your dream team.
Talented and down-to-earth, creative and inquisitive, the team at West Side Wellness is unique. Each therapist brings different skills and perspectives to the table, but we all work together as a team. You can't go wrong! Read our core values.
Before making an appointment, read about our modalities and be sure to see who does what, especially if you're pregnant, scheduling for a kid, or looking for a specific treatment.
Before making an appointment, read about our modalities and be sure to see who does what, especially if you're pregnant, scheduling for a kid, or looking for a specific treatment.
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Violet Anderson, LMTtherapeutic massage, myofascial
she/they MT02816 Violet graduated from Lincoln Technical Institute in 2023. Her work is focused on deep therapeutic change and creating a calm and grounding atmosphere for her clients. Deeply interested in the role compassion and calm plays in our health, Violet looks to practice with a gentle and intuitive touch that can facilitate more intense muscular work, and leave the client feeling restored both emotionally and physically. She is inspired to expand her knowledge in myofascial massage, as well as pursue education in Thai massage. Violet values whole body wellness and also pursues knowledge in holistic nutrition, and in the practice of yoga and meditation. Outside of her pursuits within the field of wellness and massage therapy, Violet is an artist and farmer who adores music, self expression, and the natural world. more about violet
"My massage with Violet was one of the best I have ever received! ... I have not had a bad massage at West Side Wellness, so it is a challenge to compliment unless it is exceptional, and yesterday's massage was exceptional." "Violet was wonderful, sensitive to my needs and most effective! I was impressed and told her that the massage felt like it was given with love! I meant it." "Headache gone! Violet is awesome, a true healer. Advice much appreciated. Will return." (after a 15 minute session) "I loved my massage with Violet! She relaxed me and my body, relieved pain and discomfort and I wish I could have a massage from her weekly! She’s a treasure." "Violet focused where I had expressed concerns or had questions about tightness/soreness, and was responsive to feedback I gave during the massage. I felt very well cared for." |
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Chavi Banker, LMTtherapeutic massage, myofascial, prenatal
she/her MT02570 chavi plays with the texts of body, soul and earth through her practice as a bodyworker and doctoral student in Providence. As a trauma-experienced bodyworker, chavi practices these commitments by approaching the body with reverence, fluidity and nurturance. chavi weaves massage modalities, including barefoot myofascial bodywork, perinatal support techniques, and lomi lomi elements, to create an integrative approach that invites clients to return in safety and joy to their bodies. When she is not writing or bodyworking, chavi can be found learning from the forest, dancing, or cuddling with her beloved canine companion, Blue. more about chavi
"Chavi is kind, thoughtful, and very skilled; she has great anatomical knowledge and fresh ideas that have helped ease my aches and pains. She has taken a very thoughtful approach that has targeted difficult areas effectively." "It was the best prenatal massage I've received so far. Chavi used the perfect amount of pressure and was receptive and quick in responding to any feedback I had. She seemed skilled and experienced. I felt very relaxed in her presence." "Chavi is an amazing therapist with a sixth sense about what is needed. All the people there come highly recommend!! I use HSA and it's a wonderful way to add to your healthcare regime." |
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Dennis Braga, LMTtherapeutic massage, myofascial, prenatal
he/him MT02741 Born in Providence and happy to be back home in the Ocean State after decades away, Dennis is an artist at heart. He graduated from the renowned Swedish Institute in New York City in 2005, beginning his career in the healing arts. Dennis is certified in manual lymphatic drainage (not offering yet) and pre & post natal massage. He has over 20 years of experience internationally, at leading five-star spa environments as well as at yoga studios, where he aligns his body and his connection to community. The eastern theory of massage therapy is what resonates most for Dennis and his approach to the innate healing within. His technique is a dynamic fusion of eastern and western bodywork traditions, offering a balanced comprehensive treatment. more about DENNIS
