Owner Bio
Jessamine Walker began studying massage in 1998 at the American Institute of Massage Therapy in Costa Mesa, CA. She completed the 1,029 hour clinical massage program under Dr. Myk Hungerford, PhD PT, a prominent leader and innovator in sports massage. Jessamine has worked in management and in practice at renowned spas such as Burke Willams, Equinox, and The Sports Club Co. She established a clientele of well known celebrities and professional athletes while in private practice in Hermosa Beach, CA.
In her pursuit of expanding and refining her knowledge base, she studied clinical techniques with various chiropractors, orthopedists and massage practitioners throughout the last twenty-two years. She has completed over 1000 hours in additional education and massage modality certifications including the study of orthopedic massage with Frank Sanborne, RMT for which she obtained a certification in orthopedic techniques for the head, shoulder & neck. The quality of massage education available to aspiring students has always been a priority for Jessamine and to that end she was an instructor at South Bay Massage College for years and later developed continued education training at several workplaces.
An eclectic and all encompassing approach to wellness is key in Jessamine’s practice. She believes in employing a wide variety of methodology in order to achieve optimal health and wellbeing. This includes the incorporation of Eastern philosophies alongside traditional Western approaches. She completed a year-long apprenticeship with Valorie Knutson of Topaz Visions in Hermosa Beach, CA to attain her Reiki Master certification.
Jessamine studied psychology as an undergraduate at Antioch University in Culver City, CA and is now pursuing a certification in trauma informed massage techniques and working with clients suffering from PTSD.
Jessamine began working for Rachel Brawner, CMT here at Brawnergy in January of 2020. She worked closely with Rachel, collaborating on techniques and treatment philosophies. She feels privileged to now take the reins of the clinic after Rachel’s move to the East Coast early in 2021. She believes the team at Brawnergy represents the best the field of bodywork has to offer and looks forward to creating a treatment plan for you!
“Know all the theories, master all the techniques, but as you touch a human soul, be just another human soul.” ~ Carl Jung
CAMTC #18047
Active Member – American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA)
Active Member – Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP)
STAFF BIOS
Dr. Debra Hadden, PsyD
California License #PSY23938
Dr. Hadden has a doctorate degree in clinical psychology, and specializes in stages of adult development across a lifetime. Using a bio-psycho-social model, she focuses on strengths, skill building, and insight to navigate every stage of adult growth from young adulthood, partnering, parenting, generational challenges, career building, and maturing with success, purpose, and meaning. She is adept at working within multiple cultures with great sensitivity.
As a Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Hadden has extensive experience in integrated behavioral medicine and the management of chronic mental and physical conditions that challenge health, wellbeing, and daily functioning. She has extensive experience with chronic pain, fibromyalgia, trauma, and functional illness, and understands the complex relationship of physical, mental, and behavioral functioning.
Trained in neuropsychology and neuroscience, her robust work on caring for those with neurodegenerative diseases was represented before the United States Congress. She teaches and trains other professionals in psychotherapy. She uses a unique blend of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused thinking, and Insight Oriented treatment, and sets a pace that is appropriate for the client. She begins with psychoeducation, hope, and acceptance for the total experience of each individual. Currently she educates bodyworkers in Somatic Psychotherapy as a cross disciplinary and integrative approach to patient care.
“Psychotherapy is both an art and a science, but mostly, it’s about getting to know people and using a highly trained heart and mind to witness their unique human experience with all it’s highs and lows, while connecting to helping them to heal, to grow, and to find their own way with new tools, new hope, and a new understanding and appreciation for themselves.”
Doctorate of Psychology in Clinical Psychology, California School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles, CA
Master of Arts in Psychology, California School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles, CA
Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a Minor in Biology & Chemistry, Cumberland College, Williamsburg, KY
Full Member – American Psychological Association (APA)
Michele Miguel, CMT
CAMTC #82063
Michele is a health educator and has been practicing massage therapy since 2019 when she graduated from the National Holistic Institute with over 800 hours in training. Prior to becoming a certified massage therapist she was a makeup artist working in the music industry. Additionally, she has been involved in martial arts for years.
