Chaya Cohen has been a licensed massage therapist for the past 13 years after graduating from the extended professional program at Healing Hands Institute of Massage Therapy in Westwood NJ, in 2005. She holds licenses in both New York and Wisconsin.

She has experience working with professional athletes, Broadway singers, quadriplegics, and chronic pain sufferers. She focuses on rehabilitation, pain management, increased range of motion and relaxation. She has worked alongside fitness professionals, chiropractors and physical therapists which has deepened her understanding of the bodies ability to heal itself.

Her style is a blend of therapeutic touch and relaxing bodywork, utilized to address each client’s individual needs. Flowing movement and area specific work are blended together to facilitate healing while still giving a relaxing experience. She enjoys working with clients to alleviate pain and bring relief from chronic issues, specializing in neck and shoulder work, and has had excellent results with those who suffer from migraines and headaches.

A recent transplant from New York, she is enjoying getting to know Milwaukee and exploring everything the city has to offer.

Q&A with Chaya Cohen

Q. How long have you been a massage therapist?
A. I graduated in 2005, so about 13 years. I currently hold both New York and Wisconsin state Licenses.

Q. What areas do you specialize in?
A. I’ve always been drawn to rehab type work, dealing with chronic pain issues, and alleviating pain. After being in the field for over 13 years, my style tends to be a blend of all sorts of modalities, specifically tailored to each individual client.

Q. What brought you to your current style of practice?
A. After 13 years, I’ve learned what works for the majority of my clients, even after working with them to address individual needs. I’ve also had the unfortunate experience of having worked with several family members who have gone through traumatic injuries in the past few years. I believe this has made me more empathetic and I try to treat each client the way I would want my family members to be treated.

Q. What can a new patient expect?
A. To be listened to. Both in words and what their body tells me on the table. I’m very attuned to subtle movements that tell me something is uncomfortable, or that’s the area that needs more attention.

Q. What recent trends have you found most noteworthy?
The overall embracing of “alternative methods” of treatment. It has become much more mainstream to have people turn to something other than western medicine. I’m a big proponent of finding what works for you.

Q. What are your current personal wellness goals and how are you addressing them?
A. I’m currently focused on mindfulness, being in the present and managing my stress through meditation and energy work. I’ve been working on incorporating some form of meditation into my massage sessions.

Q. What is your favorite beautiful spot in Milwaukee?
A. Since I’m still fairly new to the area, I’m still exploring! My happy place has always been on the water, so various spots on the lake shore have definitely been in the top. The art museum is a favorite for my son and I. We spend time at the Milwaukee Art Museum and the gorgeous views of the lake are a definite bonus.

Q. What is your favorite place to eat in Milwaukee?
A. I don’t really eat out all that much, my husband is a chef and we enjoy cooking together for our family and friends.

Q. What are your top three favorite things to do/hobbies?
A. I’m a sculpture artist, working mainly with wood and glass, so anytime I get a chance to work on various projects. I’m always in the process of working on multiple pieces at any given time. I’m a voracious reader and love to explore new books and authors. Hanging out with my 6-year-old son, and watching his mind stretch and grow is fascinating and deeply rewarding.

Q. What do you do to de-stress?
A. Get a massage! I also find working on my art almost meditative at times, which helps me unwind.

Kylie is a lover of human anatomy and helping others and she is thrilled to be practicing massage therapy at Invivo where she is able to combine these two passions into a career.

Kylie graduated at the top of her class from Aveda IBW’s 750-hour massage therapy program, where she learned techniques for Swedish, Deep Tissue, Hot Stone, and Prenatal massage. She is licensed in the state of Wisconsin, and professionally insured by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA).

An advocate of self-care, Kylie believes that monthly massages are a must and prides herself on making her clients feel at ease during their session. She works hard to create a relationship of trust and communication with her clients, and is so thankful to get to practice in this profession that allows her to not only care for others but also nourish her own soul in the process.

Q&A with Kylie Dolphin

Q. How long have you been a massage therapist?
A. I graduated in November 2018! So about a month!

Q. What areas do you specialize in?
A. While I don’t have a specific specialization, I am trained in Swedish/relaxation massage to give patients a dreamy relaxing experience and deep tissue/ sports massage for those more persistent muscle pains and troubles.  I am also trained in a Chakra balancing massage, and Reiki 1.

