Stella Pena

LMT/NMT ALABAMA LICENSE #3497

Stella graduated from Virginia College in 2011 with an Associates degree in Therapeutic Massage. She is Alabama licensed and certified in Clinical Massage for pain relief. She is able to customize each session to every individuals unique needs and is a true believer in using massage as a way to calm the mind as well the body.

Sha’ Doss

LMT/NMT ALABAMA LICENSE #4000

When Sha’ Doss talks about being a massage therapist, the excitement in her voice bubbles over. After a series of unfulfilling warehouse jobs, Sha’ knew it was time to return to school. A quick assessment sent her on a career path of therapeutic massage. “I knew I loved animals and I loved people, so massage seemed like the perfect fit,” she explains. “Since I received my license in 2012, I have continued to expand my knowledge on what I love to do.”

Known professionally as Doss, Sha’ enjoys deep tissue massage the most. “There’s nothing like getting down into those muscles and relieving that deep pain,” she says. “No one likes to hurt, so I start out with moderate pressure until the muscles begin to relax then I get into that  deep tissue.” Sha’ also loves watching someone’s tension leaving their body. “That alone is a stress reliever for me,” she says. “Helping someone have a better day or sleeping at night is the part that is the most rewarding.”

In her spare time,  Sha’ enjoys her bengal cat, Tabitha, being outside, exercising and being with family.

Matthew Romano

LMT/NMT ALABAMA LICENSE #4608

Matthew Romano has a heart for advocacy. As a supporter of mental health awareness and End Heroin Birmingham, Matthew wants to ensure others around him are not suffering in silence. “What drew me to massage therapy was the ability to help someone escape for a while through the process,” he says. 

Once introduced to the profession, Matthew immediately fell in love with massage. After graduation from Birmingham School of Massage, Matthew has spent the last six years helping people feel better. “Every client has different needs,” he explains. “I tailor the treatment needed so when they can stand up straight or feel relief from pain or soreness, I know that I did my job well.”

Matthew and his dog, Gypsy, enjoy discovering the ins and outs of Birmingham, patronizing local venues and shops, hiking and reading fantasy novels. 

Anne Lofton Kendrick 

LMT/NMT ALABAMA LICENSE # 4136

After graduating from Furman University with a degree in Spanish and a passion for languages, Anne Lofton Kendrick found herself at a crossroads. “I love languages and being able to make connections with people,” she explains. “But teaching wasn’t for me.”

Her Spanish fluency came with a lot of volunteer opportunities, but nothing that was considered a career. Then Anne Lofton remembered how she enjoyed massage and looked into the program at Birmingham School of Massage. “I fell in love with the practice and am still so passionate about it,” she says. “I love the hands-on nature of massage and seeing how much better people feel after their time with me. It’s wonderful to have a job where people are happy to see you and even happier after.”

A Mountain Brook native, Anne Lofton is a voracious reader, loves yoga and enjoys spending time with her two cats. 

Marlon Ford

LMT/NMT ALABAMA LICENSE # 5744

After he lost his previous employment during the pandemic, Marlon Ford took advantage of the opportunity he had and returned to school. “I’d been a massage enthusiast on the receiving side and completely believe in the power of touch communication,” he explains. “I have extensive experience in Healthcare Management, including physical therapy acute care, home health orthopedics and acute care rehab hospitals, so this was a natural fit for me.”

Because it was too late to begin the term at a Birmingham massage school, Marlon enrolled at USCI in Fort Collins, Colo. “I was able to do a lot online with local mentors and then finished up my clinical training in Colorado,” he says. “I spent six weeks there completing my final 200 hours of hands-on training under four very different instructors.” Although he still lives in his hometown of Barney, Ala., Marlon now practices in the Homewood office several days a week.

In his spare time, Marlon enjoys his family, especially his son and grandson, the outdoors and spending time on the water.

C. J. Wade

LMT/NMT ALABAMA LICENSE #5140

C. J. Wade graduated from Virginia College. She specializes in Swedish, Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular, Sports, and Prenatal massage modalities. Using her dance experience, she also customizes stretching techniques to help her clients. C.J. believes that time for oneself is not a luxury; it is a necessity.

Rachel Mims

LMT/NMT ALABAMA LICENSE

Rachel Mims likes to renew things, whether that is a craft or art project or the clients that she

relieves from pain and stress. “In that moment, I hope I have done something to change their

lives,” she says. “The gratification I get is seeing them move freely like they are supposed to.”

