Practitioners
All Teal Center therapists are certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, certified by the Virginia Board of Nursing, and hold a current Arlington County Permit.
Our acupuncturists are certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia Board of Medicine.
Dot Perry, CMT
Dot Perry, CMT, graduated from the SunCoast School of Massage Therapy in Tampa, Florida, in 1990, and has been a therapist at The Teal Center since 1994. A former long distance runner, Dot has studied Sports Massage, Connective Tissue Massage and NMT St. John Method. She is certified in both Bodywork for the Childbearing Year, and Pre and Peri-Natal Massage. In the field of energy work, she has First and Second Degree Reiki (Usui) and an introductory level class in Reflexology. Inspired by working in our Virginia Hospital Center location, Dot has now added Oncology Massage and Manual Lymph Drainage to the list of modalities she continues to study.
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Nan Heath, CMT
Nan Heath, CMT, has been practicing body and energy therapy since 1990. Her style of work incorporates a variety of techniques including Swedish and deep tissue massage, Cranial Sacral Therapy, myofascial release, lymph drainage, Zen Shiatsu and Qi Gong Energetics. With a B.S. in Human Movement and years of training in mindfulness, biodynamic and energy/spirit based practices, her skills combine to address physical/rehabilitative or chronic pain issues as well as stress management and esoteric healing.
Nan is a graduate of Healing-Shiatsu Education Center, Zen School of Shiatsu/Healing Tao Center in London, Virginia School of Massage, and the International School of Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy. She has also studied at KARUNA Institute, Upledger Institute and Tom Brown's Tracker School.
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Nishanka Lahr, CMT
Nishanka Lahr, CMT, is a nationally certified massage and craniosacral therapist with over 20 years experience. She has been with The Teal Center since 1999. Nishanka specializes in adult rehabilitation and pediatric health conditions (infants-teens). She is a graduate of The Humanities Center School of Massage, Pinellas Park, FL, and her advanced training includes myofascial release, craniosacral therapy and somato emotional release for pediatrics and adults. She works with conditions related to post traumatic stress disorders, rehabilitation and pediatric sensory integration.
Nishanka utilizes the central nervous system as an entry point for a variety of modalities in order to address structural, muscular, physiological and/or psychological dysfunction. Her work strives to support each client’s innate wisdom, regardless of age, in their physical and emotional world. Through non-invasive techniques, her goal is to restore mobility, balance and awareness. Nishanka employs sensitive observation, touch, and neutral presence to listen to each individual’s unique history and current condition. She captures a clear picture of a client or family’s experience, with the goal of creating a safe space for healing to unfold. Nishanka’s pediatric practice is family centered. Parents are integral to their child’s healing process from the start and throughout their care.
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Kate Quinn Stewart, L.Ac., M.Ac., is certified by the National Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and is licensed to practice acupuncture by the Commonwealth of Virginia Board of Medicine. She joined the Teal Center in 2001, first practicing as a massage therapist and now as an acupuncturist. Kate received her Master of Acupuncture degree from Tai Sophia Institute for the Healing Arts in Laurel, Md. in 2005. Since graduation, she has completed additional courses in auricular acupuncture, acupuncture for the cancer patient, qigong for breast health, and addressing PTSD with complementary therapies. Before becoming an acupuncturist, Kate studied at the Desert Institute of the Healing Arts in Tucson, Az. and received her certification in massage therapy in 2000. She is also a graduate of Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Va. with a BA in psychology and art history.
Kate practices Five Element Acupuncture, a holistic system of health care based on the laws of nature. She tailors each treatment to the needs of the individual and aims to alleviate the energetic imbalance at the root of the patient's symptoms. Additionally, she helps her patients to discover new self-care strategies that sustain their progress toward greater overall vitality. Kate brings to her work great enthusiasm for the practice of acupuncture, a gentle touch, and a deep commitment to supporting her patients' healing journeys.
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Heather Lyle, CMT since 1999, is a former professional modern and ballet dancer. Her training for Massage Therapy was completed at CORE Institute in Tallahassee, Florida and she joined The Teal Center in 2002. Heather’s integrated technique, which combines Neuromuscular Therapy, Sports Massage, Deep Tissue and Swedish, brings freedom of movement back to the body by encouraging it to let go of pain patterns and habitual tension.
