I’ve been a massage therapist for over 12 years, and I’m still fascinated by the way the body softens, releases, and finds ease when it’s supported. Before this work, I spent years raising and homeschooling my children (aka, my Lovely Littles), learning about holistic health, growing herbs, movement, and paying close attention to what bodies need to feel well. Massage became the natural extension of that path—a way to help people move more freely, feel more at home in their bodies, and find a moment of calm in the middle of a busy life. Several years ago, one of my daughters, Nya, became a massage therapist and joined me at Healing Hands Massage. It has been a true gift to work along side her - and to watch her find her own voice in this work, while carrying forward the care and intention that's always been at the heart of what we do. I work with the whole body, with special focus on the neck, shoulders, and low back—the places where stress tends to settle. Each session is customized to your needs: deeper work for chronic tension, gentle stretching to restore movement, or quiet space to simply unwind. I draw from Thai massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, restorative techniques, and often weave stretching into the flow. Warm stones, red light therapy, or therapeutic balms can be included as needed. Many clients see me while they’re in physical therapy, and/or continue with me afterward to maintain mobility and support long-term wellness. I value being part of someone’s broader care team when it’s helpful. I trained at The American Spirit Institute in Richmond and am licensed through the Virginia Board of Nursing. I continue studying because bodies are endlessly interesting, and there is always more to learn. If you’re looking for relief—or simply want someone to meet your body where it is—I’d be honored to work with you.
Nya Echevarria Licensed Massage Therapist
Hi, I’m Nya (pronounced knee-ya) Echevarria. I am a retired Pastry Chef turned Licensed Massage Therapist and Virtual Heath Coach. After 11 years in the restaurant industry, I needed a change. I knew that I wanted to help people with their health and wellness journey, but I wasn’t exactly sure the best way to get there, or what to do. I was very active for my own health and I knew that I could help others achieve a more healthy way of being. Around this time my mom, Kate, suggested the opportunity of making Healing Hands Massage a family business. I never saw myself going down this path, but something about it spoke to me, and within a week I was enrolled in massage school. I attended American Spirit Institute in Richmond. A month into school I found out I was pregnant!! It made this decision very clear to me that it had been perfect timing.
Over the course of my schooling I fell in love with massage, the flowing motions of Lomilomi (a massage technique) and the amazing relief of deep tissue and trigger point therapy. I appreciate the creativity and the exchange of energy...always bringing me to a calm place, and in turn, bringing calm to those of you on my table. I learned about muscle function and the way that a knotted muscle needs to “trust” to be able to relax. This soft tissue therapy soon replaced baking as my happy place, and I never once looked back. I am on a path I love, I get to help people every day become healthier versions of themselves and relieve stress and pain. I am working at preventing the illnesses, not just managing them.
When you are on my massage table, I will stretch and pull your soft tissue, relieving as much pain as I can. My good energy will flow into you on your worst days, and match yours on your best. I am ready to give you a massage unlike any other - because no two massages are the same.
