Our Team

  • DAVID HIGGINS

    Owner
    Dave acquired LaRose Muscular Therapy from the previous owner and founder, Dawnette LaRose, in February 2019. Dave’s role is to support our outstanding team so that we can continue to provide our clients with high quality, therapeutic massage and stretch services.

  • MELISSA

    Office Manager
    After working at LaRose Muscular Therapy as a massage therapist for 18 years, Melissa was promoted to Office Manager in October of 2021. Melissa studied massage therapy at Bancroft School of Massage and graduated back in 2001. In her free time, you can find Melissa at the beach!

  • LESLYE

    Leslye was introduced to LaRose Muscular Therapy as a client in 2007. After Leslye retired from her 40 years in manufacturing she became one of our receptionists back in August of 2015. In her free time, she loves spending time with her dog and grandkids!

  • LORI

    Lori joined LaRose Muscular Therapy in April of 2021. Lori enjoys her role as a receptionist here because she gets to work with people and the environment is very clean and safe. In her free time, Lori can be found boating, walking her dogs, and spending time with her grandkids!

  • LINDSEY

    Lindsey joined the LaRose Team in September 2023. Lindsey discovered the perfect opportunity when she saw the post for a part-time position. Having been a client of LaRose, Lindsey understands firsthand the transformative power of our services, particularly during her last two pregnancies. She appreciates the safe and comfortable environment LaRose provides, making it a natural choice for her. Lindsey likes spending quality time with her family and two beloved dogs. A coffee enthusiast, she also has a deep affection for Cape Cod. Lindsey dedicates her time to making a difference in her community by volunteering with a local dog rescue organization.

  • ALYSSA

    Alyssa has been with LaRose since 2021, and she quickly fell in love with the serene atmosphere and the sense of belonging within our community. She also occasionally steps into the role of manager when Mel, our dedicated manager, is away. When Alyssa is not working, you can find her immersed in her studies at Northeastern University. She is pursuing her passions for English and Philosophy, exploring the depths of literature and the intricacies of human thought. Beyond her academic pursuits, Alyssa is a devoted fan of rock and metal music if you’re looking for music recommendations or eager to discuss your favorite bands.

  • LOGAN

    Logan joined our team in 2021, and has a passion for computers and data entry. His love for both technology and customer interaction makes him a valuable asset to our team. Logan serves as the team leader for his robotics team, showcasing his dedication to innovation and teamwork. In addition to his role at LaRose, Logan also works at the Mendon Drive-In. In the winter, you’ll find him carving through the snow as an avid snowboarder, and in the summer, he indulges in his love for classic cars.

  • Lauren

    Lauren, our newest addition to the LaRose Team, having been a client here for several years, Lauren joined us in 2024. Recently retired, Lauren recognized the perfect opportunity when she saw our job posting. With over 40 years of office administration experience under her belt, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our team. Outside of the office, Lauren enjoys immersing herself in literature, tuning in to podcasts, and most importantly, cherishing moments of silliness with her beloved grandkids.

  • Tici

    Tici studied massage therapy at Lincoln Tech. Upon graduating back in 2007 she joined the team at LaRose Muscular Therapy. Tici is trained in relaxation, deep tissue, pregnancy and sports injury massage. In her free time you can find Tici dancing or at the beach!

    Prenatal:  YES

    Booking Availability

    Monday mornings-afternoons
    Wednesday mornings-afternoons
    Friday mornings-afternoons
    Saturday mornings (every other)

  • Jon

    Jon became interested in massage therapy through his years playing sports and needing injuries taken care of. This led Jon to study massage therapy at Bancroft School of Massage Therapy in Worcester, MA. He graduated from Bancroft in March of 2013 and began working here at LaRose Muscular Therapy back in January of 2014. Jon is trained in relaxation, therapeutic, sports injury, deep tissue, and pregnancy. Jon’s passion is to work on the neck/shoulders and legs. He loves working on areas of injury through trigger point, stretching and deep tissue techniques. In his free time Jon can be found either outdoors or bowling in his men’s league!

    Prenatal:  YES

    Booking Availability

    Monday afternoons-evenings
    Tuesday mornings
    Wednesday mornings
    Thursday mornings
    Friday afternoons-evenings
    Saturday mornings (every other)

  • Kelsey

    Kelsey R studied massage therapy at Spa Tech and graduated back in 2016. She joined LaRose Muscular Therapy in January of 2017. Kelsey is trained in relaxation, deep tissue, pregnancy, stretches, myofascial release and sports injury. She also loves using hot rocks as a therapy tool. In her free time she can be found spending time with her friends and family!

