Rochester Staff

Below is a list of our staff members operating out of our CNY Healing Arts Wellness Center and Spa that is located at 2244 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14610. If you have any questions about our services or would like to speak with one of our practitioners please call 585.244.1280. We look forward to hearing from you soon and invite you to tour our lovely center.

Jessie Briel, Wellness Coordinator/Marketing Representative

Jessie is the Marketing Representative and Event Planner for CNY Fertility and CNY Healing Arts in Rochester, NY. She completed her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Personal & Professional Communication at the State University of New York at Geneseo in May 2010, along with Minors in English and Psychology. Jessie worked as a Marketing Intern at CNY throughout her last semester of college, and evolved into a full-time team member upon graduation. She fosters CNY’s daily growth and expansion through promoting client relations, partnering with local businesses, networking with local physician’s offices, social marketing, event planning and charity coordination.

Email me (jbriel@cnyhealingarts.com)

Heather Smith, L.Ac.

Heather is a NY State Licensed Acupuncturist as well as a Chinese Herbalist. She received her Masters Degree in Acupuncture from the American College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in Houston, TX. Additionally, Heather received her Bachelor of Science in Health Science with a concentration in wellness and health promotion. The primary focus in Heather’s Chinese Medical Practice is fertility. Her experience in treating issues related to fertility began while working with Dr. Randine Lewis, distinguished Acupuncturist and Author of The Infertility Cure. After years of learning the art of healing from Dr. Lewis, Heather has a comprehensive knowledge of treating various conditions related to fertility and hormonal response. Although fertility is her main focus, Heather’s education and clinical training give her the experience necessary to treat a variety of conditions, including but not limited to, depression, menopause, immune issues, anxiety, stress and insomnia.

Email me (hsmith@cnyhealingarts.com)

Shelley Szymko-Carroll, L.Ac.

Shelley is a NYS Licensed Acupuncturist, and a graduate of the New England School of Acupuncture (NESA) in Watertown, Massachusetts. Shelley has received training in the Japanese and Chinese Styles of Acupuncture as well as training in Chinese Herbal Medicine. Shelley also holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Union College in Schenectady, NY.

Shelley has studied a specialized Japanese-style of acupuncture that employs the use of gentle, effective techniques while training with Sensei Kuwahara in Boston, Massachusetts. This refined style of acupuncture can be used in treating a variety of health concerns that include but are not limited to: musculoskeletal pain, hypertension, respiratory complaints and allergies, digestive issues, sleep problems, stress & anxiety, addictions including smoking, weight loss and facial rejuvenation acupuncture.

One of her strongest interests within the field of acupuncture includes women’s health and fertility. Shelley is experienced in providing prenatal and postnatal care and continues her growth in the field of fertility. Shelley treats men and women of all ages, as well as teenagers and children. She uses gentle, non-insertive pediatric techniques to treat children for emotional imbalances including excessive crying and colic, digestive complaints, bedwetting, anxiety and sleep disturbances. Treating pediatric clients with these subtle techniques can assist them their young bodies in regaining their natural energetic balance early in life.

Aside from acupuncture, Shelley meditates and practices Qi Gong – “energy exercises” she teaches to her clients as a means to balance the body’s energies to promote optimal wellness. Shelley stresses the importance of her clients being more active in maintaining their own health. Shelley may also make dietary changes to her clients to assist them in gaining better health results.

Email me (sszymko-carroll@cnyhealingarts.com)

Erin McCollough, LMT, RYT

Erin uses her twelve years experience of practicing complementary medicine to help nurture and support the reproductive health of women. Erin attended both Penn State University and Syracuse University to obtain a Bachelors of Science. While attending Syracuse University, Erin enrolled in a yoga class. That choice has forever changed her life. Since then, she obtained a degree from the Onondaga School of Therapeutic Massage and is both a NYS licensed massage therapist as well as a nationally certified massage therapist through the NCBTMB.  In addition, Erin completed the Essential Yoga Teacher Training, is a Registered Yoga Teacher through the Yoga Alliance, and has completed both professional training in The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy (ATMAT) and advanced ATMAT for fertility and pregnancy (www.arvigomassage.com). Her own journey into motherhood is her inspiration for assisting women to obtain optimal fertility and reproductive health.

