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.
Justin Weirich
LMT/NMT ALABAMA LICENSE #4834
When his youngest son was diagnosed on the autism spectrum, Justin Weinrich started researching at-home therapies to help him. This led him to discovering massage therapy and its benefits, becoming a licensed massage therapist in 2017. “I have developed a style of massage that is both relaxing and therapeutic,” he explains. “It’s important for you to relax enough so that we are able to get the work you need done.”
Justin has also received training in fire cupping, an Eastern modality that gives you the result of a deep tissues massage without the pressure. He also gives a TMJ massage for those who can’t fully open their mouths. “I’ve had clients who haven’t been able to turn their necks for months to years and in one session find they can move it again,” he says. “Seeing clients with chronic issues get better is so fulfilling.”
The South Texas native spends his free time with his children and enjoys checking out new local eateries and breweries with his wife.
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.
Ally Mann
LMT/NMT ALABAMA LICENSE #4923
Ally Mann enjoys working with her hands—from drawing and painting to arts and crafts, she loves creating. She also uses her hands to heal as a massage therapist. As an athlete, Ally understands the benefits of massage and how it can overall impact the body. “Massage combines perfectly with my desire to work with athletes,” she says. “I love to make my clients feel better and to know that I did it using my hands.”
Because she has experience recovering from injuries herself, Ally knows firsthand how important massage can be for the recovery process. “I was in a car accident in 2015 and massage helped my injuries and allows me to be able to exercise,” she says. “I’ve witnessed what it has done for others as well as myself.”
Ally specializes in Classic Relaxation, Mellow Mama, Active Recovery, Knot So Painful Anymore and Hurts So Good massages and has been a licensed Massage Therapist since 2014. She is a graduate of Heritage College in Columbus, Ohio, and has lived in Alabama since 2018.
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.
Brittany Blanks - Jefferson
LMT/NMT ALABAMA LICENSE #2658
Birmingham native Brittany Hamilton has a goal of running a marathon in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, already completing 22 of them. Knowing the kind of stress she puts on her body, massage has been an important part of her recovery after a run. “No two races are the same,” she explains. “Because of all the training I do, I try to get a massage once a week to maintain my own personal wellness.”
For the past 13 years, Brittany has enjoyed providing all modalities of massage, but has additional training in lymphatic massage and is certified in Reflexology. “Many of my clients are post-surgical so they are sore and in pain,” she says. “Once they get on the table, they see instant relief and it makes a difference in their overall recovery.”
Brittany earned her B.S. degree in Kinesiology from UAB in 2014.
Brice Jackson
LMT/NMT ALABAMA LICENSE #3016
Brice Jackson has always been the guy that could “fix” someone. Whether it was on a sports team or with friends, Brice could put a finger right on the spot that hurt and help relieve someone’s pain. Like many, Brice detoured and became an elementary school teacher before he found his way to massage therapy training. “I decided it was time to get a master’s in education or follow my heart and go to massage therapy school,” he explains. “After I became a licensed massage therapist, I continued to teach for several more years and practiced massage on the side.”
In 2015, Brice left education and founded Birmingham Wellness Massage with the goal of helping as many people as possible move away from the usual pain cycle and toward a new cycle of rest, renewal and resilience. “The most important thing is to make massage a crucial part of your routine wellness,” he says. “When you integrate it into your life, your massage therapist can help ward off things that might become big issues if not addressed.”
Brice specializes in growing his team of therapists to achieve his greatest mission—to bring reset, renewal and resilience to as many people as possible.
John Hamm
LMT/NMT ALABAMA LICENSE # 4449
As a musician, John Hamm knows how the strings of a guitar should feel between his fingers. That level of sensitivity in his hands translates to his work as a massage therapist. “Playing music requires empathy and understanding, which I definitely experience when I am giving a massage as well,” he explains. “I can feel someone’s tension beneath my hands and tell how they are feeling.”
More than anything, John enjoys helping people experience relief from chronic pain and an improvement in their quality of life. Since graduating from the Birmingham School of Massage and receiving his license in 2016, John has used his skills to explain to his clients how massage can benefit their daily lives. “I take a scientific approach to what is going on in the muscle and tissue and how massage can help break up those knots,” he says. “While I am capable of accommodating any type of pressure from light to very heavy, my skills as a massage therapist shine the most through my deep tissue work.”
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.
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.
Chance Calvert
LMT/NMT ALABAMA LICENSE #4267
When someone told him he would have to wait until retirement to travel, Chance Calvert knew there was a better way. That’s when he became a flight attendant with United Airlines. “I was based out of San Francisco and loved the traveling I was able to do, particularly to Sydney, Australia,” he says. “I worked on the reserves, so I was fortunate to travel on a lot of international flights.”
Two years later Chance returned home to Birmingham to attend Birmingham School of Massage, a dream he’d had in high school. Since 2015, he has worked as a licensed massage therapist. “All my jobs before massage therapy were with hundreds of people, so I enjoy the one-on-one,” he explains. “It’s just as peaceful for me as it is for my client. I enjoy the feeling of accomplishment I get by helping them.”
A self-proclaimed nerd, Chance enjoys reading comic books, science fiction, folklore, horror and mythology. “I love a story that will pull me in,” he explains. “I love looking up folklore and learning more.”
Giules Colpo
LMT/NMT ALABAMA LICENSE #3016
Giules Colpo found her life’s passion during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. After feeling stuck in what she was doing, Giules enrolled at Birmingham School of Massage, graduating in February 2021. “I’ve always been into naturopathic medicine, herbs and essential oils, so massage is a natural extension of that interest,” she explains. “I love working with people and seeing their joy when they get off the table feeling renewed.”
When she’s not working, you can find Giules in the gym or enjoying the outdoors, either hiking, camping or swimming. She has also been a youth competition soccer referee for the past five years, working all over the U.S. and with local clubs and high schools. “I love interacting with the players and seeing the raw emotions that everyone feels during competition,” she says.
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.”
C. J. Wade
LMT/NMT ALABAMA LICENSE #5140
C.J. Wade has been literally dancing through life since she was a child—and it was this love for the arts that set her in motion to eventually become a licensed massage therapist. “I noticed that on stage artists were exceptional, but backstage they would be in a lot of pain, taping up ankles and wrapping wrists,” she says. “It touched my heart and I knew that I some point I would do something to help them.”
C.J. received an undergraduate degree in communication management and a master’s degree in social science education from UAB. She has been licensed since September 2018 and spends her free time choreographing various projects. “I love how massage can help people be a better version of themselves,” C.J. explains. “They have less stress, function better and have some time for themselves.”
Using her dance background, C.J. focuses on stretching and deep breathing with all her clients. “As a dancer, I am very aware of my body and how it moves,”she says. “I pay attention to my clients as well and enjoy watching them change over time.”