Riverwalk Center Owner, Licensed Massage Therapist & Registered Yoga Instructor

I fell in love with massage therapy as most of us do, because of chronic pain. I still remember the name of the gentleman to whom I was complaining. He told me that I “needed” to see Ily. Ily, it seems was a massage therapist who, without a doubt, could help me get free of pain and get on with life. I had never heard of such a treatment. I hemmed and hawed and eventually called Ily. This changed my life.

Since being treated with massage therapy and learning about other holistic, and much less drastic, measures to improve my health, my well being has improved beyond belief.

After becoming a massage therapist myself in 1996, I have had the most incredible journey. Every patient a different being from the session before; each patient ever-changing and evolving and finding their path to a healthier state. I have become more aware than ever as time goes on that relaxation and truly “letting go” of tightly held muscles and thoughts is a gift to yourself like no other.

I have come to believe that if your body is not working so hard to fight the everyday stressors put upon it, it has the reserves to deal with disease processes.

New patients always ask what “technique” I use. Deep tissue? Myofascial release? Swedish? Cranial? Yes, yes, yes and yes. All blended together especially for you each time you arrive. Thanks for taking time for yourself. I am honored to be with you on your path.

In 2013 I added YOGA instructor to my life.  After practicing yoga at home since 1980, I was convinced to take yoga teacher training.  I am truly amazed that the way teaching yoga has woven so beautifully into my therapy practice.  I am able to take clients from the table to the mat in the same session if necessary, but also able to recognize inhibited breathing and holding patterns much more readily and have confidence in coaching a client in how to work with breath and movement.  

If you have any specific questions for me or would like to discuss a treatment plan, I am happy to speak with you by phone at 207-570-8304 or you can reach me by email at: debra0702lynn@gmail.com or via Facebook at: Debra Ricker, LMT, RYT.

I LOVE WORKING IN THIS ATMOSPHERE OF HEALTH, HEALING AND MOVEMENT!

OFFICE HOURS: Tuesday -Thursday 7-430 by appointment

Licensed Massage Therapist, Riverwalk Center Superhero

John Luttrell, L.M.T

I was born and raised in Southern Maine and lived there most of my life. Having a massage therapist in the family from a young age gave me the experience of seeing how massage therapy can help improve the wellness and quality of life in so many different ways.  From a young age I knew I had a passion for helping others and was fortunate enough to have had the knowledge that massage and bodywork were ways to provide that service to others.

Since my graduation from Bloom! School for Therapeutic Arts in 2014, I have grown so much professionally and personally.  Not only from giving and receiving massage but by being surrounded by other therapists to learn from and now to help mentor. 

My massage therapy practice includes clients who seek pain relief, relaxation, a mental escape from life’s strains and a little bit of all of the above!  I use modalities such as deeper tissue, cupping and percussion in a base of Swedish massage technique to provide relaxing and therapeutic treatment sessions, unique to each client.  My goal is to help each person who comes to see me feel better and reach a better state of health and wellness.

I currently live in Dover with my family.

Licensed Massage Therapist

Graduate of Bloom School of Therapeutic Massage

Certified in the John Barnes Myofascial Release Method

I specialize in area specific work due to injury, trauma, surgery and the daily rigors of life.

I utilize MFR, stretching, traction and deep tissue work to facilitate muscle release and work toward increasing mobility.

I am the owner/operator of Shawlyn Farms in Hermon where I produce yogurt, feta and butters to sell directly to my customers in my farm store and retail accounts.

I will soon be starting the Yoga Instructor class and will be teaching yoga at Titan Athletics where I practice Jiu-Jitsu and Grapple.

Yoga & Dance Instructor

My name is Ashley Warren and I was first introduced to yoga 6 years ago in college. I would attend Tabata, Zumba and other fitness classes in my free time and then eventually fell in love with Yoga. Exploring the outdoors has always been another passion of mine, and I’ve learned to incorporate yoga into my adventures such as meditation at the end of a challenging hike or while on a paddle board. Becoming more in tune with your mind and body is very important, and something as simple as a quick breathing exercise can make all the difference in your attitude. Health and wellness have always been very important to me and I want to help other people recognize their true and best self.

I completed my YTT (yoga teacher training) at Bloom School for Therapeutic Arts in Newport Maine. I am currently teaching Wednesday Evening Rest and Revive with two other instructors and I teach private yoga classes as well. I am also in the process of becoming certified in Reiki and plan to attend Blooms Massage Therapy Training in fall of 2022.

Please contact me at: amalmquist13@gmail.com or at (207) 341-1249.