"I had a lovely time at West Side Wellness! I was blessed by Dennis' hands! He was very attentive, checked in often, and was responsive to immediate feedback! The room was very inviting and calm, and really created a tranquil space for my massage. This place was recommended to me by a friend & I'll be sure to spread the word to more friends! Can't wait for my next visit!" |
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Kei Soares Cobb, LMT, RCSTtherapeutic massage, craniosacral, myofascial, acupressure, stretch therapy, prenatal
he/him/they MT02275 Kei graduated from Green Mountain Massage School in 2015 where he learned how to bring his connection with nature into therapeutic presence and compassionate touch. Kei’s ongoing training and research in the healing arts has been focused on how to evoke his client’s innate capacity to feel safe, held, and heard, allowing the body-mind space to self-heal and regenerate. Kei holds certifications in craniosacral therapy, traditional thai yoga massage, integrative somatic trauma therapy, and has studied myofascial integration with with several rolfers and osteopaths. Kei’s bodywork is patient, precise, and oriented to the subtle ebb and flow of energetic currents in and around the body. Kei has been teaching yoga and meditation since 2012 and enjoys exploring the wonders of his own embodiment while hiking, surfing, going on long trail runs, planting trees, and in his part-time career as a professional dancer. more about kei
"Kei was amazing, thoughtful, and thorough, with the right balance of deeper massage on the problem areas, but maintaining focus on the rest of the body as well. I felt wonderful after. Peaceful and whole!" "Intense experience, in a good way. Kei has a reassuring clinical manner. Highly recommend, from my first time experience." |
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Karon Hartshorn, LMTtherapeutic massage, reiki
she/her MT02636 Karon Hartshorn started her massage therapy career in July 2020 after decades in the field of finance, graduating from Bancroft School of Massage Therapy. She specializes in therapeutic and relaxation massage as well as reiki, has an extensive background in medicinal herbalism, and is a certified nutritional therapist. She is currently in training for myofascial bodywork, craniosacral therapy and orthopedic massage. She's quite able to apply pressure if that's your thing, or she can dial that back for a quiet, tranquil experience and brings full presence and deep intuition to every session. She draws strength and peace from spending time in woods, garden, and in spiritual work, as well as in different forms of textile work such as weaving, sewing and crocheting. Karon is currently not taking new clients. Note: Karon can be booked for 30 and 60 minute all-reiki sessions, or, if you'd like to combine reiki with massage, just give us a heads up when booking. more about karon
"Karon was great. She made me feel welcome. I felt comfortable while getting the massage. She explained every step and the best part was I didn't felt rushed or exposed." "Oh my goodness, Karon was so skilled and lovely. What an ideal massage. Thank you!" "I absolutely loved my massage with Karon. She was very through in asking me what I wanted to achieve with my massage. I was there primarily for relaxation but also some pain issues. It seemed as if she could pinpoint my pain issue spots telepathically. I feel great and will be back for more." |
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Chastity Joy, LMTtherapeutic massage, neuromuscular, reflexology, cupping
she/her MT02368 Originally from Tennessee, Chastity enjoys calling Rhode Island home. She has a certificate in massage therapy from Lincoln Technical Institute, and she's currently studying nutrition and personal training so she can more fully advise her clients on wellness and movement. Chastity is passionate about helping people feel better through massage, and her excitement about the work is infectious. She excels at focused, problem-solving bodywork. Her work is precise and informed. more about chastity
"Chastity has fantastic problem solving skills and sustained strength, along with great, great energy." "I loved my massage from Chastity so much that I came back two weeks later and sent my husband to see her." "Coming back to WSW was one of the best things since being vaccinated. My first massage with Chastity was incredible. I usually feel really nervous with a new therapist but she put me right at ease. I’ve already recommended her several times." "Chastity is unbelievable, so knowledgeable, strong, and fun. She’s the best!" "I wanted to tell you how amazing my massage with Chastity was. She was like a bright light in a dark tunnel for my aches and pains and my blues, too!" |
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Rogelio (JR) Maldonado, LMTtherapeutic massage, myofascial
