Biography
Melissa Upham-Strickland, CNA, EMT-I, Nationally Certified Therapeutic Massage & Bodyworker, Neuromuscular Therapist, Reflexologist, Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki Master, Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques
Melissa first began her studies in alternative healing in Florida in 1990, where she lived and became an avid student of the Barbara Brennan method of Chakra/Crystal healing under a very successful practitioner. She researched and assisted in the healing of many successful case studies for several years while studying Energy Work,Theology, Past lives, Shamanism, Herb/Vitamin therapy, Crystal/Color and Aromatherapy under many wonderful teachers. She became an Ordained Minister through the Universalist church The Alliance of Divine Love then opened her own private healing practice.
In 1994 Melissa relocated to Watkinsville, Ga. to be with her soul mate where she continued her private practice and studies as a Natural Living Consultant/Holistic Health Practitioner. Melissa traveled for several years facilitating workshops in natural healing modalities throughout Georgia, Florida and Pennsylvania.
Melissa worked in the Athens community providing personal care and supportive services to the physically/developmentally challenged as a CNA while furthering her education in the health care field.
Melissa received her formal education in Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork through the Career Education Institute in 2004-2005 where she studied Massage and Bodywork Technologies, Kinesiology, Myofascial & Structural Integration, Trigger Point/Neuromuscular Therapy, Aromatherapy, Reflexology and Acupressure. Melissa already had a successful massage therapy practice with a large following of loyal clients before ever finishing school. She became certified in Neuromuscular Therapy, Reflexology, Sports Massage, Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques, Quantum Healing and a Usui Shiki Ryoho Master as well as Nationally Board Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork since receiving her formal training.
Melissa was a volunteer Chair Massage therapist at the Diabetes Expo in 2006, The Georgia College Health Fair in 2008 & 2009, a guest speaker at Georgia College Athletic Training Department in 2009 & 2010, guest speaker at Century Bank in Milledgeville and also a Chair Massage Therapist at the Ga. Renaissance Festival for two years. She has worked in the Athens and Milledgeville communities as a Medical Massage Therapist, specializing in pain relief through Deep Tissue, Energy Work, Trigger point & Neuromuscular Therapy for the last several years. Melissa is also a Massage Therapy instructor at the American Professional Institute in Milledgeville, Ga.
Melissa enjoys daily Yoga, meditation, Tai Chi and QiGong as her exercise program. Her hobbies include backpacking, swimming, herbal field crafting, gardening, rock hounding, personal development, reading and writing.
3701 Atlanta Hwy, Suite 6
across from the Georgia Square Mall
in Mission Square
(706)424-2131