Email me (EMcCollough@cnyhealingarts.com)

Tom Weber, LMT

Tom is a NYS Licensed Massage Therapist and has been practicing since 1998. Tom believes that at its best, bodywork functions as powerful gateway to access and nurture profound states of well-being. Tom’s intent in each massage session is twofold: To address local physiological discomfort and injury with treatment oriented techniques, and, to awaken a deep, nourishing sense of well being.

Tom has enjoyed over 10 years experience practicing the art of massage therapy and dedicates his work to exploring the domains that bodywork is uniquely equipped to navigate. His ever evolving style combines classic Swedish, deep tissue, Asian and esoteric energy modalities.

It is his experience that what separates an extraordinary massage from an extraordinary massage is the depth of presence of the practitioner. Having practiced meditation in its various forms for 35 years, Tom considers “presence” to be his playground. Instead of referring to his work as practicing massage, he thinks of his work as practicing presence.

Tom is thrilled to bring his experience to CNY Healing Arts and is looking forward to continuing his bodywork journey with his colleagues and peers at this venue.

Email me tweber@cnyhealingarts.com

Jamie Kirchbaum, LMT

I’ve always had the strong desire to work in a positive environment that offers a holistic approach to healing and daily living. I was drawn to massage by its healing properties and the opportunity to provide a true feeling of relaxation and happiness to others. After completing my education at Onondaga School of Therapeutic Massage, I realized how vast the benefits of massage are and how truly passionate and eager I am to learn about the body and the opportunities I have to help our community through this field. My goal with each session is to work with you to release tension in the body to achieve better balance and health. Leaving you with a deep sense of relaxation and a better connection with your peaceful self.

Julie Nevelizer, LMT

I have been practicing as a massage therapist for three years.  I received my associates degree in Therapeutic Massage/Integrated Health Care from Finger Lakes Community College (FLCC) in May of 2007.  I started my journey by taking a Certified First Responder class while I was in the Fairville Fire Department explorer program.  As I grew in the fire department I took more interest in the ambulance side than the fire side.  So during my senior year of high school I took the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) basic course.  I did EMT-basic for 6 years with a couple of volunteer agencies.  I started FLCC in the nursing program which I found out it was not my calling at that time of my life.  I then followed my intuition to the massage program.  I instantly fell in love with the massage profession.  I loved how I could make a difference in everyone that I met.  Since I had a medical background, I was interested in doing sports massage right after college.  I was hired at an athletic club in which I did very well.  But I still felt like I was not doing what I was meant to do, until I found CNY Healing Arts.  I have found my home where I am able to inspire myself to grow into the wellness realm of the healing arts and share that with my clients.

Julia Lawrick, LMT & Cosmetologist

Starting as a young child, Julia has always been pulled towards a path of compassion and healing. Growing up with her mother in the nursing field inspired more passion for care giving. Her journey led her to a career in massage therapy. Julia obtained an associates degree in science and massage therapy at Monroe Community College in 2004, and obtained her NYS licensure in Massage Therapy in 2005. From there, she worked at several spas in the Rochester area. After five years in the field, Julia began to feel her passion had room for growth. She was experiencing the desire to pursue more aspects of the spa, salon, and wellness industry. This feeling further inspired her to acquire a Cosmetology License. Now, being proficient in massage, aesthetics, and nails has lead to a greater understanding of her clients’ needs.

Julia’s natural intuition and understanding paired with an ambitious educational drive are the backbone to her success as a wellness practitioner up to this point. The comfort and confidence Julia is able to deliver to her clients creates an immediate connection.

Since joining the team at CNY, Julia’s inspiration has multiplied extraordinarily. Julia has received comprehensive training with Aveda products since she started here, and will also be pursuing her certification in Maya Massage Therapy in the near future. Julia looks forward to client experiences and continuing education in the upcoming years, to further expand her services and skills.