She specializes in deep tissue sculpting, trigger point therapy and cupping. Her clinical focus is in working with migraine sufferers and clients with nerve pain. Michele truly engages with and listens to her clients needs.
“As a migraine sufferer myself, massage was my only relief and I wanted to share it! I love being able to facilitate healing for those in pain.”
Active Member – American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA)
Lydia Emery, CMT
CAMTC #78829
Lydia has well over a decade of experience. She gives an intuitive massage, slow and specific as your body leads. Trigger point, myofascial, and PNF stretching are some of the techniques in her MMA (Mixed Massage Arts) tool box. Lydia specializes in relaxing deep tissue, and works with minimal conversation to create space for both mental and physical rejuvenation. Her ability to put clients at ease and work within their comfort zone is remarkable.
In 2005, Lydia graduated from the massage program at Rend Lake College in Ina, Illinois. She had fallen in love with therapeutic massage after receiving her first professional massage. Lydia went on to own and operate her own massage clinic, Stress Knot Massage, in Mt Vernon, IL for ten years before moving to CA.
“It is my goal with every session to help my clients love massage just as much as I do. I believe in practicing what I preach and set the goal of a monthly massage for myself to keep my body at its best!”
Christopher John “CJ” Lester, CMT
CAMTC #8700
CJ has over thirteen years of experience in massage therapy. He graduated from the School of Holistic Touch in 2009 with more than 600 hours of training. Additionally, he studied psychology and criminology at UC Irvine.
He has an extensive knowledge of sports massage and specializes in blending Eastern and Western massage modalities to tailor each session to his clients goals. He has additional education and certifications in cupping and pre-natal massage.
Prior to moving to Riverside County, CJ worked for Equinox Fitness and Massage Envy as well as building a private practice in Orange County.
“I fell in love with massage therapy and assisting people to meet and exceed their wellness & body goals.”
Antonia Raquel “Rockie” Mendoza, CMT
CAMTC #68468
Rockie went to Marinello school of beauty in 2015 and completed the 600 hour massage program along with getting her certification in manual lymphatic drainage. Additionally, she has 200 hours in education towards her yoga trainer certification from YogaRenew. She began working for Brawnergy years ago and mentored under Rachel Brawner, CMT.
Rockie prefers to focus on firm to medium pressure modalities with a focus on trigger point muscle release. She also enjoys Tai style stretch therapy. She specializes in cupping as well as other Eastern modalities. With her clients goals in mind, she works to provide long term relief of chronic conditions.
“What I love about massage is that I help people find relief from pain that might be years in the making, along with helping people understand where their pain and bad habits come from and how to prevent it.”
Jennifer Pfaff, CMT
CAMTC #65389
Jennifer’s journey began in 2013 when she became a student at Healing Hands School of Holistic Health in the 500 hour program. She has also completed additional education in cranio-sacral therapy and other advanced massage modalities. She is currently pursuing certification in manual lymphatic drainage. Jennifer began working at Brawnergy in 2019 mentoring under Rachel Brawner, CMT.
She focuses on a functional kinesiology approach to massage, blending sports and deep tissue techniques together guided by postural and range of motion assessments.
“I have always been fascinated by how the body is designed and what it is capable of doing. I love what I do and feel privileged to work on others, helping them to realize what a magnificent machine the body truly is.”
Stanley Derain, CMT
CAMTC #31435
Stanley has been an MT for 9 years. He went to Everest College for their 750 hour massage program. He specializes in blending sports, myofascial, deep tissue, Swedish and trigger point therapies in every session depending on your personal needs. He also plans on adding cupping and shiatsu to his massage education.
Stanley’s focus is primarily on sports massage, including offering stretch therapies. He enjoys incorporating hot stones, warm towels and using aromatherapy to complete your spa day.
“I believe even therapeutic work should aid in relaxation. My goal is to aid in your wellness with excellent customer service and outstanding massage therapy.”