Administrative Team

 

Marissa Gandelman, LMT, BCST, Founder
Licensed Massage Therapist, Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist, Certified Stress Management Instructor

Marissa is a Connecticut native and considers herself very grateful to be able to bring high-quality wellness and holistic healthcare to New Haven. A licensed massage therapist and Certified Stress Management Instructor, Marissa is a creative and intuitive therapist who believes massage can do something for everyone. From relieving the stress and tensions of everyday life, helping to heal new or previous injuries, or helping to manage the symptoms of neuromuscular conditions, massage therapy can have a place in everyone's health care regime.

Marissa’s interest in the health benefits of CBD (cannabidiol) is partially due to her own success with using it to manage anxiety. CBD has shown to be a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It also increases levels of serotonin and anandamide, which reduce pain and anxiety. Marissa continues to stay current on CBD research to share accurate, reputable information with the community.

Marissa graduated from American University in Washington, D.C., with a Bachelor's degree in Journalism. Upon graduation, she began a career as an editor and eventually moved on to speechwriting. She sought massage therapy to ease the stress of her hectic lifestyle and to maintain a sense of well-being. Inspired by how well massage therapy improved her life, she decided to become a therapist to help others do the same.

Marissa moved to Cusco, Peru, in 2010, where she lived, built a private practice and co-founded Healing House, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the healing arts. She travels to Peru regularly to continue her work with Healing House, the local community, and her own personal healing and growth.

Marissa continues to run and develop Stress Management workshops for local businesses and schools in Greater New Haven and plans to expand them throughout the state. She lives in New Haven with her husband.

Jennifer Apuzzo                                                                           Director of OperationsJennifer was born and raised in Connecticut and has been working as an office manager for more than 10 years. She brings her love of work…

Jennifer Apuzzo Director of Operations

Jennifer was born and raised in Connecticut and has been working as an office manager for more than 18 years. She brings her love of working with people to Elm City Wellness. She studied English & Psychology at Hampshire College in Amherst, MA. In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys going to concerts, cooking and baking. She is passionate about music, creativity and Wes Anderson movies. She also assists her husband with his DJ business so you may see her helping out at a local event or at a wedding!

Jenn lives in East Haven with her husband Anthony, their son James and their dog, Bill Murray. She hopes to bring a smile to every client’s face with her compassionate demeanor and uplifting spirit.

Kathryn Ronzo MS, ND, M.Ac, CPES Assistant Director of OperationsKatie is a naturopathic doctor that graduated from the University of Bridgeport with her doctorate in naturopathic medicine and a Masters in Acupuncture. She also has a Masters degree in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences from Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Saint Leo University in Saint Leo, Florida.Katie is a certified placenta encapsulation specialist who has also trained in advanced concepts of homeopathy with world-renowned Homeopaths, Dr. Paul Herscu and Dr. Amy Rothenberg at the New England School of Homeopathy in Boston, Massachusetts. In February 2014, she began her training in Craniosacral Therapy through Upledger Institute and is certified in Craniosacral Therapy and Somatic emotional release.When she’s not fulfilling her passion for learning, Katie enjoys hanging out with her two miniature dachshunds, Cosmo and Stella. She is also an avid crafter who especially enjoys sewing, quilting, knitting, gardening, and photography. But when the weather and tides are right, you can find her and her husband, Steve, at their favorite fishing spots trying to catch something worth talking about!

Kathryn Ronzo MS, ND, M.Ac, CPES
Assistant Director of Operations

Katie is a naturopathic doctor that graduated from the University of Bridgeport with her doctorate in naturopathic medicine and a Masters in Acupuncture. She also has a Masters degree in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences from Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Saint Leo University in Saint Leo, Florida.

Katie is a certified placenta encapsulation specialist who has also trained in advanced concepts of homeopathy with world-renowned Homeopaths, Dr. Paul Herscu and Dr. Amy Rothenberg at the New England School of Homeopathy in Boston, Massachusetts. In February 2014, she began her training in Craniosacral Therapy through Upledger Institute and is certified in Craniosacral Therapy and Somatic emotional release.

