Hello! I’m Lauren, Dr. Dot’s Assistant for Orange County, California! I’m originally from Philadelphia, PA, but when I graduated college I had to move somewhere with nicer weather! So here I am, in sunny Southern California and I don’t know if I’ll ever leave (except for tours!). For as long as I can remember I have loved giving massages. Whether it was my dad making me work out the knots in his shoulders, or my grandfather having me “tickle” his arm, I have always known the power of touch. Naturally, I became a Licensed Massage Therapist and couldn’t be happier that I get to help hundreds of people heal their bodies. I went to massage school at the National Institute of Technology in Long Beach, CA. I was lucky to have amazing, extremely knowledgeable teachers who helped me grow, not only as a therapist, but as a person too. I specialize in Deep Tissue, Therapeutic, and Swedish massage. I am also trained in Hot Stone Massage, Craniosacral Therapy, Pre-natal Massage, Reflexology, and Chakra Clearing/Balancing. Here’s what some of my clients have said about my work:
“Greatest massage ever. Thanks for fixing my back after I fell down the stairs (oops!)” -Sarah Bos
“Lauren is more than a Massage Therapist. She is a natural healer, bringing love and positive energy into the lives of everyone she meets. Getting a massage from Lauren is truly a magical experience!” -Lauren Silvi
“Best ever.” -Tucker Stewart of Cowalker
I am very excited to have the opportunity to work with Dr. Dot. She is an inspiration for all therapists in that she has significantly touched the lives of so many wonderful, talented people. I look forward to working with you and helping you release the tension and stresses of your everyday life. If you are in or heading to the OC, email me: info@drdot.com and write "Lauren/OC" in the subject line.
Hi there! I’m Sherry, CMT, N.C.T.M.B and I currently reside behind the orange curtain in Orange County, California. Since 1996, I have performed therapeutic massage in different locales; day spas, medical wellness centers, chiropractic offices, private homes, & businesses, and I seem to be able to blend in and perform effective massage therapy wherever I’m needed. This is why I’ve decided to embark within this new venue Dr. Dot has so masterfully created.
My love for the human body began when attending UCI as a pre-med major. I had to move on and work full-time so I held a corporate position for 14 years. During that time, I found myself offering shoulder rubs to friends and family just because they were so stressed out as my personality reaches out to help others feel better. A friend asked if I had ever thought about going to school for massage because I seemed to really make a difference in her muscles and attitude. Back then, I didn’t even know massage therapy schools existed. I later found myself attending California College of Physical Arts in Huntington Beach and began working with a 125 hours under my belt on the weekends for a local chiropractor. After attending night school to finish my AA degree, I found myself wanting to learn more not only to take care of friends and family, but wanted to branch and touch more lives. I needed to continue my education in massage to offer additional modalities to patients and eventually personal clients. In 2003, I was out-sourced from my full-time corporate position, went back to school to complete my 500 hour certificate program, and recently became a Nationally Certified Therapeutic Massage and Bodyworker. I am primarily skilled in Contemporary Western techniques which include:
* Deep Tissue Massage
* Lymphatic Drainage
* Pre-Natal Massage
* Classic Swedish Massage
* Sports Massage
* Foot Reflexology
* Psoas Release Techniques
* Hot Stone Massage
* Cupping Therapy
* Ear Candling
* Myofascial Release
* Trigger Point Therapy
Music has also been a part of my life through many trials and tribulations. My high school sweetheart and now husband introduced me to Ratt and Led Zeppelin while I was a total valley girl listening to Madonna and Depeche Mode. Even though growing up, my family didn’t share their music loves, surprisingly, I enjoy all kinds!
Throughout the many years of being in the massage industry, I continue to take great pride in offering quality massages and look forward to helping you feel well and balanced. Look me up next time you are in or heading to the OC! Email me: info@drdot.com and put "Sherry/Oc" in the subject line 🙂
Coldplay, no strangers to plagiarism accusations, are now being sued by guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani, as the guitarist is accusing the band of ripping off his 2004 track “If I Could Fly” for their own Grammy-nominated hit “Viva La Vida.” Satriani filed a copyright infringement suit against the band in Los Angeles yesterday, accusing Coldplay of stealing “substantial original portions.” The Satch is seeking a jury trial, damages and “any and all profits attributable to the alleged copyright infringement.” And considering the album and the single were among the biggest sellers this year, not to mention the centerpiece of an Apple iTunes campaign, Satriani stands to make a sizable profit if the jury agrees with him. However, Satriani’s lawyers will have to prove Coldplay somehow heard “If I Could Fly,” which may be a difficult task. That being said, the hook to “Viva” is almost exactly the same as the guitar lick in “If I Could Fly,” as evidenced by the 50-second mark in the video below. Coldplay’s management has not yet commented on the case.
