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About us


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About us


 
 
 

We have created a relaxing and therapeutic approach to healing

 
 

 
 
Amber Defazio, Truckee Massage Therapist
 
 
 
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Meet our therapists


Meet our therapists


 
 

Meet our therapists

 

 
 
Amber Defazio, Truckee Massage Therapist

Amber Defazio, CO–Owner & Founder, LMT

Amber has been interestedin healing and bodywork since childhood. Her passion grew while studying to get her Associates degree in Occupational Science at New York College of Health Professions. This 2600 hour program opened the door to vast array of modalities for her to include in her massage practice. The extensive knowledge of kinesiology, myology, and pathology taught in this program gives her an exceptional understanding of the human body and the tools to treat each patient in the most unique, productive and healing way. As part of the healing process Amber integrates European (Swedish), Amma (Oriental), Sports, Deep Tissue, Trigger Point, Myofascial Release, Reiki, Prenatal, Reflexology, and Hot Stone therapies to treat everything from stress and sore muscles to chronic pain and energetic imbalances. When she is not taking the time to heal others her passions include family, nutrition, yoga, art, music, dance, and almost everything outdoors.

 
James Hainsworth, Truckee Massage Therapist

James Hainsworth, cO–Owner, LMT, HHP

James has been interested in healing and massage for almost 20 years. After beginning a daily yoga practice in his early teens, he self-experimented with many nutrition, cleansing, and meditation techniques. He began doing massage on friends and family and found he had an intuitive sense as to where people held tension. He later became interested in energy work, and shortly after, received his Reiki I and II certifications. James attended Body Mind College in San Diego and received a 1000 hour Holistic Health Practitioner Certificate. During that time, he learned many modalities including Sports Massage, Deep Tissue, and Myofascial Release. He also gained experience in spiritual and nutritional counseling, as well as pursuing interests in shamanism and Tai Chi.

James tailors each massage session to the client’s needs. His focus is on creating a therapeutic and healing experience for his clients that relieves stress and improves the function and feeling of the body. He blends different styles and techniques to create a very nurturing, relaxing, and effective massage. His attention to detail, ability to go very slowly, and comprehensive knowledge of the body are excellent for post-injury and post-surgery applications.

 
 
Heidi Brooks, Truckee Massage Therapist

Heidi brooks, CMT

I begin my Massage career in 1994 in Austin Texas. There I primarily had clients in the tech, service and music industries. I spent 3 years in Hawaii where my love of sports and deep tissue bodywork grew. Since moving to the Sierra's in 1999, I have taken extensive courses in deep tissue and Neuromuscular bodywork. I strongly believe that a deep tissue massage doesn't have to hurt and can be very relaxing. I pride myself in keeping a quiet non-judgmental space for my clients to get the best results. I am also certified in prenatal and Hot Stone

 
Norma Jean, Truckee CMT

NOrma jean, cmt

Norma Jean Bowers began studying massage in 1977 as a therapy to help her father who was crippled by arthritis and severe burns. Her training began in Alaska and continued in California at Body Being Massage Center, Upledger, and The Healing Art Institute. Her training includes Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports, Hot Stone, Reflexology, Cranial Sacral, Prenatal, Thai massage, Oncology and Aroma Therapy. She specializes in Functional Sport Massage, but incorporates techniques from all modalities to tailor each session to the needs of the individual, which
creates a truly unique massage experience. She is passionate in her belief in the healing properties of massage, exercise, and proper nutrition. As an active outdoor enthusiast, Norma Jean believes that health and wellness comes from a balance with Nature, Body, and Mind. She can be found mountain biking, yoga, backcountry skiing, mountaineering and hiking whenever she is not offering massage to others.

 
Michele Milazzo, Truckee Massage Therapist

Michele milazzo

Michele began her journey as a massage therapist over 20 years ago. 

After surviving a brain tumor, she decided she wanted to get out from behind the computer at the hospital she was working at and do something more hands on to help others.

She graduated from  A New You Massage School in Sacramento and then Lake Tahoe Massage School as well in South Lake Tahoe and went on to get her National Certification in Massage and Bodywork.  Her massage training and style can best be described as swedish/deep with a Lomi dynamic and is tailored to meet each client's needs. She also does energy work and believes when the body is given time and a supported space, healing can occur. She tailors each session to match the intention of the client and work in partnership for the best outcome of their session together.

Michele also a certified Yoga instructor to seniors, children and beginner adults and her philosophy is massage and yoga for ALL. 

