MEET OUR STAFF
NICOLE TAIANI, OWNER
Massage Therapist
Nicole has been a licensed massage therapist for over 15 years, specializing in Neuromuscular therapies, pre and postnatal massage and Lomi Lomi. In her years of practice, she has found a wonderful balance between rehabilitation and relaxation.
Graduating from Sarasota School of Massage Therapy in 2004, Nicole has furthered her education by studying aromatherapy, advanced cupping and reflexology. Opening Southern Maine Massage & Wellness in 2015 it is with great appreciation she welcomes you to the practice.
TONY TAIANI, OWNER
Integrative Bodyworker
Tony graduated with his Masters in Athletic Training in 2014 and has been practicing bodywork for over 6 years. He specializes in integrative work with a focus on rehabilitation and recovery. He has a passion for helping athletes and clients alike gain mobility, reduce pain and brings expertise and additional training in strength and conditioning to help clients achieve their bodywork goals. Tony is the co-owner of Southern Maine Massage & Wellness and he welcomes you to the practice.
NICK DEFOREST
Massage Therapist
With focus on deep tissue and neuromuscular massage, Nick works to help restore flexibility and range of motion, relieve pain and stress in the body and provide each of his clients with a relaxing and restorative experience. Nick went to the Swedish Institute College of Health Sciences in New York, NY; it was a 2 year program with over 1,000 credited hours of schooling. He has extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology and welcomes you to the Co-Op.
JAKE BLACK
Massage Therapist
Jake is a Licensed Massage Therapist who specializes in Neuromuscular Techniques and has been practicing for many years. Jake is trained in deep tissue, Swedish, foot reflexology, trigger point therapy and focus work. Using fantastic pressures and having an expansive knowledge on how the body operates, Jake is able to hone his practice to fit and suit the individual needs of each client. Jake believes that, like a car, the human body is also a vehicle which needs a tune up once in a while. He understands issues and problem areas that need attention bringing a sense of calm and comforting to every session.
NICOLE COLBY
Massage Therapist
Nicole graduated from Spa Tech Institute in 2009 and has been a licensed massage therapist for ten years and holds a B.S. in Health Science with a minor in Biology and Psychology from the University of Southern Maine. Nicole takes an integrative and comprehensive approach to bodywork and aims to find and "turn" every "stone," leaving you feeling completely relieved and in a state of well-being.
SHANNON MCAULIFFE
Massage Therapist
Shannon has been practicing as a licensed Massage Therapist since 2017, and a certified Yoga Teacher since 2021. She couples her passion for helping people with pain relief and attaining deep relaxation through a specialized blend of neuromuscular, deep tissue, and cranial-sacral techniques. With an intuitive touch blended with knowledge of anatomy and physiology, each session is customized to each individual's needs. Her love and connection to healing through bodywork shines through in every session, whether you're looking for a gentle touch or firm pressure, your mind and muscles will feel put to ease in every session.
JANNINE GAUDET
Massage Therapist
Jannine has been a Licensed Massaged Therapist for over ten years and is extremely passionate about this career, and finds it extremely rewarding to educate clients on body awareness. She specializes in Deep Tissue Techniques as well as joint mobility and aromatherapy offering an incredible session in Rain Drop Therapy. She is currently studying herbalism through an online program and hopes to integrate it into her future sessions. Through continuing education, Jannine finds new ways to enhance her body work and expand her practice. She looks forward to working with you!
MICHEL FITZ
Massage Therapist
Michel's main goal for the client is to provide a deeply relaxing and nurturing space for healing to unfold. Whether it is gentle polarity work or deep myofascial release, Michel believes that the key to success and muscle relaxation is a mind that is in a deep state of relaxation. They believe that a strong trust bond between practitioner and the person receiving the work is fundamental in the healing process and treats each individual with compassion, consideration and respect for who they are and where they are in their journey of healing. Michel graduated from the holistic massage program at SpaTech Institute in 2016 and has since working in the greater Portland area specializing in myofascial release and integrated energy work. Michel is a non-binary massage therapist and polarity practitioner who goes by they/them pronouns.
