 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Our Philosophy
So much of our lives are spent scurrying here and there. Our bodies are in perpetual motion, and our minds tend to follow the same pattern always thinking about something we need to do or mulling over some problem. Our minds are forever dwelling in the past or racing into the future. It is a rare occurrence for the body and mind to relax and be totally in the present. Attending to the present moment is being in a state of mindfulness. When we are mindful of the present moment we are able to feel refreshed and have mental clarity. Mindfully attending to our lives is a practice we can develop through common daily acts such as walking, eating and breathing. Massage therapy and bodywork in general are excellent ways to encourage mindfulness. Therapeutic touch facilitates being present, being in the here and now.
One of our main purposes here at Mindful Massage & Bodywork is to help create a space where you attend to the present moment. Therapeutic touch grounds us in the present physically and emotionally, and frees up energy that is often bound or scattered as a result of our perpetual busy-ness. This liberated energy creates a general sense of well-being. Our hope is that as we facilitate relaxation, you will find the refreshed and reenergized state that follows in other areas of your life, and you will be living more fully mindful of all the amazing experiences each moment manifests.
Our Staff
Ari Santas graduated from Core Institute in Tallahassee, Florida in 2002. He is certified in Core Myofascial Therapy and has trained in Thai Assisted Yoga massage. He has special interest in employing myofacisl stretching and spreading techniques to medical and sports applications. He enjoys working with persons to help them reeducate their bodies and minds toward health and working with athletes who are training for excellences of mind and body. Ari is also a professor of philosophy and finds his work as a philosopher complementary to his massage practice. Ari's interest in body-mind connection, and the idea it is united and not dual, allows him to treat clients with a greater awareness that helps them find that connection.
Jessika T. Brannon, LMT, graduated from the Academy of Somatic Healing Arts in 2007 where she specialized in Neuromuscular & Sports Therapy. She graduated from Valdosta State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Music. Jessica received her Certification of Nursing (CNA) from Chattahoochee Technical College, and while studying to become a nurse at West Central Technical College she realized that her love for medical massage was what she really wanted to do in life. “I feel that the combination of Western (traditional) and Eastern (alternative) medicine compliment each other to help keep the body in balance.”
Donna Garbett graduated from the Academy of Somatic Healing Arts in 2000 and is a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT). She is certified in Swedish, Clinical Sports, and Neuromuscular Massage Therapy. She became certified in 2001 in Direct Myofascial Release through Wellness Works Seminars. She is also registered with the International Institute of Reflexology in the Ingham Method. Since 2006 Donna has been apprenticing in CranioSacral Therapy. Donna was nominated as one of the best massage therapists in the Valdosta Daily Times Hot 100 for 2008. During 2008 she has taught classes with Valdosta State University's Continuing Education Department called Me & You Massage. Donna views herself as a therapist with a generalist view while specializing in bodywork in the context of a holistic model. She is a practitioner who understands the spirit-mind-body (forrest) while focusing on the structure of the body (tree). She believes in putting her heart and soul into all her work. She believes in treating each person the way she would like to be treated. Donna knows that massage therapy is essentially the loving touch of the heart expressed through the hands. Donna prefers utilizing medical massage but never underestimates the benefits of Swedish massage. Donna also draws from other modalities such as Deep Tissue, Prenatal, and Aroma Therapy. I am looking forward to the next stage of my continued education. I love what I do!
Michael Santas graduated from Valdosta State University in 2007 with a degree in Economics. He is the son of Ari and Pat Santas, owners of Mindful Massage & Bodywork. Since 2006, Michael has worked as the office manager of Mindful Massage where he performs a wide array of duties from scheduling appointments to accounting. His main focus is to take the business aspect of operations and let the therapists totally focus on massage. Michael will continue to perform this role until the Fall of 2009 when he will begin graduate school focusing in Economics and Finance.
Pat Santas graduated from Core Institute of Tallahassee, Florida in 2002. She is certified in Core Myofacial Therapy, prenatal massage, and Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Theraphy. Her training is in the Western tradition; however, Buddhist teachings of mindfulness are the foundation of her work. Pat inititated Mindful Massage and Bodywork, and it is there that she holds her practice. She hopes that people will gain clarity and a renewed sense of wonder as they allow massage to be a vehicle of awareness.
Tracy May graduated from Core Institue of Tallahassee, Florida in 2005. She is certified in Core Myofascial Therapy, Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy and Bamboo Fusion. Being a spouse of a military member, her affinity is to assist and nurture the military family.