    Note: Kelsey is not able to do CBD massages due to an allergy

    Prenatal:  YES

    Booking Availability

    Monday evenings
    Tuesday evenings
    Thursday evenings
    Friday evenings
    Saturday mornings (every other)

  • Melinda

    Melinda graduated from Lincoln Tech back in August of 2016. She started working at LaRose Muscular Therapy shortly after graduating in September of 2016. She loves coming into work because she loves what she does and is very passionate about massage therapy. Melinda is trained in relaxation, deep tissue, reflexology, sports injury, pregnancy and stretches. In her free time you will find Melinda working out, doing martial arts, or hanging out with friends and family!

    Melinda is also certified in Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy from the Lyons Institute.  Melinda has a passion for craniosacral therapy as she has many family members and clients that suffer from migraines.

    Craniosacral therapy is noninvasive. It uses gentle pressure on the head, neck, and back to relieve the stress and pain caused by compression. It can, as a result, help to treat a number of conditions including migraines, headaches, vertigo, neck pain, ear infections, or TMJ.

    Prenatal:  YES

    Massage Booking Availability

    Monday mornings-afternoons
    Tuesday mornings-afternoons
    Wednesday afternoons-evenings
    Thursday afternoons-evenings
    Saturday mornings (every other)

    Craniosacral Therapy Booking Availability

    Tuesdays at 3:45pm and 5:00pm, and Thursdays at 11:35am and 12:50pm.

  • Johanna

    Johanna studied massage therapy at Branford Hall back in 2009 and has become very passionate about the practice over the years. She joined LaRose Muscular Therapy in July of 2020. She is trained in relaxation, deep tissue, and cupping. She recently completed a class on neuromuscular cupping therapy. Her goal is to help the client so that their movement improves. In addition to her license in massage therapy, Johanna is also proud of her certificate in graphic art.

    Prenatal:  NO

    Booking Availability

    Tuesday mornings
    Thursday mornings
    Saturday mornings (every other)
    Sunday mornings

  • Naomi

    Naomi became interested in massage therapy after stumbling upon Lincoln Tech. Before she knew it, it was October of 2019 and she was graduating from that same school. Naomi is trained in swedish and deep tissue massage. She is very passionate about massage and is eager to learn more. Some areas of interest that she wishes to explore in the future are cupping and pregnancy massage. She began working here at LaRose Muscular Therapy in January of 2021. When she is not working she can be found binge watching some of her favorite shows on Netflix or taking photos!

    Prenatal:  YES

    Booking Availability

    Tuesday mornings-evenings
    Thursday mornings-evenings
    Saturday afternoons-evenings
    Sunday mornings

  • Beth

    Beth joined the LaRose Muscular Therapy team in Nov, 2022 and has been a therapist for 15 years.  She graduated from Bancroft School of Massage Therap in 2007.  She became passionate about massage after receiving them herself to help with an injury.  Beth specializes in prenatal, deep tissue, sports massage, and swedish massage.  Beth enjoys walking her dogs.
    Prenatal:  YES
  • Michelle

    Michelle first became interested in massage therapy while she was in school for nursing. She started by doing her own research and learning everything she could on her own before switching paths and going to school for massage instead. She graduated from Lincoln Tech in 2020 and started here at LaRose in October of 2021. Michelle specializes in Swedish, deep tissue, and prenatal massage. She focuses largely on relaxation and stress relief throughout her sessions and her attention to detail allows her to create a plan of treatment in order to reduce pain and stress as much as possible for her clients.

    Michelle is also a stretch therapist (please see her stretch bio under “Our Stretch Therapists” below).

    In her spare time outside of work, you can find Michelle spending time with her family and her dog Loki!

    Prenatal:  YES

    Booking Availability

    Monday afternoons-evenings
    Tuesday mornings
    Wednesday afternoons-evenings
    Thursday afternoons-evenings
    Friday mornings
    Saturday mornings (every other)

  • Lisa

    Lisa joined the Larose Muscular Therapy team in October, 2022.  Lisa became interested in massage because she has always been interested in health and fitness, and gravitates towards natural remedies to physical ailments.  Lisa studied massage therapy at Bancroft in Worcester, MA.  Lisa’s specialty is relaxation/Swedish, and myofascial release.  She feels she can help men and women from all walks of life to relieve stress, pain, and feel better about their physical health.  Lisa’s goal is to create a mutual understanding between herself and the clients for the best outcome.  In her free time, you can find Lisa camping and hiking mountains with her children and grandchildren. 