Acupuncturist

Isabel received her Master’s of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MAOM) from the New England School of Acupuncture, the oldest acupuncture school in the United States. She is licensed and board-certified (NCCAOM) to practice Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in Maine. Isabel’s gentle acupuncture style draws from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Japanese acupuncture, and Kiiko Matsumoto style of acupuncture.    Working in a variety of healthcare settings, from hospitals to community to private settings, Isabel has developed the ability to design comfortable and effective treatments to suit the individual needs of all her patients from infancy through our life long evolution. Isabel incorporates her background of Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy, Western herbalism, integrative health coaching (from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition), nutrition, psychology, and humanities to address each individual as a whole, focusing on a strong foundation to foster each person’s full potential for health. Isabel has been dedicated to honoring this complete medical system of Chinese Medicine that is over two thousand years old through the Eight Branches of Chinese Medicine that are used to stimulate the body’s inherent ability to heal.

The Eight Branches of Chinese Medicine:

1. Meditation 2. Exercise 3. Nutrition

4. Cosmology/Astrology 5. Feng Shui

6. Bodywork 7. Herbology 8. Acupuncture

Isabel has served as the secretary for the New Hampshire Acupuncture and Asian Medicine Board, and the treasurer of the Maine Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Board.  She continues her studies with her mentors as well as through continuing education opportunities to continually be at the forefront of what acupuncture, health coaching, and herbal medicine can offer her patients.

Make an appointment with Isabel by calling 207.400.7721

Teacher, Yoga Teacher Training Program

James grew up in Down East Maine and Northern Connecticut. Nature and the elements are his loves and where he derives his energy. Music is the life blood. All these essentials guide his life path and his yoga practice. During his time at Loyola Marymount, James learned what is now one of his core beliefs, that education of the whole person – mind, body, and spirit – are tantamount to a successful and rich existence. That philosophy coupled with his guiding essentials have brought him to a deeper understanding of his journey. They have expanded his vision of life’s great potential and the unencumbered acknowledgement of the infinite possibilities that exist.

“Open your heart and mind to engage fully on this path and the universe will reveal its infinite possibilities.”

Graphic Designer, Energy Healer, Yoga Instructor, Instructor of Asana for Bloom!

More than 20 years later, I can say that being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis was more of a blessing than a curse. And, due to a hearty fear of needles, changing my trajectory from conventional medicine treatment to seeking natural routes of healing immensely shaped my life. 

This holistic path to wellness empowered me to explore the many opportunities of healing to find out what works for me and doesn’t (there were many doesn’t!). Some of this path: I was attuned to Reiki I & II in college, took a four-year energy medicine course graduating in 2006 based on Barbara Brennan’s techniques of using the human energy field to heal, took a year-long herbal medicine class diving deeply not only into herbology but diet in general (acid/alkaline balance is the primary way I stay healthy now), studied acupressure and core energetics and thoroughly enjoyed native american sweat lodges and vision quests (great lessons in mind/body connections!). I’ve experienced oodles of healing modalities along the way and continue to enjoy exploring and attuning my body to health. 

I was first introduced to yoga in high school (I still remember and use the “Breath of Joy” pranayama from that class) and yoga has been a part of my health care regimen since. I received my teacher certification from Om Land Yoga in Bangor in 2014 to further explore yoga and learn more about this wonderfully simple and accessible healing modality. I thoroughly love teaching yoga and hope to help others learn to listen inside and be empowered to heal themselves. 

By day, I’m a graphic designer and when not working I love to adventure outside: gardening, hiking, camping, boating, yay! 

Please contact me at: julie@mypigsfly.com or on Facebook at Somavana

Yoga Instructor

Michelle grew up in Southern Maine and moved to central Maine 6 years ago where she met her partner. They live in Corinna with their two children, a boy and a girl, dog Atlas, and two mini horses, Ginger and Finley! She loves the ocean, camping, animals, traveling, spending time with friends and family, as well as a love for anything health/wellness and nutrition. She received her 200 hour yoga teacher certification through BLOOM School for Therapeutic Arts, and is currently in school studying holistic nutrition through Bauman College. She will be graduating in May 2023 as a certified holistic nutrition consultant, and will be eligible to become board certified in holistic nutrition through the NANP, which she plans to do! Not only will Michelle’s services offer help with nutrition, she will be focusing on the whole person and helping her clients implement healthy lifestyle and behavior changes to improve overall quality of life!

