MaryAnn James

OWNER of healing tree, mfr specialist, COTA, LMT

Her career began in traditional occupational therapy.   Through this profession, she was introduced to myofascial release in 1997.  As she began consistently incorporating MFR into her treatments, she was impressed by the longer lasting results. Other therapists asked what it was she was doing for more effective treatment and she would show them techniques she had learned. She continued to hone her skills and advance her career in OT.  She had the opportunity to educate and train other therapists interested in MFR when she later became a therapy director. Watching fellow therapists have a career solely in MFR was hard as it had always been a personal goal of hers but, because she was the sole support of a family of six, it had to be the right time.  She began to explore other aspects of MFR.  Mary felt that becoming a Reiki level 1 and 2 practitioner would help her explore some of the results she was getting when she felt the need for a lighter touch as well as give her the opportunity to connect mind-body-spirit. Being an athlete, she has always explored ways to enhance her performance.  She continued her research into herbs, foods, supplements and essential oils that benefit the body, enhance performance and decrease pain/inflammation.  In said research, she found how this combination was really the answer to chronic pain and disease. The time had come when she was finding it too difficult to function as an effective therapist in a traditional health care setting.  It was at this time she was approached with an opportunity to work at Brynwood Myofascial Therapy. There, she continued her education to become an expert level myofascial therapist.  She also became a licensed massage therapist as it was something John Barnes felt he needed to do later in his career and Mary loves studying anatomy and physiology.  She has enjoyed every minute of her journey and looks forward to this new chapter in her life owning her own business and watching Healing Tree Myofascial Therapy grow. 

Jessica Waite

Blue Lotus Skincare

Esthetician

Jessica’s journey in esthetics began in Chicago, IL at the Aveda Institute. There she studied Ayurvedic Skincare (which taught a holistic approach) as she developed her facial expertise. She received her esthetics license in 2010 and has been working in the skincare industry ever since. She continues to study and work on expanding her skincare knowledge while treating her client’s needs. Jessica’s passion is helping people address and treat their skin to help reach a maximum level of results. As she treats her clients they can relax and enjoy an aesthetically pleasing experience. She uses clean and result-driven skincare ranging from Image, Skin Script, and Prosana lines. All of her services are customized and designed to improve and elevate each person’s unique and specific needs. Jessica offers microdermabrasion, hydro-facials, microcurrent skin-tightening, microneedling, LED Light therapy, chemical peels (plant-based and aggressive), eyelash tints and lifts. Full-body waxing is available as well. She looks forward to meeting with you to discuss and treat your skin, while you unwind and enjoy a relaxing, pleasant experience!

Taylor Woby

Empress of Empathy Esthetics

Esthetician, Reiki MASTER

”My passion for holistic wellness and skincare has remained a constant throughout my life. From mixing "potions" in the bath with body washes and shampoos as a child to discovering the true art of helping to heal not only the skin, but the mind, body, and soul through providing skincare treatments and energy work as an adult. After graduating from cosmetology school and obtaining my license in 2019, I knew that skin was still my passion. I have since provided services in a few different settings and have gained so much priceless knowledge and experience. Quickly, I fell in love with the idea of becoming a Holistic Esthetician who not only treats and corrects the skin, but helps to heal the body, mind and spirit as a whole unit. These past few years have led me to the culmination of my journey and even closer to that goal. I obtained my Reiki I + II certifications in 2022 through Full Circle Harmony at Rock Valley College and went on to obtain my Reiki Master certification in 2023 through the same program. Currently, I am finishing up my online Holistic Esthetician Certification program through Skin Obsessed Education after which I will go on to complete my Facial Sculpting, Intraoral Sculpting classes, and any others I feel called to. These classes have turned out to be essential pieces in my puzzle and are molding me into the type of esthetician that I have always strived to be. I believe education is so important and I will forever be learning as much as I can about my craft. In 2022 I also took the leap, branched out on my own, and created Empress of Empathy Esthetics. I always knew that if I wanted to provide a unique array of treatments that feel authentic to me, services that I feel so strongly and passionately about, I was going to have to create that space. A space that is safe, comforting, warm, and welcoming for all. I am overwhelmed with gratitude that I have found that space within Healing Tree in Rockford, IL. I offer a variety of treatments, sessions, and services that are constantly evolving and growing along with myself. I am elated that you have found yourself here, please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions. I eagerly await to help bring some healing, clarity, and a dash of magic into your life while helping you to uncover, discover, or even reclaim the Empress or Emperor within you.”

