Meet Our Team
About Susi Laura Massage and Facials
Susi Laura Manheimer
Susi Laura Manheimer is a Licensed Massage Therapist and owner of Susi Laura Massage in Ridgefield, CT.
After earning her Bachelor’s Degree from Binghamton University, she received her certification in Massage Therapy at the Swedish Institute of Massage Therapy in New York City in 2003. After working in a number of NYC & CT venues, honing her skills as a massage therapist and learning the business “hands on,” in 2008 Susi took a leap of faith and opened SLMT in Ridgefield, and has never looked back.
Having worked in an office environment between her undergraduate degree and Massage School, Susi can relate to the physical and emotional stressors of sitting in front of a computer all day. As an avid runner, Susi also understands the particular needs of the athlete.
In addition, Susi specializes in Prenatal Massage and has been there for many expectant mothers.
She also teaches prenatal massage workshops to couples as well as Swedish massage tutorials to those wanting to learn how to give a full body massage.
Susi is committed to creating a comfortable environment for her clients and addressing their specific needs. She brings her friendliness, energy and skill to every session.
She lives in Ridgefield with her husband Noah and daughters Zoe & Skylar.
Kirsten Hambrecht
Licensed Esthetician
Kirsten started her career in 1994 as the spa coordinator at Skin Spa and Nail Boutique here in Ridgefield. In 2000 she received her certification in aesthetics at the American Academy of Cosmetology and became an owner at Skin Spa.
In 2011 Kirsten joined the Susi Laura team. Her services include relaxing/therapeutic organic facials, teen facials with extractions, Hydrodermabrasion and select waxing and tinting services.
Aside from taking care of her clients, Kirsten enjoys being the buyer/curator for the Susi Laura Massage boutique which continues to grow.
Kristin Coles
Licensed Massage Therapist
Kristin is a Licensed Massage Therapist in CT and has been Nationally Certified through NCBTMB. She earned over 1,000 hours of training and certification through the Boulder College of Massage Therapy in Colorado in 2005. Though she uses a wide variety of techniques, her specialty is pain management through Myofacial Release and Trigger Point Therapy. Kristin is also trained in Oncology Massage where she is able to safely and effectively provide bodywork to people who are undergoing treatment for cancer.
A native of Ridgefield, Kristin has happily returned here after 10 years of experience in different settings in Colorado and Pennsylvania. She has seen many clients recover from injury, and manage chronic pain and stress through regular massage. She loves working at Susi Laura where she is able to provide the best care for her clients in a relaxing and welcoming environment.
Tim Moonan
Licensed Massage Therapist
For almost 20 years, Tim Moonan has been mastering the art of massage. Tim first studied massage in 1998 at the Touch Therapy Institute in Los Angeles, CA. There he learned the spiritual aspect of massage, using energy in each session. He opened his own practice for five years in Playa Del Rey, CA before moving. Taking a year off from massage he traveled to Seattle, WA and Denver, CO each for six months working as a personal trainer.
Ending back in New York in 2004, He decided to return back to school to study massage at the Onondaga School of Therapeutic Massage in Syracuse. There Tim learned the medical aspect of massage, using Trigger Point, Myofascial Release and Deep Tissue work to treat his clients.
As the years have gone on Tim has learned Pre-Natal, Shiatsu, Hot Stone, Sports, Advanced Medical Massage, Table Top Tai, Reiki, and Equine Sports Massage rounding out his areas of expertise. He is still very interested in learning different styles of bodywork and will continue to do so.
For the past 10 years, he has been mastering his profession at some of the nations top rated resort spas by Conde Nast. Including Sagamore (3) in Lake George, NY, PGA National Resort and Spa (24) in Palm Beach Gardens, FL and Marriott on Singer Island Beach Resort and Spa (69) in Singer Island, FL.
Today, being back in the CT/NY area, he is ready to embark on giving his clients the ultimate massage experience merging all of his education and talent to the specifics of each client. In his free time Tim enjoys playing lacrosse, weight training, running, golf, hiking and all other sports of the seasons.
Jake Young
Licensed Massage Therapist
I became a Massage Therapist to be a part of the good in peoples’ lives; plain and simple. Having practiced for ten years now, I feel more excited and enthusiastic about my work than ever. Healing bodies is my passion, and connecting with clients has brought me fulfillment and a sense of purpose beyond my expectations. I grew up in Ridgefield and am overwhelmed by the wonderful people in the surrounding communities. My forte is deep tissue work, but I also love to turn clients into blissed-out, zombified piles of relaxed mush as well. I am ever aware of the mind/body connection and take a great deal of interest in the emotional state of my clients; hoping that spending time with me is not just healing for their physical bodies, but their hearts and minds as well. I find great joy in what I do and strive to have every client leave feeling as though their massage was an experience in the full meaning of the word. I am grateful to those that honor me with their patronage and trust, and I work hard to bring as much healing and positive change as I possibly can.
