Ann Bartlett, CMT
Owner/Partner Body in Balance Center, Certified Massage Therapist
Ann Bartlett started her career as a massage therapist in 1987. In 1986, Ann found herself in the office of a massage therapist and discovered that massage served more than just physical relief for an back injury. Her initial training started at Kripalu Yoga Ashram, Lenox Massachusetts. During her time at Kripalu, Ann learned that massage and holistic approaches to her own health afforded her more control over her type 1 diabetes. “By taking a hard look at my own body’s response, I realized I could help other people with similar issues.”
In addition to working with clients who had cancer, MS, ALS, and fibromyalgia, Ann pursued equine massage. Having spent many years riding, Ann opened up a relationship with several local equestrians and worked with three day event, hunters and four-in-hand driving teams. In 1988, Ann attended the Pennsylvania School of Massage Therapy for AMTA Swedish and Therapeutic certification and training in Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy. Her strong belief in continuing education in massage and integrative approaches to wellness has been a unique part of her practice.
Ann’s enthusiasm and drive have afforded her global opportunities to practice, such as working at the 1991 World Cross Country Championships, Boston Ma: 1992 Olympics, Barcelona, Spain; 1993 World Track and Field Championships, Stuttgart, Germany; 1995 Track and Field World Track and Field Championships, Gottemburg Sweden; Boston Marathon, Hawaii Ironman Triathlon, 1993 Triathlon World Championships; 1990 Equestrian Olympic Trials.
Because of Ann’s personal experience with Type 1 diabetes, she divides her time between world class athletes and working with adults and children, who have been diagnosed with chronic illness. “I like to think I’m helping address everyone’s potential, whether it be for speed, endurance or to feel better than when they walked in the door!”
In addition to her business, Ann blogs for various health sites. Ann also writes on the blog section of this site as way to offer guidance through the maze of healthcare choices, to help people understand the benefits of integrating holistic approaches with traditional healthcare. A happy life is one that is balanced!
Ann is a past chapter board member and Research Information Volunteer for T1D Breakthrough, helping local families learn more about diabetes research.
Online booking is back for Ann, click here to book. If you need further help, please contact Ann via email: abelle0905@gmail.com, or text 703-472-2734.
Dr. Joseph Henderson, DC
Partner in Body in Balance Center, Chiropractor
Dr. Henderson, a Long Island NY native, graduated cum laude from Molloy College in Rockville Centre, NY with a Bachelors Degree in Biology and Chemistry. His first career as a Respiratory Therapist offered him a well rounded experience in a variety of medical and hospital settings, including cardio-pulmonary, neonatology, pediatrics, elderly, trauma, life support and helicopter transport. From 1991-1994 Dr. Henderson worked at Inova Fairfax Hospital, a premier trauma center and pioneer in heart and lung transplants.
A desire for a career change brought him to Los Angeles College of Chiropractic (now Southern California University of Health Sciences) from which he graduated with honors in 1998 and practiced in West Hollywood until his return to the east coast. In 2000, Dr. Henderson purchased the 10 year practice of Dr. Jo Anne Nelson in historic Old Town Alexandria, VA.
Having been in practice for over a decade now, Dr. Henderson is well-versed in natural, conservative methods of healing, employing a balanced approach to musculoskeletal health that includes chiropractic adjustments, soft-tissue techniques, exercise and nutrition. His medical experience in his prior career adds to his strong emphasis on wellness and pro-active prevention of of illness and disease.
His core belief is that if the body is supplied with the tools it needs for proper function, it can achieve any goal you set.
Dr. Henderson has spent years as a rower with the DC Strokes Rowing Club and as an avid cyclist. Dr. Henderson has completed a 7-day San Francisco to LA bike ride in 1999 raising money for HIV/AIDS services in California, and two 4-day NY to DC rides in 2009 and 2010 to raise money for HIV research. And his adventures will continue!
You may book appointments with Dr. Henderson online at chirojoe.com
William Decker, Ph.D
Psychology, Neurofeedback/Biofeedback
I work with adults and adolescents in individual therapy but couples often consult with me – especially regarding family health issues. In addition, I work specifically with couples who are interested in changing and improving their relationship challenges. My treatments are based upon mutual understanding, respect, and trust. Initially, I work by listening and working actively with the patient/s to gain a deeper understanding of the tapestry of their lives. Often the impact of earlier life experiences, as well as repeated patterns of behavior may underlie or shape symptoms. My specialty areas include health and behavioral medicine interventions, stress management, anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, marital challenges, career/work concerns, and grief and loss.
