management and a Bachelor of Science in Commerce. Growing up in the Philippines he was taught that people who have a health and wellness routine live long and have a better quality of life.

Download Wellness - Massage Therapy Oakland (5)

Leticia Williams, MBA

Chief Marketing Officer

Leticia was born and raised in Oakland, CA. She attended Holy Names University and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and an MBA. with a concentration in Marketing. With over 20 years of experience, Leticia has worked in the non-profit and for-profit sectors. She was an Associate Brand Manager for Advantage Sales & Marketing. Then, she worked as a Program Manager at IBM in the Omni-Channel & Marketing Department. After working at IBM, Leticia decided to try her hand at Entrepreneurship and is now considered a serial entrepreneur operating three businesses, one as an event planner, two as a brand and marketing consultant, and thirdly a promotions manager in the grocery industry. Leticia thrives in settings with creative autonomy and can encompass her theory, experience, and marketing skills to get the job done for the organization and its customers.

Download Wellness - Massage Therapy Oakland (6)

Vivek Kumar

Digital Marketing Expert

Vivek is a Digital Marketing expert from North India. He holds a Master’s Degree in Marketing & Business Management. He manages all marketing aspects of Download Wellness including the strategy behind growing the brand. He enjoys working at Download wellness because it is diverse and is aligned with the mission of work-life balance.

Download Wellness - Massage Therapy Oakland (7)

Makena Silva
Community Partnership Manager

Makena is the Community Partnership Manager for Download Wellness. She brings experience in program management, communications, and grant writing. She holds a Master’s Degree in Social Welfare. Working at Download Wellness combines her interests in nurturing community relations and bodywork as a healing strategy.

Download Wellness - Massage Therapy Oakland (8)

Donald Eames

Certified Advanced Massage Therapist

Donald Eames is a Certified Advanced Message Therapist skilled in multiple modalities of body massage work. He is an Oakland, California native and received his certification from the National Holistic Institute advanced graduate and possesses advanced level skills in massage therapy. As an amputee, Donald is dedicated and focused on promoting body wellness. He is passionate about working with his clients and restoring their bodies to their total capacity. He believes that no matter what your physical challenges are, the body has the potential to repair and overcome any ailment or injury with massage therapy.

Download Wellness - Massage Therapy Oakland (9)

Lovelyn Joy

Certified Massage & Aesthetics Therapist

Lovelyn Joy has over eighteen years of experience in the spa and health field, holding a dual license in Massage and Aesthetics. She graduated from the National Holistic Institute, concentrating in Massage Therapy and Health Educator and the San Francisco Institute of Esthetics and Cosmetology for Aesthetics. After having her daughter, she was inspired by her experience studying birth and postpartum Doula, so she trained with Roots of Labor Birth Collective in Oakland. She also graduated with an AS in Science from Laney College and AS in Sports Medicine/Athletic Training at Diablo Valley College. She is currently studying Health Care Management and Traditional Chinese Medicine, emphasizing sports medicine, herbalism, pre and postnatal care, pain management, and detox.


Lovelyn continues to take advanced education to perfect and learn new skills in the beauty and health field. Lovelyn is certified in different modalities of massage and skincare and customizes her treatment for each client's needs. She can also perform full body hair removal, lashes, and other beauty and body treatments. Lovelyn has a passion for holistic wellness that transpires through her touch. It includes her Filipino background, offering traditional therapies such as Hilot Massage, which uses banana leaves, bamboo sticks, and fire glass cupping. This allows her clients to feel at ease and relieved from pain while receiving healing and energy work.

Download Wellness - Massage Therapy Oakland (10)

Sara Wyrick

Certified Deep Tissue Massage Therapist

Sara Wyrick is a Certified Massage Therapist who graduated from National Holistic Institute and is trained in Swedish, Deep-Tissue, Myofascial Release, Trigger Point, Pre-Natal, and Sports massage styles as well as Aromatherapy and Reflexology. She strives to help her clients understand the causes of muscular malfunction to help them prevent further issues from arising throughout life. She likes to read and learn new things and loves spending time with her daughter.

Download Wellness - Massage Therapy Oakland (11)

Cherie Harper

Certified Intuitive Massage Therapist

Cherie was born and raised in Monroe, Louisiana. She moved to Oakland, California in 1995, where she discovered the art of massage. A former co-worker gave her a gift certificate to receive her 1st massage in 2001, and the rest is history. She attended the National Holistic Institute in Emeryville, CA, and graduated in 2003.