When she’s not fulfilling her passion for learning, Katie enjoys hanging out with her two miniature dachshunds, Cosmo and Stella. She is also an avid crafter who especially enjoys sewing, quilting, knitting, gardening, and photography. But when the weather and tides are right, you can find her and her husband, Steve, at their favorite fishing spots trying to catch something worth talking about!

Alyssa Fishman, 500 RYT Senior Administrative Assistant  Alyssa was born and raised on Long Island, New York. After graduating high school, she moved to Connecticut to attend Southern Connecticut State University where she studied Interpersonal Comm…

Alyssa Fishman-Masterson  Supervisor, RYT 500hr, C-IAYT

Alyssa is a student of life, artist, truth seeker, and movement lover. Alyssa is a C-IAYT yoga therapist, 500hr RYT and reiki II certified. She was born and raised on Long Island, NY. She has been athlete all her life and has a strong interest in nature and aligning with the cycles. Alyssa attended Southern Connecticut State University and studied Communication for 3 years then completed her BA in Communication Arts with a concentration in Art Therapy at Marymount Manhattan College, 2012. Alyssa started to practice yoga in 2012 for her own healing of stress-induced migraines. She later became hooked, reaped the benefits and felt compelled to dive deeper and share the teachings with others. 

The goal of empowering others warms her heart and fuels her with a sense of purpose. She wishes to help individuals achieve a level of wholesomeness through the principles and practices of Yoga. Alyssa strives to be a ripple effect spreading kindness and compassion, far and wide. She has a passion for helping others and reminding them about self care and practices that can help cultivate joy and ease.

When Alyssa isn’t working closely with others, she enjoys the creative process of creating works of art through various mediums. She leads an active and healthy lifestyle ranging from hiking, kayaking, bike riding and enjoys just about anything that is outdoors. She lives for the sunlight hitting her face and is constantly seeking new inspiration from the world around her. When she is not being active, she loves to cozy up with a good book or chill out listening to music.

Cheryl Lewis, LMT Massage Event Coordinator, Licensed Massage TherapistCheryl has been practicing since 2006, in both clinical and spa environments. She trained in Orlando, FL, at Florida Metropolitan University, specializing in Deep Tissue and Inju…

Cheryl Lewis, LMT
Massage Event Coordinator, Licensed Massage Therapist, Administrative Assistant

Cheryl has been practicing since 2006, in both clinical and spa environments. She trained in Orlando, FL, at Florida Metropolitan University, specializing in Deep Tissue and Injury Rehabilitation. She also is proficient in Pre- and Post-natal Massage, Reflexology, Acupressure and Hot Stone Therapy.

As a result of a car accident in 1999, she's had both bilateral whiplash and severe sciatica. After ignoring the injuries for 10 years, and much work by chiropractic, osteopathic, and massage practitioners, she's been deconstructed and reconstructed over the last 5 years. In dealing with and caring for not only the injuries, but her body as a whole she's realized the amazing benefits of bodywork and body awareness. So much the better for all the work, she's dedicated herself to paying forward the effort put into her care in order to care for others.

Rebekah Meyers. Administrative Assistant

Bekah was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico and raised in Mansfield, Connecticut, but has been residing in southern Connecticut for the past few years. Bekah has been focusing on getting her associates degree at Gateway Community College in Drug and Alcohol Recovery Counseling. When Bekah isn’t at ECW or pursing her career, Bekah likes spending time with her cat, protesting/advocating for BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ and women’s rights, going out to see concerts/music festivals and frequenting the beach.

