Practitioners
At Bodyography, we strive for excellence as health care providers. All of our practitioners are nationally certified and licensed and will personally tailor each session to the client's needs. Additionally, all practitioners keep informed of current practices by regularly attending continuing education workshops.
Members of our Dedicated Staff
Julie Burke, OTR/L, LMT
Michelle Carson, LMT
Toni Des Roches, Office Manager
Mario Furtado, LMT
Anne Gilbert, LMT
Putasha Sheri Lahkiky, Esthetician, LMT
Emily D. Valentino, LMT, Owner
Julie Burke, OTR/L, LMT
In 1997, I graduated from Quinnipiac College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy. After graduating, I worked at Spaulding Rehab Hospital in Boston for about one year. Over the past six and one-half years, I have been practicing as an Occupational Therapist specializing in working with people who have neurological injuries (i.e. strokes, brain injuries, etc.). My passion for working with people to help achieve wellness led me to further study Massage Therapy. In October of 2003, I graduated from Healing Touch Institute with a certificate in Therapeutic Massage. Along with being a full-time OT, I have been practicing massage therapy part-time at Bodyography since December of 2003. I am Nationally Certified and have taken continuing education courses on Myofascial Release and Craniosacral Therapy. I am trained in a variety of techniques such as Swedish, Deep Tissue and Relaxation Massage, Myofascial Release and Craniosacral Therapy. I look forward to working with you and helping to achieve your goals in health and wellness!
Michelle Carson, LMT
A Nationally Certified and Massachusetts licensed massage therapist who received her training at the Palmer Institute of Massage and Bodywork in Salem, MA, Michelle Carson joins the dedicated team of professionals at Bodyography. Michelle's goals with her clients are to promote healing, increase body awareness, prevent injuries and achieve optimum health & wellness by reducing stress & facilitating relaxation.
A lifelong athlete, Michelle has a particular interest in Sports Massage. She has worked with many local runners, using massage to increase efficiency in training, and to prevent injuries. She is also trained in Shiatsu, a traditional Japanese healing art based on acupressure. Michelle also enjoys relaxation massage, helping people to refresh and renew from the stresses of daily life.
Michelle has found it an especially rewarding part of her practice to use massage to provide comfort to Hospice patients.
Michelle is a 1990 graduate of Northeastern University with a Bachelor of Science in Education. She is a former High School Teacher, Coach and Director of Athletics. She is active in the community as a youth soccer, basketball and softball coach. Michelle also enjoys volunteering her massage skills for various charitable organizations and is a member of the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals.
Mario Furtado, LMT
I received my training in muscular therapy from Healing Touch Institute in Wakefield, Massachusetts. The Institute concentrated mostly in the science of anatomy and physiology with intense hands-on bodywork. I am a member of the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals. I hold certifications in Myofascial Therapy and Orthopedic Massage for injury and assessment for the shoulder, neck, hip and lower back.
As a therapist, I am committed to providing the highest standards of massage therapy care by creating an atmosphere which promotes relaxation, reduces chronic tension and ultimately allows healing. With an emphasis on sports massage, I raise healthy body awareness by giving my professional assessment and the appropriate massage for each unique individual. Treatments include techniques and exercises to reduce muscular tension and stress.
Sports has been a large and healthy part of my life. Playing and being involved with many different sports including biking, tennis, running, kayaking and skiing has made me look at the body and how it performs before, during and after an event, and the need to take care of it. As a Level III Certified Professional Ski Instructor of America, I train the trainers and have found the need to educate both staff and clients in the preparation and playing of any sport. I include stretching incorporated with breathing, and specific bodywork geared to the athlete and the sport for pre- and post-event.
My experiences include giving massages at the North Shore Cardio Care Unit, MS Challenge Walks, Health Fairs, Wellness Seminars, Assisted Living Facilities and chair massage to corporations.
Before beginning my career as a massage therapist, I owned a graphic design studio where I've been President/Owner of Furtado Communication Design since 1988. I received a BFA degree from Mass College of Art ('72), and was a faculty member of the Art Institute of Boston. I'm also a committee member of the Magnolia Road Race.
Anne Gilbert, LMT
I graduated from the Muscular Therapy Institute in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1990 and am a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist. Over the 19 years of my career in massage therapy, I have expanded my knowledge through continuing education courses, most notably in Deep Massage, Myofascial work and a certification in Pre- and Perinatal Massage Therapy.
I enjoy working with individuals of all ages to assist them with relaxation, stress reduction, body reintegration and injury rehabilitation. I have a particular interest in providing massage therapy to pregnant and postpartum women to help them accommodate all the changes their bodies are going through. Another important aspect of my practice is offering comfort and pain relief through massage therapy to Hospice clients.
In addition to my hands-on sessions with clients, I have taught massage therapy at the Muscular Therapy Institute, been an assistant instructor for the Pre- and Perinatal Massage Course with Carole Osborne-Sheets, and have taught Partner Pregnancy Massage to couples.
When I am not working, I enjoy reading, gardening, and hiking and biking with my family. I look forward to working with you to enhance your health and well-being.
Putasha Sheri Lahkiky, Esthetician, LMT
Putasha is currently an Esthetician, Massage and Spa Therapist who has been in the spa field for over 18 years, and is versed in paramedical, acnaic and age management skin care, and a wide array of bodywork including polarity, energy balancing, therapeutic massage and reflexology. She has worked in New England in private practice as well as in top establishments from Newbury Street in Boston, Massachusetts to Top Notch Resort and Spa in Stowe, Vermont. She has participated as a bodywork practitioner and assistant in such events as the New England Whole Health Exposition, The Barre Home Show of Barre, Vermont, and the Olympic Trials and Boston Marathon.
Emily D. Valentino, LMT, Owner
Bodyography is the brain child of Emily D. Valentino, LMT and Owner. At it's inception in 2000, the concept was to enlighten and educate the community on the benefits of therapeutic massage. Through commitment, diligence and dedication, Bodyography has experienced both growth and success. We now offer a full array of therapeutic massage, acupuncture and skin care services, as well as the convenience of Dr. Scott Darragh at our wellness center.
I attended Springfield College where I studied Physical Therapy. After graduation, I continued my study of human anatomy and physiology at the New York College where I completed over 1600 hours of training and earned an Associates Degree in Massage Therapy. In addition to learning traditional Swedish Massage, I am also trained in Eastern Modalities including AMMA Therapy. I offer Aromatherapy and Orthopedic Massage and am certified in Hot Stone Therapy, Pregnancy Massage and Infant Massage Instruction. I am a Professional Member of the American Massage Therapy Association, the International Institute of Infant Massage, Nationally Certified and also maintain my New York State license, as well as Massachusetts state license.
I was a Core Instructor at Healing Touch Institute in Wakefield, MA from November 2001 until December 2004 when my first son Nicholas was born. Needless to say, any non-working time I have is spent with my boys - husband Ben, Nicco and baby brother Alex!
The success of any business is the happiness and satisfaction of its clients. With deep appreciation and heartfelt thanks, I acknowledge the generosity, kind thoughts and well wishes throughout the past eight years from the residents of Melrose and its surrounding communities. I enthusiastically look forward to continued work with you - my valuable clients.