For many years, she looked at massage as a luxury. She saw it as something that was for people who had lots of money. After she received her 1st massage in 2001, she felt as though her therapist was removing boulders from her shoulders. She knew at that moment that she was wrong. At that moment, she knew that massage was for EVERYONE! She knew that massage has benefits that remove stress, anxiety, and increase flexibility, and improves sleep to name a few. She felt relaxed and cared for! At that moment, she knew she wanted to make people feel like they had someone who would be with them for an hour to provide a space of hospitality and comfort.

List of Modalities:

Deep Tissue Massage,Integrated Massage,Pregnancy Massage,Sport Massage,Swedish Massage,Therapeutic Massage,Trigger Point,Plantar Fasciitis,Isolated Stretching,Chair Massage

Download Wellness - Massage Therapy Oakland (12)

Jacqueline Jocson

Certified Massage Therapist & Master Esthetician

"Jacqui" is a dual licensed Master Esthetician and Massage therapist; and has a "CIDESCO Diploma," the world's prestigious qualification for Aesthetics and Beauty Therapy. She has advanced training in all technology she uses in her treatments and believes in getting to know your skin.

She understands the skin at a more cellular level, which comes in all aspects of genetics, lifestyle, and the environment more wholesomely. She has over a decade of experience and is up to date with the latest techniques.

Jacqui has worked all over the bay area, from Macy's Union Square and medical spas, where she was always the lead and educational trainer for skin care and body care. In 2020, she opened her own business to better serve her clients with her experience and techniques. Jacqui recognizes each guest as unique and customizes every treatment to meet their needs and deliver results-oriented benefits.

Jacqui is all well-rounded in all aspects of all skin but specializes in anti-aging, hyperpigmentation, "dark spots”, and overall healthy skin. She is also a specialist in body lymphatic drainage massage and post-surgery liposuction. With Jacqui's unique techniques, she applies skin therapy treatments to the healing process of post-surgery liposuction trauma. Jacqui also can do sugaring hair removal.

Overall, Jacqui thrives in giving amazing customer service. She will provide an honest opinion and thoughtful planning of a scientific mind method to approach your skin and body care needs. Jacqui's treatment combines a holistic spa-like relaxing approach and a holistic approach to technology-enhanced skincare to achieve healthy, balanced skin and body.

Jacqui is now coming out of a long recovery from maternity leave and is ready to service her clients again.

Download Wellness - Massage Therapy Oakland (13)

Andrea Tyrrell

Certified Prenatal Massage Therapist

Andrea Tyrrell grew up in Canyon, a small town in the Oakland hills. She is a Bay Area native and feels fortunate to have found her passion in working with people as they go through life's transitions. With a deep respect for the human body, she loves giving back to others through her work as a Massage Therapist, Birth Doula, End of Life Doula, and Childbirth Educator. She attended massage school at McKinnon Body Therapy Center in Oakland, CA in 2014 to gain a more in-depth understanding of the body. She offers a personalized approach to massage with a foundation in swedish massage and reflexology with further training in health transitions such as pre and post-natal, chronic health conditions, elders, and hospice. With over 6 years of experience in massage, Andrea has learned to meet her clients at their comfort levels and discover how to use massage therapy to facilitate them in healing and finding balance in their physical body.

Download Wellness - Massage Therapy Oakland (14)

Gail Clemente

Certified Bodyworker

Holistic Lifestyle Practitioner

Gail, your Integrative Lifestyle Practitioner, has been practicing and sharing body-mind principles and exercises since 2007. She graduated with honors from National Holistic Institute in 2009, with a concentration on combining eastern and western modalities and principles to assist you in your journey to better awareness of your body mechanics and enhanced lifestyle.

List of Modalities:

Deep Tissue Massage,Pregnancy Massage,Shiatsu Massage,Sport Massage, Swedish Massage,Therapeutic Massage,Hot Stone MassageTrigger Point,Plantar Fasciitis,Isolated Stretching,Chair Massage

Download Wellness - Massage Therapy Oakland (15)

Patrice Johnson

Certified Medical Massage Therapist

Patrice is a Certified Massage Therapist and has been practicing massage for many years. She is passionate about self-care, health, wellness, and pain management. She wholeheartedly believes that a holistic approach to health and wellness is integral in optimizing wellbeing. Her massage skills are Swedish, Deep Tissue, Trigger Point, MediCupping, Body Contouring, and Clinical Massage. Patrice's intention with the bodywork she performs is to allow the body to relax, reset, and recuperate.​

List of Modalities:

Deep Tissue Massage,Integrated Massage,Pregnancy Massage,Sports Massage,Swedish Massage,Therapeutic Massage,,Body Contouring - Lymphatic Drainage,MediCupping Therapy,Face Lifting and Drainage,Lymphatic Drainage,,Trigger Point,Chair Massage

Download Wellness - Massage Therapy Oakland (16)

Juan Alvizar

Certified Massage Therapist & Integrative Healer

Juan was born in Southern California. He attended Everest College to become a Certified Massage Therapist. He has learned different modalities such as deep tissue, sports reflexology massage, shiatsu, Swedish, pregnancy massage, and energy work. Juan has completed the athletic program of kinesiology classes to further his education in sports massage. He also helps injured athletes rehab quickly through bodywork. Juan’s main objective is for all his clients to reach optimal health. He believes that educating his client about awareness of what is going on in their body and ways to avoid stress along with different stretches and self-home care will lead to a more balanced life.

List of Modiliaties:

Deep Tissue Massage,Integrated Massage,Pregnancy Massage,Shiatsu Massage,Chair Massage

Download Wellness - Massage Therapy Oakland (17)

Meredith Simon

Certified Neuromuscular & Trigger Point Massage Therapist

Meredith is a passionate, charismatic, and talented California State Certified massage therapist who graduated from the National Holistic Institute, in San Jose, CA, in December of 2009 and continues studies in Advanced Neuromuscular Therapy and Trigger point Medical massage at NHI in Emeryville. Highly skilled in the modalities of Trigger point therapy (neuromuscular therapy), Swedish, firm Swedish, deep tissue, energy work, Shiatsu, hot stone, and aromatherapy, Meredith brings both intensity and grace to the massage therapy session. Each session is mindful and co-created with you in regards to pressure levels, where, why, and when. They blend a slow, therapeutic Neuromuscular deep tissue treatment to help unwind your tension areas throughout a relaxing Firm Swedish massage. Many clients report pain relief from their sore spots, increased range of motion, and a blissful glow!!

List of Modalities:

Deep Tissue Massage,Integrated Massage,Swedish Massage,Therapeutic Massage,Trigger Point,Chair Massage

Download Wellness - Massage Therapy Oakland (18)

Ryan Coolahan
Cranial Sacral Massage Intern

Ryan Approaches Bodywork with gentle, intuitive, and spacious energy that allows his clients to sink deeply into an ocean of relaxation and restoration. With a certification in Craniosacral Therapy, Biodynamic Stillness Touch, and a background in meditation/spiritual coaching, energy healing, astrology, and massage he assists people to cultivate balance holistically and is deeply committed to helping others achieve wellness, rejuvenation, and transformation.

List of Modalities:

Craniosacral Therapy,Nervous System/Emotional Balancing, Healing Impacts of Trauma,Swedish Massage,Chair Massage

Download Wellness - Massage Therapy Oakland (19)

Elisha Vasquez

Certified Sports & Deep Tissue Massage Therapist

Elisha is from Los Angeles, California. As an experienced and Certified Massage Therapist, her favorite modalities include sports, deep tissue, and myofascial techniques. Personally, she has and continues to remain physically active through training capoeira, running, swimming, and surfing. For this reason, she loves to practice deep work on clients because she knows how it feels to work your muscles hard and experience the incredible release of tension from knotty, tight muscles. Other modalities she employs include sports massage, lymphatic drainage, swedish, and prenatal massage.

Download Wellness - Massage Therapy Oakland (20)

Le Mon Harris

Certified Massage Therapist

Le Mon is from Oakland, California, and has been a certified massage therapist since 2008. He is passionate about helping people find relaxation and relief from the pains that show up in their bodies because of stress. His bodywork style is holistic and healing. With over 10 years of experience, Le Mon's skills and intuitive touch help powerfully unwind the unique tension in your body, while helping your mind and spirit deeply rest and unwind. He is a certified member of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). He is trained in various modalities of therapeutic massage and bodywork including myofascial release, deep tissue and trigger point therapy, reflexology.

Download Wellness - Massage Therapy Oakland (21)

Neka Woods

Phlebotomist B12

Neka Woods was born and raised in Oakland, California. Neka works closely with Chemists, Technicians, and Doctors to ensure each client gets accurate results during their time of service. She takes pride in offering services and support to each client with limited to no mobility, actively engaged lifestyle, transportation restrictions, or phobias.

