Gail Kinsey, BA, LMT, BCTMB, ABMP, AMTA        Senior Therapist

Gail has been practicing massage therapy in Hunterdon and Somerset county NJ since 1993. She is a pain relief specialist, both clinically and in sports applications, utilizing Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT), Deep Tissue Massage, Myofascial Release, Orthopedic Techniques, Posture Analysis, Assisted Stretching, Hot Stones, Swedish Massage and Manual Lymph Drainage. Gail is Board Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (BCTMB) and a member of the AMTA (American Massage Therapy Association) and ABMP (Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals).

As an instructor at various massage schools over the years and owner/trainer/mentor at the Massage Therapy Group Gail has enjoyed teaching upcoming massage therapists advanced massage techniques. She was an adjunct professor at Warren County Community College teaching Neuromuscular Therapy in the Massage Certification Program for nearly 20 years, until it was discontinued in 2020.

Gail enjoys the challenge of solving problems and alleviating acute and chronic pain with an ongoing interest in muscular anatomy, using analytical skills and a host of hands-on techniques. Over the years she has taken many continuing education seminars notably studying with Judith Delany Walker of The International Neuromuscular Therapy Center, Paul St. John of Neurosomatic Educators whose work is based on Janet Travell M.D. and David Simons M.D., and Travell and Simons' two volume set of textbooks, Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual (upper body published in 1983, lower body in 1992).

Grace Parker, LMT, BCTMB, AMTA       Senior Therapist

Grace has been practicing massage therapy since 2012 following her graduation from the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy. Her training was clinically focused and science based, including training for assessment of posture, pain, and body movements to address these needs through massage. Grace is trained in Deep Tissue Massage, Neuromuscular Therapy, Orthopedic Massage Techniques, Sports Massage, Myofascial Release, Thai Massage and Swedish Massage. Grace is participating in Massage Therapy Group’s in-house Neuromuscular Therapy Training program.

Grace tailors her massage approach to the individual needs of each client's unique body. She is passionate about finding ways to help relieve pain and tension in the short-term and helping clients who have lived with long-term or chronic pain and tension heal and find relief. It is extremely important to Grace to have open communication with her clients about their comfort and to evaluate whether mutually agreed upon therapy goals are being met.

Grace is nationally Board Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, a Licensed Massage Therapist in the state of New Jersey, and a member of the American Massage Therapy Association.

Erika Lipka, LMT, AMTA       Senior Therapist & Lymphatic Specialist

Erika Lipka came to Massage Therapy Group in the Fall of 2018 with 10 years of experience as a Massage Therapist. She provides both a strong sports, clinical and relaxation skill set. Good communication and excellent client relationship skills are key to her client centered practice. Erika’s versatility is demonstrated in her abilities to do focused deep tissue work and caring compassion to engage in the delicate approach needed to work with Oncology clients.

Erika has a renewed interest in Lymphatic Massage in the fall of 2022 pursuing additional studies with Elisa DiFalco, a top MLD trainer in the country. Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a gentle giant in the field of bodywork. It benefits a wide variety of conditions: Joint Replacement, Sports injuries, Bariatric Surgery, Plastic surgery, Bell’s Palsey, Headaches, Sinusitis, Pain Management and more.

Techniques she employs are: Deep Tissue, Oncology, Lymphatic Drainage (Brazilian and US Trained), Prenatal, Reflexology and Relaxation are among her unique and diversified skill set. Erika has participated in Massage Therapy Group’s in-house Neuromuscular Therapy Training program.

Erika has been practicing since graduating from Health Choices Institute & Holistic Massage School October of 2008 and is a licensed and insured NJ Massage Therapist. She pursued studies at the University of Mogi Das Cruzes, São Paulo, Brazil and is the proud mother of three adult children.

Ileana Allevi AS, LMT, AMTA       Associate Therapist

Ileana is a new member of the Massage Therapy Group in the fall of 2021. Born in Italy, she moved to the United States in 2014. Since then she has been exploring her passion for sports: becoming an American football enthusiast and joining a roller derby team.

Her interest in sports led her to study the muscles and anatomy. Where her focus quickly turned to helping athletes with their recovery and pain relief which naturally drew her to the field of massage therapy. Ileana is licensed to practice massage in PA & NJ having received her certification as a Massage Therapist from WCCC.

Providing massage therapy for athletes on the Rutgers Football team is one of the highlights of her rapidly developing career. She is happy to join the Massage Therapy Group and further her Neuromuscular Therapy skills in our in-house training program.

Previously Ileana studied at the Univ. of Milan Italy in Linguistic and Cultural Mediation with a specialty in Mandarin (Chinese) and holds a degree comparable to an associate degree. Prior to moving to the US Ileana lived in Asia pursuing her studies of the language and culture.

Viktoria Varga LMT, ABMP       Associate Therapist

Originally from Hungary, Viktoria moved to New Jersey in 1991. Her love for helping others inspired her to pursue massage therapy training in Cranbury, NJ where she received her certification in 2013. Viktoria has worked at some of the best spas in the area and brings a strong relaxation skill set. She employs several modalities including Swedish massage, prenatal, hot stone and stretching.

