About the Staff
Each member of the TMB staff has an open heart, strong arms, and a sharp mind and has earned their massage certifications from the renowned Chicago School of Massage Therapy. Our therapists also have a variety of styles in order to meet the many needs of our diverse clientele.
Rebecca Payne
Rebecca is deeply curious and driven by the nature of our bodies and their physiology in order to explore their potential for healing. She believes strongly in the musculoskeletal system's ability to function optimally through massage and awareness. A goal of Rebecca's throughout every session is to create an environment of ease for the body, for specific muscles, and for the mind. She has taken post-graduate courses in Shiatsu massage and draws upon a variety of modalities each session, including Swedish massage, myofascial release, trigger-point work, and deep-tissue massage. Available appointments: Tuesdays at 2:30, 4:00, 5:30, and 7:00 and Sundays at noon, 1:30, and 3:00.
Glenda Janssen
Glenda has always loved to help people relieve their pain through massage. Long before becoming a professional massage therapist, she regularly cared for her parents’ backs. Now that she knows where all the muscles are and how they work, Glenda is grateful to get reliable results for people who need it most. She uses techniques ranging from deep tissue to myofascial, from therapeutic to relaxing, to help her clients feel better and more energized. Available appointments: Thursdays at 2:30, 4:00, 5:30, and 7:00 and Saturdays at 2:15, 3:45, and 5:15.
Kelly Gaffner
Kelly’s work encompasses effective therapy and nurturing relaxation. She loves that massage not only helps her clients become more aware of their bodies but can also give them short- and long-term relief from pain and stress. Kelly began working with physical therapists and chiropractors to help patients recover from injuries and to reduce their chronic pain. She has also taken post-graduate classes in myofascial and sports therapies, and she specializes in neuromuscular therapy of the neck. Available appointments: Fridays at 9:00, 10:30, noon, 2:00, 3:30, 5:00, and 6:30.
Nikki Becker
Since our bodies are constantly changing due to injuries, illness and stress, Nikki believes that the needs of our bodies change as well. Her work therefore includes a wide variety of techniques and modalities, including deep tissue, Swedish, and trigger-point therapy. She enjoys working with clients to discover which unique combinations of techniques work best for them. Nikki has taken a variety of post-graduate classes, including certification courses in myofascial massage and Reiki. Available appointments: Sundays at 11:30, 1:00, and 2:30; Wednesdays at 2:30, 4:00, 5:30, and 7:00.
J. McCrackan
J. specializes in medical massage, helping to resolve pain and discomfort. As he explores the chronic and acute soreness, he feels the patterns of the body’s tissues, then applies osteopathic tests to locate the pain behind the pain. J. will often warm up a stiff area with myofascial massage to loosen it generally, then use very specific neuromuscular therapy to release the exact restrictions. After the massage, he can teach stretches and exercises that prolong the benefits of the treatment. Available appointments: Mondays at 1:30, 3:00, 4:30, and 6:00; Fridays at 11:30, 1:00, 3:00, 4:30, and 6:00; and Saturdays at 9:00, 10:30, noon, 1:30, and 3:00.
Ellen Kruse
If you want more of a mind-body-spirit connection, Ellen can help. She taught massage techniques for several years at the Chicago School of Massage Therapy, where she specialized in specific work and nurturing touch. She combines neuromuscular therapy, myofascial therapy, Body-Centered Awareness, and energy work along with her life coaching. Helping clients reach their goals while increasing their body awareness is what makes Ellen tick. Available appointments: Mondays at 10:30, noon, and 2:00; Tuesdays at 2:00 and 3:30; Wednesdays at 11:00, 12:30, and 2:00; Thursdays at 2:00, 3:30, and 5:00; and Saturdays at 9:00, 10:30, and noon.
