Get to know The Release Works team by clicking on their photos below:
Specialist Myofascial Release Therapist
Michael has been in pursuit of uncommon wisdom practically since the day he was born. This has led him through many twists and turns, questioning philosophies and excelling in school only to drop out near the end, abandoning career paths. He has a scientific mind but has come to understand that life and love require artistry, not facts, figures, and protocols.
Over ten years ago, Michael happened upon myofascial release and was hooked instantly. Here, finally, was a practice that recognized the wholeness of a person, required the utmost integrity and courage to be a therapist, and led to profound healing for those who dared go deep!
In his pursuit of true therapeutic artistry, Michael has trained extensively with the creator of The John F. Barnes' Myofascial Release Approach®, John Barnes, PT, LMT, NCTMB (a therapist and teacher of the highest caliber) and has been an assistant instructor in his seminars.
When not helping people out of the pains that have frustrated and limited them for years, he is driven just a little bit crazy by three wonderful kids.
Specialist Myofascial Release Therapist
Vanetta loves her work as a myofascial release therapist! She was introduced to myofascial release as a client struggling with debilitating headaches, dizziness, pain, and muscle tension. Traditional medicine did little to provide relief, and it wasn't until she began seeing a mfr therapist that she started seeing change. She knows first hand how it feels to be trapped in pain with little hope for recovery. Or to be given a diagnostic label like fibromyalgia with little recourse other than dependence on prescription medications. She no longer believes those are the only options available to those struggling with pain or loss of mobility, and credits mfr with helping her get her life back. She considers it a privilege to assist others in their journey.
Vanetta's formal education includes an undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University and a Master's degree in Health Promotion from Mississippi State University. She is also a licensed massage therapist and has trained extensively in the John Barnes' Myofascial Release approach.
Vanetta loves to travel and explore other places. She now enjoys that active lifestyle she once thought was no longer possible, and can frequently be found outside enjoying the sunshine and hiking the trails of Utah, Idaho, and Arizona.
Specialist Myofascial Release Therapist
Kassandra is passionate about the health and wellness industry.
She has spent years of educational and professional development chasing the missing pieces of how to best help people heal. This led her down a personal and professional path of finding solutions, hitting walls, and finding more solutions and has included training in the spa and cosmetology industry, massage therapy, an Associate of Applied Science as a Fitness Technician, formal Yoga Teacher Training and certification as both a Certified Personal Trainer and Yoga instructor.
For much of her career she felt that what she thought was possible in the health and wellness industry simply did not exist. Namely, a more complete and full mind-body approach to moving better, becoming more educated and aware of the body one lives in, and living a more full life.
When she joined the Release Works team and found the John Barnes Myofascial Release approach, she found the space that shared her goals, values, and visions for the work she does. She has a passion for being a part of others’ journeys and helping them grow and find healing in their lives.
Outside of work Kassandra enjoys Multimedia and Digital arts as well as writing. She likes to stay active in her personal running, cycling, hiking, and yoga practice. She also enjoys spending time with her family and sharing everything she loves with them, all while watching their interests and activities start to grow as well.
Specialist Myofascial Release Therapist
Ash grew up in Salt Lake City, moved away for a bit, but eventually found herself back in the valley, feeling like she had returned home.
She loves learning about the human condition, expanding her emotional awareness, and learning what it means and feels like to be human in as many ways as possible. She feels a deep connection to the spirituality in the world and often looks to the stars in awe. She loves the fullness of all that nature offers and how it speaks to us softly.
Ash is a writer, a philosopher, a deep thinker, coffee drinker, and poetry connoisseur. Her heart is soft for humanity and this planet. She is an acute observer and loves sparking people's desire to listen deep into the unknown corners of their soul.
She is an introvert at best and a simple human at worst. She is consciously living more embodied each day, while enjoying the full emotional and physical spectrum of life's path, learning how to show up deeper and live it better.
You will love working with her!