Melissa graduated from Mildred Elley in Albany in November 2022 with an associate’s degree in Massage Therapy and then became fully licensed in March 2023. Before that, she was attending the University of Iowa and graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor’s in Human Physiology and a minor in German language. On top of her studies, she was the tenor saxophone section leader in the Hawkeye Marching Band, the President of the Sigma Alpha Iota chapter, the President of the Iowa Judo Club, and did a 3-month study abroad program in Lüneburg, Germany.

She has been doing judo since she was 4 years old with John Gussman at Fox Valley Judo in Naperville, IL and she did a presentation when she was 10 that she wanted to be an Olympian, so she has set out to make it a reality. Now, she has the luxury of being coached every day by the legendary Olympic silver medalist, Jason Morris, who is located right in Glenville. She is currently a two-time national champion, a 10-time international medalist on 4 different continents, a 2023 Senior Pan-Am Team member, and number #85 on the world ranking list.

When she is not at the three Bodywork Professionals locations, you can find her at 5 a.m. training sessions at Best Fitness-Schenectady with her gym family and personal trainer, and then at evening judo sessions at the Jason Morris Judo Center.

She found her passion for massage and recovery after starting the program in 2021 because it pairs so beautifully with her athletic aspirations and her desire to help clients in a holistic way. Her goal is to be able to help any athlete, fitness enthusiast, and anyone who just needs a good stretch reach their highest potential. She never wants someone’s aches and pains to hold them back from their goals, and she hopes she can be a part of a client’s road to success.

Massage is not just a luxury experience you can only get on special occasions. It is a vital part of everyone’s daily self-care and recovery routine, and she looks forward to being a part of yours!