Who We Are
Registered massage therapy is regulated under the “Regulated Health Professions Act” (RHPA), which means that in Ontario you must complete a minimum 2200 hours of training at an accredited school, then must successfully pass board-wide practical and written examinations. Once registered, therapists must complete approximately 20 hours of continuing education per year in order to maintain their status and to keep their skills current.
We often work in conjunction with other health care providers, such as physiotherapists, physicians, chiropractors, naturopaths, midwives, orthopedic surgeons in order to ensure you receive exceptional care.
All of our therapists are registered with the CMTO (College of Massage Therapists of Ontario). Scroll down to see more information on our therapists.
Jessica Hendry RMT
I always knew I wanted to work with people and be in the health field. I wasn’t sure which direction I was going until one day, I received a massage. I quickly realized that massage therapy was what I wanted to do and took the steps needed to get there. And, here I am. Jessica Hendry, RMT.
I studied Massage Therapy at Algonquin College and graduated in April 2009. I first started working as a Massage Therapist in Barrhaven at a wellness centre where I learned a lot about chiropractic care and working with other health professionals. I then moved on to Absolute Massage Therapy and have been part of the team since December 2009.
Since becoming a RMT, I have taken courses in hot stone massage, chair massage and an introduction to aromatherapy. I also have training in pregnancy massage, trigger point therapy, deep tissue and relaxation massage. I have just completed a TMJ dysfunction course for those who suffer from jaw issues.
When I am not working, I enjoy being in the good company of my friends and family playing cards, watching sports (usually football) and being outside around a campfire.
I am available days, evenings and Saturdays. I look forward to hearing from you.
Gwen Rowbottom RMT
I graduated from the Canadian College of Massage Therapy in 1994. I’m also a member of the Ontario Massage Therapy Association.
Over the last 15 years, my focuses, healing philosophies and touch have evolved and been influenced by a variety of different health professionals I have been honored to work with. I am trained in therapies from light to deep pressure depending on what is indicated and your preference.
I specialize in computer-related injuries; head, neck, face and jaw pain; conditions caused by inflammation and edema.
I have post graduate training in: lymphatic drainage, shouder treatment and rehabilitation, athletic therapy, craniosacral therapy, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ treatment and rehabilitation), facial bone mobilizations, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, chair massage and fibromyalgia.
I will work with what your goals and expectations are for your treatments and together we can work towards your better health.
Julia Zondervan-Beardsley RMT
Julia graduated with Honours from the International Academy of Massage Therapy in 2003. Since then she has worked in both clinical and spa environments.
Her ideology is promoting health, wellness and relaxation through natural and drug free therapy. Her approach to achieving optimal health is by using various massage techniques such as deep tissue, myofascial release, muscle energy techniques, trigger point therapy and remedial exercises. She believes in a team approach with the therapist and client working together to reach the individualized needs and goals of her clients.
Outside of the work environment Julia is busy with her family, friends and dog. Most weekends involve “horsing around” with the Ottawa Valley Team Penning Association. Other interests include reading, skiing, boating, camping and travelling.
Marsha Masseau RMT
Marsha has been practicing Massage Therapy in the Ottawa area for more than ten years and offers head, neck and jaw treatments to TMJ and Headache sufferers, treatments for the running athlete, wellness and relaxation massage as well as Aromatherapy for those wanting to de-stress or treat themselves.
She recently studied visual arts at Fleming College and spends a great deal of time drawing and painting. In her spare time she may be found around the area viewing the work of other local artists.
Marsha ran her first 5K race in 2002 and her first half-marathon in 2009! Helping runners prepare for events or recover from training makes her work and her running more enjoyable!
Working in a supportive healing environment, and helping a client towards greater wellness and pain free living is the most rewarding part of Marsha’s workday.
(Service son offer en Anglais ou en Francais)
Jasmine Poaps RMT
My grandmother had angina that used to flare up around Christmas. It was the stress of having to prepare a big meal and the house for all the visitors. One year in particular she was sitting across the table from me and her face was clenched with pain. She was usually funny, talkative and full of energy. I felt bad that she didn’t feel well and offered to rub her back. She took some pills and sat patiently as I started squeezing her stiff shoulders. Within minutes her body relaxed and she started to laugh and engage with her company around the table. She turned to me, took both of my hands in hers and told me that I had a special gift. She had never experienced such quick relief. It was from then, at age 5, that I knew massage was something I had to do in my life.
