Melissa Kutok, Owner of House of Wellness

Melissa Kutok is a seasoned professional in the world of therapeutic massage. After graduating from the Onondaga School of Therapeutic Massage in 2001, she embarked on a journey to provide exceptional wellness experiences. As the proud owner of House of Wellness, Melissa hand-selects a team of incredible massage therapists dedicated to enhancing your well-being.

Beyond her passion for massage therapy, Melissa is an avid enthusiast of yoga and literature. When she's not at the helm of her wellness business, you can find her on her mat or immersed in a captivating book. Melissa is not only dedicated to the art of relaxation but also to her two wonderful children, who inspire her every day.

Join Melissa and the House of Wellness team on a journey to rejuvenate your body and spirit.

Shane SavoY, lMT

Shane is a graduate of the Swedish Institute College of Health Science in New York City and has been a licensed massage therapist since 2017. 

He also holds a master's degree in exercise physiology and has worked at sports medicine practices, athletic training centers, and fitness centers throughout New York City. 

Shane uses a mix of osteopathic techniques and traditional massage during a session in order to provide the best possible individual treatment. 

Osteopathic techniques comprise of: osteo-articular pumping, fascia normalization and fiber reset, which are performed active or passive and are specific to the tissues.

Traditional massage techniques comprise of: Swedish massage, trigger point therapy, myofascial release and lymphatic drainage, which are passive and general to the tissue. 

Both provide relief and relaxation. These modalities can be combined or used individually based on the specific needs of the individual. 

Additionally, Shane has specific training in managing scoliosis, temperomandibular joint (tmj) pain and whiplash trauma. 

- Injury Recovery and Rehabilitation
- Head and Neck Trauma
- Sports Massage Therapy
- Deep Tissue/Muscle Specific Therapy
- Myofascial Release
- Trigger Point Therapy
- Lymphatic Drainage
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Fernando Landazabal Leal, lMT

Award winner for best Massage Therapist in Atlanta 2009 and 2010, by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, joins the House of Wellness team of talented therapists in Astoria. With 15 years of experience as a licensed Massage Therapist and over 12,000 people who have felt his touch, Fernando brings a blend of techniques that include his specialties:

-Trigger Point Release
- Shiatsu
- Lymphatic Drainage
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Pre/Post-natal

Andrew Cassanova, LMT

Andrew is a 2014 graduate of the Swedish Institute of New York. With extensive experience in diverse therapeutic settings, he brings a versatile approach to his practice, blending a variety of techniques within a single session. Andrew is committed to addressing both the immediate concerns of his clients and the body’s broader needs, focusing on balancing tension relief with long-term therapeutic benefits.

With a deep passion for helping others, Andrew strives to create a calming and restorative environment where clients can relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect with their bodies.

Specialties:

- Swedish Massage
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Prenatal 
- Cupping

Ricky Hernandez, LMT

With over six years of experience in various spa settings, I am committed to providing exceptional massage therapy services. My approach integrates both Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles, offering a holistic experience tailored to each client's needs. As an alumnus of the New York College of Health Professions, I am continuously motivated by the pursuit of professional development and excellence in therapeutic care.

Specialties:

- Stress Relief and Relaxation
- Holistic Healing
- Lymphatic Drainage
- Pain management and recovery

Ilia Gerassimov, LMT

Ilia’s professional journey has been shaped by hands-on training and real-world experience, ultimately leading him to pursue a multifaceted career in healthcare. he is currently a licensed Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), and Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT). In addition to his clinical and therapeutic expertise, he is a devoted husband and father, with a strong passion for continuous learning and personal growth.

His practice integrates a broad spectrum of therapeutic modalities, with an emphasis on providing relief from physical discomfort, promoting recovery, and improving overall well-being. With over 15 years of experience, he remain dedicated to helping others regain balance and vitality through a blend of compassionate care and expert techniques.

Specialties:

- Swedish Massage
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Trigger Point Therapy
- Myofascial Release
- Sports Massage
- Pain Management & Rehabilitation
- Post-Injury Recovery
- Aromatherapy Integration
- Relaxation and Stress Relief Techniques
- Cupping

Danielle Marie Fusco, Reiki practitioner

Offering Reiki and Oracle card readings at House of Wellness

Danielle is a shamanic lineage healer and reiki practitioner.  She is intuitive, an artist, and a seeker of truth.  Her lifelong spiritual gifts have led her to profound breakthroughs while working with others.  Danielle is committed to elevating human consciousness through art, connection, and joyous expansion. 

She is here to assist you in finding peace, healing, and a sense of belonging in the community space. 

ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE SERVICE

Serena Venditto, m.amSAT

Serena is an AmSAT certified Alexander Technique teacher excited to share what she has learned about the mind-body with the anxious, high-achievers who don't (yet) know how to release all that tension. As someone who struggled with being told that she “needed to relax” and that she “wanted things too much”, the mind-body practice of the Alexander Technique was the missing piece to finally figuring out HOW to let go and move with less effort.

Her specialities include:

- Chronic pain symptoms 
- Desk related back/shoulder pain 
- Posture realignment 
- Performance anxiety 
- Stress management

ACUPUNCTURE SERVICE

Tara Grant, M.A., L.Ac.

Tara Grant is a licensed acupuncturist specializing in nervous system regulation, chronic pain relief, and trauma-informed care. With a Master’s degree in Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine and a Master’s in Clinical and Depth Psychology from Antioch University in Los Angeles, Tara integrates a unique blend of Eastern medicine and neuroscience-based healing to help patients find lasting relief.

Her approach is rooted in understanding how stress, trauma, and pain affect the nervous system, using acupuncture to shift the body into a state of deep relaxation and self-healing. By working with the body’s natural rhythms, her treatments help patients move out of chronic fight-or-flight mode and into a more balanced state.

Tara has worked in rehabilitation centers, community health settings, and private practice, supporting patients through pain conditions, infertility, auto-immune disorders, anxiety, and stress-related disorders.

Her acupuncture treatments are designed to:

• Regulate the nervous system and promote deep relaxation

• Relieve chronic pain, headaches, and muscle tension

• Support recovery from trauma, PTSD, and emotional distress

• Improve sleep, digestion, and overall vitality

• Incorporate cupping and Gua Sha for deeper muscle release and circulation

Tara’s treatments create a safe, supportive space for patients to reconnect with their bodies and heal at their own pace. She believes in empowering individuals with tools for long-term well-being, guiding them toward a pain-free, balanced, and resilient state.