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

Steve received his certification in Massage Therapy from Minneapolis School of Massage and Bodywork (MSMB).  There he learned many massage modalities, including Swedish, Relaxation, Therapeutic Deep Tissue, Pre and Post Natal, and Trigger Point Therapy.  Working for a spa in Minnetonka and then a massage practice in Lakeville, he has gained extensive experience assisting clients diagnosed with fibromyalgia, clients who had chronic pain, and clients who had been injured and referred to massage therapy as part of their treatment for recovery.

Steve grew up in Lakeville, Minnesota.  “When I was young, I used to have a terrible stiff neck.  It got so bad that whenever I turned my head, my entire upper body would rotate.  My mother started massaging my neck and shoulders on a daily basis.  With her caring energy and great technique, she cured me.  I then, still at a young age, wanted to do the same for others.  My grandmother acquired a lot of my attention.  The best part was afterwards, a big glowing smile and sometimes tears.”

Since graduating from MSMB, Steve’s goal has been to use his skills as a Massage Therapist to improve the health of others.  “My focus is on improving the health of each and every person I meet.”  Steve specializes in Trigger Point Therapy integrated with Swedish Massage, working on muscles that allow the body to return to a more relaxed and healthy state.  Steve is wholehearted in his work to bring more balance to your life.

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."

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."