Q. What brought you to your current style of practice?
A. I am no stranger to the positive effects a massage can have on a person’s entire wellbeing and I knew from the beginning of my massage therapy journey that helping others feel well not only physically but also emotionally and mentally would be my number one goal. My practice is just as focused on the body as it is on the mind.

Q. What can a new patient expect?
A. The team of massage therapists at INVIVO is amazing and you are in good hands! I hope you come in with an open mind and feel comfortable to communicate any concerns or questions you may have. We are here to make you feel as at ease as possible!

Q. What recent trends have you found most noteworthy?
One of my instructors at school was a big fan of cupping and I have definitely enjoyed using cups in my services. They allow the therapist to get a good hold on “trouble spots” in the muscles and are super effective!

Q. What are your current personal wellness goals and how are you addressing them?
A. I’m an introvert by nature, so I’m trying to get better at carving out some personal time each weekend to care for myself. Sometimes that’s by going on a walk, meditating, or journaling, and sometimes it’s sitting down and watching Netflix. Empath-exhaustion is a real thing, so it’s important to care for yourself just as much as you care for others!

Q. What is your favorite beautiful spot in Milwaukee?
A. Anywhere in Milwaukee when it’s snowing. I’m in love with falling snow and no one can tell me any different! And the land out behind Invivo. It’s brought me many zen moments and is one of my favorite places to go for a little walk.

Q. What is your favorite place to eat in Milwaukee?
A. Oh there’s so many…Comet Café, Chicken Palace, La Masa, anywhere at the Public Market….I could go on.

Q. What are your top three favorite things to do/hobbies?
A. 1. I love dogs more than most things. So petting dogs, playing with dogs, looking at dogs on Youtube…that definitely counts as a hobby.
2. Crafting! Also the one I do the least, but when I can sit down and dedicate some time to making something beautiful, I’m happy.
3. Music. I have music playing pretty much all the time and would drop everything to see a favorite band in concert.

Q. What do you do to de-stress?
A. I love to nap when I’m stressed out. If I can’t nap, I try to listen to some favorite music, or pet a dog…it’s been proven to help!

Heather has a compassionate and friendly enthusiasm toward helping others. The field of Massage Therapy encourages Heather in her pursuit of her own self-growth and life path.

Heather is a graduate of Lakeside School of Massage Therapy in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The 750-hour certificate program promotes knowledge of how the body works, what impairs its performance and which treatment plans and strategies can be used to shift the body back into balance. She is certified by the National Certification of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork board (NCTMB), licensed in the state of Wisconsin, and professionally insured by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). Heather is also Prenatal Massage certified through Integrative Touch.

Heather finds joy while she improves and creates a noticeable difference in her client’s body physically, as well as their quality of life. She aims to develop meaningful therapist-client relationships so that, together, they can focus on improving the well-being of the client.

Becoming certified and practicing Prenatal Massage Therapy has brought Heather unexpected joy and pride in the work she does. The advanced knowledge has given her the wonderful opportunity to safely help encourage overall relaxation, healthier diaphragmatic breathing, and a stronger bond between mother to be and baby. Heather is dedicated to continuing her education throughout her life, to better herself as a therapist, and deepen her soul during this lifetime.

Q&A with Heather Kaster

Q. How long have you been a massage therapist?
A. Since October 2006.

Q. What areas do you specialize in?
A. Swedish to increase circulation throughout the body, relaxation while being affectively therapeutic, deep tissue and sports massage to open up acute or chronically tight muscles. I am also certified in Prenatal massage.

Q. What brought you to your current style of practice?
A. I am extremely interested in the mind-body emotional-physical connections. In my opinion our bodies reflect not only our common postures but also how we react to life events big and small. I want to help people change for the better and how I massage is a reflection of that.

Q. What can a new patient expect?
A. I enjoy being purposeful during every massage with my movements and depth of pressure. I feel what sensations the muscles or limbs respond to and change my massage accordingly. I am a person who likes to puzzle solve and notice things that might not jump out as a direct factor in how someone feels. I look at the whole client then concentrate on their needs. Clients should expect to feel comfortable, respected, and have their needs addressed. I am quiet during the session if you are but I will talk the whole time if you want, too!

Q. What recent industry trends have you found most noteworthy?
A. The balance between wanting to give great discounts to make massage more accessable and not giving too much of yourself away as a healer. It has always been a personal issue to recognize for myself but it’s all over now which is interesting to see what others say about their experiences.

