Therapists

Meet our massage therapists

Gwendolyn Guarino, LMT

Gwendolyn is a New York State Licensed Massage Therapist practicing full-time since 2004. She lives in Troy, NY and teaches her Couples Massage Workshop nationwide. She is originally from the Adirondack Mountains and after having lived in several states, chose to train in Albany, NY at the Center for Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy because New York has the most rigorous requirements for licensure in the country. She also earned a BA from Wesleyan University where she incorporated the study of psychology with that of alternative health concepts.

Massage is her chosen profession because she believes it has immense benefits for our bodies and our minds and because she truly enjoys the practice. Her ideal client shares her respect and fascination for the human body and sees her as a partner in their journey of good health.

Visit GwendolynGuarinoLMT.com for more information and to read reviews.

Becky Kendall, LMT

Lesli Hopperstad

Becky is a graduate of both the Center for Natural Wellness and the Culinary Institute of America. She divides her time between baking cakes for weddings and special events and serving up quality Swedish, Deep Tissue and Pregnancy massage therapy here at Lux.

She lives her life with a goal of bringing many elements into balance, like a fine souffle! Her inspiration in offering massage is to create a unique space for each client. This is your time to relax, she says, take a deep breath and focus on just one thing, yourself!

Lesli has her advanced training in Reiki and is continuing her Metatronic Healing training, as well.  She has earned a BA in Psychology and a M.ED in Guidance Counseling which helps her have a deeper understanding of her clients’ needs.
   Lesli continues her mission in nurturing wellness and growth through energy work.  Through Reiki she helps clients find their genuine sense of self; while helping to release old, and sometimes negative energy that prevents people from being the best version of themselves.
   Lesli has great compassion for all living beings. She especially loves spending time with her children and pets.  Tarot, photography, jewelry-making, gardening and being outdoors are a few of her hobbies she enjoys.

Florence Lynds

Florence is a Certified SomaEnergetics ™ Vibrational Sound Practitioner.

Originally from Paris, France, she left for what was supposed to be a one-year assignment in Brussels but one thing led to the next and she has never lived there since (yes, a man is involved!). She had a successful business career including several international postings that she interrupted to raise her two daughters (2nd career, the hardest!). Energy healing is Florence’s third career and an enduring passion. She has lived in the Capital District since 2012.

Florence is very excited to introduce Vibrational Sound therapy to people’s lives. Deepak Chopra said: “The body is held together by sound…” and during a typical session Florence uses the power of tuning forks to harmonize the energy in the chakra system. When our chakras are open and balanced, we are able to fully use the energy that surrounds us. We feel grounded, centered, at ease in our mind and body and full of energy. Florence’s motto: “The Universe doesn’t speak English, it speaks Frequency”!

Paula Skelly, LMT

Paula Skelly is a Licensed Massage Therapist who received her training at the Center for Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy (CNW). Paula comes to massage therapy after many years spent working in the business world and homeschooling her son. In addition to working in the spa setting and clients’ homes, Paula also travels to businesses and manufacturing sites where she applies techniques to enhance employee well-being and to address work-related issues and ameliorate repetitive stress injuries.
As a way of providing even more clients with healing, Paula has trained in Reiki and is also a Certified Reflexologist. She also enjoys providing clients with Swedish massage, hot stone massage, prenatal massage and cupping.

Sarah Darby, LMT

Sarah has been practicing massage since 2013. She likes to gently hold space for her clients , listening to their body while she works as they slowly release tension. Her massages use a combination of relaxation and deep tissue/trigger point therapy techniques. Sarah finds that incorporating myofascial stretches, rocking and tapotement during her massages parallel to deeper work can help clients unwind and let go. Outside of work Sarah enjoys making music and being creative. She is currently exploring a certification in sound therapy.