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Allison Tilluma, CMT, started working at The Teal Center in fall 2003 as a receptionist while attending Potomac Massage Training Institute. Upon completion of her certification in 2004, Allison transitioned to the role of massage therapist. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Alternative Medicine from Everglades University in Florida. Allison strives to provide a unique healing experience by integrating her passion for nourishing the body/mind and using Eastern and Western massage techniques. She combines her training in Deep tissue and Swedish massage with Thai on the Table, a modified form of Thai Yoga Massage, to create a balanced session to meet individual needs. She has completed certification in Mother Massage, pre and post natal techniques, and has begun studying Ortho-Bionomy.
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Silvia Boada-Salom, CMT, is a Certified Reiki Master Practitioner and a certified Reflexologist. Silvia was born and raised in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, where she discovered and began practicing Reiki. She came to the U.S. in 1997, completed her massage therapy training at The Virginia Learning Institute in 1999, and has been with The Teal Center since 2004.
A wide variety of people benefit from Silvia’s work, including pre and post natal moms, people suffering from stress and recovering from injury, cancer patients, and the elderly. Silvia has studied broadly and incorporates her knowledge of neuromuscular therapy, and energetic healing modalities as she works with her clients.
Her core strength is within the Reiki path and Reflexology. She approaches her work by listening to the signs of the body as a whole and acting upon it in a gentle manner, always holding the space and allowing the client the freedom to heal in those areas that need healing.
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Cathy Taylor Cahill, CMT
Cathy Taylor Cahill, CMT, has been a part of The Teal Center since 2004. She is a faculty member and 2004 graduate of the Potomac Massage Training Institute in Washington, DC. She completed her neuromuscular therapy training in 2005 and became a certified practitioner of Trager® in 2009.
Cathy enjoys working with a wide population, ranging from professional athletes to those with complex medical conditions. She helps her clients to explore and discover new ways of moving and being that create ease and comfort in daily life. Cathy compassionately, clearly, and simply educates her clients to incorporate awareness of postural habits to create lasting change.
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Tammy Pearman, CMT
Tammy Pearman, CMT, is a retired professional women's soccer player from the WUSA and a nationally certified massage therapist. She is a graduate of Potomac Massage Training Institute. Since completing massage therapy school she has studied Neuromuscular Therapy, Sports Massage and is a Certified Muscle Activation Therapist. She enjoys working with active individuals of all ages. She uses a combination of Swedish, Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular, Sports and Muscle Activation Techniques® to facilitate balance, recovery and neurologically re-educate muscle tissue. Her unique approach and skill set helps to assist in chronic pain, injury rehabilitation and maximize muscular performance. Tammy is the Operations Manager for both locations of The Teal Center.
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Karin Robinson, CMT, graduated from Applied Kinesthetic Studies Massage School in Herndon, Virginia, and is Nationally Certified in Massage Therapy and Bodywork. As a professional horse trainer and competitive coach for twenty years, Karin taught movement and performance enhancement through proper conditioning and body mechanics. She also taught therapeutic riding techniques to people with autism, mental and emotional disorders and the developmentally delayed. Karin incorporates the knowledge gained in her previous career while using her training in Neuromuscular Therapy, Deep Tissue, Bowen Therapy and Sports Massage to facilitate release of physical and energetic blockages that impede ones health and well-being. Her strong background in anatomy and injury assessment and her focus on detail benefit clients with chronic pain, structural challenges and those recovering from athletic injuries.
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Dianna McAdams, CMT, is a 1990 graduate of the Potomac Massage Training Institute. She joined The Teal Center in 2006. During her years as a bodyworker she has studied Myofascial Release with John Barnes, Neuromuscular Therapy with Judith Delaney, and CranioSacral Therapy with the Upledger Institute. She is a teaching assistant with Upledger and a support therapist with Integrative Intentions in clinical settings around the US and Internationally.
Dianna especially enjoys working with performing artists, athletes, pregnant women, newborns, toddlers and children of all ages. She draws on her years of experience and her broad training to respond to the needs of each individual client. She supports them in their wellbeing and healing by listening carefully to their concerns addressing underlying patterns that may be contributing to pain and dysfunction, and offering insight and education to facilitate wellbeing.
