

Meet our Wellness Team
For almost 25 years, SoderWorld has been dedicated to providing a body, mind and spirit sanctuary where ALL people can come and share ways to create a healthier and happier life. Let our team help you take care of all your wellness needs.

Founder, Center Manager, Academy Director, Massage Therapist & Instructor, Esthetician, Yoga/Meditation instructor, Holistic Health Practitioner
Misty Soderholm
LMT, LE, ERYT, HHP
Misty began her studies at the Wellness and Massage Training Institute in 1994 and graduated in 1997 from the School of Healing Arts in San Diego, CA. after moving there to work as an Ayurvedic Therapist at the Deepak Chopra Center for Well – Being. After 2 years of intense studies in Ayurveda, Bodywork, Meditation, Hypnotherapy, Watsu, Feng Shui, Holistic Health and Yoga – she ventured back to Chicago to bring the knowledge she gained to her hometown. She has also studied Hot Stone Therapy, Reflexology, Thai Yoga Massage, Sports Massage, Lymphatic Massage, Esalen Style Massage, Natural Birthing, Esthetics & Skin Care (facials, body wraps), and many various energy healing modalities.
Misty is a Licensed Massage Therapist and Esthetician, as well as a Certified Yoga Instructor from the Temple of Kriya Yoga and Holistic Health Practitioner with almost 25 years experience. She is not only a Massage Therapist, Yoga Instructor, and director of the Advanced Training Academy at SoderWorld, but also teaches groups, private tutors and performs bodywork and yoga at various locations throughout Chicagoland. She also lectures at Soderworld, many local corporations, schools, and private events on a variety of wellness, yoga, and holistic health topics. She focuses more on the spiritual & energetic side of healing in her treatments and teachings. She had her own school for 10 years that has since transitioned into an advanced training academy for current massage therapists. She was also on the faculty for Universal Spa Training Academy in Downers Grove & Ananda Ayurveda Academy for a few years.
Although Misty did some art at an early age, she just recently rediscovered her passion for the arts and writing again about 7 years ago. She is a local artist and poet that has been in many art shows and had her writings published. She is currently working on writing two books that will hopefully be published in the near future. She also leads paint parties, intuitive art classes, and kids classes around the local area. She is a long standing member of ABMP-Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals and Yoga Alliance and an approved provider for NCBTMB (National Certification Board) for Massage Therapists as well as a proud member of TAGOL (The Artists Guild of Lockport).

Massage Therapist
Jessica Castro
Jessica studied at Wellness and Massage Training Institute in Woodridge, Illinois. Nature Care College in St. Leonards, Australia and Vermont, learning a wide variety of healing techniques. She practices therapies such as Swedish, Deep Tissue, Esalen, Seated Massage, Pre/Post Sports Massage, Isometric and Advanced Isometric Stretching with Cryo-Therapy, Pre-Natal, Trigger Point Therapy, Hot rock and some of her favorites Myofascial, Pressure Sensitivity Technique and Reflexology. The therapy that she provides for each individual, has a certain flow to it that is is highly influenced by her studies in Cranial Sacral, Therapeutic Touch (Energy balancing), Thai Chi movement therapy, Lomi Lomi and Yoga. Her certification as an Aromatherapist allows her to cultivate her passion for healing at another level. She is fond of combining essential oils with bodywork in order to enhance the depth and longevity of the benefits from each treatment, as well as educating interested clients as to the advantages of personal and home use!
“Therapy is just one way that we can help ourselves obtain balance and increase our quality of life on this journey. Trust yourself deeply and listen to your body when it gives you signs……it has a language all it’s own,” Castro said.

Massage Therapist
Shannon Rusnak
Shannon has been a massage therapist for 17 years. When she was younger she never imagined being a massage therapist. Her high school sweetheart plays professional tennis and he influenced her to try massage. So after going to school, she started to travel with him to all the professional tournaments. She continued to travel with him for six years until he retired from playing and they both came home to start their new chapter. She then became the lead massage therapist at Kohler Waters Spa in Burr Ridge where she devoted 12 years of her career. Life took a turn after having her son, and she ended up with an autoimmune disease. She was driven to make herself better. she changed everything! She ended up on a long journey of wellness and after 5 years got off all her medication and healed.
Shannon has studied Swedish, Deep tissue, Sports, Prenatal, Aromatherapy, Raindrop, Lomi Lomi, Thai Yoga, Hot stone, Lava Shells, yoga teacher training, and is a Reiki Master. She is currently training to be a certified Cranial Sacral Therapist, Health Coach and then continue with Functional Medicine. Shannon truly has a huge heart and loves helping people on their own journey.
​

Massage Therapist
Krystyna Kamel
Krystyna graduated from Soderworld Academy of the Healing Arts in 2013. Her training at Soderworld helped her develop a unique style of combining many different modalities into one amazing treatment. She has done intensive studies in Cranial Sacral Therapy & many energy healing modalities. She has also studied Yoga and Qi Gong and facilitates some Qi Gong classes at Soderworld. Krystyna is dedicated to listening to each client's specific needs and using her knowledge to help facilitate healing. She also has the amazing ability to tune in to each client's body and know what it needs for healing. She believes that a good massage therapist has a combination of passion, knowledge, and intuition.

