Meet our Staff
Massage Therapists
Sara Butterfield
WI Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), Nationally Certified in Therapeutic, Massage and Bodywork (NCTMB)
My path to Kneaded Relief was a long and winding path. The path was started by being born…
As a preemie, touch was essential. Studies have proven that touch is vitally important to babies particularly preemies and I truly believe that touch is what helped me in my very small beginnings of life. As I grew and learned, I was always touching or comforting my dog, she was my soul mate. (Someday, I will learn animal massage.) By high school, I was giving massages to my friends and family, nothing big but just knowing that it helped relax and comfort them was my reward.
Shortly after high school, my mother became a massage therapist and after getting some massages from her, I was hooked. The many physical and mental benefits of massage helped throughout those college years. After college, I got a job at an ad agency embracing my creative side but lacking the helping nature that I wanted to have with client interactions. Due to the downturn in the economy, I was laid off and my mind went back to helping people. Massage school beckoned and I chose Blue Sky School of Professional Massage. After many hours of practice, school projects and some long nights studying, I was learning my craft. As a recent graduate, I'm still learning everything massage has to offer in various modalities. And so, this is where the path has led: Licensed Massage Therapist, Kneaded Relief.
Tension, stress and the hassles of daily life affect everyone. Especially in our crazy, tethered to technology 24-7 lifestyle we've all become so accustom to. It's my job to make sure that you leave Kneaded Relief tension free, stress free and with a reminder of how you absolutely can and should take time for yourself. So step into the room, be calmed by the relaxing music, float onto the warmth of the table, and feel free to fall asleep when getting a massage from me, most people do…
Mary Ametani
WI Certified Massage Therapist (CMT), Nationally Certified in Therapeutic, Massage and Bodywork (NCTMB)
Hi! My name is Mary Ametani. I am a Wisconsin Registered and Nationally Certified Massage Therapist. I have been practicing massage therapy since 1998 and I am a professional member of the International Massage Association. I have over 650 hours of training, including the following modalities: Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Therapy, Sports Massage, Neuromuscular therapy, Reflexology, Lymphatic Massage, Sinus Massage, Aromatherapy, and Body Mobilization. I have also completed continuing education in Muscle Release Techniques for the treatment of chronic pain and repetitive use injuries such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Most recently, I have completed continuing education in LaStone Therapy.
I incorporate into each massage part of all these modalities, tailoring each massage to suit the individual needs of the client. I listen to what each client is telling me about his or her own physical symptoms and apply this to how I will effectively treat each person. Whether their needs are relaxation for stress relief or treatment of acute or chronic pain, educating clients on the benefits of plenty of water and teaching the importance of stretching are all keys to helping each client achieve their desired result. Take advantage of a massage therapist who will give you her undivided attention. You’ll be glad you did!
Anthony Berg
WI Certified Massage Therapist (CMT), Nationally Certified in Therapeutic, Massage and Bodywork (NCTMB)
My path to Kneaded Relief is one that starts in 2001. At the age of 19 I moved out to Salt Lake City, where I didn’t know a soul, and began my massage therapy schooling at Utah College of Massage Therapy. There, I learned an array of techniques including: deep tissue, hot stone, Ayurvedic work dealing with doshas and chakras and many other things. I met a lot of great people in Utah, so when I was done with school, I stayed and did independent massage therapy work. One of the coolest things that I got to see while I was there was the Winter Olympics. I also got to do lots of rock climbing. In July of 2003 I moved back to Wisconsin. Once back in Wisconsin, I got a job up in the Dells at a resort spa and was able to improve my skills as a therapist.
In 2005 I was blessed with a son who brought a pure joy to my life. Because of him, I felt that I was able to enhance my skills in massage therapy because I was learning more about who I was as a person and as a parent. In July of 2010 my universe brought me here to Kneaded Relief. Here I get to share my love for what I do, and as I have always said, “I’m here to heal the world one body at a time!” I don’t look at what I do as a job but as a path to well-being. I can’t wait to grow more, share more, and learn more, with every client that I meet.
