AHA! 985-872-4266
Technicians
Hello, my name is Dominique B. Newsome, LMT, owner and operator of AHA. My most significant goal at AHA is to encourage positive energy and creativity by selecting an innovative and talented team allowing for continued progression and enhancement of AHA. I’m continually inspired by and continually realizing the potential being revealed at AHA. (See history of AHA). I carefully select service providers with similar passions and ensure that our therapists receive hands-on training with me and through AHA! My intention is to promote education, renewal and community involvement through the events I organize. I am very proud of the team we have formed here and the distinctive style that each individual contributes to the development of the Clinic.
My education in massage therapy began as a great career choice. I never dreamed it would become my passion. I have discovered inspiration and motivation helping others through massage, and it influences my life in such an enormous way. I found that it holds true it is all about giving and receiving love. For 8 years I have been “in joy” helping enable people with pain and suffering to receive extraordinary results through massage therapy. I believe that touch is a vital role in our lives and that many of us are deprived of it due to cultural and social influences. I know that without touch we develop many health ailments. You wouldn’t believe some of the conditions that I have seen massage therapy address in my career! It is my passion to spread the word about the commonly unknown effects and benefits that massage therapy has on the body.
I graduated from Blue Cliff College in Lafayette in 2003 with 600 hours of massage training. I was certified nationally in 2004 and licensed by the state of Louisiana in 2005. I have intensive training in Cranial-Sacral Therapy (CST) through the Upledger Institute. I do continuous training in Orthopedic and Myo-facial trough Advanced Massage Training in New Orleans. I have trained in Traditional Thai Massage and Sacred Hawaiian Lomi Lomi through Sacred Bodyworks.
My reputation holds strong when addressing pain, injuries and rehabilitation. I use an orthopedic approach to massage therapy. I utilize Neuro-muscular trigger point therapy, deep frictioning, ironing compression and muscle lengthening techniques combined with the gentle tuning of myo fascial re-education and CST to achieve optimal results. When the situation calls for it, I find it useful to do an assessment using ROM testing and to combine Thai massage to help increase muscle function. During therapy I use a firm confident touch, but only while listening to the muscles and tuning into the client's nervous system for verification of the depth and pressure. It is my belief that a massage treatment is not supposed to hurt - well, maybe “hurt so good" - but anything beyond that is defeating the purpose. I listen closely, unafraid to pause - test the muscle - wait for the pulse - feel the response and then the release, to confirm the re-education. This helps the receiver to remain more relaxed while integrating the proper approach for optimal results. It is my mission to be fully attentive to my client and their personal needs at every moment of the visit. Don't think I won't send you home with "homework" to increase your awareness to help prevent future re-occurrence of an issue.
I have seen astounding results working with all types of people and all types of situations; spiritual, physical and emotional. I work with infants in helping teach caregiver to introduce touch, decrease colic, constipation and gas. I work with elderly to help increase Range of motion, decrease arthritis’s affects, increase comfort and health. I work with the disable to help influence balance with whatever the condition is. I have experience working with the severely injured and the lightly stressed. Pregnancy massage on my table can be geared in any direction; stretch mark reduction, sciatic pain, and relaxation.
Not all massage treatment require you to be unclothed. Most pain management techniques can be done through the clothing. I have seen structural changes, pain decrease and subside, health conditions get better. I have seen emotions release and balance. I have seen digestional issues regulate. Some of the most common things I see are relief from nerve entrapment (sciatic pain, carpel tunnel); headaches and migraines go away, neck, back and shoulder pain go away, Charlie horses and shin splint go away. Massage is amazing!
Through my studies and practice, I have the understanding that certain points on the body influence health and are related to organ function. This inspires me to learn more about acupressure, shiatsu, Chi Nei Tsang (abdominal) massage techniques to bring my work to the next level. Internal health has so much to do with external health. I look forward to working with anyone and everyone! I can assure you that the therapists on this team are capable of influencing miracles for you.
LA# 3386
My name is Gerturde Hadley. I have been with AHA Massage Clinic since before their opening day! I am the event coordinator for the clinic. I studied 600 hours with Blue Cliff College in Houma, Louisiana. In 2007 I was licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Massage Therapy and certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. I have also been employed through home care for many years and have had lots of experience working with the mentally and physically challenged. I like the challenge and emotional benefits that caring for others brings me.
My goal as a massage therapist is to provide the best quality service with a caring nature and an understanding demeanor. I became a therapist because I believe in the principle of healing through touch. Massage is known to have a range of physical, mental and emotional benefits, from calming the nervous system to reducing your heart rate. It is our emotional reaction to life and its stresses that determine how our bodies feel and function. Quiet your mind to heal your body. I truly believe that with a calm, relaxed mind, the body can rest to gain the strength to properly assist in the healing process. This is the balance our bodies absolutely need.
With this in mind, I specialize in relaxation therapy or deep Swedish massage, although I do have experience working deep tissue and specific area treatments. I look forward to helping you to relax, rejuvenate, refresh and, most of all, to help you heal.
LA#3763
Hi, my name is Elrena Fanguy. I am a Licensed Massage Therapist. I graduated in 2007 from Blue Cliff College in Houma, La. where I studied 600 hours of Massage Therapy. I am licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Massage Therapy and certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.
I've worked in the medical field for over 25 years. For years I've watched doctors in amazement as they healed with instruments, medication, surgery, etc. I never imagined I could contribute to healing others with my hands through massage.
I am trained in Advanced Orthopedic Massage, specializing in cervical spine, Sacred Lomi Lomi, Swedish, Deep Tissue, Pre-natal, Cancer Massage, Sports Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Neuro-muscular/Trigger Point Therapy, Myo-fascial Release, Lymphatic Drainage, and Stretching/Range of Motion Exercises. I utilize tools to compliment your treatment. To name a few: hot rocks, herbal Thai Compresses, hot towels, infared heat and essential oils may be employed.