Meranda Thomas, Esthetician

Meranda has been working in the beauty industry for over 9 years now.  Her belief is that beauty comes from within ones self.  Her job is her passion, she works very hard to make sure all of her clients are balanced from the inside out.  Working with Aveda for many years has taught her how to care for her clients each individual needs.  Anyone can receive just a facial treatment but its the total experience that matters most.  Meranda specializes in skin care, makeup, ear candling and waxing.  She has worked with all sorts of different makeup events from weddings, photography, special events, and loves providing makeup lessons.  Meranda loves to educate her clients, so ask away.  One thing is for sure, when receiving a treatment with Meranda you will walk in happy and leave happier. This is her top priority. Meranda’s favorite saying is, “The secret to true happiness is taking a little time for yourself.”

Aimee Fedele, Wellness Specialist

Aimee joined our Rochester Team in February of 2009, assisting both our CNY Fertility Center as well as our CNY Healing Arts Center. She is our front end receptionist, coordinates patient registration, medical records and inter-office as well as referral office communication. Aimee has been working in the medical field for since 2006. She provides compassionate client care and understanding during office visits.

Email me (afedele@cnyfertility.com)

Kristen Polimeni, Wellness Specialist

Kristen joined our team in June of 2009, she assists both CNY Fertility Center and CNY Healing Arts patients. She is our front end receptionist, coordinates patient registration, medical records and inter-office as well as referral office communication. Kristen previously worked at Rochester General Hospital for 1.5 years in the vascular surgery office. She provides compassionate client care and understanding during office visits.

Email me (kpolimeni@cnyhealingarts.com)

Elaine Spanganberg, LMT/Wellness Specialist

Elaine is a licensed New York State massage therapist, having finished her coursework at Onondaga School of Therapeutic Massage in 2006. For the past three years, she has worked predominantly with an active and athletic client base and with individuals seeking to naturally reduce their levels of tension, stress, and physical discomfort.

Her hybrid massage style continues to evolve and blends customized therapeutic work with an exceedingly peaceful Swedish influence. Elaine helps her clients restore overall balance by managing and alleviating the physical effects brought on by the demands of life. She works with each person to address their own individual needs and health concerns; building relationships based on respect, understanding, and trust.

Elaine has developed an instinctual understanding of the body through her work as a therapist and from the many years she spent working in the health club industry. She continues her own personal exploration into yoga and running as well as independent study and is honored to resume and expand her massage therapy practice as a part of the
CNY Healing Arts family.

Katie Zynda, Wellness Specialist

Katie has worked in the Customer Service field for over 6 years. She completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Rochester Institute of Technology in Studio Art, as well as a Liberal Arts Degree. She joined our team at CNY in June 2011. Katie helps clients make appointments, recommends new treatments based on client needs, and creates an atmosphere of peace and healing during each client’s time with us.

Ashley Fuino, Wellness Specialist

Ashley is currently a student studying to work in the clinical psychology field. She helps clients make appointments, recommends new treatments based on client needs and creates an atmosphere of peace and healing during each clients time with us.

Christa Corsaro Tyson, Certified Yoga Instructor

Christa began her yoga practice in 1999 while living in Maui, HI. As her practice unfolded, various kinks within her physical body, emotional being and mind began to dissipate. With further maturation as a yogini she became interested in yogic philosophy, texts and teachings from various lineages, incorporating different styles into her personal practice.
In 2003, Christa attended an accredited 9-month yoga teacher training program through Yoga Yoga in Austin, TX, where she received her 200-hours Hatha Yoga Certification. Her instructors included Mehtab, Guru Karam, Jessica Montgomery and Sharon Moon. In 2005 she completed additional training toward my 500-hours Certification under Srivatsa Ramaswami and Leslie Lytle, specializing in Vinyasa Flow as well as Prenatal Yoga and Postnatal Yoga.
Christa’s experience teaching yoga to children stems from management of a childcare center and school for medically fragile, developmentally delayed and typically developing infants and toddlers, where she observed physical therapists and incorporated yoga into the healing process of special children.

Email me (ctyson@cnyhealingarts.com)