List of Modalities:

Teeth Whitening,Ear Candling,Thermo Wrap Sauna Blanket,Ozone Steam Lymphatic Massage,Chair Massage

Download Wellness - Massage Therapy Oakland (2024)

FAQs

When not to do a massage? ›

Here are the conditions that fall into these category;
  • Fever. Anytime you have a fever, whether from a cold, the flu or some other infection, you should not get a massage. ...
  • Contagious Diseases. ...
  • Blood Clots. ...
  • Pregnancy. ...
  • Kidney Conditions or Liver Conditions. ...
  • Cancer. ...
  • Inflammation. ...
  • Uncontrolled Hypertension.

What is the difference between medical massage and wellness massage? ›

Although they are different, these two types of massage both serve their function when it comes to overall wellness. While medical massage therapy is more geared toward fixing a specific problem, wellness massage helps clients relax and provides stress relief, which is very therapeutic.

What is the personal hygiene of a massage therapist? ›

Therefore, massage therapists should take a daily shower or bath; follow proper oral care, as in taking care of your mouth; and hand care, as in keeping their hands clean and smooth; and avoid strong-smelling perfumes, colognes, and deodorants.

What is a wellness massage? ›

Wellness massage is defined as a personal service initiated by a patient to provide relaxation, increase body awareness and to create balance with the objectives of promoting health and wellness. This type of treatment is utilized to counteract the pressures of daily life that tend to wear down both the body and mind.

What not to say during a massage? ›

Here are some massage etiquette items and what not to say (or do) during your next massage with us:
  • Ask your massage therapist to go see a movie / come to your house / etc. ...
  • Excessive noises. ...
  • Comment on our looks/attractiveness. ...
  • Poke your head out of the room to let us know you're ready.
Jul 3, 2020

Why can't you shower after a massage? ›

The temperature of the water can cause your muscles to tense up, which can negate the benefits of massage therapy. The heat can also increase the risk of dehydration. Inflammation may also occur if you are already feeling sore after the massage. Wait at least 1-2 hours before showering or taking a bath.

Is a Thai massage better than a medical massage? ›

If you're looking to relieve tension, chronic pain, or sports injuries, a deep tissue massage might be a better fit; meanwhile, Thai massages are great for improved movement, energy boosts, and circulation. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide which massage therapy works best for your condition or needs.

Is a sports massage better than a medical massage? ›

In summary, a deep tissue massage is the best option for relief from general pain and tension; whereas a sports massage will suit anyone looking for the treatment of injuries or repetitive sprains or strains that have built up over time in specific soft tissue and muscle areas.

Is spa and wellness the same thing? ›

The differences between wellness and spa centres

Most of the wellness centres provide a wide range of services that are based on medical treatments while the spa is an ideal place for relaxation. Wellness offers different types of massage, while the spa offers services oriented towards beauty treatments and body care.

Do you have to wear a towel during a massage? ›

Towel Technique

Whatever you choose to wear (or not wear), you're in safe hands with a professional massage therapist who will have been trained in draping technique. It's all about keeping you covered, warm, and comfortable whilst allowing your therapist easy access to the parts of your body being worked on.

Can you go to the bathroom during a massage? ›

It doesn't support your relaxation to have the urge to pee and not do anything about it. Make the most of your time of restoration by simply informing your therapist and taking those extra couple of minutes to relieve yourself. We don't mind at all.

Why would your client come to you for a body massage? ›

Many clients will say that they come for massage because they are stressed out by their lives. They want to feel mentally and emotionally calmed and soothed again. Maybe they are busy people who never give themselves time to stop and breathe and feel how they are really doing.

What is the most relaxing massage? ›

Known as the best massage for relaxing, Swedish massage employs a combination of kneading, long strokes, and gentle tapping. It's the perfect introduction for those new to massage therapy. Beyond relaxation, it improves circulation, eases muscle aches, and offers a general sense of well-being.

What happens during a full body massage? ›

As you lie on a comfortable massage table, the therapist will use various techniques to manipulate your muscles and soft tissues. These techniques may include kneading, stroking, tapping, and applying pressure to different areas of your body.

What are the 5 elements of wellness massage? ›

These elements are wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. These five components are unique and used by the massage modalities due to their reflective connection with the natural world. The five element theory recognizes that as humans, we are the microcosm and we tend to reflect the macrocosm in the world.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Carmelo Roob

Last Updated:

Views: 6276

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (65 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Carmelo Roob

Birthday: 1995-01-09

Address: Apt. 915 481 Sipes Cliff, New Gonzalobury, CO 80176

Phone: +6773780339780

Job: Sales Executive

Hobby: Gaming, Jogging, Rugby, Video gaming, Handball, Ice skating, Web surfing

Introduction: My name is Carmelo Roob, I am a modern, handsome, delightful, comfortable, attractive, vast, good person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.