I've had remarkable results with clients suffering from Migraines, Neck Pain, TMJ, Back Pain, Vertebral Disc Problems, Whiplash, Scoliosis, Sciatica, Arthritis, Posture Problems, Arthritis, Carpal Tunnel, Fibromyalgia, Frozen Shoulder, Knee Replacement, Injuries, etc.
When a client comes to me, the first thing I do is listen, then I evaluate the issue with some muscle/range of motion testing. After this, I gather information and assess and treat the muscles involved. I design a treatment plan that is agreed upon with the client. I will then do my best until you FEEL RESULTS!
I would be honored to evaluate and address the issues and concerns you may have regarding Massage Therapy. I look forward to working with you.
LA# 4680
Hello, my name is Jeremy Duet I am a licensed massage therapist. Ever since I was 8 years old, my mother would show my sister and I how to ease pain through massage therapy techniques. I experienced these therapeutic effects by learning to press and rub her back, neck and shoulders to alleviate her pain. With these prior experiences and the desire to be in a field that influences wellness, I chose to do my career research paper in high school around massage therapy and its benefits. Ultimately this sparked my passion and led me to this career choice. I recently graduated Blue Cliff College in Houma with the desire to learn. I became aware of AHA! and their reputation for clinical pain relief and education and immediately wanted to do work with them! Dominique gave me the opportunity to volunteer and get my hands experienced through events and community outreach before I was even licensed. Since then, I have trained in Myo-fascial release and the Raindrop Technique; I am also very interested in shiatsu meridians and the Myo-fascial lines. What I do specialize in is relaxation, during these sessions my massage strokes are slow and smooth. This allows me to connect with the flow of my client’s energy and give them more personalized results. I enjoy using trigger point therapy and neuro-muscular therapy. I am aware that some people may be uncomfortable with a male therapist, but I assure your comfort and guarantee that your personal boundaries will always be respected. Massage therapy is more rewarding than I could have ever expected. Day to day, the experiences I have with people motivate me to continue my education and specialize in more advanced techniques. I am passionate with every moment of my work, which leaves no dull moments as a therapist.
LA#6047
Hi, My name is Alma. I have had an interest in massage therapy since my early teens, and I knew I wanted to make people feel better. At a young age, I was massaging other people and saw the benefits that it gave them. My mom and dad have always encouraged me to be a massage therapist. They said if I didn't pursue massage therapy, I could be missing my calling. They said I had "magic" hands.
I graduted from Blue Cliff College, Metairie Campus, in 2003. I have done training to specialize pain relief for Fibromyalgia. I have just begun training in Myo-fascial Release and I am fascinated by the technique. I combine a number of modalities during my massage. I have made up my own technique that is said to be different than that of everyone else. I am confident in my neck massages. I like to combine relaxation therapy and deep tissue techniques to accomplish pain management. I love everything about being a massage therapist-especially the results my clients gain through my work. I look forward to making you feel better!
Massage Therapist not pictured: Nickie Lyons LMT LA#7652
My name is Sarah, and I have been a licensed cosmetologist for five years. I graduated from the Aveda Institute of New Orleans.
My passion is to make others feel great in any way that I possibly can. In the world of cosmetology, I have the unique opportunity to touch people’s lives in a way that most people cannot. I enjoy working with my clients to achieve a look that allows them to feel wonderful about themselves.
I am a very strong believer in seeing a person embracing themselves. I feel that my role as a cosmetologist is not to change who my clients are, but to remind them of how beautiful they already are!
My career influences lie in vintage fashion. I like to incorporate 1960’s retro-vibes into my work wherever it is appropriate, but I am flexible in working with any desired style.
Overall, my goal is to relax my client and treat each one to a wonderful experience. I desire to see each guest leave my chair smiling and confident; this is what makes my job worthwhile! My specialties are haircuts, blow-dry, styles, manicures, pedicures and facials. I also love being creative with hair color and offering waxing services.
I love my clients and consider each one a friend, and I look forward to meeting you, too!
Hi! My name is Jamie Gann, and I am a licensed Cosmetologist. My passion for creativity and my love for people is what motivated me into becoming a stylist. I worked at a local newspaper, and was assigned to go to Omega Institute for an assignment. Once there, I fell in love with not only the people, but the atmosphere. I decided right then and there to become a Cosmetologist! I completed the course in March of 2009. There I found a passion for doing hair cuts, hair coloring, manicures, and pedicures. I worked at a few different salons until I finally found my home here at AHA! Upon arriving here, I worked under master stylist Peter Bourg and assisted the very talented Bree D'Errico. My clientelle is very diverse, and they come from every walk of life. I look forward to meeting you at AHA Healthy Hair Studio!
Hi, My name is Donna, and I am proud to say that I'm on of AHA's cosmetologists. I have been doing hair since I was very young. I knew I was a natural and decided to make it a career. I received my Diploma of Beauty Culture by South LA Beauty College in 2005, earning two Special Achievement Awards for "Artistic Design".
I am very passionate about what I do, and it shows in my work. My services seem to have a much deeper and lasting effect. I specialize in polishing and revealing what beauty is hidden or undiscovered :) I believe that we were all created equally!
My efforts are very diverse: I volunteer weekly at local nursing homes and then at work, I get to create insanely artistic mowhawks for "guys in the band"!
My services include cuts, coloring, waxing, artistic design work, manicures, pedicures, facials, bodywraps, scalp massages, intensive theraputic scalp treatments, and make up application.
Beauty is a wholeness inside and out, and must be a lifestyle we walk in and live out. I look forward to seeing you here at AHA!
Donna D. Besson
Stylists not Pictured: Jamie Gann
