Lena has been employed at Galter LifeCenter since 2010 and has worked in massage therapy since 1996. 

Certifications/ Education:

• State of Illinois massage therapy license
• Vodder Certified Manual Lymph Drainage and Combined Decongestive Therapist
• NCBTMB certified 1997 and AMTA member 1996
• AMBP member
• Deep Tissue Massage
• Pregnancy Massage
• Subtle Energies Massage
• Ayurveda
• Reflexology

Workshops:

I actively sought out and completed additional massage training after graduating a 1000 hour massage program. I completed a 260 hour Subtle Energy Therapy program that covered topics like Five Elements, Polarity Therapy, Meditation, Yoga and Movement, Cranial-Sacral, Reiki, and Aromatherapy. Next I studied more Clinical Massage modalities like Anatomy and Physiology, Russian Medical Massage, Trigger Point Therapy, Sports Massage, and related Deep Tissue Massage techniques. Additional trainings included Vodder Lymph Therapy, Prenatal Massage classes, Myofascial Release, and Infant Massage.

In 1996, I began work with Aveda where I continued my training in Aromas, Yoga, and Meditation. There I also learned about Ayurvedic philosophies and practices. I became an Aveda Purefessional in 2011 and taught massage classes to professionals in their network like Deep Tissue Massage, Reflexology, and Chakra Balancing Massage.

Philosophy that drives my work:

In my 25+ years of experience, I have worked with people recovering from cancer, stroke, and joint replacement as well as individuals managing long term conditions that effect overall health. Although my current approach is primarily clinical therapeutic massage, my first priority is to address the needs of the guest. My education and experience informs the treatment plan for each individual. I do not underestimate the therapeutic value of a simple relaxation massage. And I welcome challenging cases for people seeking change, recovery, and improvement through therapeutic massage.