My name is Leanna, and I am a massage therapist and a musician based out of Venice Beach, California (Los Angeles area). I have been giving relaxing and healing massages since I was a child (my mom, who has an amazing touch, taught me, and from then on, I started massaging my family and friends). After going to school at Chapman University for music, I attended CalCopa Massage Therapy School in Huntington Beach to learn more about the healing arts. I continue to develop this passion through practice and experience, developing a following of clients who constantly say that my work is “the best massage they’ve ever had.” I will relax and restore your body from head to toe while gracefully alleviating shoulder, neck, back, hip, arm, and every other muscle pain you can think of. Many clients come to me for chronic pain, as my strong hands can find knots and work them out. I give my clients what their bodies want and need: a completely restored, pain-free, relaxed body – thus creating more capability for creativity.
I heard about Dr. Dot when I was in my first band in High School. Since I was playing or thinking about music most of the time, I was often around musicians. I have always had a passion for massage, and I would always be the one giving back massages, doing neck stretches, arm and hand massages, etc., because I understand the areas that musicians need most, being one myself. A couple of years ago, a friend of mine from a San Francisco band told me about Dr. Dot, and I visited her website for more information. Dr. Dot’s story was inspiring to me, as I have often thought about finding a way to connect my two greatest passions, music and massage (which I believe are both forms of healing, expression, and art). The opportunity to be a part of Dr. Dot’s team is something I have been looking forward to for years!
My specialties: Deep Tissue Swedish Massage: can be relaxing and deep, OR relaxing and light, if you prefer Hot Stone Massage: massage done with warm stones in the palms of my hands—can be light or deep—great for cold weather! Trigger Point Therapy: finding those knots that hurt when you press down on them and getting rid of that pain! Trigger points are usually found in the neck and shoulders and cause back, neck, arm and hand pain Thai Massage: involves lots of yoga stretches/positions—great for alleviating leg and hip pain Shiatsu: Japanese form of massage that uses acupressure and follows the meridians of the body—also incorporates hand/foot reflexology My style combines all of these techniques to create one amazing massage, completely unique and specific to YOU. You won’t be disappointed if you hire me!
I am available for tours. Email me: info@drdot.com and put "Leanna/LA" in subject line and it will reach me instantly 🙂
Our massage team is growing like a healthy weed. More and more qualified therapists (and Chiropractors too) email me every day and ask for a massage audition appointment. Naturally I can not accept anyone onto our team until they have given a massage demonstration and provided the massage certificates. Quality, not quantity keeps us popular. Meet Crystal, our new Dot Bot from SC:
"Hi! My name is Crystal. I am a licensed massage therapist in beautiful Charleston, SC. I am a true Charlestonian, born and raised. I graduated from Southeastern School of Neuromuscular and Massage Therapy in 2005. Also, I am NCTEMB certified. I have a deep understanding of anatomy and physiology. I also have worked as a nurse assistant at the Medical University of South Carolina. My passion for helping people stems from the time I could walk: My mom always had me walking on her back until I can remember. Once I became a LMT, I was fundamental in helping my mom with her chronic back issues..which furthered my passion for massage. I could see the benefits of massage first hand. This lead me to pursue other modalities besides Swedish and Neuromuscular therapy. I studied Reflexology, Swedish-Thai, Aromatherapy and Hot Stone massage; as well as developed a love of yoga. I try to incorporate all these great techniques into my massages to give my client the most beneficial results. I hope you will book with me. Just email me at info@drdot.com
I look forward to all the great adventures to come where I can share my love of massage and my appreciation of music! Take care and always remember to breath… Warmly. Crystal"
My family (Dad's side) down in Georgia just called and they said they won #1 place in the corn bread competition and 10th place (out of 300 hundred applicants) in the annualStone Mountain Chili Cook off!!!!!!!
Lisa is down there with them raising hell and they are so ecstatic they took a giant trophy for their corn bread! They call themselves the Killer Bee's Chili team and they compete every year at this Chili Cook off down there. I think I will join them next year, sounds fun. They told me there were several cover bands playing at the all weekend festival, a Hendrix cover band called VooDoo was the best (my Dad said).
From left to right ^ My Dad's sister, Aunt Caron, her son JC, Aunt Nancy (Dad's other sister + favorite Auntie ), Allyson my Dad's wife of over 25 years, My DAD :), Melissa (Aunt Caron's daughter + my niece) + the girl Kneeling is Chantel a friend of Melissa's who helps them every year at the cook off.
So congrats to the whole Fam Damily for their cooking talents 🙂
Last night, the 28th, was 10 days after my tonsillectomy and even though I probably should have just stayed home and rested, I couldn't resist the call of the wild and went to the Steve Vai show at the Starland Ballroom, in Sayerville, NJ, my favorite venue in the world. I used to work at like 2 concerts a week there and know the whole staff. This place is SO FUN to go to, I love eveyone there, the cook, the bar backs, the roadies, managers, they just all rock.