Q. What are your current personal wellness goals and how are you addressing them?
A. I have never been very active or driven so I need to work towards being more. I know if I don’t move it I’ll lose it and I am way too young for that! I want to bike to Invivo and back more often starting in spring. My dog loves to run on trails so I want to make that a more regular event too!

Q. What is your favorite beautiful spot in Milwaukee?
A. Blu at the 23rd floor of the Pfister at night when it’s snowing… And, actually, the westward view from Invivo is pretty amazing on many days – and especially when the sun is setting.

Q. What is your favorite place to eat in Milwaukee?
A. Too many to choose from!!! I really miss Nanakusa for sushi but I’ll say that Cafe Corazón has an amazing vegetarian ensalada that I always top with extra avacado.

Q. What are your top three favorite things to do/hobbies?
A. I could walk for hours (in the summertime). I’m starting to get more and more into cooking. I should really get back to painting now that I have more space to spread out…

Q. What do you do to de-stress?
A. I eat! Hahaha, but also I try really hard to recognize the little things in the moments of each day- like my pets doing something silly, or the sunshine on my cheeks. I breathe into that and exhale the stress I was holding on to…. Mmmm… Let go…

Kate Kirwan has been practicing massage therapy around the world since 2003. She is originally from Wisconsin but filled with wanderlust she calls home wherever her next adventure lies.

Q&A with Kate Kirwan

Q. How long have you been a massage therapist?
A. 20 years

Q. What areas do you specialize in?
A. Kate has trained in many techniques however she focuses on relaxation, therapeutic, deep tissue, and currently, is in training for hot bamboo massage. She enjoys trading with other therapists and practitioners to expand her knowledge base and learn ways to better accommodate her clients.

Q. What brought you to your current style of practice?
A. Kate attended Boulder College of Massage Therapy in 2002 and since has had the opportunity to practice all over the world. She never misses a chance to travel and has worked and served in countries such as Honduras, Ireland, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Fiji, Sri Lanka, Guatemala, and El Salvador. Kate draws on her training and experience to offer a compassionate, focused and well-rounded massage.

Kate is passionate about health care and educating and is known for her open-minded and easily approachable personality. In an effort to share her gift with more people she frequently joins forces with other health care professionals on trips abroad. This allows her the chance to connect with other therapists and health care professionals while helping people in developing areas.

What can a new student expect? Kate finds it is important to Listen to any issues you are currently having and customizes her massage treatment to meet your specific needs all while helping you to feel as comfortable as possible.

Q. What can a new patient expect?
A. Kate finds it is important to listen to any issues you are currently having and customizes her massage treatment to meet your specific needs all while helping you to feel as comfortable as possible.

Q. What are your current personal wellness goals and how are you addressing them?
A. Kate feels it is crucial to take care of the body AND mind. Unprocessed nourishing foods along with daily rituals for self-care in conjunction with exercise and bodywork are key to achieving ideal health and wellness.

Q. What is your favorite beautiful spot in Milwaukee?
A. Anywhere along the lake as water is her zen!

Q. What is your favorite place to eat in Milwaukee?
A. Kate recently moved here so she is open to any suggestions and loves all types of cuisine.

Q. What are your top three favorite things to do/hobbies?
A. Travel, travel, and travel! Kate loves the adventure of seeing new places and meeting new people while experiencing and learning from different cultures. Kate is also a scuba diver and enjoys sailing and surfing, pretty much anything that gets her out on or in the water.

Q. What do you do to de-stress?
A. Kate practices what is called miracle mornings. A daily morning ritual of either walking yoga or stretching followed with meditation journaling or reading (no not internet news or social media) followed by a yummy high protein breakfast to jump-start her day. Taking care of ourselves first is so important and it all starts the second we get out of bed.

After a successful career in medical sales, John decided to follow his true passion for patient care with a new life career in massage therapy. It came time to ‘‘leave the ‘burbs, move downtown, and restart living.” John’s mission is to educate and empower clients to greater self-awareness and mindful living through effective, precise bodywork.

John views bodywork and massage therapy as a facilitation of the body’s innate natural healing ability. Our bodies are wired to be healthy, vibrant, engaged, and alive. Sometimes we need an assist…a jump start…to help send us on our way toward healthier living. Your personal wellness goals may include relaxation, pain relief, stress or anxiety reduction, and healthier living.

