Meet The Team
SUSAN CASACCIO
LMT, CMLDT
AZ License No: MT-23254
Surprise and Glendale locations
Cortiva Institute with MBLEx – 2015
My massage career started after a short stint in sales and marketing, I realized that I needed to be a bit more creative, physical, and work more closely with people. While raising 2 athletic boys that were constantly using their bodies to compete, I discovered my curiosity for anatomy, physiology and kinesiology.
I attended massage therapy school and passed the MBLEx exam in the Chicago-land area. After a cross-country move, I became licensed in Arizona in 2016. Since then, I’ve also obtained my manual lymphatic drainage certification and enjoy working with clients to move excess fluid and reduce inflammation through use of the Vodder technique.
My educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Integrative Health from Arizona State University and I am currently pursuing a Master of Science in Acupuncture.
My favorite massage modalities include cupping, gua-sha, PNF and trigger point work. I tend to blend multiple therapeutic modalities and mix in some relaxation techniques so you leave feeling relieved AND relaxed. My favorite muscle to work on is levator and any dysfunction in the posterior chain has my name written all over it.
I am a life-long learner and am thankful to be working in a field that requires constant education and encourages evidence-based practice.
Modalities proficient in: Customized Therapeutic, Swedish Relaxation, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Myofascial, Deep Tissue, Acupressure, Trigger Point Therapy, Cupping, Scraping, Foot Work/Reflexology, Sports Massage, Aroma Therapy, Hot Stones, PNF Stretching
ROBIN WOODS
LMT
AZ License #: MT-29293
Surprise and Glendale locations
The American Institute of Allied Health with MBLEx – 2008
I have been a massage therapist since 2008 and am licensed to practice massage in both Texas and Arizona. My work experience includes owning my own practice in Dallas for 8 years, working with the NFL and Cirque du Soleil.
I became a massage therapist as an Army veteran who, after getting back from overseas (OIF IV), just wanted to be in a dark room with some soft music. Intentional touch saved life, put me back in my body, and taught me the healing power of rest and peace. My therapeutic work developed when I was recruited in 2014 by a body building gym to start my independent practice amongst amateur and professional athletes.
I have a lot of experience working with chronic pain and connective tissue disorders. Neck and shoulder pain, low back pain, and sciatica issues are my wheelhouse. Modalities I specialize in are: Myofascial, Deep Tissue, Swedish, Sports, Hot Stones, Prenatal, Lomi Lomi, and Cranial Sacral. My current interest is tuning forks and using resonance to release pain points.
In 2023, I moved to Phoenix from Dallas to pursue love and adventure, of which I found both. I have a Bachelor’s in English Literature from the University of North Texas, and a certificate in Technical Writing, of which I use neither.
Modalities proficient in: Customized Therapeutic, Swedish Relaxation, Reiki, Myofascial, Deep Tissue, Acupressure, Trigger Point Therapy, Cupping, Scraping, Foot Work/Reflexology, Sports Massage, Aroma Therapy, Hot Stones, Lomi Lomi, Cranial Sacral, PNF Stretching
SARAH SANCHEZ
LMT, CMLDT
AZ License #: MT-25086
Surprise and Glendale locations
The Southwest Institute of Healing Arts – 2018
I’ve been a Licensed Massage Therapist since 2018. I graduated from Southwest Institute of Healing Arts in Tempe, Arizona. My manual lymphatic drainage certification and reiki practice allows me to work beyond the borders of Arizona.
I specialize overall in customized relaxation and customized therapy. Nothing wrong with adding a little Lomi Lomi to a deep tissue session, combining both worlds into one! I was recently certified in Manual Lymphatic Drainage and I never realized how much people need MLD in their lives. I look forward to working with clients who need it.
My next goal as a therapist is to dive deeper into the world of sports! I want to help veteran athletes and active athletes remain feeling like gladiators! In this coming year it is my goal to focus on kinesiology, stretch therapy, and even strength training. Don’t be surprised if you catch me becoming a certified personal trainer!