 

Acupuncture

 

Dadon Moore, L.Ac.
Licensed Acupuncturist

Dadon was born in Lhasa, Tibet, where she grew up with Traditional Medicine as the way of life. She earned her Doctorate in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Master of Acupuncture from the University of Bridgeport. Dadon is a Certified Acupuncturist, credentialed by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), a Licensed Acupuncturist, credentialed by the CT Department of Public Health, and is Certified in Microneedling, credentialed by San Diego Cosmetic Acupuncture. In addition to Acupuncture and Acumicroneedling, Dadon’s treatment includes Herbs, Tui-na, Cupping, Moxa, and Gua sha. Dadon works with each patient as a valued individual human being with a unique medical and personal history. She is peaceful, friendly, compassionate, flexible and loves to work with people from all kinds of backgrounds and cultures.

Dr. Stephanie Carey- Northrop, DACM, LAc, Licensed Acupuncturist

Dr. Stephanie Carey- Northrop is a Licensed Acupuncturist with her Doctorate in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Herbal Medicine. Stephanie has spent over ten years immersing herself in both eastern and western medicine with her undergraduate degree in Health Promotion and Wellness, specializing in nutritional counseling and personal training. Her passion for accessible, integrative care has opened doors for Stephanie to work in the public health sector and inpatient care in institutions such as John’s Hopkins, Masonic Children’s Hospital and within outreach programs such as the Salvation Army and Integrative Care Center of Minnesota. As a forever student of this medicine, she has spent time in the Peace Corps studying and implementing health practices in The Gambia, West Africa, received her yoga teacher training in Rishikesh, India, practiced workplace wellness in the UK and Ireland, and Studied under Acupuncturists and Traditional Medicine Practitioners in Vietnam. It has always been important for Stephanie to learn from others and experience health practices throughout the world to develop a well-rounded respect for medicine, culture, and the uniqueness of the human body.

 

Stephanie specializes in cancer support, has a background in treating pediatric patients, and is always happy to work within general practice including treating symptoms such as: migraines, sports injuries, irregular menstrual cycles, surgery prep and recovery, neuropathy, Gl disruption, chronic pain, and so much more. Stephanie is ready and willing to collaborate with your western medical provider to assist and empower you every step of the way in your health journey.

 

Credentials:

Connecticut Licensed Acupuncturist- State of Connecticut

Diplomate of Acupuncture-National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Medicine

Oncology Support- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center  

Basic Life Support Provider- American Heart Association

Clean Needle Technique- Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine

Training in Vietnamese Traditional Medicine

200 Hour YTT- Vinyasa School of Yoga

Female Health and Menstrual Health YTT- Yoga Medicine

 

Skin care

Gean Bernard, Licensed Esthetician

Gean is a dual licensed esthetician. She graduated from Westchester school of esthetics. She is a driven and reliable esthetician, licensed to perform a variety of services, which tend to an array of skin conditions and cosmetic concerns. Her goal is to help people from all different backgrounds reach their skin care goals, with the help of attentive and empathetic professional care. She is in love with nature and has a holistic approach to skin care and overall wellness. During her free time she goes on hikes with her dog Coco and makes all natural candles.

Laura Erdman, Licensed Esthetician

Laura is a CT based esthetician with many years of experience as both a skincare consultant, and makeup artist. Laura’s practice combines both a scientific, and holistic approach with emphasis on how to sustain a regimen that is supportive of each, and every clients skin, and lifestyle. 

While synergistically helping to find your skins ideal environment Laura will work with you to curate a treatment plan to forward any skincare goal. She uses the power of touch, lymph drainage, experience with a variety of facial modalities, and knowledge in skin healing to encourage cell renewal as well as the importance of proper skincare as our skin/bodies evolve, and age. 

In her free time you can count on Laura to be researching all the latest and greatest skincare, and health innovations that she can incorporate into her treatments.   

 

Massage & Bodywork

Annie Crocker, LMT Licensed Massage TherapistAnnie is a licensed massage therapist and graduate of Branford Hall Career Institute. She is also a member of the American Massage Therapy Association. Annie is certified in Prenatal massage, Hot Stone massage and she is familiar with Aromatherapy. Specializing in relaxing therapeutic massage for stress and pain relief, Annie has also been trained in deep tissue, energy work, trigger point work, myofascial release, sports massage and stretching.Annie is fascinated with energies and will be expanding her knowledge by studying Reiki.Annie adores the beach and its healing properties. She loves collecting sea glass and creating beautiful pieces of art with what she finds.

