Our Team
We have an amazing team of 9 massage therapists and 1 Alexander Technique educator. Swipe right to read more about each person, and find the therapist for you!
Jennie Herb, RMP —
senior massage therapist
e. jennieherb@gmail.com
t. 443-520-0225
Jennie Herb, a Registered Massage Therapist, graduated from the Baltimore School of Massage in 2007. Jennie incorporates Swedish, Neuromuscular Therapy, Deep Tissue, Hot Stones, Cupping Therapy and Myofascial Release in her massage as is appropriate to the individual needs of each client. Jennie believes that massage is an effective tool for relieving both mental and physical stress and that massage plays an important part in overall wellness.
Mike Mapes, RMP (they/them) —
co-owner, senior massage therapist
e. msmapes@gmail.com
t. 301-395-6191
Since graduating from the Baltimore School of Massage in 2011, Mike has steadily increased their capacity to help their clients through a commitment to consistent practice and study. Over the past 11 years, the core of Mike’s work has become neuromuscular therapy, which combines techniques of deep tissue massage, myofascial release, sports massage, and trigger point therapy to relieve and manage clients’ acute and chronic pain. For those clients who prefer to focus on stress relief and relaxation, they blend the fundamentals of Swedish and Russian modalities with elements of reflexology for calming, balanced massage experience. In any case, Mike takes an evidence-based approach to massage and greatly enjoys the knowledge-work aspects of their practice: seeking out the latest research, educating clients about the science of bodywork, and collaborating with colleagues to solve clients’ problems. Whether you’re seeking to address a specific pain or mobility issue, want to simply rest and de-stress, or are looking for some combination of all of the above, Mike is happy to help you out — book appointment with them today!
molly farwell baker, LMT (she/her) —
co-owner, senior massage & craniosacral therapist
e. m@mollyfarwell.com
i. @LMTmolly
t. 443-380-3886
Molly’s bodywork sessions resonate with the subtle energies of life, through her gentle, slow touch and deep presence. Her work is well-suited for addressing stress-related tensions, trauma resolution, and chronic pain.
In addition to her Swedish and deep tissue expertise, Molly has extensive training in biodynamic craniosacral therapy (BCST) and Alchemical Alignment. She is inspired by a passion for integrating wholeness, and re-introducing touch as a safe, nurturing, and empowering experience.
Specialties: chronic stress, nervous system regulation, Alchemical Alignment, craniosacral therapy, biodynamics, trauma-informed care, hypermobility/EDS, yoga
Nicole Martinell, AT educator (she/her) —
Alexander Technique
e. nicolea.martinell@gmail.com
t. 443-567-0028
i. @resiliencythroughmovement
Nicole A. Martinell is a movement educator, artist, and mother of 3. She offers 20+ years of experience in working with the mechanics of the human body. Martinell is a Certified Teacher of the Alexander Technique (through AT MidAtlantic) as well as a Certified Laban/Bartenieff Movement Analyst (through Laban Institute of Movement Studies). Pursuing her passion for dance/science, she received a BS in Kinesiology from Penn State University and an MFA in Dance from Texas Woman’s University. Her dance, science and somatics research has been presented nationally and internationally, and she has facilitated numerous workshops for such organizations as the Maryland State Department of Education and Baltimore County Public Schools. A professional dancer and choreographer, Martinell is the Founder/Artistic Director of Deep Vision Dance Company, a performing arts organization in Baltimore, and she is on faculty in the Department of Dance at Towson University. As an Alexander Technique educator, Martinell creates a warm, welcoming environment and encourages her students to question, discover, laugh, and grow.
Alexander Technique is an educational movement practice that heightens awareness, improves posture, reduces pain and tension, and encourages ease and efficiency in action. Through verbal cueing and gentle touch, practitioners guide individuals through everyday movements, such as sitting, standing, using the arms, typing, walking, etc. Students become mindful of their daily habits and engage their thinking to facilitate healthy change and coordinated movement. This practice is excellent for those desiring to take a proactive approach to their overall wellbeing. Sessions are 45 minutes and clothed.
Sam Pohl, RMP (they/them) —
co-owner, massage therapist
e. seen.by.samwise@gmail.com
t. 859-963-5454
i. @seen.by.samwise
Specialties: trans health, neurodiverse populations, integrative swedish, connective tissue disorders/EDS, nervous system regulation, trauma-informed care, craniosacral therapy
Sam is a soft-hearted cinnamon-roll of a person who graduated from the Lexington Healing Arts Academy at the top of their class with a passion for holistic care. With a bachelors degree in somatic psychology, Sam came to massage practice with an understanding of how the mind-body works to either hold or move energy and how trauma can be stored in the body. Sam works to delve deep through slow and controlled, nervous system-regulating manual work. They are skilled with neurodiverse populations and strives to make massage accessible to anyone who might want to try. They are passionate about the body in a nerdy way and are constantly seeking new educational opportunities to expand or deepen their offerings. They believe in collaborating with their clients to make the safest place possible for healing to happen. Whether you want to work on specific issues or general relaxation, Sam will offer their powerful combination of deep listening and nerdy skill to come up with a treatment plan that is focused on you.