Dr. Decker received his undergraduate degree from California State University at San Diego in Psychology. He then attended the University of Connecticut for his Ph.D. in Community (social and clinical) Psychology. He was an assistant professor of Community Psychology at Pennsylvania State University at the Capital Campus. Dr. Decker then served on the graduate faculty and taught Health Education at the University of Maryland at College Park. He has been in private practice for twenty-four years, first in Annandale, Virginia and currently in Alexandria, Virginia. Dr. Decker lives in Northern Virginia with his wife and has three grown children who have all left the nest. In his free time, he enjoys hiking and attending games for his favorite sports teams. You can learn more about Dr. Decker at biopsychservices.com
Crystal Craighead, LMT
Massage Therapist
For the past twenty years, Crystal Craighead has helped clients in the Alexandria community reach their health and wellness goals. As a licensed massage therapist, she brings her enthusiasm for creating and supporting a complete holistic balance to her bodywork practice. She is passionate about massage as an effective treatment for reducing stress, pain and muscle tension as it helps clients achieve greater mobility and rewire patterns of tension that cause discomfort.
As a graduate of the nationally recognized Potomac Massage Training Institute in Silver Spring, MD, Ms. Craighead is trained in the therapeutic benefits of massage in the following modalities: Swedish Relaxation, DeepTissue Therapeutic, Pre-Natal/Post Partum, Couples Instructional massage, Sinus Comfort Relief Massage and Reiki Energy Work. Her use of these modalities work to support well-being by alleviating discomfort, improving range of motion and flexibility, relaxing tired, achy and overworked muscles as well as encouraging the release of endorphins – the body’s natural pain-killer.
Ms. Craighead promotes the delivery of the “client-centered” approach to her bodywork. This approach supports an environment where the client will feel completely safe and comfortable during a bodywork treatment. She is also recognized for her abilities to work with sensitivity, compassion, and skill. With the idea that your body can heal itself, Ms. Craighead’s passion involves helping clients on their journey to improve their overall well-being for the mind, body and spirit.
Contact info for Crystal 703-867-3504, email: sayestomassage@gmail.com Website: sayestomassage.com
Ahmed Mohammed, LMT
Massage Therapist
Ahmed’s start into massage therapy was by accident, but he wouldn’t change a thing about the journey it has given him! Ahmed received his certification and license for massage therapy in 2006. To develop his expertise and level of experience, Ahmed started doing massage therapy in a gym and given his close ties to personal fitness trainers, he certified as a personal fitness trainer to fully understand the body in motion and his role in keeping it healthy and fully mobile.
Over the course of 18 years, Ahmed has continued his education in biomechanics and massage techniques to facilitate his ability to help restore structural integrity and movement fluidity. His philosophy is to achieve a deep tissue experience without inflicting pain. Each massage is customized to each person’s needs. Ahmed works with people who have chronic issues, as well as professional athletes.
To book with Ahmed call or text 703-909-3737
Marianne Meyers, IAYT
Certified Yoga Therapist
I have been teaching a therapeutic yoga program for over 10 years from March 2012 to July 2022. I’ve taught hundreds of students with many conditions including – sciatica, scoliosis, osteoporosis/osteopenia, spondylothesis, stenosis, herniated discs, arthritis, degenerative disc disease, degenerative vertebrae, functioning with cerebral palsy, fused vertebrae, pre and post knee/hip/shoulder replacements, RA, fibromyalgia, plantar fasciitis, neuropathy, ehlers danlos, early parkinsons, early MS, general aging, wrist issues, bunions, aplastic anemia, geriatric issues, torn ACL recovery and maintenance, torn meniscus, stroke recovery, vestibular issues, cancer recovery, bursitis, various neurological issues, etc. I’ve taught both classes and private students, my youngest student has been 9 years old, my oldest has been 94. In my work, the focus is on our bone structure and alignment and understanding how the body is designed to move and figuring out how to become as highly functional as possible as well as working with and against gravity to support mobility and the nervous system – this brings strength and empowerment. I use a lot of props including tennis balls, wooden dowels, and pool noodles as well as bringing a strong sense of fun into the process. Yoga brings exceptional relief for those experiencing chronic pain – I live with that myself dealing with lumbar scoliosis and spasmodic dysphonia, so yoga as therapy is very real to me.
To make an appointment for one on one or class instruction contact Marianne – mariannemeyersllc@gmail.com
