Administrative Team
Marissa Gandelman, LMT, BCST, Founder
Licensed Massage Therapist, Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist, Certified Stress Management Instructor
Marissa’s journey into massage therapy and craniosacral therapy is deeply rooted in a desire to make a meaningful difference in people's lives. It all started with a personal journey of self-discovery and healing, which led her to explore holistic wellness practices. As she delved deeper into this path, she discovered a profound sense of purpose in helping others find relief and balance in their lives. Her approach to therapy is shaped by her own experiences, allowing her to empathize with her clients on a profound level. Every session is an opportunity to connect authentically, to listen intently, and to offer support and healing in whatever form it's needed. She deeply believes that what sets Elm City Wellness apart is not just the techniques and skills we employ, but the genuine care and compassion that we bring to every interaction.
Jennifer A. Director of Operations
Jennifer was born and raised in Connecticut and has been working as an office manager for more than 18 years. She brings her love of working with people to Elm City Wellness. She studied English & Psychology at Hampshire College in Amherst, MA. In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys going to concerts, cooking and baking. She is passionate about music, creativity and Wes Anderson movies. She also assists her husband with his DJ business so you may see her helping out at a local event or at a wedding!
Jenn lives in East Haven with her husband Anthony, their son James and their dog, Bill Murray. She hopes to bring a smile to every client’s face with her compassionate demeanor and uplifting spirit.
Kathryn Ronzo MS, ND, M.Ac, CPES
Assistant Director of Operations
Katie is a Naturopathic Doctor with a diverse educational background and a passion for holistic health. She earned her doctorate in naturopathic medicine from the University of Bridgeport, complemented by a masters in acupuncture. Prior to this, she pursued a master’s degree in interdisciplinary health sciences from Drexel University College of Medicine and obtained her Bachelor of Science in biology with a minor in chemistry from Saint Leo University.
In addition to her formal education, she is certified in placenta encapsulation, colon hydrotherapy, and craniosacral therapy through Upledger Institute. She also has continued her advanced training in homeopathy under the guidance of esteemed practitioners, Dr. Paul Herscu and Dr. Amy Rothenberg, at the New England School of Homeopathy.
Beyond her professional endeavors, she enjoys bird watching, gardening, fishing and learning German, along with spending time with her husband, Steve, their twins, Phineas and Aurora, and their 2 miniature dachshunds, Cosmo and Stella.
Alyssa M. Supervisor, RYT 500hr, C-IAYT
Alyssa is a student of life, artist, truth seeker, and movement lover. Alyssa is a C-IAYT yoga therapist, 500hr RYT and reiki II certified. She was born and raised on Long Island, NY. She has been athlete all her life and has a strong interest in nature and aligning with the cycles. Alyssa attended Southern Connecticut State University and studied Communication for 3 years then completed her BA in Communication Arts with a concentration in Art Therapy at Marymount Manhattan College, 2012. Alyssa started to practice yoga in 2012 for her own healing of stress-induced migraines. She later became hooked, reaped the benefits and felt compelled to dive deeper and share the teachings with others.
The goal of empowering others warms her heart and fuels her with a sense of purpose. She wishes to help individuals achieve a level of wholesomeness through the principles and practices of Yoga. Alyssa strives to be a ripple effect spreading kindness and compassion, far and wide. She has a passion for helping others and reminding them about self care and practices that can help cultivate joy and ease.
When Alyssa isn’t working closely with others, she enjoys the creative process of creating works of art through various mediums. She leads an active and healthy lifestyle ranging from hiking, kayaking, bike riding and enjoys just about anything that is outdoors. She lives for the sunlight hitting her face and is constantly seeking new inspiration from the world around her. When she is not being active, she loves to cozy up with a good book or chill out listening to music.
Dana R., LMT Supervisor, Licensed Massage Therapist
Meet Dana, our very own Swiss Army knife of skills and expertise. From kneading knots to fixing leaks, from sparking wires to revving engines, and from nurturing plants to managing the front desk chaos, Dana is the ultimate multitasking marvel of our office.
Originally soaring through the skies as a trapeze artist along the East Coast, Dana decided to swap the thrill of the circus for the quiet charm of Connecticut. Little did we know, her daredevil days prepared her for the whirlwind of challenges our office throws her way.