My goal is to determine your needs and get you feeling results. I have extensive training in deep tissue massage, pregnancy massage, trigger point therapy and hot stone therapy. I have flexible hours throughout the weekdays, evenings and weekends. Whether you need a therapeutic approach to your treatment or just want to relax, I am always here to help. I am available Tuesday to Saturday.
Roxanne Snowdon RMT
Roxanne is a graduate of the Algonquin College massage therapy program of 2000. She has a university background in law and justice but realized that her calling in life was to help people in a different way. She chose massage therapy as the means to do this. Always learning more about the wonders of the human body and its potential to heal is keeping her fascinated with the profession. She has taken post grad courses in scapular stretching, Reiki and Craniosacral therapy, Thermal Palms, and has also added TMJ treatment techniques to her knowledge toolbox.
Roxanne is a bilingual, energetic and caring person. Whether it’s helping you regain a sense of balance, stress relief, or working with you through an injury healing process, she does it with consideration, honesty and the knowledge that she has gained. With her, you are one step ahead on the path to wellness.
J. Shiroya Balongo RMT
Having been fortunate enough to have lived in two other countries, I finally settled in Canada with my husband in 2003 and now have two beautiful girls.
I completed my massage therapy training in 2005 and have been practicing ever since. My post graduate training has been in deep tissue massage (G. Schweitzer). I continue to expand my knowledge, experience and expertise in massage therapy by attending workshops and classes as often as possible to enhance my skills to better serve my clients.
My aim is to help you to achieve your goals as far as your health care is concerned. Whether you are seeking massage for preventative care, injury care, maintenance or relaxation, we are all unique so I always tailor each treatment of meet the needs of my clients. The care and sensitivity I bring to each treatment comes from my passion for massage and also having had an opportunity to live and work with people from different cultures and walks of life over the years.
Shelley Closen RMT
Shelley graduated from the massage therapy program at Algonquin College in 2001.
Since then, she has provided massage therapy services in a variety of settings, including a spa, gym, chiropractic clinic, as well as visits to corporate offices. Her clientele varies from 10 year old children to professional athletes, and everything in between.
Shelley is a firm believer in encouraging clients to take an active role in their health. She regularly recommends “homework” to clients to maximize their potential for optimal health.
Shelley is available for a variety of treatments, whether prenatal, deep tissue, trigger point therapy, or just taking a time out for relaxation (hot stone massage also available).
Please note Shelley is on maternity leave until June 2012.
Veronique Sigouin RMT
My name is Véronique Sigouin and I am perfectly bilingual. I have been in the massage industry for 9 years and have been a registered massage therapist at Absolute Massage Therapy for 5 years.
My first 4 years of experience were at a health club/spa in Aylmer, Que. I treated athletes, golfers, vacationers and many overuse/wear and tear injuries as well as relaxation massage. While working at Le Chateau Cartier Hotel I completed my Massage Therapy Diploma at CDI College in October 2005 to become an RMT. After graduating, I was part of the teaching faculty at CDI College’s massage therapy program.
Some of my post-grad training includes temporomandibular joint (TMJ) conditions, pre and post-natal massage and prevention of low-back injuries. Over the years, my practice has evolved into treating many clients with low back and neck pain, anxiety and stress, headaches / migraines, pregnant women as well as cancer patients.
When I am not working, I enjoy training at the gym, participating in outdoor activities and playing competitive beach and indoor volleyball.
Melissa Webb RMT
I graduated from the Algonquin College massage therapy program in 2000 and set up shop shortly after at the Kanata Leisure Centre, where in high school and post-secondary I worked as a lifeguard and swimming instructor. By May 2004 I had outgrown the little space I had next to the aerobics room (noisy!) and expanded to a 2 treatment room clinic in Beaverbrook where I continued to build my practice and made lasting friendships with the great therapists I worked with there. Due to ever-increasing demand, we expanded once again in 2008 to our present location in Kanata North. I now have the privilege to work with 9 other amazing therapists whose dedication and skill are second to none.
After eleven years I still feel very passionate about my work, and love watching people walk out of my treatment room smiling and moving body parts around that couldn’t be moved before walking in. Seeing shoulders sitting lower, heads being held higher and the debilitating effects of pain dissipating makes me feel so lucky to have such a rewarding career!
My husband Tim, my two daughters (Ava, 6 and Celia, 4) and I traded in suburbia for country living in the picturesque town of Almonte. We are avid hockey fans (go Sens) and we love spending time at our family cottage just outside of Perth on Christie Lake. To keep fit, I play badminton, ball hockey and broomball. I also love running, swimming and waterskiing.
Please feel free to give us a call or book online 24 hrs a day for your convenience.