he/him MT02727 Rogelio Maldonado the 3rd, better known as JR, is a graduate of the prestigious Bancroft School of Massage. At WSW, he's known for his excellent deep tissue work. During his treatments, JR often adds therapeutic stretching for areas such as the lower back, legs, glutes, arms, and shoulders, depending on the client's needs. He also works to improve joint and ligament mobility; even, for example, the small ligaments within the hands and feet, which for some can become very restricted due to lifestyle and/or occupation. "I really like to try to get some micro-movement in those ligaments to promote enhanced range of motion in general, as well as better blood flow and increased articulation in these areas." Rogelio is a blind massage therapist. The absence of vision has heightened his sense of touch and enabled him to provide precision bodywork that's one of a kind. more about JR
"Working with JR has been an incredible, pain shifting experience. I have chronic tick borne disease and have had a lot of body pain. JR always hits the right spots, and had even taught me stretches that have been immensely helpful." "Best massage I ever received. JR was professional and courteous. Pleasant staff and office was exceptionally clean. Lovely atmosphere. Highly recommend!" "JR has great hands. I think he's definitely found his calling!" "Soothing and skillful –– wish I had booked a longer session!" "I absolutely LOVED my experience and was melting by the end of my massage!! JR has the touch of an angel!" |
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Abigail McCoy, LMT, CMLDTtherapeutic massage, myofascial, manual lymph drainage
she/they MT02745 Abigail completed her certification in massage therapy from River Valley Community College in 2019. Her experience and training includes myofascial, deep tissue, manual lymph drainage, and orthopedic massage. Abigail’s style of massage is a kinesiology (the study of human body movement) informed approach and incorporates techniques that not only affect the muscles and connective tissues but also the nervous system. She enjoys the process of learning each client’s needs and planning specific treatments to address those needs. Abigail finds the relationship that is fostered between therapist and client to be one of massage therapy’s most rewarding aspects. She is fascinated how it is the trust and mutual respect shared between a client and therapist that creates some of the most beneficial aspects of a massage. Abigail has interest in more training, including scar tissue massage techniques. more about abigail
"This was my first massage ever and it was a great experience all around. My back pain is relieved and Abigail was extremely attentive and communicative throughout the process." "I have thoroughly enjoyed the work Abigail has done with me! She has been fabulous." "I found her to be very present and attentive. She told me about "stuck" areas and we made a plan to work on a specific area next time. I will definitely be scheduling more times with her." "Abigail was very attentive and trauma sensitive. It was really, really appreciated. One of the most accommodating and attentive massages I've ever had." |
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Derina Perkinsacupressure/shiatsu, advanced structural bodywork (myofascial), therapeutic stretching, reiki
she/her Derina started at WSW as a COVID sanitation specialist in the middle of 2020, and she's been with us ever since. During that time, she completed the massage therapy program at Lincoln Technical Institute and became licensed in Massachusetts. Here at WSW, she's practicing clothed modalities that bring balance and restore function to the body. Acupressure/shiatsu is a technique used to balance yin and yang; it's energy and body balancing. "My sessions involve stretching, body movement, and manual pressure on the body's meridians. By doing this, I can release and disperse blocked energy throughout the body to obtain balance, relaxation, and self healing." Reiki is a gentle, calming, hands-on energy modality that reduces stress and promotes healing. Derina's advanced structural bodywork sessions work with the myofascial network of the body, assessing posture and injury patterns, and bringing openness, functionality, and pain relief. She trained in this technique with Rob Martin. (note: licensure is not required to practice these modalities in RI.) more about derina