 
Schuyler Gesmundo, Truckee Massage Therapist

SCHUYLER GESMUNDO, CMT

Schuyler is a born and raised Truckee-Tahoe local who has been interested in bodywork and the healing arts since childhood. As a graduate of The Bodhi Tree Center in Carson City, Nevada, he is trained in a variety of modalities including deep tissue, acupressure, swedish massage, fascial freedom style cupping and detox cupping, myofascial release, and energy work. He combines these techniques to customize a unique massage experience tailored to the needs of each client. Whether you are a high-end athlete in need of deep therapeutic work, have chronic occupational related issues you need help alleviating, or wish to relax and zone out for a session, Schuyler is an excellent therapist.

When he is not providing amazing bodywork, Schuyler loves to be outside, and loves to create. He is an avid skier, snowboarder, mountain biker, bassist, and poet.

 

hallie johnson

Hallie Johnson began her massage journey as a student at the Bohdi Tree Center for Holistic Healing. In her sessions over the years, she’s gained a wealth of insight into Chronic pain, injury/ trauma management techniques that have made a difference in her client's overall health and performance.

Being a longtime resident of the Tahoe Truckee area there is a great appreciation for the active lifestyle and culture that is mountain living. In her experience as a practitioner, she uses her intuition, knowledge and passion for Bodywork to create a unique and customized massage experience for each client’s personal needs, setting the intention of providing restorative/healing care to the body.

Areas of special interest and Modalities she utilizes in her sessions, are Deep Therapeutic, Stretching, Sports, Cupping, Fascial Freedom, and Energy Work such as Reiki, Cranial Sacral Biodynamic Therapies.

 
Demitra Carter, Truckee Massage Therapist

Demitra Carter

Demitra grew up in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California as a competitive skier,  and rock climber. Her family has always put healthy and adventurous physical activity and being outdoors as a strong priority. She has a love for movement and has been fascinated with the human body and the multiple avenues that can be accessed to facilitate strength, flexibility, and body awareness. This inspiration sparked at a young age, and she continues to explore and grow through the practice of Massage Therapy, Yoga, and Birth and Postpartum Doula work. 

She graduated from The Swedish Institute of Health Sciences at the end of 2015, where she received 1300 hours of training and an AA in Occupational Therapy. Her training and experience includes Swedish, Shiatsu, Prenatal,Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial Release, Sports, Cranial Sacral, Lymphatic Drainage and Thai Massage.  Her sessions include both an Eastern and Western approach in treatment, honoring and acknowledging the body holistically, while also focusing on localized pain and holding patterns. She moves intuitively and addresses the chief complaint of the client as well as acknowledges any additional patterns present. Working with clients consistently and really tracking the body’s ability to heal and progress is a passion of hers. 

Demitra’s interests outside of body work are supporting Mothers, making memories with her family and loved ones, playing in nature, singing, dancing, and exploring this beautiful place she calls home. 

 
Mich Pavel

Michael Pavel “MICH’

Mich Michael is a free spirited lover of life! His overflowing presence of love will be sure to make an everlasting impact on your healing journey. From his sweet smile, generous heart and playful nature, your soul will receive a beautiful upgrade on how to live a life in the flow state driven by your passions & purpose. He is a reiki master and intuitive healer trained in shiatsu, with a gift of honoring the divine masculine & divine feminine within us all. This gentle creature pours his love & bliss into all his connections and creations, inspiring others to live a life they truly love while being grateful for each waking moment. Mich Michael travels the world spreading his glowing light and promoting freedom of expression through his many offerings while touching the hearts of different cultures & communities.

 
Wendy Lautner, Truckee Massage Therapist

WENDY LAUTNER

Wendy Lautner is a Certified Massage Therapist with more than 14 years of experience. After graduating from Phillips School of Massage with a concentration in Swedish and Shiatsu massage techniques in 2001, she completed additional trainings in Reiki (2011), Deep Tissue (2009), and Trigger Point therapy (2009). She is also a Certified Personal Trainer (2006) and Yoga Instructor (2015). Wendy's broad knowledge of the body allows her to tailor every massage to meet her clients' specific needs and goals.

As a new mother (2012 to baby Archer!), she has a special place in her heart for both prenatal and postpartum massage and believes strongly in its benefits for both mom and baby. Sore muscles aside, Wendy believes massage therapy is an integral component of any health & wellness program. Research continues to show that massage is one of the best treatments for stress and untreated stress is one of the biggest risk factors for many of today's deadliest diseases.

Outside of work, Wendy loves enjoying the outdoors with her family. She's an avid cross country skier, telemark skier, runner, mountain biker, and whitewater kayaker.

 
Emily Rademacher, Truckee Massage Therapist

EMILY RADEMACHER

Emily Rademacher has been providing comfort, relief, and relaxation for about 20 years, with training and experience in sports massage, trigger point therapy, and other more common massage therapies. Each massage is a little bit different, as are the needs of her clients. She has lived in Truckee for most of her life, and is happy to be able to serve all that come to visit and live in this beautiful area.