She has a passion for massage therapy and how it can help others find therapeutic pain relief and is eager to learn and grow. Viktoria is currently taking the Massage Therapy group in house training.

When Viktoria isn’t working, she is a busy mom of three boys and enjoys going for long hikes and playing with her dogs.

Denise Taylor RN, LMT, NCTMB, AMTA       Associate Therapist

Denise is a Registered Nurse for over 40 years, practicing in diverse settings. In 2008, she graduated from Lehigh Valley College with an Associate’s Degree in Massage Therapy. Denise is very passionate about promoting health and wellness, and approaches each client individually. She works closely with her clients, assessing and communicating to relieve pain and increase mobility.

Denise’s techniques include Trigger Point Therapy, Swedish Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Deep Tissue Therapy and Prenatal Massage. Beginning in the Fall of 2022 she will be continuing her Neuromuscular Therapy training at Massage Therapy Group.

Denise is a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist, NJ Licensed Massage Therapist, R.N., and a member of AMTA. She is passionate about increasing client’s quality of life.

Joan (JJ) Long BA, LMT        Associate Therapist

JJ has been practicing massage for over 20 years. She studied at Health Choices in Belle Meade for her Massage Therapy Certification. Since then she has taken many continuing education classes which have helped to form her current techniques. These classes include: Pre-natal and Postnatal Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Medical Massage, Oncology Massage, Myofascial Massage and Tui Na Wellness.

A highlight of her career was providing massage and other therapeutic services to patients and family admitted to Medical/Surgical, Mother/Baby, Oncology, Pediatric and other floors at Morristown and Overlook Medical Centers, utilizing various techniques used to alleviate stress and pain.

Her most recent studies have been a year long program in Reflexology, an ongoing interest since early massage school. JJ is now a certified Reflexologist with ARB. These tools are integrated into each session, to give a relaxing, therapeutic massage session, centered around the individual.

JJ is often found walking with her dogs, hiking or kayaking.

Stephanie Curry LMT, AMTA        Associate Therapist

Stephanie has been a licensed Massage Therapist in New Jersey since 1997 and is a member of Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals. Her specialty is Deep Tissue and Sports Massage and will also relax your muscles with Swedish as needed. She takes pride in her work to give your muscles the therapeutic treatment that they deserve.

For 11 years she was the owner of MassageSmith Studio performing therapeutic and sports massage in Westfield New Jersey. Her skills attracted athletes and runners taking her to numerous sporting events. Notably, she attended the NYC Marathon as a massage therapist for years in support of her clients. She also worked with a Sports Performance Specialist at various events.

Stephanie is excited to join Gail and the staff at Massage Therapy Group two days a week continuing to give clients the gift of Massage.  She currently lives in Bethlehem Pennsylvania, with her husband and three Yorkshire terriers. 

Beatrix Strnad LMT, AMTA        Associate Therapist

Meet our skilled therapist, Beatrix Strnad. A top graduate from ITM Massage School in Haskell in 2016, Beatrix’s passion is relieving neck and shoulder pain through techniques such as Trigger Point Therapy, Himalayan Hot Stone Therapy, and Deep Tissue Massage. Presently working in a chiropractic practice, she has cultivated a deep understanding of spinal injuries. She will be further honing her skills in Neuromuscular Therapy at Massage Therapy Group in our in house training program.

Known for her intuitive approach and strong professionalism, Beatrix tailors her therapies to meet her clients' individual needs, integrating various techniques into her clinical and prenatal massages. She is dedicated to enhancing her clients' lifestyles.

Beatrix is a wellness advocate and a proud member of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). Her blend of massage techniques, personalized care, and a passion for wellness makes her an invaluable addition to our wellness team. When not working, Beatrix finds peace tending to her garden and hobby farm.

Leigh Orner-Carnese BA, LMT, AMTA        Associate Therapist

Leigh has been a practicing massage therapist in NJ and PA since graduating from WCCC Therapeutic Massage program in 2020. As a Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher, ACE Certified Personal Trainer, and retired Belly Dancer Leigh has a passion for movement and how the body works.

Combining her experience in the spa industry with her work in a chiropractic office, Leigh blends therapeutic massage with relaxation seamlessly. Her experience as a Second Level Reiki Practitioner has been sought after throughout the Lehigh Valley of PA and western NJ.

Leigh’s thirst for knowledge has led her to seek additional training with Elisa DiFalco and Saskia Cote for lymphatic massage, Jim Earley for cupping therapy, and Charisev Rogosky for cranio-sacral therapy. She is also trained in Swedish, Deep tissue, Hot stone, Prenatal, and Aromatherapy. Leigh is currently participating in Massage Therapy Group’s in-house Neuromuscular Therapy Training program.

Prior to finding her passion for massage, Leigh graduated from Indiana University of PA with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts and worked as an Art Teacher for many years. These days Leigh enjoys spending time with her family and friends, but mostly her cat.