ABOUT
CONNECTED
BODYWORK
OUR TEAM
Melissa was first introduced to the physical benefits of massage during her time playing sports. Suffering from anxiety, it didn’t take long for her to learn of the mental benefits as well. After many years of working jobs she wasn’t passionate about, Melissa decided to attend the Healing Arts Center to help people like she had been. Melissa graduated in the fall of 2015.
Not long after starting her massage career, Melissa realized how taxing this work was going to be on her body. That is when she was introduced to barefoot massage. She studied Thai Massage followed by Ashiatsu. In the spring of 2017 she made the switch to only barefoot work. Melissa believes that in order to help a client’s full body, it only makes sense for her to use her full body.
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Melissa believes that her strong connection to nature can be felt in her sessions. Outside of Connected Bodywork, Melissa leads a local hiking group, Womxn Who Wander.
Melissa Johanning
LMT, Part Owner
Alicia Rice
LMT, Part Owner
She knew from a young age that she wanted to be a part of the massage therapy world. Graduating from The Healing Arts Center in 2008 she hit the ground running and started her very own small practice in a chiropractic office.
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After about 4 years it was time to take a hiatus and get re inspired. During that time she did a lot of traveling out to the jaw dropping Pacific North West, She even considered moving out there but being St. Louis born and raised knew where her heart truly was.
After the birth of her spirited daughter she found the amazing world of barefoot massage! This was the missing part to her practice. She fell in love all over again and re gained the spark that led her to this path. Alicia likes to create a calm, intuitive flow in her sessions. Whether you are there for pain relief or relaxation Alicia will create a space that will leave you feeling a little more like you.