 

PATTY ROBERTS

Patricia is a Massage Therapist with a love for helping people heal mind, body, and spirit through bodywork. Immersing herself in a well-rounded 1000+ hour Transformational Psychology degree, majoring in Massage Therapy & Holistic Psychology, and minoring in Yoga Teacher Training from Southwest Institute of Healing Arts in Tempe, Arizona Patty gained a deep understanding of the workings of physical body and how it correlates with the mental body. She couples many well-known modalities including the more traditional Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Trigger Point Therapy with lesser known techniques such as Myofascial Release, Reflexology, and energetic clearing to help you unwind your body and thus, release tension in your entire spirit. In a session with her, you will feel supported to let go of what ails you, leaving you lighter, more relaxed, and ready to embrace the world with a clearer mindset.

 
Carrie Bono, Truckee Esthetician

CARRIE Bono - esthetician

Carrie first began working in the beauty and wellness industry over 25 years ago, starting as an expert hairsylist at one of the top high end salons in San Diego. She worked her way up to open 2 of her own salons and has worked with thousands of clients. Carrie developed a passion for skincare and has continued her education in product knowledge and the latest skin treatments. She studied at The National Laser Institute of Arizona to become a laser tech. “My passion is making people happy and beautiful. I am privileged to have chosen this career. I am excited  to keep continuing my education and learning.”

 
Allison Holiday, Truckee Massage Therapist

Allison Holiday

Allison studied at the Healing Arts Institute in Citrus Heights, CA. She has been practicing massage in Truckee for over 10 years. Her intuitive approach and her studies in deep tissue, sports therapy, and Swedish modalities help her to create a tailored massage to the client’s needs. 

Allison is a native of Louisiana and has called Truckee home for over 12 years. She spends her free time with her husband and two dogs enjoying this beautiful area. 

 
Sara Jean Westmoreland, Truckee Massage Therapist

SARA JEAN WESTMORELAND “WESTIE”

Sarah's journey with bodywork began when she enrolled at the Santa Barbara Body Therapy Institute, where she honed her skills and graduated in 2016.

 Throughout her career, Sarah has immersed herself in various atmospheres within the wellness industry, including chiropractic offices, spas, and general massage centers. It was during this time that she discovered her profound interest in deep tissue, trigger point, and myofascial release work. This passion was ignited by a life-altering event—an unfortunate high-speed head-on car accident in 2018. Sarah personally experienced the transformative power of these modalities during her recovery, which enabled her to regain her strength and return to the activities she loves.

Sarah finds great fulfillment in working with clients who have specific injuries or ailments, as well as those seeking general nervous system relaxation. Her compassionate approach and comprehensive understanding of the human body allow her to tailor each session to meet the unique needs of her clients. Sarah's therapeutic touch, combined with her extensive knowledge and expertise, ensures that you receive a personalized and effective treatment to support your overall well-being.

Sarah's goal is to create a serene and rejuvenating space where clients can experience profound healing and relaxation. Whether you seek relief from chronic pain, want to recover from an injury, or simply desire a moment of tranquility, Sarah is committed to helping others achieve optimal health and balance.

 
Nikko Kimbrough, Truckee Massage Therapist

Nikko Kimbrough

Nikko first studied massage at First Institute and continued his education with Dr. James Wong and Dr. Harris Kimbrough for eastern medicine. He trained as a Junior Olympic gymnast from the age of 5-25 while competing all over North America in action sports and dance.

His specialities are sports massage, stretching, reflexology and cupping.

 
Britney Plumber, Truckee Massage Therapist

BritNeY plumber

Britney, is a dedicated massage therapist whose passion for wellness started as an athlete studying Exercise Physiology at CSUC. Her knowledge evolved through working with physical therapists, chiropractors, and in cardiac rehabilitation establishing an intuitive foundation for bodywork.

As an accomplished sports nutritionist; Britney's holistic journey led her to the California College of Ayurveda in 2019, studying practices such as Shidoraha and Abhyanga. In 2021, she completed a comprehensive 650-hour program at the Bodhi Tree Healing Center. Here, she mastered modalities like deep tissue, prenatal, acupressure, myofascial release, dynamic cupping, warm stones, sports massage, and energy techniques.

Britney has experience in co-creating healing workshops, and facilitating women's circles. Today, she is a gentle presence with an integrated skill set of modalities that honor the client's dynamic needs. Britney's unique and effective approach nurtures a deeper connection between mind, body, and soul. Empowering clients to transform and transcend on their wellness journey.