Annie Crocker, LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist

Annie is a licensed massage therapist and graduate of Branford Hall Career Institute. She is also a member of the American Massage Therapy Association. Annie is certified in Prenatal massage, Hot Stone massage and she is familiar with Aromatherapy. Specializing in relaxing therapeutic massage for stress and pain relief, Annie has also been trained in deep tissue, energy work, trigger point work, myofascial release, sports massage and stretching.

Annie is fascinated with energies and will be expanding her knowledge by studying Reiki.

Annie adores the beach and its healing properties. She loves collecting sea glass and creating beautiful pieces of art with what she finds.

Sharon Apy, LMT Licensed Massage TherapistSharon is a Licensed Massage Therapist, a Graduate of The Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy and a member of the American Massage Therapy Association. From a young age she's had an alternative outlook on…

Sharon Albert, LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist

Sharon is a Licensed Massage Therapist, a Graduate of The Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy and a member of the American Massage Therapy Association. From a young age she's had an alternative outlook on healthcare, and has a passion for wellness!

Sharon is trained to have a kinesthetic outlook on the body and has made it her mission to aid healing through movement and nurturing touch. She has knowledge and training in Orthopedic Assessment, Trigger Point Therapy, Pre-natal Massage, Swedish Massage, Acupressure and Hot Stone Massage. She recently received her certification in Manual Lymphatic Drainage. She loves studying new massage modalities and is looking forward to taking as many classes as she can get her hands on!

Vivian Lennon , LMT Licensed Massage TherapistVivian studied Massage and body work in Branford Connecticut; at Branford Hall Career Institute and graduated in 2011. She found her passion for massage therapy while she was in school and has been worki…

Vivian Lennon , LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist

Vivian studied Massage and body work in Branford Connecticut; at Branford Hall Career Institute and graduated in 2011. She found her passion for massage therapy while she was in school and has been working in the field ever since.She specializes in deep tissue, hot stone , and PNF stretching. In her free time she loves to go hiking with her dog.

Jaime Phillips, LMT Licensed Massage TherapistJaime graduated from Center for Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy in Albany, NY and has been practicing since 2015 with a sports and therapeutic massage focus. She has a background in art and geriatric home health. Being a product of the benefits of regular bodywork for scar tissue, Jaime is passionate about helping others resolve and manage their chronic pain with compassion and presence. She enjoys thorough work to resolve areas of tension and/or disfunction, but fully recognizes the importance of the whole, often incorporating fascial work, five element shiatsu and acupressure into her sessions.

Jaime Phillips, LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist

Jaime graduated from Center for Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy in Albany, NY and has been practicing since 2015 with a sports and therapeutic massage focus. She has a background in art and geriatric home health. Being a product of the benefits of regular bodywork for scar tissue, Jaime is passionate about helping others resolve and manage their chronic pain with compassion and presence. She enjoys thorough work to resolve areas of tension and/or disfunction, but fully recognizes the importance of the whole, often incorporating fascial work, five element shiatsu and acupressure into her sessions.

Olivia Jimenez, LMT Licensed Massage TherapistOlivia is a graduate of the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy (now Cortiva Institute) in Newington, and an active member of the American Massage Therapy Association. As a young girl she was very active in her body and mind. After suffering from multiple knee injuries as early as 12 years old, her physical, mental and emotional states became more fragile.After college, Olivia found yoga and meditation which had profound healing effects on her entire being. Finding further proof of healing with massage therapy she felt called to learn more and was delighted to find a more holistic approach to wellness. She found her calling and is proficient in Swedish, Therapeutic, Deep Tissue, Sports and Acupressure techniques. Olivia has continued to expand her knowledge of healing modalities with a certification in the Raindrop Technique from CARE, the application of essential oils and how they work, not only with the physical, but the emotional body. With an interest in pain management and energy work, Olivia is excited to expand her abilities to bring healing to herself, her clients, her community and beyond.