Everyone always hangs out in the kitchen and cracks jokes. I warned everyone that I would be coming but couldn't speak loud or much thanks to a hurt throat but that plan went out the window, I simply had to speak and catch up with my old friends. One friend in particular was in dire need of some tender loving care. Two weeks ago, Pauls wife of one year gave birth to their first child, a baby boy. The wife died 4 days later due to complications from her c-section. So he is beyond gutted. I couldn't massage last night because my Doctor said you can't workout or work for at least a month after a tonsillectomy but I brought one of my best massage assistants with me, Koree, to be there to massage anyone who needed it at the Steve Vai show and so I treated Paul to 30 minutes of massage from Koree, who has hands of steel, like butter, I love her. Paul LOVED his massage and felt a little better, the poor guy 🙁
Paul is a massive Dead head and always has the Dead or solo Garcia playing in the kitchen, even during shows. He just cranks his stereo up louder to drown out whatever act is on stage lol
Nick is a fucking NUT ^ I love him madly. He makes everyone who enters the Starland Ballroom howl with laughter.
< I know a few people with that tattoo
It was great to see the "mad fiddler" again,Ann Marie ^ I am just kidding, she is a violinist..
When Steve introduced the band on stage, he mentioned how he "stole her from Jethro Tull" with a sharp laugh. It is true, I asked her. She was touring with Jethro Tull and then auditioned for Steve Vai and instead of doing the next leg of the Jethro Tull tour, she joined Steve on the road and the rest is history. This woman is so talented and gorgeous, it's hard to take your eyes off her when she is on stage. She challenges Steve during the show, her violin, his guitar, it is amazing to see and hear, absolutely mad!
The Bass master, Bryan brought his parents and introduced them to me. He looks just like his Mom. The NJ native was beaming all night but you could tell backstage that he was missing his cutie Kira Small, who is on tour with her band at the moment.
Zack is young fresh guitar blood. Read about him by clicking HERE
Steve is giving this 20 year old guitar genius a chance to shine by letting him open for him at every show and even invites him on stage every night for a number or two. Frank Zappa did the same for Steve when he was 20, plucked him fresh out of the Berkley School of Music. So I guess Steve is keeping the faith and sharing his spot light with Zack as Frank did for him. What a man Steve is. Zack showed me all the movies he has made on his lap top and I am pretty sure he will end up a movie director one day, as he is amazing at it.
Speaking of Lap tops, everyone on Steve's tour except for Bryan Beller uses an Apple. I feel so old fashioned using a PC still. I have to get a Mac I guess to keep up with the times. Steve said PC's are crap compared to Apples and he said Blackberry's are junk compared to the iPhone. Why oh WHY did I just order a new version of the Blackberry (the Curve). I wish I hadn't now that I have seen how fucking cool the iPhone is. Oh well, maybe I will just give my Curve to Jasmine and get a freakin' iPhone next.
I got to spend a lot of one on one time with Steve before and after the show, yay. He showed me his iPhone for about 20 minutes and it made me loathe my Blackberry with a vengeance. He showed me how you can type in any address and zoom in on it with the satellite and we found my house and saw it on his phone! He is indeed Mr. Gadget. Love the pic he gave me ^ I think I will have it framed in silver and wear it as a necklace charm.
We talked a lot about Frank Zappa and his music and his son Julian, who is currently in Massage school, inspiring to be a member of my massage team. That would soooooo rock, having a Vai on our team. I have yet to meet Mrs. Vai, maybe next time. I hear from everyone that she is as sweet as Steve is.
Steve has a great sense of humor. Somehow we got to talking about my sex column and I told him about the time a woman wrote in asking for advice about how to hide her farts on long weekends at home with her man. Steve said "Farts are like God's joke on us". He fucking cracks me up. I ordered a fart machine and had it shipped to my pal Christin's house, who will see him up in Boston in a few days… she will give it to him for me. I can't wait to hear how he reacts.
Steve trying the Bite Method on me ^ ?
His famous guitars ^
During the show, as I said before, Steve introduced the band and directly after, he said "Special thanks to my friend Dr. Dot for coming out tonight to make us feel good, give a hand to Dr. Dot everybody" and he pointed at me on the side of the stage (I was next to the sound/monitor man Roger). Oh my God, I was NOT expecting that and blushed ten shades of red.
Steve is by far my favorite client, there is no other artist that sweet. He is the absolute fucking bomb and that show last night was brilliant. It was PERFECT.
After the show I was soooooooooooo hungry, it has been 10 days since I've had a real meal and I couldn't take it anymore and nibbled on a tiny piece of pizza; chewed it REALLY good and got it down. That tasted so good I ate the whole thing. It took me about 30 minutes to chew it all, but I got it down and man it felt good. SO it looks like I am pretty much healed now. I still have a sore throat but I am on the road to recovery 🙂
Steve Vai leftovers ^ 🙂
We were talking about my Tonsillectomy and he told me about his when he was 6 years old. He said the first thing he asked for when he woke up was Potato Chips. He said his Mom called the Doctor and said "Doc, he wants Potato chips!!" and the Doc replied "Aaaah, then give him Potato chips" LMFAO!!!!!!!! So he got Potato chips. This is one tough cookie.
Steve noticed I was finally eating and offered me his left over pasta which Paul, the cook whipped up especially for him. Whole wheat Ziti Pasta with bits of Tofu and red & green peppers and zucchini coated in a Balsamic Vinegar sauce. I am in fact eating Steve Vai's left overs as I type this and man are they yummy. Heh heh. He ate most of the Tofu though..dam him! heh heh
< I know a few people with that tattoo