    Prenatal:  YES

  • Alice

    Alice joined the LaRose Muscular Therapy team in September, 2022.  Alice became interested in massage through her own journey while recovering from an injury.  She studied massage in Germany, and after living in the United States for many years, she decided to complete the Massage Therapy program at Lincoln Technical Institute and become licensed in Massachusetts.  Alice specializes in deep tissue and sports massage. She is looking to help clients that are seeking relief from chronic pain/tension as well as those looking for relaxation. Alice feels that her skill set and personality makes her a great addition to the LaRose team. In her spare time Alice enjoys traveling and hiking trails.

    Prenatal:  NO

  • Laila

    Laila is our first Hybrid Massage/Stretch Therapist.  She joined the LaRose Team in March, 2023.  She became interested in massage therapy through her aunt, and then learned the importance of stretch therapy and how they go hand in hand for a healthy routine.  She has a love and interest for how the body works, which makes massage and stretch are a perfect match for her passion.  Laila got her massage training at Lincoln Tech and Stretch certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine.  Laila feels her specialty in Massage is her deep tissue technique and in Stretch is the encouragement of movement for loosening the muscle tissue and achieving full range of motion.  She feels she can help people of all ages and lifestyles.  Laila has a passion for learning new techniques and helping other people.  In her free time you can find her singing karaoke and traveling and taking photos of nature.

    Prenatal:  NO

  • Jairelyn

    Jairelyn joined the LaRose Team after graduating from Lincoln Tech’s Massage program.  Jairelyn has always loved the concept of healing through hands-on therapy.  She specializes in Swedish and Deep tissue and feels she can help clients of all different ages and backgrounds.  She believes she is intuitive and adaptable to feedback.  In Jairelyn’s free time you can find her out biking and creating art.

    Prenatal:  YES

  • Jess

    Jess joined the LaRose team in May, 2023.  She has been a massage therapist for 12 years and graduated from Lincoln Tech in 2011.  Jess stumbled upon massage therapy when she struggled with anxiety and a horseship injury.  She found massage healing in so many ways and she wanted to be the one helping others with massage.  Jess is trained in Swedish, Therapeutic, Deep tissue, Prenatal and Oncology massage.  She loves using her skills and years of experience to create a unique session for each individual client.

    Jess feels she can help anyone that has injuries, wear and tear on the body, and even mental stress of daily life.  Jess studied Molecular AV & Developmental Biology which gives her the fascination for understanding anatomy on many levels.  In her free time Jess likes to go on adventures with her family and capture peoples special moments as a portrait photographer.

    Prenatal:  YES

  • Jacinta

    Jacinta graduated from Spa Tech of Westborough and joined the LaRose Muscular Therapy team in 2023. Following in her mother’s footsteps, she chose massage therapy as her profession, and it has since evolved into her true passion. Her preferred modality is deep tissue massage, as she believes it allows her to effectively assist individuals dealing with muscle tension, seeking pain relief, or simply aiming to relax and alleviate stress. What sets Jacinta apart from other therapists is her unwavering dedication and commitment to her clients. Outside of her professional life, she finds joy in spending quality time with her family and indulging in video games.

    Prenatal:  YES

  • Alycia

    Alycia,  joined LaRose Muscular Therapy in 2023 after graduating from Lincoln Tech Massage School. Alycia discovered her passion for massage in her early twenties and has been committed to helping people feel good and prioritize their wellness ever since.  Alycia specializes in deep tissue work, and her natural intuition allows her to connect with clients on a profound level, ensuring they receive a personalized massage session. She firmly believes in the transformative power of massage and is enthusiastic about sharing its benefits with everyone she meets. Outside of work, Alycia cherishes her time spent with family.

    Prenatal:  YES

  • Nicolle

    Nicolle, joined us in 2024, bringing with her a passion for massage and a dedication to personalized client experiences. Having graduated from Lincoln Tech Massage Therapy School, her journey into massage therapy began when Nicolle personally experienced its transformative effects, and a desire to share the same healing and rejuvenating experience with others. Specializing in deep tissue massage and detailed therapeutic techniques, Nicolle is committed to tailoring each session to meet the unique needs of her clients. What sets Nicolle apart is her exceptional ability to listen attentively to her clients, allowing her to understand their preferences and address specific concerns. Outside of her work, Nicolle finds joy in spending quality time with her family and painting.

    Prenatal:  No

  • Clarissa

    Clarissa joined the LaRose team in 2023.  Having graduated from Bancroft in 2022, Clarissa’s journey into massage therapy began as a passion during her time as an athlete. Her genuine enjoyment of the field motivated her to pursue training in various techniques, including Swedish, deep tissue, sports, and scar tissue work. Clarissa is dedicated to providing therapeutic experiences for her clients. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, pain relief, or an increase in range of motion, she strives to enhance the overall wellness of each client she sees.