Using a client-centered, client-specific approach, John incorporates elements of Precision Neuromuscular Therapy(PNMT) – using clinical reasoning in soft tissue therapy. It’s understanding WHAT tissue you are on, understanding WHY you are on it, and knowing WHAT may happen as an expected outcome. For more information on PNMT please listen to the explanation from my friend and mentor, Douglas Nelson.

Your personalized session may also include myofascial release – reducing fascial tensions and adhesions in your connective tissue, craniosacral therapy – light touch to facilitate releasing tensions in the body as well as traditional swedish, aromatherapy, reiki, and lomi lomi techniques. All this is woven into a relaxation experience designed to down-regulate your nervous system.

As a life long learner, John helps teach Precision Neuromuscular Therapy and craniosacral therapy coursework and participates in study groups for these therapies. An avid cyclist, yoga practitioner, reader, and mindfulness practitioner, John brings his life passion for a positive, vibrant, and spiritual practice to his clients.

Q&A with John Schaefer

Q. How long have you been a massage therapist?
A. I am fortunate to be embracing my second career now as a massage therapist. After spending over twenty years in healthcare sales and service including setting up many of the Midwest’s sports medicine, rehabilitation, and professional sports training rooms, I am now focusing on a new passion, patient care.

Q. What areas do you specialize in?
A. Using a client-centered integrated approach combining precision neuromuscular therapy (PNMT), myofascial release, craniosacral therapy into the traditional massage modalities of swedish, reiki, and lomi lomi.

Q. What brought you to your current style of practice?
A. Understanding there is an unmet need to provide a balance of evidence-based practice (PNMT) techniques with intuitive principles to reduce pain, stress, and anxiety while allowing for deep relaxation.

Q. What can a new client expect?
A. Look forward to a unique bodywork experience to treat your areas of discomfort as well as to provide a deep and often profound relaxation experience.

Q. What recent industry trends have you found most noteworthy?
A. Recent focus and research on the role of fascia, the body’s connective network, may have a significant impact on our understanding and treatment of the body as a connected system.

Q. What are your current personal wellness goals and how are you addressing them?
A. Mind, body, and spirit are intertwined with my meditation practice, on the road while cycling, and while enjoying walking, running, and yoga.

Q. What is your favorite beautiful spot in Milwaukee?
A. So many…Lakeshore Park, trails along the Milwaukee River, Milwaukee Art Museum.

Q. What is your favorite place to eat in Milwaukee?
A. Anything locally grown, small plate, and unique…La Merenda, C-Viche, Crazy Water, Odd Duck, the charming Riverwest neighborhood restaurants including Centro Cafe and Cafe Corazon.

Q. What are your top three favorite things to do/hobbies?
A. Sharing dinner and wine with my wife, cycling on our many great bike trails, meditating, reading, and music…ok, so that’s five!

Q. What do you do to de-stress?
A. The best de-stressors are to do what we love to do…for me that means to laugh, meditate, read, hop on my road bike, listen to and play music, enjoy a glass of wine and conversation with my wife, and anytime spent with my fabulous children.

Tori has developed her own style that is as unique as it is effective. She likes to combine deeper techniques that get the blood flowing with subtle, gentle techniques that allow the body to relax. Each of Tori’s sessions is individually tailored to meet the client’s needs to restore a calm sense of well-being; whether that means relieving chronic pain and stiffness, relaxing a stressed nervous system, or invigorating the spirit. She feels providing and receiving consistent massage creates a more balanced life, and appreciates being apart of the process.

Her mom was also a Massage Therapist, giving her a great understanding of body work at a young age. But the most important thing she learned is the idea of that we are always in the process of being the best version of ourselves. After completing a degree in Journalism and Art from the University of Minnesota she attended the AVEDA School of Massage in Minneapolis to follow in her mother’s footsteps. She is a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist and now resides in Bay View with her family. She enjoys all that Milwaukee offers including walking her dog along the trails, visiting the beer gardens, exploring the great food, going to festivals, biking with her husband and running the fun races. She is now learning all the great child-friendly activities to do with her baby, Wyatt./p>

Tori is excited to now offer Thai Massage and Bodywork at Invivo. She feels refreshed having learned new ways to approach and open the body in a more 3-dimensional way. Clients come out feeling invigorated and taller. The practice itself and its beliefs have changed her life.