Peggy Perrin 

InMotion Myofascial Therapy & Bodywork

MFR Specialist, PTA/L, LMT, CPT

Peggy began her career in traditional Physical Therapy where she has practiced for over 25 years in a variety of clinical settings including orthopedics, neurology, geriatrics, pediatrics, and management . Knowing her love and passion for the "hands on" aspect of P.T. and the therapeutic and healing benefits it provides, she began studying under the John F. Barnes Myofascial Release Approach in 2012 and has found this to be a missing link to most unresolved pain issues. Because of this, she has continued to enrich her knowledge base and skill set throughout the years. She persued a license in Massage Therapy so that she could begin treating clients independently and solely in the area of hands on bodywork with an emphasis on Myofascial Release for unresolved pain issues. In addition to this, she performs a variety of therapeutic massage modalities including medical massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage, and Swedish/ relaxation massage. She also holds a Personal Trainer Certification through the NCSF since 2014.

Jenni Leake

Silver sol massage co.

HERBALIST, LMT, REIKI I&II PRACTITIONER

Jenni’s calling to the world of Holistic healing began in the early days of her childhood via her heritage and her affinity to the magical properties of plants and herbs. Knowing she would eventually explore this field to the fullest- and after experiencing the miracle of the human touch first-hand- she decided to branch out into the field of massage therapy and bodywork. She enrolled in school immediately following a series of her own health crises. After all, as Yoko Ono once said: “Healing yourself is connected to healing others.” Throughout her holistic journey she found that energy work was something that came naturally to her and, hoping it would help to serve even more people, in 2022 she became certified in Reiki. Jenni has been practicing herbalism and massage therapy in Illinois since late 2021. She is a passionate and eternal student of life, Earth and the human race. Her particular style ensures that each massage is unique and fine-tuned to the condition of the recipient in the moment. She is also more than happy to discuss the healing magic of plants and design you a custom herbal supplement to help you live your best life! ♥

Julie Hass

Sunrise Myofascial Therapy

MFR Specialist, COTA/L

Julie’s career began 30 years ago in Occupational Therapy. During that time she provided services to adults and children with physical, developmental, sensory-motor, orthopedic, neurological, respiratory/ventilator, geriatric and cognitive challenges. Then in 2005, after being treated in CranioSacral Therapy for her own pain and feeling three-dimensional movement when her tissue relaxed, she shifted her discipline and focus on learning CranioSacral Therapy as an alternative to conventional therapy. With an insatiable curiosity and desire for growth, Julie pursued advanced training in Myofascial Release techniques and successfully completed training in the renowned John F. Barnes’ Myofascial Release Approach in 2016. As a result, she is able to provide therapeutic relief to clients by releasing pain, tension and promoting a healthy lifestyle. Not one to stop there, Julie received certifications in both Reiki I and II.  When paired with the therapeutic efficacy of myofascial release techniques, Reiki enhances optimal relief for her clients adding yet another benefit to those with chronic pain. Always in pursuit of learning more, Julie went on to successfully complete Rachel Perry Gilbertson’s Myofascial Lymphatic Drainage Level I training, another technique instrumental in releasing fascial restrictions. With faith and gratitude, in January 2023, Julie became owner of Sunrise Myofascial Therapy and joined a community of businesses at Healing Tree Myofascial Therapy where she works with clients of all ages and degrees of pain. When not helping others, Julie enjoys time with her family which includes 2 beautiful daughters Heather and Amy, a devoted son-in-law Kevin and two incredible granddaughters Cassie and Kenzy. Julie also places tremendous value on time spent with friends, cooking for special gatherings, working in her yard, relaxing by a warm fire, enjoying a beautiful sunrise, and experiencing nature, especially near water. Today Julie enjoys pain-free living and a career that is rewarding. One could say that her pursuit of healing her own pain was life-changing not only for her but for the clients she now serves.