Linda MacDonald
Licensed Massage Therapist
Linda began her therapeutic massage practice in 1992 in Northern Virginia. She moved to Connecticut in 2015, and is credentialed in Connecticut and Virginia.
Prior to her massage career, seventeen years of increasing responsibilities within business organizations had left her hungry to learn more about human beings and healing. Baltimore School of Massage was the first step in a new direction. More than 20 years later she continues to be amazed at how much there is to learn and explore in the mind-body-spirit arena. Besides massage, her life path has included belly dance, yoga, kung fu, qigong, meditation, metaphysical studies, ministerial training and parenting.
Linda earned her BS at Virginia Tech (1975) in Home Economics. These studies underpin her ongoing interest in the interrelationship of environment, nutrition, human development and human relationships. Her training at the Baltimore School of Massage gives her a solid background in anatomy, physiology, Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and myofascial release. In addition, the Baltimore School of Massage provided opportunity to explore more subtle forms of “energy healing.” Ongoing continuing education balances mechanical dynamics with attention to deepening presence.
In her practice she draws on her diverse background in movement, massage and other healing modalities to help you relax your body and mind during the session. Each session begins with a conversation about your goals and what you need in that moment. This allows her to draw on her experience and training and create a session just for you. You will leave with information and ideas for enhanced self-care, allowing healing to continue in the “real world.”
Kaitlyn Fenton
Licensed Massage Therapist
Kaitlyn is a licensed massage therapist with certifications in Neuromuscular Therapy, Swedish, Deep Tissue, and several other modalities. She graduated from the American Institute of Alternative Medicine and is licensed in NJ, PA, CT and NY. She also earned a bachelor’s degree from UCONN in Communication Sciences and Geriatrics, and is licensed as an aesthetician from the Institute of Aesthetic Arts and Sciences. She also earned RYT 200 yoga certification. Kaitlyn’s goal is to help facilitate healing the mind, body, and spirit and offer care to diverse populations through a variety of modalities.
Josh Straiton
Master Myoskeletal Therapist (MMT)
Licensed Massage Therapist (NY, CT)
Anatomy Trains Structural Integration in training
Bachelors in Exercise Science UCONN
Josh’s work is a combination of deep tissue work, joint mobilizations and gentle stretching; it can oscillate between intense and relaxing throughout the session; it’s perfect for athletes or gym goers who are seeking freedom of movement in their bodies, or regular folks who are looking for something beyond a traditional massage. Those with acute or chronic pain may find relief through his sessions and reduced symptoms over time. For clients looking to go even deeper, you can read more about advanced options for structural bodywork projects with Josh here.
Cait DeBartolo
Licensed Massage Therapist
With over five years of experience as a massage therapist, Cait brings a deeply personalized and intuitive approach to every session. As a native of Ridgefield, she is proud to serve her community with care that blends both clinical knowledge and holistic healing.
Cait’s path in healing extends beyond massage. She is a Licensed Practical Nurse currently pursuing her RN, a Reiki Master, and a Yoga Teacher in training. These experiences allow her to care for the whole person—body, mind, and energy—with both clinical understanding and a nurturing touch. Cait specializes in deep tissue and focused therapeutic work, while also offering soothing Swedish sessions for deep relaxation. She is certified in cupping and hot stone therapy, tailoring each session to meet your unique needs. Cait has spent much of her life exploring both holistic and medical approaches to health, and what she has come to believe is simple: healing begins when the nervous system relaxes and she seeks to create that environment for her clients.
Dorina
Licensed Massage Therapist
As a massage therapist, holistic healer, and self-care advocate, Dorina is passionate about helping people restore balance and well-being. She believes that true wellness comes from nurturing the connection between the body, mind, and spirit. Through mindful self-care practices and therapeutic healing work, Dorina encourages her clients to cultivate greater peace, resilience, and harmony in their daily lives.
A massage therapist since 2013, Dorina has experience in both clinical and spa settings. She is known for her therapeutic approach and enjoys incorporating sound healing, reflexology, and therapeutic stretching into her sessions when appropriate. Her work is often described as both deeply restorative and calming, creating a space where clients can relax, reconnect, and heal.
With more than 12 years of experience working alongside chiropractors, naturopaths, and acupuncturists, Dorina has developed extensive knowledge of injury care, chronic pain, and a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. She takes an individualized approach to each session, helping clients address underlying patterns of tension and discomfort while supporting their overall health and wellness goals.
Cathie Grzeczka
LMT, C-MLD, CLT
Cathie is a licensed massage therapist and certified lymphedema therapist licensed in the states of New York and Connecticut. She graduated from the Finger Lakes school of Massage. She holds specialty certifications in lymphatic drainage and Oncology massage and is Shamanic Reiki level 2 certified.
“I believe in keeping our bodies in balance through massage, and lymphatic drainage massage is an important way to do so. The lymphatic system simply put is our body’s “sewerage system” keeping our fluid levels in balance. Lymphatic drainage massage is a light rhythmic massage that helps relax the body and boost immunity. It is a holistic approach to decongest the body and bring relief.”