Kay Troan Bashford, Neuromuscular Therapist	Dr. David Mancini, Chiropractor
Makiko Yamamoto, LAc, MAcOM, Dipl.OM	Dr. Andy Stella, Chiropractor and Matrix Repatterning Therapist

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."

Stephen N. Wilson, Massage Therapist

Stephen Wilson receive his certification in Massage Therapy in 2005 from the Minneapolis School of Massage and Bodywork. After three years of practice specializing in Trigger Point Therapy, he discovered Benessere Body in Balance. In 2008 he began training with Kay Troan Bashford in Paul St. John Neuromuscular Therapy techniques and started to see tremendous, positive changes in his clients. In 2010 Stephen trained in Paul St. John's newest work, Integrative Neurosomatic Therapy, bringing his skills to a new level.

Stephen has gained extensive experience treating clients with entrapped nerves, chronic and acute pain, compression injuries, whiplash, and migraine headaches. He works with clients who have been in automobile accidents and assists with rehabilitation all the way through recovery. With each new client Stephen performs a postural and structural assessment, then creates a treatment plan that addresses the muscles, ligaments, and tendons that are the source of pain.

Stephen's goal with every client is to make their body symmetrical, balanced, and free of pain. "My intention for myself and my clients is to live life to the fullest; to move and be free of pain!"

Roy Marquiss, Certified Physical Trainer
As a certified personal trainer (CPT-NASM) and a certified Peak Pilates instructor, Roy pays strict attention to form and technique, the key components that will ultimately recondition, reshape and re-strengthen your body. At Benessere he will instruct and supervise clients in their rehabilitation programs, create custom designed weight-loss programs, and teach Pilates fitness classes.

"I am pleased to work with such a unique staff of certified professionals here at Benessere. Its body-in-balance protocol of healing and rebuilding is truly a way to not only transform your body, but transform your life."

Christa Byler, Massage Therapist
Christa began working at Benessere Body in Balance in July 2010 while completing her massage diplomacy program at Anthem College. She came to Benessere knowing it would provide her with the ideal opportunity to refine her skills and deepen her understanding of the structural and muscular challenges that clients face. She is committed to developing a partnership relationship with each of her clients, allowing them both to explore and contribute to the relief of any structural imbalances and pain. In each session, Christa works with her clients to increase self awareness and enhance range of motion, flexibility, and posture, all of which contribute to the relief of pain and stress.

Christa uses a variety of massage techniques, including Sports Massage, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF); Trigger Point Therapy; Reflexology; Myofascial Release; and Facial, Abdominal, Swedish, Hot Stone, Tui-Na, and Cranio-Sacral techniques. Christa has passed the NCBTMB (National Certification Boards for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork) exam for national certification and continues her post-certification studies, focusing on Myofascial and Neuromuscular theory and practice.

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."