Meet the founder of Tokpa™ Massage Therapy

A woman with glasses and curly hair is squatting wearing a sleeveless top and red textured pants, massaging a hand of a woman with long dark hair, who is lying down with their head in a face cradle.

Jessica is a Licensed Massage Therapist in New York State, practicing since 2012 and specializes in Deep Tissue, Prenatal & Postpartum, and Thai Massage.

She has studied various self-care modalities, such as Ayurveda, which involves lifestyle practices and nutrition for overall wellness; Hatha Yoga, Meditation, and Reiki, which involve methods for attaining stillness and peace; and mobility training aimed at maintaining flexibility and strength throughout life.

Smiling woman with glasses, wearing a red lace top and a colorful headwrap tied into a bow on top of her head.

This is her passion, her calling, her life’s work!

Driven by a commitment to health, wellness, and preventive care, Jessica founded Tokpa™ Massage Therapy and Tokpa™ Prenatal Massage Therapy. Her approach centers on identifying root causes rather than merely treating symptoms, informed by her professional experience working in Physical Therapy settings. Her perspective as both a massage practitioner and massage client provides her with unique insight into the comprehensive needs of her clients.

Jessica incorporates techniques from diverse environments, such as spas, Thai massage studios, and physical therapy clinics, to create sessions aimed at activating the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting restorative rest, and analyzing posture and movement patterns. Her goal is to equip clients with practical knowledge that supports their well-being beyond each session.

In addition to her massage qualifications, she is trained as a 200 Hour Hatha Yoga Teacher, Birth Doula, Reiki and Ayurvedic Practitioner, offering resources and guidance for empowered birthing experiences, pregnancy, and postpartum care. Outside of her professional endeavors, Jessica maintains personal interests in Ballet, Martial Arts, and mobility exercises.

What is Tokpa?

Tokpa is a word that comes from Tibetan Buddhism. It means realization, understanding or experience.

Tokpa™ Massage Therapy is a tool to help:

  • You experience your body in a new way, with less aches/ pains and more range of motion.

  • Give you a new understanding of your body and learn how to bring it into balance.

The goal of Tokpa™ Massage Therapy is for you to develop the realization to maintain that balanced state by implementing gradual changes.

Background

Swedish Institute College of Health Sciences, Massage Therapy Program - August 2012

Thai Massage Sacred Bodywork - Thai Massage Certification by Ananda Apfelbaum - 2014

Thai Prenatal Massage by Kimberly Kayuha/ CATA NYC - 2018

Sivananda Yoga Teacher Training, 200 Hour - August 2018

Ayurveda 300 Hour Health Coach Training by Sister Science - 2021

Prenatal & Postpartum Swedish Massage Therapy Certification by Susanrachel Conden, Swedish Institute College of Health Sciences - 2021

Reiki 1 Certification by Amber Lee/ Plants as Compass - 2021

Orgasmic Birth Doula Training by Debra Pascali Bonaro- November 2023

What her clients have to say!

  • What a heavenly yet medical based experience. Jessica is meant to be a healer. She listened to my aches & pains and released so much tension while also giving me suggestions for things to implement at home. You could tell she really understands the female body from a medical and holistic approach!

    - Kathryn C.

  • Jessica is wonderful at what she does. I have received both her Thai and Swedish style massages. Both are excellent in their own ways. Highly recommend!

    - Joann M.

  • Jess; her demeanor and effectiveness at what she does is indicative of her calling to this type of work. She, by her wisdom and ability to listen and guide, has led me down a new path and brought much needed wisdom and perspective to my attention. I thank her deeply.

    - Joe L.

  • She is responsive to changes in pressure and knowledgeable about different conditions and approaches. I have been receiving both Swedish and Thai massage from Jessica for almost 2 years now, and I highly recommend her!

    - Maureen H.