    Prenatal:  No

  • Grecia

    Grecia joined the LaRose Team in Jan of 2024. Her journey into the world of massage therapy began during her high school years when she discovered the numerous benefits it offers. She graduated from Salter College’s massage program in 2014, and has since become passionate about providing deep tissue massages. Grecia specializes in deep tissue and addressing specific areas that require attention, ensuring a tailored experience for each client. Beyond her professional dedication, Grecia treasures spending quality time with her family.

    Prenatal:  No

  • Kate

    Kate joined the LaRose Team in March of 2024 after graduating from Lincoln Tech. Kate grew up with a mother who was a former massage therapist, and experienced the benefits of massage from an early age. She fondly remembers giving her mom massages and developing a fascination with anatomy, which ultimately fueled her desire to become a therapist herself. Kate’s dedication to helping clients find relief from soreness, tension, and adhesions, while also improving mobility, is at the core of her practice. Specializing in deep tissue massage, she aims to provide effective treatments tailored to each client’s needs. Kate is enthusiastic about expanding her expertise by working with athletes, as she is driven to learn and grow in her profession. In Kate’s spare time she likes being outdoors hiking with friends and her dog.

    Prenatal:  No

  • Nelson

    Nelson joined the LaRose Team in March 2024, having graduated from Spa Tech two years ago. His journey into massage therapy was inspired by his naturally calming and empathetic spirit. Nelson’s journey into massage therapy started by giving family members massages and he found joy in knowing that his knowledge of the human body could bring physical relief. This initial interest continued to grow, leading Nelson to specialize in Swedish, deep tissue with trigger point work, and effleurage/kneading techniques.

    His passion lies in helping a diverse range of clients, from beginners to athletes, the elderly, and those seeking respite from everyday stress, trauma, or discomfort. Nelson possesses both strength and a gentle touch, allowing him to tailor his approach to the unique needs of each individual.

    As a male Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), Nelson strives to distinguish himself from others in his field. He achieves this by consistently prioritizing active listening, maintaining a light and protective energy in the workplace, and building trust with clients before gaining the trust of their bodies.

    In his free time, Nelson enjoys immersing himself in nature, whether catching sunrises or sunsets with meditation, hiking, or indulging in activities like movies and go-karting. During the summer, you can also find him at the beach.

    Prenatal:  No

  • Alicia C

    Alicia brings her passion for massage wellness and dedication to personalized care to the LaRose team. Joining in March 2024, she brings years of experience to her role as a massage therapist. Graduating from Lincoln Tech in 2016, Alicia has always been fascinated by the intricate connections within the human body.

    Her true fulfillment comes from assisting clients in alleviating their aches and pains, making massage a rewarding experience. Alicia specializes in a blend of Swedish techniques, deep tissue massage, and trigger point therapy. She is confident in her ability to provide relief to anyone who seeks it.

    Beyond work, Alicia cherishes her time spent with her daughter, cooking together and exploring the great outdoors. Her dedication to her craft, coupled with her nurturing spirit, makes Alicia an invaluable asset to the LaRose team, dedicated to enhancing the well-being of every client she encounters.

    Prenatal:  No

  • Tici

    Tici is an experienced massage therapist who has been practicing massage here at LaRose Muscular Therapy for 14 years. She was already using a variety of therapeutic stretching techniques in her massage sessions and recently became interested in exploring the benefits of using stretch therapy on its own. Tici received her Stretching & Flexibility Coach certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine in 2021. She has found that one of her favorite methods to use during her stretch sessions is the traction technique. Traction is a therapeutic stretching technique used to relieve pain and realign the spine by using a pulling force in one direction while resisting movement of the body with an equal and opposite force. Tici’s background and experience in massage therapy sets her apart from other therapists and has allowed her to help many people recovering from injuries due to sports, exercise, and other accidents. She believes that stretch therapy will allow her to help an even wider range of people in the future. Outside of work, Tici can be found dancing, going for walks outside, and spending time with her kids!

  • Laurel

    Laurel is an experienced and certified yoga instructor who has been teaching since 2013. She holds numerous certifications in various styles of yoga, meditation, and wellness through her studies with an array of internationally known teachers and recently received her Stretch & Flexibility Coach certificate from the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Laurel truly enjoys supporting and inspiring others to improve their wellness, remain present, and build a deeper connection to their body, breath, mind, and being. Laurel has her degree in Art & Art History and is a musician who has had the pleasure of touring both nationally and internationally. Outside of work, Laurel loves to travel, hike, play with her dog, and check out live music!