With hands that work magic both on tense muscles and stubborn plumbing, Dana is the epitome of versatility. You'll find her gracefully gliding from one task to another, her toolkit always at the ready and her spirit undeniably adventurous.
Whether she's untangling metaphorical office knots or literal ones in electrical wiring, Dana does it all with a smile and a can-do attitude that's as infectious as it is inspiring.
So, the next time you see Dana zipping around the office like a superhero in disguise, remember that she's not just a Jack of all Trades—she's our Office Renaissance Dynamo, keeping the wheels turning and the office buzzing with her boundless energy and endless skills!
Collette L. Licensed Esthetician & Administrative Assistant
Collette is a licensed esthetician with a deep passion for the transformative power of makeup and skincare. She earned her esthetics license from Paul Mitchell North Haven in January 2024, after completing beginner and advanced SFX courses with Tyler Greene in Winsted, CT. Collette’s journey into esthetics started with a dream of becoming an SFX makeup artist, and along the way, she discovered her love for helping clients achieve their skincare goals.
In her practice, Collette focuses on creating a safe, sanitary, and judgment-free environment for every client. She specializes in microdermabrasion, eyebrow tinting, and high-frequency treatments—each service designed to enhance her clients' natural beauty. What sets her apart is her ability to blend artistic creativity with technical precision, whether she's performing a relaxing facial or crafting intricate SFX designs.
One of her favorite things about being an esthetician is the diversity in her work. By day, she provides calming, rejuvenating treatments, and by night—especially during October—she brings her SFX skills to life at the Trail of Terror in Wallingford, CT. Not only does Collette apply makeup to scare-actors, but she also loves joining in the fun, fully immersing herself in the creative process.
Collette is committed to continuous learning and plans to further her education by becoming certified in microblading and cosmetic tattooing. Her ultimate goal is to merge her esthetic and SFX skills into a unique practice that allows her to explore new creative avenues while helping clients feel their best.
In her free time, Collette finds inspiration in various forms of art and entertainment. She enjoys spending time with friends, relaxing with her cat Maxwell, and catching movies on $5 Tuesday. Her favorite films—**The Hunger Games**, **The Wizard of Oz**, and **The Exorcist**—fuel her creativity and passion for storytelling, both in the makeup chair and beyond.
Cheryl L., LMT
Massage Event Coordinator, Licensed Massage Therapist, Administrative Assistant
Cheryl has been practicing since 2006, in both clinical and spa environments. She trained in Orlando, FL, at Florida Metropolitan University, specializing in Deep Tissue and Injury Rehabilitation. She also is proficient in Pre- and Post-natal Massage, Reflexology, Acupressure and Hot Stone Therapy.
As a result of a car accident in 1999, she's had both bilateral whiplash and severe sciatica. After ignoring the injuries for 10 years, and much work by chiropractic, osteopathic, and massage practitioners, she's been deconstructed and reconstructed over the last 5 years. In dealing with and caring for not only the injuries, but her body as a whole she's realized the amazing benefits of bodywork and body awareness. So much the better for all the work, she's dedicated herself to paying forward the effort put into her care in order to care for others.
Kristian D. Administrative Assistant
Kristian, is a Shoreline native. She believes in the importance of self care and hydration. She has a passion for animal rights, and believes we can learn our from our pets. When she’s not at work she in enjoys relaxing running to her herb garden or watching her favorite horror movie. And that’s always a friendly reminder drink water!!
Maria Teresa L. Administrative Assistant
Maria Teresa Lonetti is a graduate of the American Musical Dramatic Academy and holds a Bacholores of Science from The New School and she also studied abroad at Santa Reperata in Florence, Italy.
When Maria is not at ECW she is the resident choreographer and musical theater director at a non profit theater company in Clinton, CT. She has always loved working with children and finds her passion in passing her theatrical knowledge onto the youth and adults. She has worked as a Drama teacher at the Worthington Hooker School in New Haven and the Ezra Academy. She was also the head Xcel competitive gymnastics coach at Nutmeg Twisters in Guilford.