 

Brooke Griffin

Brooke Griffin is a Certified Massage Therapist and Health Educator. She attended National Holistic Institute in Petaluma in 2016, where she received a 900-hour training in both Eastern and Western modalities. Blending techniques from both, Brooke likes to focus on massages that aid recovery from sports, stress, and/or active lifestyles, with interests in Deep Tissue, Sports Massage and Shiatsu. Believing that everyone could benefit from a bit more ‘calm’ and alignment in their bodies and lives, she approaches massage as a chance to help provide this.

Brooke also holds a degree in Sociology and Psychology, with a specific interest in Positive Psychology and the idea that through small behaviour changes, we can all be 10 percent happier and healthier. Born and raised in Truckee, she now spends her time living between Australia and the Tahoe area.

 

Jackie Thomas - esthetician

Jackie grew up on a barrier island known as the Outer Banks in North Carolina. Growing up a competitive surfer is what really sparked her love of nature, adventure and skin care. Plant medicine also heavily inspires her selection of delicious serums and scrubs that leave the skin glowing. Her love of wellness truly reflect in her work. Even though she has been passionate about skin care since an early age, she took the steps to be a licensed esthetician and graduated from the International Academy of Style in 2019.  In her free time you can find Jackie hiking with her pups, foraging in the woods, riding a surf/snowboard, singing, dancing, playing guitar, cooking and plotting her next grand adventure!

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What makes a great massage therapist?


What makes a great massage therapist?


Knowledge

The base of all talent comes from a broad understanding of human body.


Experience

Strength and sensitivity can only be acquired from years of practice.


Intuition

Being open to the possibility that the healing process sometimes exceeds knowledge and understanding.


A true passion and gratitude for having a career that allows us to help our community lead healthier,
happier lives.

Love

 
 
 
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Voted

"best of North Lake Tahoe and Truckee" Massage Therapy and Best Massage Therapist

2012, 2013, 2014 and 2017

 
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Testimonials


Testimonials


 
 

Our 5-star yelp reviews

 

 

What are clients are saying about us

 
The staff at Zenergy truly know how to take care of their clients. Every single time I leave feeling renewed, refreshed and reenergized. Amber always hones in on parts of my body I didn’t even know were tight, leavening me feeling more comfortable in my own body. Thank you Amber for always taking the time to customize each massage based on my needs and issues. Already looking forward to my next visit.
— M E. Truckee, CA
Bridgette is amazing! As an athlete and a craftsman, I put a lot of demand and strain on my body. Through many years of body work and PT, all of which I’ve found satisfactory thus far, I’ve only just found a truly phenomenal massage therapist in Bridgette. She’s an athlete and powerful intuitive which qualifies her as an amazing body worker. Immediately, my first session, she found a clear communication channel with my body and has helped facilitate so much peace and healing for me this summer, it’s almost baffling. Zenergy’s space was also quite comfortable and welcoming, but after settling in to the table, I hardly noticed where I was anymore. Next level, to be sure.
— Logan S. Seattle, WA
James is awesome! I try to see him every time I come to Truckee. He is highly skilled and sensitive, and has been super in treating my chronic aches and pains. I can’t recommend highly enough!
— David F. San Francisco, CA
I had a very good experience here. It was my first time coming to this specific massage place and I really enjoyed it. I had an appointment with Emily and she was very sweet and polite. She made small talk at the beginning which was nice, but then the second half of the hour she just let me relax in silence. Very comfortable and really helped loosen my tight muscles. Highly recommend.
— Laura C. Carlsbad, CA
Tessa did a remarkable job of massaging and stretching my neck, back and legs. My sciatica was so bad I could barely move. Less than 24 hours later the improvement is awesome. Tessa has great knowledge of the body and utilizes that knowledge to truly heal the body. Thank you so much Tessa, you are a truly gifted massage professional.
— Bruce R. Encinitas, CA
I have been going to Amber for massages for years, and whether she’s helping with an injury or just providing overall relief, I always leave feeling improved, refreshed and relaxed. She has a huge knowledge base, and does a fantastic job to provide whatever it is your body needs. I would recommend Amber and the Zenergy Spa for anyone looking for body work.
— Jessica F. Truckee, CA
Patricia was my first therapist and Amber was my second. They were both absolutely amazing! They handled my pain complaints with the utmost knowledge and helped me finally feel some relief. I will absolutely be coming back to Zenergy.
— Jenn K. Tahoe City, CA
First time here, went very last minute while on vacation. I decided I wanted a massage at 8 at night, googled and found this place. It was an easy to use website that let me book a massage for 1045 the next morning. I wasn’t sure what to expect, as last minute as it was, but had a wonderful masseuse named Bridgette. I will return on my next trip!
— Lisa R. Denair, CA
I received an excellent massage from Emily today. I was able to book the appointment the same day with no trouble. Emily was courteous and professional and did an excellent job making me feel totally relaxed. I will definitely be returning next time I am back in Truckee.
— Amy T. Stanford, CA
 

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