  • Tracy

    Tracy is a current personal trainer with 20 years of experience in the fitness world. She has multiple certifications from ACE and also has her Stretch and Flexibility Coach certification from NASM. Fascial tissue has become a passion of hers as she is able to help people understand how it works and why it is so important to keep healthy. Once Dave Higgins, the owner of LaRose Muscular Therapy, introduced her to the world of Stretch Therapy, it was the perfect fit for her. Tracy’s specialties include making the hips, low back and neck feel much more comfortable and thinks that fascial stretch work can truly benefit anyone and everyone!

    When not at LaRose, you can find Tracy doing anything outdoors, especially around water or the forest. Her and her family spend every Sunday at the Lake from June-September either kayaking, paddle boarding, playing in the water or exploring some trails in the woods.

  • Stephanie

    Stephanie has always had a love for kinesiology, anatomy, and physiology. She received her bachelor’s degree in Dance from Dean College and is also certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine as a Stretch and Flexibility coach. She first became interested in Stretch Therapy when she was looking into going back to school to become a PTA.

    Being a dancer her whole life, Stephanie truly appreciates the human body and what it can achieve. She has seen and experienced the positive, long-lasting effects that stretch can have on a body. Her mission is to share this with our clients here at LaRose. She believes everyone can benefit from stretch therapy, but she particularly enjoys helping dancers and athletes since she knows what their bodies are going through and can understand on a personal level.

    Outside of work, she is the lead singer of a funk band and a recording studio singer. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband and baby boy. They love being outside as much as possible!

  • Mackenzie

    Mackenzie got her undergraduate degrees in Health Science, Psychology, and Healthcare Administration from Stonehill College and her Masters in Clinical Integrated Exercise Physiology from Temple University. She has a variety of experiences in various fields of healthcare that include working at Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston Medical Center, and completing her internship at Journey Forward working with patients with Spinal Cord Injuries. After finishing her masters degree she reevaluated the direction she wanted to head in and was fortunate enough to come across this opportunity.

    Mackenzie is a firm believer anyone can benefit from stretch therapy. Coming from a college athletic background she wishes she had an opportunity to take advantage of this service herself.

    In her free time, she likes to coach field hockey, run, travel, spend time with friends and family.

    REHABILITATION AND INJURY PREVENTION

    Mackenzie also runs our Rehabilitation and Injury Prevention program which is designed to bridge the gap between physical therapy and injury prevention.  Taking on a more Athletic Training based approach, this program is a combination of rehabilitation techniques as well as assisted stretching. Sessions will use multiple modalities to treat and prevent injuries and any lingering muscular concerns.  The goal of this program is to address individuals’ concerns and develop a plan customized to help them meet their goals.

    How is it different from Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST):

    While similar to FST, this program introduces a multidimensional approach to rehabilitation and injury prevention.  The assisted stretching for this program is less gentle than FST sessions with the goal of this being to hone in on specific areas of concern.

    How different age groups would benefit:

    The benefits of this program are not only dependent on your current lifestyle, but also based on your goals and what you are looking to achieve. Individuals who lead active lifestyles whether through athletics, recreational activities, or career would benefit greatly from this program.  With the approach being a bit more aggressive than FST, individuals who have major surgical history or have difficulty rotating, flipping from side to side, or lying flat for an extended period of time may not benefit from this program.

  • Laila

    Laila is our first Hybrid Massage/Stretch Therapist.  She joined the LaRose Team in March, 2023.  She became interested in massage therapy through her aunt, and then learned the importance of stretch therapy and how they go hand in hand for a healthy routine.  She has a love and interest for how the body works, which makes massage and stretch are a perfect match for her passion.  Laila got her massage training at Lincoln Tech and Stretch certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine.  Laila feels her specialty in Massage is her deep tissue technique and in Stretch is the encouragement of movement for loosening the muscle tissue and achieving full range of motion.  She feels she can help people of all ages and lifestyles.  Laila has a passion for learning new techniques and helping other people.  In her free time you can find her singing karaoke and traveling and taking photos of nature.

  • Michelle

    Michelle’s journey at LaRose Muscular Therapy is a testament to her dedication to personal and professional growth. For the past two years, she has been a skilled massage therapist at LaRose. Michelle enrolled in our in-house Stretch Therapy program, and she is now our second “hybrid massage/stretch therapist.” Customizing each stretch to each client’s needs. In her free time Michelle likes to spend time with family.