Kay Troan Bashford, Neuromuscular Therapist	Dr. David Mancini, Chiropractor
Julia McLean, Nutritionist, EDS Practitioner

David Lunsford, Neuromuscular Therapist
David received his certification in NMT from the St. John's Institute in Tampa, FL. Prior to NMT, he studied and was attuned at second level for Reiki Healing at the Omega Institute in NY, where he was also introduced to other healing modalities that enhanced his technique in deep tissue massage. David also has a bachelor's of science degree in horticulture from the University of Minnesota with a focus on bio-technology.

"I have always had an inclination to help people grow and learn. For years I worked with the Mad Science of MN project. Learning while having fun was our main goal (and we definitely succeeded). I created and managed children and adult community garden programs in Louisville, KY and Minneapolis, MN. One year I lived in Bulgaria working with Roma on farming techniques, alternative energy sources, and grant writing. Even when I owned my little café in Louisville, I loved to listen to customers' daily life stories and feelings over a cup of coffee."

David, like many in the healing professions, came to his practice by way of his own healing journey.

"I suffered from debilitating, lower back pain for years. 'Living life feeling good is normal; surviving day to day in pain is not.' Daily I would remind myself of these words. The pain I felt was a sign my body was in distress and I reminded myself that some day I would feel good again. Finally I met the right practitioner, with the right technique, who brought me relief and healing: after a few sessions with Kay Troan, I was moving pain free. This experience inspired me to study and become a Neuromuscular Therapist.

"My goal is to assist people in their journeys to the best of my ability. We work together to release tired, stressed muscles. Life is a team effort and this is what happens in a therapy session, WE work together to facilitate YOUR healing. Your comfort, safety, and healing is what is most important to me."

Melissa Burth, Neuromuscular Therapist
Melissa grew up north of the twin cities in Chisago City. At 17, she started working as a waitress, a job that brought some aches and pains. She went to see Kay Troan, who was able to alleviate those aches and pains using Neuromuscular Therapy. Her experience inspired Melissa and she thought, "What a wonderful job, to be able to help people like that."

So at Kay's suggestion, Melissa enrolled in the Minneapolis School of Massage where she completed their massage program. From there she took intense weekend courses to learn St. John's Neuromuscular Therapy, and also took some classes on Myofacial release and structural assessments. After finishing school, Melissa took over a business in St. Paul from one of her teachers. After two years at that location, she moved the business to White Bear Lake for another two years. Then Kay offered her a position with Benessere Body and Balance, and Melissa has come full circle:

"So here I am having a wonderful time helping people. The techniques I use depend on the client. Everyone is different and every body responds differently to each modality. I am currently trained in Swedish, connective tissue, sports, pre- and post-natal, myofacial release, deep tissue, hot stone, and St. John neuromuscular therapies. There are many more things out there for me to learn and I plan to continue my education in this work that I so love."

Megan Flood, Massage Therapist
Megan received her training in massage therapy at Northwestern Health Sciences University, and is Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCTMB). Her training includes Swedish-type relaxation massage, Trigger Point Therapy (an anatomically specific technique, suitable for rehabilitation, injury prevention, chronic pain management, and deep relaxation), and massage therapy for oncology patients. As an intern with Abbott Northwestern Hospital's Institute for Health and Healing, Megan provided in-room massage for patients, integrating massage therapy into a traditional health-care setting. Megan also has an undergraduate degree in dance from St. Olaf College.

Prior to studying massage therapy, Megan was a professional dancer, performing for thirteen years with Minneapolis-based Zenon Dance Company. She continues to teach, perform, and study contact improvisation and Body Mind Centering, here in the Twin Cities and as a visiting instructor at Carleton College, Hamline University, and Gustavus Adolphus College.

"The work I do with each client is unique to that person. In some cases, very deep work is needed; at other times, gentler work is what is called for. My intention is always to invite your body to soften, to let go of pain and tension, and to open into health and vitality."

Meghan Atkinson, Exercise Physiologist
Meghan received her degree in Exercise Science from the University of Minnesota. She has been an ACE (American Council of Exercise) certified personal trainer since 2002, and has worked with a diverse population, working toward a wide variety of goals.

"I believe, as an exercise physiologist, it is my job to provide you with the motivation, guidance, and information to help you achieve your health and fitness goals. I have been helping people accomplish their goals safely and effectively for the past 3 years.

"I have effectively helped people accomplish goals ranging from weight loss, muscle toning, core strengthening, total body strengthening, pain management, injury rehabilitation, and athletic improvement.

"Together we will find an individualized program that works for you and your goals. I will guide you in the right direction, motivate you each and every session, and keep you informed on the latest research and findings that may apply to your health and fitness goals."

Nancy Perdew, Office Manager
Nancy started her career as an Executive Secretary for the President and Vice President of a printing and advertising company, later moving on to another Executive Secretary position in the sales department of a large manufacturing company. She enjoyed and excelled at sales so much that she was promoted to Regional Sales Manager. In that role, she traveled around the country calling on key accounts and developing new accounts. Before coming to Benessere, she was Office Manager for a salon in Edina.

"Working with the staff at Benessere is very rewarding to me. I love interacting with our clients and I can observe first hand how they benefit from our services."