Dianna is currently on leave.
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Diana Solis, CMT, was born and raised in Guatemala City. She received her RN from Marymount University in 1991 and practiced nursing before becoming a massage therapist. Diana graduated from The Greater Washington Institute of Massage in Burke, VA, in 2004. Trained in Swedish, Deep Tissue, pre and post natal massage and myofascial release, she enjoys working with a wide variety of clients and her work is very effective in addressing specific pain conditions. In order to provide her clients with the most effective treatment, Diana attends massage seminars nationwide to stay current on the latest advances in massage therapy techniques.
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Lucille Eddy, CMT
Lucille Eddy, CMT, joined The Teal Center at the Virginia Hospital Center in October of 2007, and now serves as its Clinical Supervisor. After retiring from the U.S. Navy, Lucille graduated from the Potomac Massage Training Institute in February of 2005, where she has been an instructor since 2006. Lucille has taken advanced courses in Oncology massage, Manual Lymph Drainage and Strain Counter Strain to enhance the work she does with her clients. Lucille stays current with developments in the field of oncology massage through her membership in the Society for Oncology Massage Therapists (S4OM). Lucille enjoys working with a wide range of clients and issues.
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Debbie Wickenheiser, CMT
Debbie Wickenheiser, CMT, graduated Cum Laude from the Northern Virginia Community College Massage Therapy Program. She joined The Teal Center in 2008. Continually striving to enhance her skills to better serve those who seek her out, she has continued her studies, becoming certified in oncology/hospital massage, Manual Lymph Drainage, Pregnancy Massage and Kinesio® Taping. Debbie also provides seated massage for injured and recovering veterans and their families as a volunteer at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC.
Debbie enjoys working with a wide variety of clients including the elderly, athletes, pregnant women, those facing the challenges of physical rehabilitation and living with chronic pain and serious illness as well as their family members and caregivers. She was a parent of a special needs child who during his lifetime taught her and others they met the extremely important and strong power of touch and intention; how important they are to the whole body and spirit healing process. She looks forward to working with you at the Virginia Hospital Center and being an integral part of your personal health and wellness program.
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Rebecca Hardy, CMT
Rebecca Hardy, CMT, completed her training at the Potomac Massage Training Institute in 2004, where she worked in the graduate, professional, and breast cancer massage clinics. Her advanced training includes oncology massage, manual lymph drainage, and, most recently, coursework in strain counterstrain. Rebecca also is certified in Bodywork for the Childbearing Year through Kate Jordan. Rebecca joined the Teal Center at its Virginia Hospital location in 2008, and welcomes clients from the community and within the hospital.
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Jessica I. Cubas, CMT, is a nationally certified massage therapist incorporating a combination of specific soft tissue and deep tissue musculoskeletal techniques in her sessions, helping clients with moderate or chronic issues who need relief from stress, pain or muscle tension.
Jessica acquired her massage therapy training at Centura College in Alexandria, Virginia in 2007. She became a therapist at The Teal Center in August 2008, and has been taking Judith DeLany Neuromuscular Therapy courses to further her knowledge and practice. She is also presently continuing her education in pursuit of a Nursing Degree. Her nurturing and compassionate nature motivates her to assist people in various ways. She believes through bodywork it is possible to help the body facilitate healing.
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Adam Garcia, CMT, is a nationally certified massage therapist who specializes in the treatment of soft tissue related pain. He is a 2008 graduate of AKS Massage School in Herndon, VA. While a student, Adam was a member of The Teal Center’s front desk team. He began seeing clients after completing his certification, and has continued his education with courses in Anatomy Trains and Neuromuscular Therapy(NMT), American style. He will attain a full NMT certification in 2010. Adam is an avid athlete and musician; as a classically trained percussionist, he possesses an intimate knowledge of the physical demands placed on the performing artist. By analyzing posture and movement patterns and understanding the role of fascial restrictions and trigger points in pain conditions, Adam’s work effectively reduces pain, helps to restore function and facilitates healing. Adam is on leave until May, 2012.
