Tara Magpusao

CAMTC #76694

Signature Massage Therapist 

Voted Good Times Best Massage Therapist 2023 Voted Runner Up Best Massage Therapist of Scott's Valley 2023 Voted Runner Up Best Massage Therapist of Scott's Valley 2024   Tara has been with Empowering Hands Therapeutic Massage since early 2018.  Her primary focus is Deep Tissue Massage that is designed to target her client's specific needs while working through every muscle layer and getting deeper as the tissues allow. Other common techniques used during her session include abdominal massage, myofascial release, vacuum therapy, all while helping you to reach a deep state of relaxation. Tara graduated from The National Holistic Institute’s School of Massage Therapy (NHI) in October 2017. Her studies included Eastern and Western modalities and she completed a 900 course in Massage Therapy. She became Certified through CAMTC soon after.  In addition to her core program, Tara has taken additional courses to become a Certified Vacuum Therapy Technician using a cupping machine that utilizes many different cups to work different areas of the body and also perform.  She recently studied in Chiang Mai, Thailand taking a Chi Nei Tsang Course that focuses on massaging the abdominal organs and lungs.  For any of these specific therapeutic treatments, please fill out an intake form in advance so Tara can plan for the best session.     During massage school Tara was hired at a Family Chiropractic office, directly assisting the Chiropractor and primarily working with pregnant clients and children.  She was hired on as a Massage Therapist after graduation.   She worked with a Chiropractor for 2 years before shifting directions to work as a Massage Therapist  at a local Scotts Valley resort in the Healing Arts Department of 1440 Multiversity and also began working at Empowering Hands Massage soon after. 

 

 

Jacob (Jake) Medvidovich

CAMTC #75498

Signature Massage Therapist

Jake's former experience as an athlete, certified personal trainer and his own journey with health and wellness has given him a unique and intuitive perspective of the body. Jake is a graduate of the National Holistic Institutes 1250 hour Advanced Neuromuscular Therapy Program. He has worked with Chiropractors and has a very therapeutic approach to massage therapy. Most of his time is dedicated to helping people with chronic pain, sports injuries, surgery prehabilitation and rehabilitation with a combination of Myofascial and Trigger Point Therapy.  His focus is on restoring quality of life through therapeutic touch and client education. He believes that by creating an understanding and connection with our bodies we actually unlock our full potential as human beings.  When Jake is not working with clients he enjoys spending time with his young son and girlfriend, hiking, playing disc golf  and exploring the world!

 

 

Laura Sondreal 

CAMTC # 85829

Relaxation Massage Therapist

Laura first studied massage at Twin Lakes Healing Arts College in 2003. She took a 200-hour introductory course where she learned the basics of Swedish Massage and Human Anatomy. She began giving family and friends massages along with massaging at local retreats throughout the years. In 2019 Laura was inspired by Emily to go back to school to complete her training. She took a few more classes in Santa Cruz at Cypress Health Institute and then decided to jump in to attend the National Holistic Institute of Massage in San Jose, California where she completed an 800 hour course. She has a passion for making people feel better by attending to clients' individual needs to release muscle tension especially in head, neck and shoulders. Her massage technique is very relaxing and she has an intuitive sense of knowing what the body needs.

 

 

 

Camilla Diget

CAMTC #57893

Signature Massage Therapist 

Camilla is a Santa Cruz local and has been a massage therapist since 2014. Ever since she was a small child, she has had a passion for helping people feel better. At age 20, Camilla graduated from the National Holistic Institute where she learned Swedish, deep tissue, prenatal and relaxation modalities.  With 5 years of hands on massage experience, massage therapy comes very natural to her. Camilla specializes in deep tissue and relaxation combination. During each session, Camilla will tailor each appointment to her clients individual needs.  In her free time, Camilla enjoys spending time with her son, her husband and their three dogs. Her passion for helping others has inspired her to further her education and pursue a career in nursing integrating her previous experience and knowledge she has found in massage therapy.

 

 

Lori Atkinson

CAMTC #82482

Signature Massage Therapist 

Lori has a strong desire to encourage and support people on their paths toward wellness.  She is driven by her trust in the body’s innate ability to heal itself, and sees every session as a unique conversation with the body. Her intention for every session is to encourage the body in its healing process and to restore optimal movement and vitality. Lori has a passion for promoting health and wellness naturally. She will work with you to achieve any health goals you may have and use focused therapeutic work to correct muscular imbalances & release tension causing pain.  Lori is skilled and educated in Structural Integration through advanced myofascial techniques and continued education in her field of interest is something she continues to pursue. She has taken many advanced courses in assessing and treating chronic pain. She is especially adept at working with cervico/neurogenic headaches, TMJD, neck and spinal/postural issues.  Having come through several years of chronic pain she is understanding and committed to the well being of her clients. Lori integrates several different modalities to accommodate her clients needs. She will work with you to improve your quality of life, improve posture, facilitate injury recovery, and/or manage chronic pain. Lori currently volunteers her time/abilities working within the cancer community. In her free time, she enjoys adventuring outdoors, hiking in her beloved mountains, traveling, practicing yoga, and spending time with her furry companion.

 

 

 

Cinda Mefferd 

CAMTC #32543

Relaxation Massage Therapist 

Cinda was a potter for 20 years before attending Cypress Health Institute in Santa Cruz, California in 1985 to become a Massage Practitioner. Cinda's favorite style of massage is Swedish-also known as Relaxation Massage. Cinda is delighted to offer Relaxation Massage at Empowering Hands as she enjoys helping clients relax, rest deeply and feel better. Cinda has a 500 hour Bodywork Therapist certificate from the School Of Shiatsu And Massage, formerly in Middletown, California. It includes massage and anatomy hours. Cinda also completed 750 hours of training in Watsu and Waterdance, two dance-like styles of aquatic bodywork practiced in a warm swimming pool. Cinda has incorporated some aquatic bodywork rhythms and flow into the massages she gives. Cinda has tutored,  provided Massage Therapy in chiropractic offices and has developed a niche related to describing and demonstrating ways to refine massage artistically. She is currently writing a manual to share her knowledge and experience. Cinda's other interests include memoir writing, reading, cooking, gardening and hiking.