When she is not at work she enjoys traveling, going to see shows and trying new foods. She also loves to spend time with her 12 year old Chinwa Addy.
Acupuncture
Dr. Stephanie Carey- Northrop, DACM, LAc, Licensed Acupuncturist
Dr. Stephanie Carey- Northrop is a Licensed Acupuncturist with her Doctorate in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Herbal Medicine. Stephanie has spent over ten years immersing herself in both eastern and western medicine with her undergraduate degree in Health Promotion and Wellness, specializing in nutritional counseling and personal training. Her passion for accessible, integrative care has opened doors for Stephanie to work in the public health sector and inpatient care in institutions such as John’s Hopkins, Masonic Children’s Hospital and within outreach programs such as the Salvation Army and Integrative Care Center of Minnesota. As a forever student of this medicine, she has spent time in the Peace Corps studying and implementing health practices in The Gambia, West Africa, received her yoga teacher training in Rishikesh, India, practiced workplace wellness in the UK and Ireland, and Studied under Acupuncturists and Traditional Medicine Practitioners in Vietnam. It has always been important for Stephanie to learn from others and experience health practices throughout the world to develop a well-rounded respect for medicine, culture, and the uniqueness of the human body.
Stephanie specializes in cancer support, has a background in treating pediatric patients, and is always happy to work within general practice including treating symptoms such as: migraines, sports injuries, irregular menstrual cycles, surgery prep and recovery, neuropathy, Gl disruption, chronic pain, and so much more. Stephanie is ready and willing to collaborate with your western medical provider to assist and empower you every step of the way in your health journey.
Credentials:
Connecticut Licensed Acupuncturist- State of Connecticut
Diplomate of Acupuncture-National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Medicine
Oncology Support- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Basic Life Support Provider- American Heart Association
Clean Needle Technique- Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
Training in Vietnamese Traditional Medicine
200 Hour YTT- Vinyasa School of Yoga
Female Health and Menstrual Health YTT- Yoga Medicine
Skin care
Gean B., Licensed Esthetician
Gean is a dual licensed esthetician. She graduated from Westchester school of esthetics. She is a driven and reliable esthetician, licensed to perform a variety of services, which tend to an array of skin conditions and cosmetic concerns. Her goal is to help people from all different backgrounds reach their skin care goals, with the help of attentive and empathetic professional care. She is in love with nature and has a holistic approach to skin care and overall wellness. During her free time she goes on hikes with her dog Coco and makes all natural candles.
Laura E., Licensed Esthetician
Laura is a CT based esthetician with many years of experience as both a skincare consultant, and makeup artist. Laura’s practice combines both a scientific, and holistic approach with emphasis on how to sustain a regimen that is supportive of each, and every clients skin, and lifestyle.
While synergistically helping to find your skins ideal environment Laura will work with you to curate a treatment plan to forward any skincare goal. She uses the power of touch, lymph drainage, experience with a variety of facial modalities, and knowledge in skin healing to encourage cell renewal as well as the importance of proper skincare as our skin/bodies evolve, and age.
In her free time you can count on Laura to be researching all the latest and greatest skincare, and health innovations that she can incorporate into her treatments.
Collette L, Licensed Esthetician
Collette is a licensed esthetician with a deep passion for the transformative power of makeup and skincare. She earned her esthetics license from Paul Mitchell North Haven in January 2024, after completing beginner and advanced SFX courses with Tyler Greene in Winsted, CT. Collette’s journey into esthetics started with a dream of becoming an SFX makeup artist, and along the way, she discovered her love for helping clients achieve their skincare goals.
In her practice, Collette focuses on creating a safe, sanitary, and judgment-free environment for every client. She specializes in microdermabrasion, eyebrow tinting, and high-frequency treatments—each service designed to enhance her clients' natural beauty. What sets her apart is her ability to blend artistic creativity with technical precision, whether she's performing a relaxing facial or crafting intricate SFX designs.
One of her favorite things about being an esthetician is the diversity in her work. By day, she provides calming, rejuvenating treatments, and by night—especially during October—she brings her SFX skills to life at the Trail of Terror in Wallingford, CT. Not only does Collette apply makeup to scare-actors, but she also loves joining in the fun, fully immersing herself in the creative process.
