Team

Svetlana Hoppe(Lana)

 Lana was born and grew up in St.Petersburg, Russia. After preliminary studies, she was accepted into the prestigious I. I. Mechnikov State Medical Academy (SPSMA) in 1989 and an M.D. degree in 1995. In 1996, she moved from Russia to Illinois. In 1998, she started working as a massage therapist, and in 2001, became NCBTMB (Nationally Board Certified Massage Therapist) and a member of AMTA (American Massage Therapy Association). From August 2001, she was employed by one of the most luxurious spas in America, "The Peninsula Spa," where she worked until November 2005. In early December 2005, she opened her own "Authentic Massage Therapy" business in Beach Park, Illinois. From June 2010 to June 2014, Lana traveled, worked, and studied in Russia, St.Petersburg, Mexico, and Puerto Vallarta. In April 2016, she was glad to open her company's doors, "Authentic Massage Therapy LLC, " where she is the owner and practitioner.

Samara Escobar

 Samara was born and raised in Albany, Oregon. After living in various towns in Montana, Washington, and California, she settled in Portland, Oregon, in 2018. Before and during her education, she worked as a food server in a retirement community.

In Portland, she graduated from East West College of the Healing Arts in 2021, focusing on myofascial release, neuromuscular therapy, and trigger points.

Samara highly values inclusivity and compassion in her patients' care. 

Ismael A. Cerpa-Huerta

Ismael was born and raised in Oregon. He discovered his true calling in massage therapy during recovery therapy after he was injured in a motor vehicle accident. He graduated from the Oregon School of Massage in March 2023.

He uses his Shiatsu techniques during Deep Tissue, Targeting, and Orthopedic massages, but he is also good at relaxing modalities during Swedish massage.

He is trained in Hot Stone and Cupping massage techniques.

Ismael is using his knowledge with compassion to serve his clients!

                                                                              Steven Ritts    

Steven’s journey began in the beautiful town of Durango, Colorado, where he was raised. After graduating from the Arizona School of Massage Therapy in 2009, he experienced a life-changing moment when he met the founder of an innovative hot stone therapy technique called "StoneDance." This encounter marked a pivotal turning point, allowing him to transition from a fulfilling career as a paramedic to pursuing his true passion as a massage therapy professional.

With years of dedicated training, Steven has honed his skills in various techniques, including John Barnes Myofascial Release, Active Release Techniques, and Stone Therapy. This unique approach, which employs both hot and cold stones, is designed to alleviate inflammation and promote healing. 

Steven understands the profound impact that pain can have on everyday life, and his ultimate mission is to empower individuals to break free from that pain. He believes that everyone deserves to live life to the fullest and chase their dreams without constraints. In his spare time, Steven is deeply committed to self-education, continuously seeking new knowledge to better support his clients on their healing journeys. hiking, and photography. 

                                                              Our motto is "Quality over Quantity!"