A massage therapist for the past 20 years, Rachel has a passion for working with older adults

who are committed to their health. “I have seen people who are able to walk out of the room like

they are 20 years younger after a massage,” she says.

In her free time, Rachel enjoys reading, painting, enjoying time with friends and family and

watching sports.

Justin Weirich

LMT/NMT ALABAMA LICENSE #4834

Justin has been a practicing massage therapist for 3 years. During which time he has crafted a style of massage that is both therapeutic and relaxing.

He enjoys working with varying types of clients, wether they are exercise or sport enthusiasts, or just looking to relax and destress from the hectic
life they lead. He has also continued his education and studied the modality of Fire Cupping, a technique of using glass jars and fire to create negative
pressure to give the benefits of deep tissue massage, and lymphatic release.

Ally Mann

LMT/NMT ALABAMA LICENSE #4923

Altheria "Ally" Mann graduated from Heritage College in Columbus, Ohio in therapeutic massage. She specializes in Swedish, prenatal, deep tissue, trigger point therapy, and neuromuscular therapy while incorporating both myofascial and muscle energy techniques. She has experience working with injured clients and has worked alongside medical professionals to ensure that each client received optimal care. Ally looks forward to working with you!

Maya Edwards

LMT/NMT ALABAMA LICENSE # 3981

Maya Edwards came to massage therapy after an introduction during a high school cosmetology class. “I was really interested in how massage can play a part in healing the body. That’s when I decided to go to massage therapy school at Virginia College.” 

As a licensed massage therapist since 2011, Maya enjoys catering to the needs of her clients.

“Each session is different, so being able to understand what they need versus what they want is what I’m most passionate about. I appreciate their gratitude for doing my job well.”

In her spare time, Maya attends cosmetology school at Lawson State Community College and is busy with her family: husband Amariah, son Amir, 4, and son Levi, 1. “I absolutely love being with my boys. Amariah is originally from St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, so we hope to travel there soon.” Maya also enjoys watching movies, particularly rom com and action films and eating American and Italian food.

John Hamm

LMT/NMT ALABAMA LICENSE # 4449

John Hamm graduated from the Birmingham School of Massage and has been a licensed massage therapist since 2016. John excels in deep, therapeutic massage and enjoys seeing his clients relieved from chronic aches and pain.

Ian Hull

Alabama License # 5719

Ian Hull is a big fan of symmetry and paying close attention to detail. Whether it’s as a sushi chef where he creates and plates beautiful food or as a fire spinner, his favorite pastime, Ian loves to present things as perfection. “From the moment I saw someone spinning fire with poi—Kevlar balls on Kevlar rope that are dipped in kerosene and set on fire—I knew I wanted to learn how to do that,” Ian explains. “It’s artistic and exemplifies symmetry and perfection.”

Since graduating from the Birmingham School of Massage, Ian is thrilled to be working with his clients to help them feel better. “I have always been good with my hands and can feel how to make someone’s pain decrease,” he says. “Massage therapy is a way for me to help people—I get as much out of it as my clients.”

Jessica Peterson

LMT/NMT ALABAMA LICENSE

Jessica Peterson has always enjoyed art, but her canvas came in the form of wedding cakes.

As a pastry artist for a dozen years, she expressed her creativity through icing. In the

background was the desire to do something medically related, so when she found massage

therapy, she finally knew she had found her purpose.

“I love what I do,” Jessica explains. “I enjoy helping people in chronic pain regain some

semblance of normal life.” A graduate of Birmingham School of Massage, she has been a

licensed massage therapist for five years.

In her spare time, Jessica enjoys spending time with her husband James and their daughters,

Ariel and Emory, playing video games, camping and participating in small groups at Church of

the Highlands.

Robbie Jackson

LMT/NMT ALABAMA LICENSE

As a professional musician and teacher for more than 25 years, Robbie Jackson understands the importance of her fingers. Becoming a massage therapist gave her the ability to use her hands in a different, yet similar, way. “My goal is to provide every massage client with techniques that will specifically address each on’s needs,” she explains. “There is definitely a correlation between music and massage for me.”

Robbie has a bachelor’s degree in communications and music from UAB, graduated from the Massage Therapy Institute in Decatur, Ala., and is currently working on a Sports Massage Certification. Robbie uses many modalities, including Swedish, Deep Tissue, Pre-natal, Hot stone, Neuromuscular and Lymphatic Drainage.

In her spare time, Robbie enjoys fishing and playing the piano.