Heather Durkin
WI Certified Massage Therapist (CMT), Nationally Certified in Therapeutic, Massage and Bodywork (NCTMB)
Hi there, my name is Heather Durkin and I am a licensed massage therapist here at Kneaded Relief! Finding my path to massage therapy was a little longer than some. I began with an education at the UW-Milwaukee in performing arts and journalism, then switched my focus to psychology and came back to Madison. Part of the psychology courses required anatomy, physiology and other classes that focused on the structure of the human body. I was hooked!
I spent several years working in home health and assisted living with Alzheimer’s patients and adults with disabilities, but was not truly happy with what I could do for the clients I worked with. I began to see the value of healing touch and helping people in a way that made them feel good rather than a pill for everything.
I graduated from Lakeside School of Massage Therapy here in Madison. I also attended East West Healing Arts institute for the Eastern portion of their curriculum, putting myself through massage school by working as a karaoke DJ.
A little about me, I live here in Fitchburg and have two children, two rabbits, far more hamsters than I agreed to in the beginning and a chef (yes, I am lucky!)
I am thrilled to say that I love the path that I have chosen, and could not see myself doing anything but massage (well, unless that whole rock star thing works out). I am looking forward to learning everything Kneaded Relief has to offer to me and to working with all the wonderful people here!
Felipe Hernandez
WI Certified Massage Therapist (CMT), Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCTMB)
Hello my name is Felipe and welcome to Kneaded Relief!!!
My Path to Kneaded Relief began in the minefields of Afghanistan in 2004. It is because of my experiences overseas that I have come to firmly believe in the mind, body & soul connection. While this may seem like a strange place for an interest in massage to come to life, it truly was the space that I needed to grow. I began to understand that what the mind perceives, the body manifests and the soul remembers. From this experience I began to understand the necessity of balance.
I am passionate about Eastern modalities and philosophies, but I am firmly rooted in western science through my education at Blue Sky School of Professional Massage and Therapeutic Bodywork, where I am a teaching assistant. From this experience I have gathered the tools to understand, achieve, and maintain the fundamentals of balance.
I am a volunteer at Hospice Care where I donate my time to help provide a comforting presence and compassionate touch through massage therapy and energy work. From this experience I have come to understand the importance of touch and the lasting effect that it has on the heart and soul in intuitively finding balance.
We are truly happy to have you here with us. I look forward to meeting you and being a part of your journey to achieve balance.
Angela Lent
WI Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), Nationally Certified in Therapeutic, Massage and Bodywork (NCTMB)
Hello! My name is Angie, and I'm so grateful to be part of the wellness team here at Kneaded Relief!
My passion for massage began with a love for activity. In my household, we're silent sports enthusiasts (cycling, paddling, x-country skiing, etc.). I've learned that performance is based on three things: training, fuel and recovery. Regular massage helps the body heal itself more efficiently by helping to maintain balance.
I graduated from Blue Sky School of Therapeutic Massage and Body work with an emphasis in medical/therapeutic work. I'm currently working towards certification in Precision Neuromuscular Therapy as well as Craniosacral Therapy. However, more than any one modality, what I am most passionate about is helping my clients feel better. No two massages are the same, and I work to tailor my treatment plan to each client's needs.
I love giving massage as much as receiving it. Whether the goal is stress relief, therapeutic or general relaxation, I am going to do my best to help you feel better.
"Angie seemed very comfortable and confident without the feeling of "just going through the motions", I also liked the fact that when I described my pain/areas of concern she explained how the muscles, etc. all work together and gave me some tips on what to do at home."
-Barb Hoffman
Rin Ribble
WI Certified Massage Therapist (CMT), Nationally Certified in Therapeutic, Massage and Bodywork (NCTMB)
Massage therapy has drastically changed my life. There was a time when I had no direction or vision of what my future was to be. Once I found my current path, everything else fell into place. I have never felt so fulfilled and happy, because I believe this is what I was meant to do. I am currently looking into broadening my education with physical therapy, which would allow me to help my clients even further. I am also looking forward to learning new techniques of massage to incorporate into my practice. I have been a massage therapist for several years and I have been at Kneaded Relief for most of my career. I feel that this is a second home to me and I love the staff and clients that I get a chance to work with.
I am currently working on two music degrees at the UW Stevens Point. I am a violinist specializing in classical and jazz performance. I have been playing music my entire life and decided it was time to make it a profession. I come back to Madison on breaks to see my family and friends and I always come back to work at Kneaded Relief Day Spa.