Collette is committed to continuous learning and plans to further her education by becoming certified in microblading and cosmetic tattooing. Her ultimate goal is to merge her esthetic and SFX skills into a unique practice that allows her to explore new creative avenues while helping clients feel their best.
In her free time, Collette finds inspiration in various forms of art and entertainment. She enjoys spending time with friends, relaxing with her cat Maxwell, and catching movies on $5 Tuesday. Her favorite films—**The Hunger Games**, **The Wizard of Oz**, and **The Exorcist**—fuel her creativity and passion for storytelling, both in the makeup chair and beyond.
Massage & Bodywork
Annie C., LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist
Annie is a licensed massage therapist and graduate of Branford Hall Career Institute. She is also a member of the American Massage Therapy Association. Annie is certified in Prenatal massage, Hot Stone massage and she is familiar with Aromatherapy. Specializing in relaxing therapeutic massage for stress and pain relief, Annie has also been trained in deep tissue, energy work, trigger point work, myofascial release, sports massage and stretching.
Annie is fascinated with energies and will be expanding her knowledge by studying Reiki.
Annie adores the beach and its healing properties. She loves collecting sea glass and creating beautiful pieces of art with what she finds.
Sharon A., LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist
Sharon is a Licensed Massage Therapist, a Graduate of The Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy and a member of the American Massage Therapy Association. From a young age she's had an alternative outlook on healthcare, and has a passion for wellness!
Sharon is trained to have a kinesthetic outlook on the body and has made it her mission to aid healing through movement and nurturing touch. She has knowledge and training in Orthopedic Assessment, Trigger Point Therapy, Pre-natal Massage, Swedish Massage, Acupressure and Hot Stone Massage. She recently received her certification in Manual Lymphatic Drainage. She loves studying new massage modalities and is looking forward to taking as many classes as she can get her hands on!
Vivian L. , LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist
Vivian studied Massage and body work in Branford Connecticut; at Branford Hall Career Institute and graduated in 2011. She found her passion for massage therapy while she was in school and has been working in the field ever since.She specializes in deep tissue, hot stone , and PNF stretching. In her free time she loves to go hiking with her dog.
Jaime P., LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist
Jaime graduated from Center for Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy in Albany, NY and has been practicing since 2015 with a sports and therapeutic massage focus. She has a background in art and geriatric home health. Being a product of the benefits of regular bodywork for scar tissue, Jaime is passionate about helping others resolve and manage their chronic pain with compassion and presence. She enjoys thorough work to resolve areas of tension and/or disfunction, but fully recognizes the importance of the whole, often incorporating fascial work, five element shiatsu and acupressure into her sessions.
Olivia J., LMT Licensed Massage Therapist
Olivia is a graduate of the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy (now Cortiva Institute) in Newington, and an active member of the American Massage Therapy Association. As a young girl she was very active in her body and mind. After suffering from multiple knee injuries as early as 12 years old, her physical, mental and emotional states became more fragile.
After college, Olivia found yoga and meditation which had profound healing effects on her entire being. Finding further proof of healing with massage therapy she felt called to learn more and was delighted to find a more holistic approach to wellness. She found her calling and is proficient in Swedish, Therapeutic, Deep Tissue, Sports and Acupressure techniques. Olivia has continued to expand her knowledge of healing modalities with a certification in the Raindrop Technique from CARE, the application of essential oils and how they work, not only with the physical, but the emotional body. With an interest in pain management and energy work, Olivia is excited to expand her abilities to bring healing to herself, her clients, her community and beyond.
Taryn C., LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist
Taryn has been a licensed massage therapist since 2018 with a focus on sports and therapeutic massage. They perform a variety of different modalities including Swedish, Deep Tissue, Prenatal, and Lymphatic drainage. Taryn assesses the client as a whole, to best address relieving areas of tension while helping cultivate the clients’ mind-body awareness.
Jamie M., LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist
Jamie is a member of the Chiropractic and Wellness Center of New Haven and has a plethora of experience and training. She became a licensed massage therapist in 2013 at Branford Hall Career Institute. She has experience working in a variety of modalities including; therapeutic, Swedish, sports massage, mayofascial release and prenatal. Most recently, Jamie received formal training in the area of Thai massage. She specializes in therapeutic massage and relaxation techniques, stress and pain relief. Jamie is an intuitive therapist who can provide education on at home techniques for time between sessions.