I admire the art of massage! Combining all modalities into one session, uniquely crafting a session to each body. The very ‘sport’ of helping the client surrender is the most fun I have at work. Nothing is more gratifying than to see the clients’ improvements and their gratitude. I also love to collaborate with personal trainers, physical therapists, doctors, chiropractors, and other medical professionals to help better guide clients to accomplish their goals.
I am an artist at heart. Outside of massage I love to draw, color, and paint! I’m currently a hyper-realistic celebrity portrait artist and I enjoy visiting celebrities to get their portrait signed. The celebrities I’m drawn to are rockstars and movie stars, and athletes.
In this lifetime, I desire to open an art studio to provide art therapy and art classes for those who want to improve themselves and break away from their depressions, anxieties, and art blockages.
Modalities proficient in: Customized Therapeutic, Swedish Relaxation, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Reiki, Myofascial, Deep Tissue, Acupressure, Trigger Point Therapy, Foot Work/Reflexology, Sports Massage, Aroma Therapy, Hot Stones, Lomi Lomi, Myotherapy, Reiki, PNF Stretching
MERCEDEZ CASTANEDA
LMT
AZ License #: MT-29378
Surprise and Glendale locations
Arizona College of Massage Therapy – 2023
My name is Mercedez and I have been a licensed massage therapist since 2023. I am honored to assist you on your journey in humble loving servitude.
My healing passions consist of a professional dedicated practice of health & self-care, movement oriented total body wellness, strengthening & realignments, along with over 15 massage modalities. All of these foundational elements are alchemized to bring you a unique & unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling loved, peaceful, and truly alive.
One of my favorite massage techniques is working with the feet. They are critical to our balance, bearing the weight of our body yet, they are the least pampered part of us. I aim to increase blood circulation in the feet and strategically address reflexology points to decrease pain throughout other areas of the body.
I am most excited to continue my clinical education so I can keep learning and growing. Pelvic floor disorders, SI joint pain, sciatica and TMJ coursework is on the horizon and I can’t wait to be able to start incorporating all these techniques into my bodywork sessions.
The goal for my clients is always the same, that you leave my treatment room feeling renewed, revived, and restored. I look forward to meeting you. Blessings!
Modalities proficient in: Customized Therapeutic, Swedish Relaxation, Acupressure, Trigger Point Therapy, Cupping, Scraping, Foot Work/Reflexology, Sports Massage, Aroma Therapy, Hot Stones, Chair Massage
MARISSA VALDEZ
LMT
License # MT-26777
Surprise location
Arizona School of Massage Therapy with MBLEx – 2010
My journey into the world of the healing arts started in 2010. In truth, I had never
experienced a professional massage before attending school. Although my mother was
no massage therapist, she recognized the importance of human touch. Inspired by her
understanding, I started to offer that same touch to others, which immediately sparked
my interest. She is the reason I chose this path to becoming a massage therapist.
Health and wellness quickly became a huge part of my life during school, and I
discovered the profound impact of therapeutic touch. I learned various techniques and
modalities, some of which I picked up throughout my career. In my early years as a
therapist, I worked at a Spa in Scottsdale. There, I gained a deep understanding of true
relaxation through Swedish massage complemented by aromatherapy, hot stones, and
towels, you know the full experience.
The more I worked, the more curious I became about the human body. I wanted to
understand how it functions, how it heals, and, most importantly, my role in that process.
I studied and practiced deep tissue, trigger point therapy, and structural massage. I
quickly realized how these modalities provided long-lasting effects, alleviating pain and
allowing me to help on a deeper level than before. Everyone has their specialty, and
that is mine.
I have this relentless desire to expand my knowledge, which is why I am currently
pursuing further education to become a Physical Therapist Assistant. I find joy in helping
others achieve optimal wellness, whether that’s through physical therapy or massage
therapy. I’m always eager to bring what I know to the table, literally!
Outside of my professional interests, I enjoy staying active by going to the gym,
unwinding with challenging jigsaw puzzles, and nurturing my collection of plants.
Modalities proficient in: Customized Therapeutic, Swedish Relaxation, Myofascial, Deep Tissue, Acupressure, Trigger Point Therapy, Cupping, Scraping/GuaSha, Foot Work/Reflexology, Sports Massage, Aroma Therapy, Hot Stones, Myotherapy, PNF Stretching