STEPH TOMS
Massage Therapist
Steph graduated from SpaTech with a focus on Holistic healing and has since expanded her practice to include deep tissue techniques and Polarity. She is focused on helping her clients reach their bodywork needs.
THERESA SAWYER-GARLAND
Massage Therapist
Theresa is a licensed massage therapist who specializes in Swedish and Relaxation massage incorporating trigger point therapy and myofascial release. She has continued her education in deep tissue therapies and pre and post-natal care. Her treatment approach is customized to the individual using light to firm pressures depending on the needs of her clients. Theresa helps you achieve all of your health and wellness goals by reducing tension and promoting relaxation through her therapeutic bodywork.
SAMANTHA BUCKLEY
Massage Therapist
Samantha would like to welcome you to Southern Maine Massage & Wellness and looks forward to working with you. Samantha graduated from Spa Tech and has a specialized focus in headache relief, reflexology, and Integrative Bodywork. She loves to work with clients to find the perfect balance between relaxation and recovery and enjoys setting people on the right track to wellness.
BILL TAIANI
Massage Therapist
Bill has been a Massage Therapist for over 10 years. He was trained at the New Hampshire Institute of Therapeutic Arts in Bridgton, Maine. Educated in Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular Techniques, and Trigger Point Therapy, he also incorporates long soothing strokes to help calm and unwind. Bill has a strong passion for helping his clients find balance and relaxation, making each session a customized massage for the client’s needs and well-being.
LINDSEY HERSEY
Massage Therapist
Lindsey has been licensed and practicing massage for 17 years. She specializes in deep tissue, structural analysis, pregnancy massage, and holistic modalities. She is a recent graduate of The Institute for Integrative Nutrition earning herself a Health Coaching Certificate focusing on women’s health, nutrition, and fitness!
Lindsey is also a Reiki Master Teacher and fitness instructor bringing a “full circle” approach to her coaching and bodywork sessions. With over 20 years experience in the service industry, a vast knowledge base of herbal remedies, integrative healing modalities, medically based interventions, and mothering 2 exceptional boys, Lindsey brings a whole body approach to her treatments allowing her clients to achieve greater results in less time.
ASHLEY ELLIS
Esthetician
Ashley is a passionate individual who has two goals: give love and give confidence. We are all better humans when we're happy and if she can help you to be happy and confident in your own skin, her life is fulfilled. Your skin is as unique as you are and Ashley is up to the challenge of giving you a personalized experience that will leave you feeling truly cared for and heard.
CARALYNNE DALL
Esthetician
Caralynne graduated from Spa Tech Institute in Maine and has been an esthetician for over 10 years. Her passion for skincare drove her to further her education leading her to become a medical assistant. After successfully graduating, she was able to work alongside a Mohs surgeon at Dermatology Associates. And to complement her work experience, Cara has been certified in Paramedical Esthetics and in Nano-needling. Now with a deeper knowledge and understanding of how the skin works, she is ready to assess and customize your skincare needs.
Offering a full esthetics menu, Cara cannot wait to meet you and help bring rejuvenation and relaxation into your life!
GABRIELLA TAYLOR
Esthetician
Gabriella, who often goes by Gabby, graduated from Spa Tech Institute in Westbrook after realizing her passion for skincare and the power of relaxation. Gabby's intention in a treatment room is to create a comfortable environment to customize your skincare goals. Gabby believes all skin is beautiful and her goal is to show you just that. Gabby looks forward to working with each and every one of you!
TABATHA AUBE
Esthetician
Tabatha has been passionate about skincare for years. She attended Spa Tech Institute and pursued a career in skincare to learn more about taking care of the largest organ, our skin! As a licensed Esthetician, Tabatha feels that less can be more and a comprehensive approach to skincare is best. Tabatha can help you navigate your skincare routines and help you have a nurturing skincare experience.
NICOLE FINNERTY
Esthetician
Nicole attended Spa Tech Institute but was initially interested in skincare years ago, as a way to practice self-care when going through a rough point in life, and over time she grew more passionate about it. She finally took the plunge and applied to Spa Tech so that she could have a job doing something she truly cared about. Nicole is super happy to be able to work with you all!