Q&A with Tori Seiter

Q. How long have you been a massage therapist?
A. When people ask me how long have I been a massage therapist, I always say, “my whole life.” My mother was also a massage therapist so it has always been part of my life. Only, when I was little I was so ticklish that she could only work on my arms, back and head! But, legitimately about 6 years.

Q. What areas do you specialize in?
A. I tend to specialize in deeper work with a focus on chronic issues/pain. I recently became certified in Thai bodywork, a completely new way to approach the body that enables the client to remain clothed. Thai is done on the floor and incorporates holds and stretches that work ‘sen’ lines to release stagnant energy while moving the clients body into different stretches.

Q. What brought you to your current style of practice?
A. After years of being able to work on people I have found that I like being the person they come to for help. I enjoy a relaxing massage as much as the next person but I get a real sense of accomplishment when a client has great results from a specific problem.

Q. What can a new patient expect?
A. I would like a new client to come in with an open mind and confidence knowing that wether you have an issue or just want to let it all go you are in good hands. We have such a great team of people that work towards a common goal in our own unique way.

Q. What recent industry trends have you found most noteworthy?
A. The massage industry has been growing in popularity and acceptance across the board. People are looking for niche areas such as myofascial release, ayurvedic and Thai bodywork. If you haven’t heard of these yet, you will!

Q. What are your current personal wellness goals and how are you addressing them?
A. My own personal wellness goals encompass everything from improving my own practice, to where I buy my food, to daily reflections, to my ‘sweat a day’ goal. I like to consider myself a local-vor and a farmers market junkie. If I don’t grow it in my own garden you can find me at the South Shore farmers market in the summer and St Annes Center in the winter. And massage! I make it a point to get on someone’s table at least once a month. Every time I am reminded how much I love that this is what I do.

Q. What is your favorite beautiful spot in Milwaukee?
A. Milwaukee offers so many special spots! My favorite is in the morning with my dog along the lake’s south shore. Oh, and my own backyard.

Q. What is your favorite place to eat in Milwaukee?
A. As for eateries, wow. I could not name just one. If you would ask me to go to an Applebees type place I would stare blankly at you. I love to support the local restaurants. Between family and friends I feel I am constantly discovering new exciting places. Tenutas, Pastiche, Honeypie, LuLus, Centraal, Guatajatos, Demarinis (the brothers) in Bay View never disapoint. I love Roots. And the Milwaukee Public market has something for everyone!

Q. What are your top three favorite things to do/hobbies?
A. In my free time I love getting books from the library, painting, and working on my home.

Elizabeth graduated from Chicago School of Massage Therapy in 2007. She loves meeting new clients and working with them to improve their health. Elizabeth has gained valuable experience with a wide range of clients, treatments, and health concerns.

She strongly believes in preventative maintenance; assessing and treating the body to identify problem areas to avoid injury and degeneration as well as treating many clients for back, neck and shoulder tension; a huge concern for those spending a lot of time at the computer or driving.

She knows many different modalities that massage has to offer, but she is passionate about helping others create a healthy balance in clients lives either by relieving any pain, stress, or to simply obtain a relaxation massage.

Q&A with Elizabeth Weatherton

Q. How long have you been a massage therapist?
A. I started in 2007. I left a longtime career in Mortgage Finance and choosing to pursue a healthier lifestyle and career.

Q. What areas do you specialize in?
A. Deep tissue, Relaxation, Sports, and Prenatal Massage.

Q. What brought you to your current style of practice?
A. I use common sense to determine what can help relieve stress and pain. I enjoy finding the source of stress and resetting it.

Q. What can a new patient expect?
A. A new client can expect to have a session designed to meet each person’s needs. Each massage is tailored to what is happening with the client at that moment.

Q. What are your current personal wellness goals and how are you addressing them?
A. I am looking to expand my flexibility and balance. As I get older, I look to stay strong and healthy so I can be active for the long term.

Q. What is your favorite beautiful spot in Milwaukee?
A. I love the harbor and the lakefront walking paths.

Q. What are your top three favorite things to do/hobbies?
A. I walk my dog Blu. I am an artist and love to sew. Libraries, bookstores, fabric shops and thrifting are all on the list.

Q. What do you do to de-stress?
A. Being outside and listening to music. Creating and drawing always recenter me.