Meet the Therapists
At Embody Wellness, we strive to bring you the most effective and talented massage therapists. Each therapist is CAMTC certified and upholds the ethical standards and practices of our wellness industry. Our therapists are always continuing their education to provide a variety of modalities that better serve our client's needs. Massage is a healing art, and each therapist brings to the team a unique style and skill set, and we are sure we can find the right fit for you.
Below you will find a short biography of each of our current therapists. If you have a specific issue or concern you are working with, please call our office at (805) 217-3307 and we can help find the best fit.
Abby Nielsen
Abby found her calling as a Bodyworker 16 years ago. She believes no one should have to live with chronic pain. Through her own experience she has found that consistent, advanced bodywork helps to maintain a pain-free lifestyle. She specializes in headaches, migraines, neck pain, shoulder pain, low back and hip pain. She strives to educate her clients on the importance of regular bodywork and prides herself on building a superior team of Bodyworkers. Abby has spent the past 12 years teaching massage at Kali Institute where she attended school and then later owned and operated for 5 years. She has since sold the school to return to her true passion of working with clients suffering from chronic pain.
Adriana Rodriguez
Adriana graduated from Kali Institute for Massage and Somatic Therapies and is passionate about continuing her education. She has studied Neuro-Structural Bodywork (NSB), Swedish Massage, Energetic Healing, Cupping, Hot Stone & Prenatal Massage. Incorporating a variety of techniques, she creates a customized massage based on each client’s individual needs.
Alvaro Bravo
Alvaro started his career as a certified Personal Trainer 9 years ago. He’s a National level bodybuilder, during that process of becoming a professional athlete had a few injuries that forced him to take a break to recover. While seeking treatment from a massage therapist, he gained interest in sports massage therapy.
Alvaro graduated from National Holistic Institute with a 900-hour certification. His mission as a therapist is to reduce pain, promote faster muscle recovery, and overall improved performance for active people and athletes of all levels.
Amber Laughon
Amber has been a massage therapist for 12 years. She loves providing personalized care to each client to address specific concerns and promote relaxation and healing. Amber specializes in therapeutic services including Swedish, deep tissue, prenatal, trigger point, and reflexology. In her free time, she loves receiving massage, reading books, going to the beach, and spending time with her family and friends.
Dana Garcia
Dana has been in the industry for 14 years. She has a broad range of skills in the massage and skin care realm. Her massage specialties include Swedish and deep tissue massage, incorporating tools, trigger point, myofascial release, Shiatsu, Reflexology, and Hot Stone.
Dana loves to mix her day with both massage, skincare, and hair removal services. You have your choice of 3 specialized facials with various enhancements available. In addition to making your skin glow, she can also shape, tint, and lift the hair you want, and get rid of the hair you don't.
Geraldine Gaxiola
Geraldine has been a Massage Therapist for 3 years. She specializes in deep tissue, trigger point & corrective massage, but can be accommodating to each client's individual needs. Geraldine’s daily life includes weightlifting, hiking & yoga. She is always looking to grow and learn, especially in the world of bodywork. At the end of the day, her ultimate goal is to create a safe space and some type of relief for everyone she works with.
Jamie McCurdy
Jamie is a Ventura native and a graduate of Kali Institute for Massage and Somatic Therapies. She spent the early part of her career as a Certified Massage Practitioner at Caress Day Spa in Capitola, CA. She is versed in Swedish, Thai, Neuro-structural Bodywork, Cupping, Prenatal, Warm Stone, Acupressure, Reflexology, Sports massage, as well as Reiki and intuitive energy healing. Jamie is always seeking to further her education in Anatomy and Bodywork and is currently focusing her attention on the study of Lymphatic Drainage. She is always happy to share information she gains along the way to aid clients in their continued healing process!
Jim Mansfield
Jim has been a massage therapist for over 30 years. He is a Ventura native and has spent his career working at various Ventura massage and spa locations and even worked on the set of Swordfish while they were filming downtown. Jim carries a chill vibe that you instantly feel when you meet him. He specializes in Swedish, sports massage, deep tissue, chair massage, and Shiatsu. On his downtime you may catch him playing a little blues harmonica or walking Surfer’s Point.
Saul Castenon
Saul joined the Embody Wellness team in February of 2023. He attended Kali Institute for Massage and Somatics Therapies, where he graduated in December of 2021, and has been a Certified Massage Therapist ever since. Saul is a Neurostructural Bodyworker, incorporating Swedish massage, deep tissue, cupping, hot stone, Shiatsu (acupressure), Thai massage, and energy work. He values client communication, to better understand each client’s individual wellness goals. And if you have any pesky knots, he’ll track them down and work them out.