In my free time, I perform in a traditional Irish band, playing the fiddle and sometimes the guitar. I have played the violin for many years and I love music of all kinds. I am also very close to my family and try to spend as much time as possible with them, especially my nephew, Quinn.
Pam Rosecky
WI Certified Massage Therapist (CMT), Nationally Certified in Therapeutic, Massage and Bodywork (NCTMB)
Hi! My name is Pam Rosecky and I am a Massage Therapist here at Kneaded Relief. I graduated from Spirit Touch Ins. in 1998 and specialize in relaxation massage and chair massage (I’ve done 5,088 chair massages). Besides my specialties in massage, I also perform Energy Work. Energy Work is really my passion. Everything and everybody is energy. I love to open doors for clients to relax. Clients heal themselves when they can melt and go to the place within themselves that is peaceful and sweet. A big piece of advice I would give to my clients is that your body talks to you all the time, listen to it and become balanced and harmonized.
Before I became a MT I owned my own daycare for 11 years. I also was a Surgical Technician specializing in ear, nose & throat. At that time in my life I realized that I felt old, tired and unhappy and that I was in need to find my personal way. Massage School provided me with the personal growth that I was searching for. I am now much happier, healthier, positive and younger.
In my spare time, what brings me joy is playing in the dirt (gardening), reading, making jewelry, and traveling. I have been to Germany, Czech Republic and Slovakia to visit relatives and foreign exchange students. I also traveled to Guam to see my first grandson.
One of my great experiences in life was in 2002 when I was part of the Massage Team for the Winter Olympics-Paralympics in Salt Lake City. The first athlete wheeled his chair into the massage room; he had no legs from the thighs down. He asked me, “ Is this going to bother you to work on an amputee?”. I replied without hesitation “Absolutely not”.
Landing the position at KR was a huge gift from above. Everyone is so professional and fun to work with. They treat you like family and want you to succeed. I am doing the dance of happiness for all that is presented to me.
“Life is good – enjoy. I am grateful to all who allow me into their personal space, Thank you” - Pam
Erica Sain
WI Licensed Nail Technician, WI Certified Massage Therapist (CMT), Nationally Certified in Therapeutic, Massage and Bodywork (NCTMB)
My path to Kneaded Relief is not one intended to be on, but it is one that I am glad I followed.
Allow me to share with you a little about myself. I am an only child and a capital city girl. I was born in Springfield, IL, and then lived in Minneapolis for a short stint. For the past twenty-some years of my life I have resided in the town I’ve grown to love and consider my home- Madison.
I am also the proud single mother of a beautiful baby girl, Jade Willow. She is my world and much of my motivation in life today. I enjoy camping, laughing with friends and live music.
I received my massage therapist training at Lakeside and gained my manicurist license at Martin’s School of Cosmetology. I always knew the career I chose would entail bringing joy to other’s lives and putting smiles on their faces. These careers are a perfect fit for those aspirations. And now I am a part of the Kneaded Relief family who has welcomed me with open arms. I couldn’t dream of better people to work with.
I look forward to seeing your face and providing you with relaxing services in this beautiful facility.
Melissa (Sunny) Bradley
WI Certified Massage Therapist (CMT), Nationally Certified in Therapeutic, Massage and Bodywork (NCTMB)
My path to Kneaded Relief is an exciting new beginning for me…
As far back as I remember. I have always rubbed my dad's back. I remember walking on it for him and rubbing out his knots for him as a small child. It made me feel like I was helping him. As I got older touch was still an important part of my life. High School brought friends in need of hugs, and later my children needed touches of comfort. I was drawn to helping people and I know that for me, massage was the best outlet for me to help others.
I am a 2002 graduate of Lakeside School of Massage Therapy in Madison Wisconsin. I have worked several places in and around the Madison area throughout the years. Unfortunately, my career came to a sudden halt in 2010. I was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease in my neck and had to have immediate surgery. I was crushed thinking it was the end of my career. But after months of rehabilitation and a new out look on life I am physically ready and excited to start my new path here at Kneaded Relief Day Spa and Wellness.
What our clients say:
"Great Touch!"
"Can definitely feel the years of experience"