Olivia Jimenez, LMT Licensed Massage Therapist

Olivia is a graduate of the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy (now Cortiva Institute) in Newington, and an active member of the American Massage Therapy Association. As a young girl she was very active in her body and mind. After suffering from multiple knee injuries as early as 12 years old, her physical, mental and emotional states became more fragile.

After college, Olivia found yoga and meditation which had profound healing effects on her entire being. Finding further proof of healing with massage therapy she felt called to learn more and was delighted to find a more holistic approach to wellness. She found her calling and is proficient in Swedish, Therapeutic, Deep Tissue, Sports and Acupressure techniques. Olivia has continued to expand her knowledge of healing modalities with a certification in the Raindrop Technique from CARE, the application of essential oils and how they work, not only with the physical, but the emotional body. With an interest in pain management and energy work, Olivia is excited to expand her abilities to bring healing to herself, her clients, her community and beyond.

Taryn Chester, LMT Licensed Massage TherapistTaryn has been a licensed massage therapist since 2018 with a focus on sports and therapeutic massage. They perform a variety of different modalities including Swedish, Deep Tissue, Prenatal, and Lymphatic drainage. Taryn assesses the client as a whole, to best address relieving areas of tension while helping cultivate the clients’ mind-body awareness.

Taryn Chester, LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist

Taryn has been a licensed massage therapist since 2018 with a focus on sports and therapeutic massage. They perform a variety of different modalities including Swedish, Deep Tissue, Prenatal, and Lymphatic drainage. Taryn assesses the client as a whole, to best address relieving areas of tension while helping cultivate the clients’ mind-body awareness.

Jamie Mauro, LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist

Jamie is a member of the Chiropractic and Wellness Center of New Haven and has a plethora of experience and training.  She became a licensed massage therapist in 2013 at Branford Hall Career Institute.  She has experience working in a variety of modalities including; therapeutic, Swedish, sports massage, mayofascial release and prenatal.  Most recently, Jamie received formal training in the area of Thai massage.  She specializes in therapeutic massage and relaxation techniques, stress and pain relief.  Jamie is an intuitive therapist who can provide education on at home techniques for time between sessions. 

Jamie attends continuing education seminars and conferences annually in order to help maintain her craft and skill level.  She believes in the art of healing and the importance of self-care through massage.  Jamie is fascinated with the natural world and all of its healing powers.

Jamie lives in Wallingford with her two children.  She loves spending time outdoors, hiking in the woods and relaxing in her hammock.  She enjoys spending time with her kids and exploring the world with them. 

Gabby Angus, LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist

Gabby is a graduate of the Cortiva Institute in Cromwell and loves bringing her love of people and customer service experience into her sessions. She listened to an intuitive calling to learn bodywork through her own experience of receiving different modalities, in particular craniosacral therapy. She believes that massage is a partnership and that through the combined work of both the therapist and client healing can happen. Gabby incorporates techniques from myofascial release, deep tissue, craniosacral therapy as well as lymphatic massage, all with an emphasis on open communication for the best possible session. When she's not at ECW Gabby enjoys spending time with her 10-year-old daughter at the library, park, or beach. She also loves walking through the woods to stalk the animals, going to the movies, and geeking out about the latest MCU film.

Meghan Fitzpatrick, LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist

Meghan Fitzpatrick has been a healer and bodyworker for over 20 years. After years as a make-up artist, nail technician and esthetician she found her calling and graduated from Branford Hall Academy in Massage Therapy in 2013. Meghan had been certified in ACE Massage Cupping, Ashiatsu, Prenatal massage, and fibromyalgia massage. She is well known for very deep tissue work and is familiar with gua sha, hot stone massage and reflexology. Meghan is also a certified Reiki Master and believes energy plays a large part in our healing journey. Meghan enjoys the challenge of working on all bodies and with clients to help them maintain a healthy quality of life. When not healing Meghan enjoys life on the shoreline with her two cats Tucker and Tallulah, hiking, gardening, doing home improvement and crafting. Major foodie and book enthusiast.