My name is Madison Hallee, and I am Licensed Massage Therapist here in Newport. I graduated from BLOOM! School of Therapeutic Arts in February 2022, which completely changed my world. Massage Therapy has felt natural to me - and something that found me at the perfect time. I have always had a genuine desire to help people and a deep passion for healing and self care. Using a holistic and energetic approach, I attend to each client’s needs and goals through clear presence and practiced skill. It is important to me that all clients feel seen and heard so we can do our best together to improve your mental and physical well being, through the healing power of touch. I continue taking classes to broaden my knowledge to provide the very best care for my clients. I look forward to working with you on your health and wellness journey so you can feel like the very best version of you. 

To schedule a massage, call or message me at (207) 487-1870. You can also find me on Facebook (Sage & Soul Massage Therapy) 

LMT, Yoga Instructor

Alisa was educated at Maine Central Institute and at KVCC, where she studied emergency medical services and respiratory therapy. She volunteered as an Intermediate EMT for 10 years, and worked as a registered respiratory therapist for 10 years at EMMC in Bangor.

 She has three adult children and six grandchildren. She spends much of her time keeping large gardens and a small hobby farm. She likes to raise and preserve her own food and spending time with beloved family and friends.

 Alisa attended and graduated from Bloom! School for Therapeutic Arts in March 2023 becoming a Licensed Massage Therapist. She also graduated from the Bloom School’s Yoga Teacher Training. Since graduating from Bloom, she has completed three specialty courses: cupping, soft tissue release, and nerve flossing. She offers all three as part of her regular massage therapy. She enjoys using her energy and knowledge for bodywork to help others relieve pain, calm anxiety, and to feel better overall.

Licensed Massage Therapist, Reiki Master Teacher with a shamanic undertone

“The Zen Queen”

Michele grew up in Brockton Massachusetts with her family.  It was 14 years ago when she decided to move to Maine to be with her husband and his family. She is a mom of an amazing 8 year old boy, and many fur babies. She has always loved taking care of people and making them feel better. A little bit after she moved to Maine, she took a yoga class at The Riverwalk Center and decided after that class she wanted to change her life for the better. To be happy, calm and at peace. She took her Massage Therapy Training in 2018, at Downtown Yoga and Healing Arts. This also was where she took her first Reiki classes. Over the years she continued to take different Reiki classes and her end goal was to become a Reiki Master Teacher, and be able to teach others about this beautiful healing energy. She received her certificate as a Teacher in 2022 and is hoping to start teaching very soon!

Michele is living her dream by helping others heal mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually through massage therapy and reiki. 

If you’re looking to book a massage or reiki session, please message Michele today!

774-265-2713

laafmassagetherapy@gmail.com

I was born and raised in Western Maine, I moved to Central Maine almost 5 years ago and started All In Thyme Farm with my partner. We came to Newport with the goal of raising good food for our community. We raise pastured poultry, pork and lamb. We also grow garlic, herbs and a limited number of vegetables using no till techniques. I believe that good food nourishes your soul and body and is the beginning of living a healthy life. I have seen the healing power of essential oils in many people and animals in my life. I am certified in Aroma Touch using essential oils and light body work. Aroma Touch relieves stress, reduces anxiety, improves sleep, relieves body pain, releases tension and restores homeostasis. Aroma Touch can also boost immune system function and improve overall health and well-being. I have the desire to help people live a happy and healthy life using natural practices and encouraging healthy lifestyles. I want to help people physically, mentally, and spiritually to lead a full and productive life. I believe that plants have all the power we need to heal us and I want to help and encourage people to find ways of using them.

I began my journey with massage through an intent to help a loved one. I was sitting in massage therapy waiting rooms far more often than I was receiving any. I became curious whether I might be able to learn this craft to help others suffering from chronic pain, anxiety, or musculoskeletal issues. I’ve always been in awe of those who practiced yoga, and other forms of bodywork, but never really explored all that it had to offer. That was until I discovered BLOOM! School Of Therapeutic Arts in Newport. I was able to learn so much in such a short period of time and began to discover the profound connection between mind and body. The class challenged me. I quickly learned to listen with my hands, and began to marvel at the complex structures and functions of the human body. I have enjoyed working with so many new clients, each one unique in what ails them, and how excited I feel to identify an issue and work on it. Each session is a blend of techniques specifically for you. I graduated from BLOOM in 2025 and am now the owner of Nirvana Wellness on in Newport at The Riverwalk on Water St. Since graduating, I have been practicing Yoga at home and getting regular massage, learning and absorbing new techniques each time. I am looking forward to the future and will be Reiki 1 Certified soon, and will continue my education by taking a class in MLD, and sports massage, hopefully offering my clients more. If you have a need for bodywork, or would like to discuss a treatment plan, I am happy to discuss. I can be reached at (207)341-1968; or via Facebook at Nirvana Wellness.
OFFICE HOURS: Sun-T 9am-7pm, W-F 8am-11am, Closed Saturdays.