"I'm very happy with the results of my session! My neck no longer hurts and I feel amazing. I will be seeing you again!" "I went in with my shoulders up to my ears and a knotted feeling in one shoulder. I didn’t know what to expect from shiatsu but Derina's expert hands somehow found all of the right points to release tension and smooth knots. I felt a warmth and liquid flow sensation where before there was tightness. She also worked on my feet and that seemed somehow to help relax my tension and impact the upper body as well. I can’t say that I understand how shiatsu massage works but I highly recommend to all to try it. Derina is absolutely phenomenal." "Derina was amazing. I never had a shiastu massage before, and for me it's the way to go. It really was the bomb." "My session was great! It was really healing. She's the best!" |
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Katelyn Santiago, LMTtherapeutic massage, myofascial, prenatal, cupping
she/her MT02589 Katelyn graduated from Lincoln Technical Institute's therapeutic massage and bodywork program in 2019. Massage is very rewarding work for Katelyn, and she enjoys helping her clients find relief from chronic and acute muscular pain and tension as well as from daily stress. She works with her clients to address their specific needs, and she encourages clients to become more in tune with their bodies, promoting a self-awareness that lasts beyond the massage table. Katelyn uses a firm yet gentle approach to help with muscular tension and pain, while offering a restorative, relaxing and healing experience. She enjoys learning about structural bodywork, and she's also trained in cupping therapy and prenatal massage. Katelyn plans to continue learning new modalities to incorporate into her practice. more about katelyn
"Katelyn has been truly amazing at helping me work through the severe pain I've been in from my neck and shoulder." "Great deep tissue massage. Amazing! I have some physical problems that have been difficult on me. Katelyn is very knowledgeable and works very hard to ease my pain." "I love Katelyn! She works hard on my pain." "Relaxation is a bonus of all the work Katelyn is doing on my tangled mess. And we seem to be making progress towards some areas of permanent relief. Katelyn is great at determining my needs and then addressing them." |
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Tiffany Starkstherapeutic massage, reflexology
she/her, MT02864 Tiffany graduated from Lincoln Technical School, where she trained in many modalities, such as swedish massage, shiatsu, deep tissue, hot stones, reflexology, and chair massage. She’s currently completing additional training in sports massage, and she’s interested in becoming certified in lymphatic drainage massage, as well as in the field of nutrition. Tiffany has a medical background and she’s also a certified yoga instructor. Tiffany believes in a more holistic approach to health care and well being: “I like to combine different massage techniques, like deep pressure, swedish, reflexology, and stretching. My goal is to make sure my client is relaxed and comfortable, and that they leave their session feeling better than when they came in!” more about TIFFANY
"Tiffany was perfection today for what I was craving. My body and mind are tired and emotional, and her touch was exactly what I needed." "Had an hour full body massage with Tiffany, 10/10, highly recommend. It was my first professional massage and I was a bit nervous, but Tiffany took great care of me. Gave equal attention to right and left sides, and strong pressure where needed for gnarly knots. I think I fell asleep near the end, I was so relaxed. Thank you, I hope to come again." |
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Ni'cole Whalen, LMT, CMLDTtherapeutic & relaxation massage, reiki
she/her MT02374 Ni'cole has over 7 years of experience in the field of massage therapy. She holds an Associate in Applied Science in Therapeutic Massage Degree from CCRI. In addition, Ni'cole is also a certified Reiki practitioner and holds certifications in Hypnosis and Neurolinguistic Programming. She is just as interested in how the mind works as she is in how the body works. Ni'cole's approach to bodywork is an integration of concepts from her diverse training. Drawing upon various techniques such as Swedish massage, gentle myofascial release, reiki, and guided meditation, she skillfully blends these modalities to address the interconnectedness of the mind and body to achieve more lasting and transformative results. At the core of Ni'cole's mission as a bodyworker is the creation of a safe and inclusive space where individuals can embark on their unique healing journeys. With a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, Ni'cole strives to guide her clients towards holistic healing and self-reconnection. Ni'cole is currently not taking new clients, and will be on temporary leave starting December 1, 2024. more about ni'cole