Igor Biryukov, LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist

Igor graduated from Branford Hall in 2015. He is an AMTA member and is proficient in Swedish, deep tissue, prenatal, sports massage, and myofascial release. He is interested in and is a practitioner of general fitness.

Jorge Sanchez LMT, MLD Licensed Massage Therapist Manual Lymphatic Drainage certified 

Jorge graduated from Cortiva Institute in 2019.  Jorge’s wife had seen an orthopedic massage therapist 9 mths after knee replacement because she was in a lot of pain.  When seeing the results and relief she received he knew it was a career he wanted to pursue. Jorge is certified in Swedish massage, deep tissue, prenatal, postnatal, myofascial release, sciatic, shoulders, and manual lymphatic drainage. 

Jorge loves attending baseball games or listening to baseball or basketball on Sirius XM and when opportunity arises Deep sea fishing.  

Dana Witter LMT Licensed Massage Therapist

Dana has been a passionate massage therapist since 2015 where she graduated from Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy in Westport. With a thirst for knowledge, she has taken multiple workshops and learned from peers over time how to accommodate every body intuitively. Dana takes a multifaceted approach to her sessions incorporating techniques such as scar tissue release, manual lymph drainage, deep tissue, cupping, gua sha, relaxation, and/or energy work to assist the body’s return to homeostasis. She believes that there is no “one size fits all” in the treatment room and allows each body to tell their story.

Dana is a breast cancer survivor and is inspired to nurture the lives of other cancer warriors through body work at any point during their journey. Massage has been an integral part of her own healing process and, admiring how empowering each session can be, she is motivated to pass the healing on to others.

In her free time, Dana loves to spend time in nature with her husband and daughter. She is also an avid music lover, taking any chance to see live concerts and singing in her family band, The InLaws. During her down time she can be found reading a book or studying astrology while snuggling with her cat.

Samantha MacDaniel LMT Licensed Massage Therapist

Samantha graduated from Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy in 2018 and is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association. She was inspired to pursue massage based on her passion for natural healing which began after she struggled with her own health at a young age. Shortly after starting her schooling, she realized the amazing benefits of bodywork along with the healing power of touch. She enjoys sharing that gift with as many people as possible.

Samantha is patient, compassionate, and pays special attention to detail. She enjoys working towards specific goals ranging from relieving physical discomfort to helping ease the stress and anxiety that is brought on by our everyday lives. Specializing in relaxing therapeutic massage Samantha’s training includes, but isn’t limited to studying the human anatomy, pathology and various modalities of myofascial release therapy, Swedish Massage, and prenatal massage. 

Going forward, she plans to continue her education in the fields of Craniosacral Therapy and Pelvic Dysfuntions. 

Michael Gasparrini LMT Licensed Massage Therapist

Michael Gasparrini is a  Licensed Massage Therapist and movement enthusiast. He began his career as an LMT after graduating from Balance Massage School of Vermont in 2022, but his passion for movement and physical wellbeing extends back to his discovery of Parkour and acrobatics. 

He began practicing acrobatics in 2015 and was captured by the idea that he could explore and reconnect body, mind, and environment, all at the same time. His philosophy when it comes to massage echoes these early intuitions: help bring people’s minds back into their bodies, and create a space for people to pay attention to their proprioceptive awareness. 

Michael has studied Swedish, Deep Tissue, and other modalities of massage, however the greatest influence on his style is Lomi Lomi, a Hawaiin approach to massage which emphasizes creating a healing space for the receiver. 

He tailors each session to the individual, and is happy to help each client figure out what it is they might need to help them the most.

In his free time Michael enjoys training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Parkour, and spending time with his girlfriend.

 
 

Reiki Practitioners

Alyssa Fishman, 500 RYT
Supervisor, Private Yoga Instructor Level 2 Reiki Practitioner

Annie Crocker, LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist Level 2 Reiki Practitioner

Meghan Fitzpatrick, LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist Reiki Master