My name is Kristen Tucker. I was born and raised right here in Central Maine in a small town about an hour north of Newport. I have a wonderful family and a 13 year old cat named Roxy. I love traveling, tattoos, houseplants, and spending time outdoors in my garden or on the water. After 26 years of working in the medical field I decided to make a career change. My prior experience includes medical assisting, working as a hemodialysis technician, laboratory specimen processor, and later supervisor of the specimen processing department at a hospital based laboratory. I loved the clinical aspects of the medical field but desired something that included creativity and flexibility. I’ve always had a deep appreciation for the tattoo and body art world. After doing some research, I decided to pursue a career in the permanent makeup industry. My training was completed in November of 2024 and I opened an independent studio in the Riverwalk Center at 5 Water St. in Newport, ME. I am fully licensed and insured to perform micropigmentation procedures. Permanent makeup is created by implanting pigment into the skin using a specialized tool for microblading or a PMU machine, similar to a tattoo machine, for lip blush, lash enhancement, and powder brow. Permanent makeup may last 1-2 years with proper skin care and protection from sun and harsh chemicals. Some medical conditions may adversely affect the body’s ability to retain pigment. Services currently being offered are lash enhancement, eyeliner, powder brow, microblading, and lip blush. Consultations are always free. I am very happy to bring these services to the Newport area and look forward to building additional clientele. If you would like more information about permanent makeup procedures or to schedule a consult please reach out.

seibellapmu@outlook.com

207-416-4498

You can also follow me on Facebook: Sei Bella Permanent Makeup

Operating hours are by appointment only.

My name is Tasha Lary. I was born and raised in central Maine; lived in the Midwest for several years during my time in the USAF; and moved back to Maine in 2004. I currently live in the Newport area with my husband and our rescue dog Parker. I have an amazing son who lives in the southeast U.S., and I enjoy visiting him as often as I can. I enjoy traveling and experiencing different cultures. I love to spend time outdoors hiking, exploring new places, kayaking, and paddle boarding. I may have been a mermaid in a previous life because I feel most at home on and in the water.

I am a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) and hold a certificate in integrative psychedelic studies as a psychedelic informed practitioner (preparation, harm reduction, and integration). I’m passionate about breathwork, specifically holotropic breathwork, and I’m in the Dreamshadow Transpersonal Breathwork training program.

I started practicing yoga several years ago, as a way to decompress my mind, relax and strengthen my body, and work on being more mindful and present. I immediately fell in love with the practice and relish the connection between breath and movement. I appreciate the way meditation and breathwork can take us out of our bodies and into alternate realms, while yoga helps to ground us and bring us back into our bodies in the present moment. I completed my yoga teacher training (YTT) at Bloom School for Therapeutic Arts in Newport in April of 2025 and I am excited to share my enthusiasm for yoga with others.

Yoga Instructor, Practitioner of Sound Therapies

My name is Emily Dunlap. I grew up in Old Town, Maine and I have lived in the Pine Tree State my entire life. In May 2023, I graduated from the University of Maine - Orono with a bachelor's degree in Music Education. I currently live in Newport, but I will shortly be moving to Levant to start a new chapter with my partner, David. In my free time I enjoy cooking, traveling, reading, and kayaking. You can even find me scouting for iced coffee and collecting crystals.

Throughout my whole life, I have always had a passion for music and sharing my love of it with others. I am the Grades 5-8 Instrumental Music Teacher at Nokomis Regional Middle School, located in Newport. I also teach 6th Grade General Music, and lead the school’s jazz bands. This past summer I received my Practitioner of Sound Therapies certification as a Sound Bath Practitioner (crystal singing bowls, Himalayan bowls, general wind/percussion instruments). I am currently enrolled in the Practitioner of Vibrational Therapies certification program through the Meditate: School of Mindfulness and Sound.

I started practicing yoga on and off while I was in high school. I always wanted to find something to do while I was traveling or during my free time, and yoga was always the thing I gravitated to. As I started to consistently grow and improve my practice by attending classes at The Riverwalk Center, my love for the practice of yoga grew immensely. I find it fascinating that music and sound healing can restore one’s well-being on the inside, while the practice of yoga can restore both on the inside and outside. I graduated from Bloom! School of Therapeutic Arts in April 2025 with my 200 hour yoga teacher training (YTT) certification, and I am thrilled to share my passion of healing through yoga and sound healing here at the Riverwalk Center!