"Ni'cole is incredibly kind, caring, knowledgeable, skillful, and intuitive. She does not take a one size fits all approach to wellness and healing. She takes the time and care to develop a personal and customized approach with her clients. She also provides a very welcoming and relaxing environment to her clients. Definitely recommend!" "If you are you looking for a highly trained and intuitive massage therapist, look no further than Ni’cole. After the pandemic, we all learned the importance of self care. Massage therapy plays an essential role in your physical and mental well being. Ni'cole is extraordinary. Her guided meditation adds a deeper level of relaxation and her massage is really an incredible experience." "She really got my circulation going, mood up and a deep rest. I almost fell asleep twice, which isn't typical for me. Thanks!" |
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Ellen Zahniser, LMT, CMLDTtherapeutic massage, myofascial, neuromuscular, manual lymph drainage, cupping
she/they MT02800 Ellen graduated from Bancroft School of Massage Therapy in January 2023. Originally from the West Coast, Ellen moved to RI in 2012; their interest in massage therapy developed as a continuation of their lifelong passion for dance, movement, and somatic experiencing! Ellen seeks to address patterns of pain with curiosity and care through individualized treatment plans that combine swedish, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, cupping, and gentle movement. They hope to invite protective and stressed systems into states of rest by exploring alternative sensations of vastness, ease, and dynamic fluidity. Ellen is studying the Trager Approach, a movement re-education bodywork practice. It's a gentle, clothed modality involving manual work and movement. "For clients who struggle to settle their nervous systems, a Trager session often lulls them into a deep parasympathetic state. It empowers clients to have agency in their healing by offering tools to feel better on their own, rather than being reliant on the massage therapist." That said, 90% of Ellen's sessions are still traditional medium to deep pressure massage! Ellen's ultimate goal is to cultivate a space in which clients can feel comfortable, heard, and empowered in their own healing. When not at WSW, Ellen loves eating dessert, biking around, and enjoying the wonders of Rhode Island!! more about ellen
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Jen Raimondi, LMT, ownermyofascial bodywork
she/her MT01476 Jen started West Side Wellness in January 2011. Prior to studying massage, Jen earned a BA at Wesleyan University and a MFA at Rhode Island School of Design. Many experiences steered Jen towards massage, including being a volunteer patient companion at RI Hospital. Jen completed her massage therapy training at the Santa Fe School of Massage (formerly the Scherer Institute) in New Mexico in 2007. Since then, Jen has focused on myofascial bodywork. Jen is not currently seeing clients. more about jen
"Jen and her fellow therapists have always taken into account the unique needs of different massage clients. They remember details about each individual. The therapy can be both energizing and relaxing. There are no promises of "cures" for major conditions, but there's plenty of short term relief, important coping mechanisms, and most importantly: expanded body and motion awareness." |
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"I had amazing massages with both Ni’cole and Violet. Besides being kind and making me feel comfortable and welcome, their massages were excellent. Not every therapist is this connected to their craft to have the ability to intuitively listen to someone else’s body, Ni’cole and Violet definitely are. I can tell they love what they do. I’ve also received amazing massages from Suzanne and Chastity. Although their styles are different, I felt like they both knew what my body needed. Truthfully I haven’t had a bad massage or negative experience at WSW (nor has my husband)!"
"I am completely in love with the space. You feel a sense of relaxation and peace even as you open the door. The high ceilings, low lighting, warm tones, and gorgeous natural light put you at ease instantly. It's remarkable."
"It has been about a century since I’ve had a massage. Thank god the good people at West Side Wellness exist and have this available to an old person (okay, me), and they are so great. Caring, professional, friendly and the best. Thanks!!!"
"I am completely in love with the space. You feel a sense of relaxation and peace even as you open the door. The high ceilings, low lighting, warm tones, and gorgeous natural light put you at ease instantly. It's remarkable."
"It has been about a century since I’ve had a massage. Thank god the good people at West Side Wellness exist and have this available to an old person (okay, me), and they are so great. Caring, professional, friendly and the best. Thanks!!!"