Jamie attends continuing education seminars and conferences annually in order to help maintain her craft and skill level. She believes in the art of healing and the importance of self-care through massage. Jamie is fascinated with the natural world and all of its healing powers.
Jamie lives in Wallingford with her two children. She loves spending time outdoors, hiking in the woods and relaxing in her hammock. She enjoys spending time with her kids and exploring the world with them.
Gabby A., LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist
Gabby is a graduate of the Cortiva Institute in Cromwell and loves bringing her love of people and customer service experience into her sessions. She listened to an intuitive calling to learn bodywork through her own experience of receiving different modalities, in particular craniosacral therapy. She believes that massage is a partnership and that through the combined work of both the therapist and client healing can happen. Gabby incorporates techniques from myofascial release, deep tissue, craniosacral therapy as well as lymphatic massage, all with an emphasis on open communication for the best possible session. When she's not at ECW Gabby enjoys spending time with her 10-year-old daughter at the library, park, or beach. She also loves walking through the woods to stalk the animals, going to the movies, and geeking out about the latest MCU film.
Meghan F., LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist
Meghan Fitzpatrick has been a healer and bodyworker for over 20 years. After years as a make-up artist, nail technician and esthetician she found her calling and graduated from Branford Hall Academy in Massage Therapy in 2013. Meghan had been certified in ACE Massage Cupping, Ashiatsu, Prenatal massage, and fibromyalgia massage. She is well known for very deep tissue work and is familiar with gua sha, hot stone massage and reflexology. Meghan is also a certified Reiki Master and believes energy plays a large part in our healing journey. Meghan enjoys the challenge of working on all bodies and with clients to help them maintain a healthy quality of life. When not healing Meghan enjoys life on the shoreline with her two cats Tucker and Tallulah, hiking, gardening, doing home improvement and crafting. Major foodie and book enthusiast.
Igor B., LMT Pronounced "EE-gor BIR-koff”
Licensed Massage Therapist
Igor graduated from Branford Hall in 2015. He is an AMTA member and is proficient in Swedish, deep tissue, prenatal, sports massage, and myofascial release. He is interested in and is a practitioner of general fitness.
Jorge S. LMT, MLD Licensed Massage Therapist Manual Lymphatic Drainage certified
Jorge graduated from Cortiva Institute in 2019. Jorge’s wife had seen an orthopedic massage therapist 9 mths after knee replacement because she was in a lot of pain. When seeing the results and relief she received he knew it was a career he wanted to pursue. Jorge is certified in Swedish massage, deep tissue, prenatal, postnatal, myofascial release, sciatic, shoulders, and manual lymphatic drainage.
Jorge loves attending baseball games or listening to baseball or basketball on Sirius XM and when opportunity arises Deep sea fishing.
Samantha M. LMT Licensed Massage Therapist
Samantha graduated from Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy in 2018 and is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association. She was inspired to pursue massage based on her passion for natural healing which began after she struggled with her own health at a young age. Shortly after starting her schooling, she realized the amazing benefits of bodywork along with the healing power of touch. She enjoys sharing that gift with as many people as possible.
Samantha is patient, compassionate, and pays special attention to detail. She enjoys working towards specific goals ranging from relieving physical discomfort to helping ease the stress and anxiety that is brought on by our everyday lives. Specializing in relaxing therapeutic massage Samantha’s training includes, but isn’t limited to studying the human anatomy, pathology and various modalities of myofascial release therapy, Swedish Massage, and prenatal massage.
Going forward, she plans to continue her education in the field of Craniosacral Therapy.
Cheryl Y., LMT, CST Licensed Massage Therapist, Craniosacral Therapist & Reiki Master
Reiki Practitioners
Alyssa M. 500 RYT
Supervisor, Private Yoga Instructor Level 2 Reiki Practitioner
Annie C., LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist Level 2 Reiki Practitioner
Meghan F., LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist Reiki Master
Cheryl Y., LMT Licensed Massage Therapist, Reiki Master