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Angela Thomas, CMT, is a Two Curricula Graduate of the Baltimore School of Massage, where she studied Traditional Chinese Medicine in Shiatsu Therapy and the second program in Swedish Massage. Angela served as Student Proctor Supervisor for the Baltimore School of Massage Student Clinic instructing students in body mechanics, professional ethics and wellness promotion.
Her specialty is addressing chronic postural and chronic workplace discomfort using integrated massage techniques. Her modalities of choice are Myofascial Release, Table Stretching Technique, Deep Tissue w/ Trigger Point Release and Traditional Chinese Medicine Cupping. Her additional training includes Shiatsu Therapy, Oncology/Hospital Massage, Pre and Post Natal Massage and Qi Breathwork.
“Sound Health is the key to everything...without your health, nothing else matters. Thank you to my teachers and all of their teachers.”
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Victor Kumar, MAcOM, LAc, is an acupuncturist, practitioner of Chinese Medicine, and a graduate of the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine class of 2003. In his practice, he incorporates a range of modalities including acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and Tui Na massage. He has special experience and advanced training in the treatment of digestive disorders, sleep disorders, orthopedic conditions, infertility, headaches, migraines and neck pain. Victor’s clinical style emphasizes a flexible clinical approach that strives to create a partnership between patient and practitioner based on common goals and concerns.
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Linda Goodbrake, CMT
Linda Goodbrake, CMT, is a Nationally Certified/Licensed Massage Therapist in the states of Virginia, Washington DC and Alabama. She graduated from the Potomac Massage Training Institute (PMTI), Washington DC in February of 2000, and has been practicing for 10 years. In 2006, she returned to PMTI as a faculty member and clinic instructor. She practices a variety of modalities, including Swedish, Deep Tissue, Connective Tissue Massage, Neuromuscular Therapy, Reiki, Oncology Massage and, most recently, a 2nd Level Trager® Student. She enjoys using all of her skills to create a massage designed for each of her clients on an individual basis. She does this through continued education of herself and of her clients to enhance the well being of each person through self-awareness of the mind, body and spirit. She is a member of NCBTMB and AMTA.
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Jean Taczak, CMT, is a 2004 graduate of AKS Massage School in Herndon, VA. Jean has a holistic approach to massage—caring for body/mind/spirit. She is trained in pregnancy & infant massage and has completed classes in oncology, hospital, hospice, mastectomy, and healthy breast massage. As she customizes her work to the needs of each client, Jean’s massage styles include moderate to deep tissue, sports massage, trigger point therapy, and a variety of specialized techniques she has acquired over the years. Jean has enjoyed her experience working with the elderly in the assisted living setting. She is a Level 3 Reiki practitioner, has a master's degree in counseling, and an interest in dreamwork, dream interpretation and analysis.
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Artin Mahboubi, L.Ac., M.Ac., received his Master of Acupuncture degree from Tai Sophia Institute for the Healing Arts in Laurel, Md. in 2008. He is licensed to practice acupuncture in Virginia and Maryland and certified by the National Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Artin came to acupuncture after a fifteen year career as a research scientist in the field of cell biology and immunology. He has a particular interest in acupuncture for auto-immune conditions, cancer support, women's health and fertility, and stress related health issues as well as advanced training and certification as an Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist. Artin looks forward to creating partnerships with medical staff and patients at Virginia Hospital and to working together to find solutions that effectively reach common goals for healing and wellbeing.
Jennifer Bales, L.Ac., MSTCM, received her Master of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine from the Colorado School of TCM. The practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine includes acupuncture, Chinese herbal and nutritional therapy, and modalities such as moxabustion, cupping, gua sha and tui na. Before joining The Teal Center in 2010, Jennifer held private practice in Portland, Oregon, where she gained broad experience treating a wide variety of health conditions for men, women and children. After working with Robin Lim at Yayasan Bumi Sehat, a birthing center and clinic in Bali, Indonesia, Jennifer has become expert in treating issues of women's health and fertility. She has extensive experience working with women throughout pregnancy, and has attended numerous birthing center and homebirths. Jennifer teaches women about fertility options from an eastern perspective, and supports patients during western fertility treatments. Using acupuncture and Chinese herbs, Jennifer works with women to balance monthly cycles, support fetal development in pregnancy, and recover during the post-partum time. Additionally, Jennifer practices Shoni-shin, a Japanese style pediatric acupuncture technique that is useful for many childhood imbalances.