Stephanie Barger, RMP (she/her) —
co-owner, senior massage therapist
e. smarieba@gmail.com
t. 240-925-9075
Stephanie shares a rhythmic, yet calming style of bodywork, helping the body achieve a parasympathetic response of relaxation and self-restoration. She began her practice in 2011 after graduating from the 750-hour program at the Baltimore School of Massage and has since maintained her Board Certification and professional membership of the American Massage Therapy Association. Clients have said her sessions provide a nurturing sense of relief, and are especially helpful to those with conditions such as chronic fatigue and joint pain, migraines, and TMJ. She blends traditional Swedish with myofascial release techniques, as well as elements from the Trager Approach, Craniosacral, aromatherapy, cupping and sports massage. She is looking forward to her time visiting with Metta Cooperative!
Yoshi N. Roberts, LMT (she/they) —
senior massage therapist
e. yoshi@metta-wellness.com
t. 443-593-8587
i. @Yoshi_enroe
I am a Baltimore native and this is my 12th year practicing massage therapy. I am passionate about the intricacies that come with the human experience, having a human body and honoring the full spectrum of human emotions.
Within the massage therapy umbrella, I hold certifications in various modalities ranging from pregnancy massage, cupping, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, chakra balancing and Thai massage. I also hold qualifications as an End of Life Doula, Usui and Sekhem-Seichim Reiki Master/teacher and Akashic Record reader and teacher.
Bloom Y. Rhys, LMT (they/them) —
co-owner, massage therapist
e. bloom@metta-wellness.com
t. 443-977-1248
i. @Phoenix.Rhysing
As a recent massage therapy graduate of the Holistic Massage Training Institute, Bloom is excited to serve the community of Hamden with the healing ability of touch and holding space. Bloom applies a gentle and soothing approach to massage helping to induce a whole-body relaxation response to reset the nervous system which can often become "stuck" in fight, flight, or fawn.
Bloom is also a yoga instructor with over 10 years of personal practice. They believe that we store trauma and powerful emotions within the body. This can often show up as chronic holding patterns, pain, and restricted breathing. Breathwork has become a powerful tool Bloom employs in their own healing journey, as well as in their work as a Certified Personal Trainer - where they worked mostly with clients in chronic pain. It was Bloom’s own healing journey and struggles with chronic pain that inspired them into a field of Holistic health and healing. Bloom has long been drawn to metaphysics and Mayan healing techniques such as Mayan Abdominal Massage for releasing stored trauma and pelvic issues.
Bloom draws from all of their experiences to create a truly profound experience for their clients. Dedicated to learning and growing within this field, they are humbled to provide support and a nurturing environment for relaxation to take place.
Bloom graduated from Stevenson University with a bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with focuses on Psychology and Human Services in 2014.
a note
from Laura Kalman
In late December of 2020, I came to the difficult decision to step away from ownership of Metta and (I thought) close up shop for good. Shortly thereafter, the opportunity for Metta to continue in the form of a worker-owned cooperative was presented to me. Over some time and many in-depth conversations it became clear to me that this was not only a viable path for Metta’s continuation, but an important milestone for Metta to belong even more fully to the communities we have always endeavored to serve. For me personally, it presents an opportunity to focus first and foremost on my clients and the healing work that I love so much.
Of course, my decision to step down as sole owner and lead decision maker comes with many emotions. Metta has been my chosen family, my touchstone for friendship, community, and purpose for the past 13 years.
And so with a spirit of deep reflection (and some letting go), I have recently been sifting through the “stuff” within Metta, the old rowhouse at 720 W. 36th Street. In this process, it has become so clear to me that the objects we collect and maintain can do us such a great service in holding our memories.
Here are some things I have revisited as of late:
• Pages of hand written notebooks with words, drawings, and designs that went into forming our earliest ideas, inspirations, and logo/branding content beginning in 2008
• Binders of research that informed the Heal Baltimore Project which aimed to create a network of accessible healing services for the underserved in Baltimore and provided bi-weekly massage to women in homeless shelters in 2011-12
• Original artwork commissioned by many amazing local artists and friends to promote our events (Community Energy Healings, First Fridays, annual holiday sales)
• Flyers for Fundraisers like “The Art of Healing,” a silent auction for A Moveable Feast, and “The Baltimore Healing Music Project,” a collaboration with numerous local musicians who created a beautiful healing soundtrack in support of Believe in Music
• Festival tents, handmade signs, and bins of decorations and supplies loaded up for street festivals like HampdenFest and the magical Wellness Camp at Fields Festival 2016
• Numerous precious, handwritten notes from practitioners and clients expressing love and gratitude for the healing that Metta helped provide for them (my heart!)
• Soooo many crystals, trinkets, and found objects carefully placed throughout the building by numerous practitioners creating alters of sacred reflection and offerings of Love
Through the artifacts that fill this space, I have accessed so much of the rich history and energy that made this place feel like a healing home to many, and I am beyond grateful. I’ve also realized that the vision that I held for Metta back in 2008 has manifested itself over and over in ways that I never could have imagined. I have been so incredibly lucky to be a witness to so many Blessings.
As I let go of the reins and pass on the torch, I am comforted that the history of Metta Integrative Wellness Center will continue to live on through this new and equitable cooperative.
As time will inevitably bring us back to a new and more stable sense of normalcy, I look forward to seeing the new and skillfully crafted healing sessions, events, and community services that will be created by this thoughtful, compassionate, and loving collective.
In the spirit of Metta, I offer my deepest gratitude for all that has been and what has yet to become.
OH HEY, FOR BEST VIEWING, YOU'LL NEED TO TURN YOUR PHONE