Clyde Anderson, CMT
Clyde Anderson, CMT, graduated from Potomac Massage Training Institute in July 2001 and joined the faculty there in 2002. As a first level practical instructor, Clyde uses his experience and creativity to introduce a diverse group of new students to the wonderful world of Swedish/Deep Tissue massage. Clyde loves being an instructor because he has to practice what he teaches, and always maintain a beginner's mind. Clyde feels that the most important gift he can give to his students is the encouragement to be patient and to trust themselves.
Clyde has studied extensively with Aaron Mattes, the developer and innovator of Active Isolated Stretching: the Mattes Method. With Aaron’s blessing, Clyde teaches a three day Active Isolated Stretching that is NCBTMB CE approved, and also teaches an introductory AIS course at PMTI. Clyde has taken extensive continuing education courses in Oncology Massage, Orthopedic Massage, Sports Massage, NMT, and Tom Myers Anatomy Trains, an introduction to Myofascial Release. This additional training has prepared him to meet his clients wherever they are.
Clyde participated as a board member for the District of Columbia Massage Licensing Board from 2004 to 2005, served on the NCBTMB Ethics and Standards Committee as an Investigative Panel member from 2006 to 2008, and served as a board member on the Maryland Board of Chiropractic and Massage Therapy Examiners from 2008 to 2011. Clyde is a licensed massage therapist in DC, VA and MD.
Clyde’s mission is to always be present and honest with his clients, and to serve from the heart.
Alice Kerby, CMT
Alice Kerby is a licensed massage therapist with over 1000 clinical hours and ten years of experience. In addition to her extensive background in Massage Therapy, Alice also holds a Bachelor's of Science degree in Health Promotion from American University. She is passionate about increasing health and vitality through fun and dynamic activities. Her background in massage therapy and Chinese medicine pair well with the health promotion degree to provide balanced, complimentary solutions for her clients.
As a clinical therapist, Alice provides much more than the type of massage clients will have come to expect from a top tier spa. She graduated from the Heartwood Institute in Northern California with a multitude of specialized therapy skills. Her certifications include deep tissue massage, clinical acupressure, active isolated stretching, and Swedish massage. She is nationally certified by the NCBTMB and has been licensed in the District of Colombia and the Commonwealth of Virginia since 2006. Alice is experienced in working with athletes of all types, including professional runners, swimmers, ice-skaters, baseball players, dancers, cyclists, kayakers, golfers, tri-athletes, and rugby players. She has provided pre and post event therapy at a number of athletic events to improve athlete performance and speed up recovery time.
With a wide berth of knowledge and years of practical experience, Alice is engaged in helping people find what they currently seek for their health. From a simple massage for relaxation to a specialized program with home exercises, she is committed to partnering with you to achieve your goals.
Amanda Long is a licensed massage therapist specializing in deep tissue, sports, neuromuscular, and Swedish massage. It may have been more than 20 years since Amanda Long was voted Most School Spirited, but she still knows how to get others excited about the power of massage. After breaking her femur in a bicycling accident 11 years ago, she felt first-hand the power of massage to rehabilitate and restore movement and flexibility. After years as a journalist, Amanda recently made the transition from massaging words to massaging people, and she loves having a much more powerful connection with others. She thinks better on her feet and loves spending her days moving and helping clients find stillness in the room, and pain-free movement once they are off the table. Amanda loves to dance, run, skip, bike, walk dogs, and use the elliptical machine. She understands the frustration of injuries and works with clients to better understand, repair, strengthen and celebrate their bodies. A 2011 graduate of Potomac Massage Training Institute, she's furthering her education and deepening her skill set by studying neuromuscular and pre- and post-natal massage. Amanda looks forward to being certified in oncology massage soon. In addition to specializing in deep tissue, sports, neuromuscular and Swedish massage, she's a super champion of chair massages. As she says, "15 minutes in a chair can do wonders to erase the office politics, silence those inner deadline worries and darken the fluorescent lights!"
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