Massage Therapist
Deanne Meyer
Deanne graduated from Soderworld Academy of the Healing Arts in 2013. Her training at Soderworld has helped her develop her technique of combining the most enjoyable and effective elements of Swedish, Deep Tissue, Reflexology, and Sports Massage. She utilizes several unique modalities to tailor every treatment to each client's specific needs. Deanne's most passionate massage is the Esalen Style because it creates an experience of deep relaxation, supporting the natural ability of body and mind to self-heal. She believes that a good massage therapist has a combination of passion, knowledge, and intuition. She is continually working to expand her knowledge in order to provide her clients with the greatest level of care possible.

Massage Therapist
Kris Fortman
With a foundation in clinical therapeutic massage and a passion for energy work, Kris utilizes a wholistic approach integrating mind, body, and soul to address any level of stress or pain. With a specialty in deep tissue and rehabilitative techniques, he can help to relieve even the most stubborn pain and offer advice to keep it away. Kris also has the ability to switch gears to offer complete relaxation and address the energetic body to lift stress away and realign the spirit for his clients. He has an in-depth knowledge of the body and provides a functional approach to healing on all levels.

Massage Therapist
JT Spencer
JT brings an intuitive approach to massage. He focuses and tailors each massage to fit each client's individual needs. He graduated from Soderworld Academy of the Healing Arts in 2016 and has been practicing since. His passion for massage is fueled by compassion, and his desire to help clients alleviate pain and stress. His favorite modality is the Combo massage for its flowy style while also targeting specific problems clients may have. JT also performs modalities such as: Deep Tissue, Swedish, Sports Massage, Reflexology and Reiki. Book some healing with JT today!

Massage Therapist
Steph Pogreba
Steph graduated from the School of Holistic Massage and Reflexology in the suburbs of Chicago and became a Licensed Massage Therapist in 2020. Even though her massage style is more relaxation focused, she still has a very therapeutic touch. She enjoys giving chill, feel good massages that will leave you feeling blissed out.
She uses Swedish strokes combined with a less aggressive approach to therapeutic focused work. She loves to incorporate hot stones in her massages for added relaxation. Perfect for those seeking tension relief and looking for focused work that's not too deep. Steph also is continuing her education and will be adding more services to her modality list soon.

Registered Nurse and Massage Therapist
Marcia Cutright
Marcia Cutright is a Registered Nurse and a Licensed Massage Therapist, certified in Sport Massage. Her business, Power of Touch Massage Therapy, infuses over 25 years of clinical experience working with sports injuries, and using massage techniques to provide a therapeutic ‘massage experience’ during every session. Her mission is to improve your body’s mental status, blood circulation, joint flexibility and mobility through unique sports massage techniques along with stretching and range of motion movements. She has developed her own style and offers only Therapeutic Power Stretch Sessions at Soderworld.

Yoga Instructor, Sound Healer, Reiki Practitioner
Meka Leach
Meka Leach is a certified Bhakti yoga teacher of 200 hours, being the youngest in the USA to finish the certification classes. She is a certified Harmonic Waves Healing practitioner. Performing sound healing for adults as well as children only classes. Meka is the youngest instructor and facilitator at Soderworld wellness center and the surrounding area/ community. She plans on continuing her yoga education for the 500 HR certification soon. Meka is the founder of Mindfulness with Meka a class, program and book she has hand written from her soul targeting children 10-17 years old. At the age of 12 she teaches a kids only class about mindful living and hosts monthly Girls Moon Cycle Circles. She is an amazing loving soul and has a passion for holistic health and mindful practice. She is attuned and a practitioner of Reiki. She loves crystals and she wants to change her generation.

Sound Healer, Yoga & Meditation Instructor, Event Coordinator
Treya Jaholkowska
Treya is an Event coordinator and facilitator at SoderWorld Wellness Center. Also a Sound Healing Practitioner with the Dreamweavers Collective (IG:dreamweavers333) and a Reiki practitioner.
She discovered the power of sound and music when she was gifted a Native American flute two decades ago. Since then this healing instrument traveled the world with her and it’s soothing frequency has been a salve for her soul.
Interest in spirituality, an alternative and sustainable living led her to study and volunteer in various conscious and spiritual communities in Hawaii, India and Europe for over 7 years. Living and volunteering in monasteries and ashrams, exposed her to a variety of yogic practices in an atmosphere that was imbued with sacred sounds of mantra chanting and devotional music. These profoundly transformative and inspirational experiences helped set the foundation for finding inner joy, peace and balance. She is a certified Yoga Instructor as well as an aspiring artist and musician.
​
Currently she offers meditation, yoga and chanting classes, women’s circles, retreats, ceremonies and other mindfulness experiences.

Holistic Practitioner, Reiki Master Teacher, Spiritual Mentor, Yoga Instructor, Young Living Leader & Distributor, SW Team Leader & Retail Manager
Shannon Chada
With a joyful heart, Shannon walks a path of UNITING Nature, Culture and Community. For over 20 years she has been in service to help others compassionately and empower self-healing of mind, body, and spirit. Shannon offers personal and private group sessions, along with a variety of educational and spiritual workshops and events which inspire and honor each individuals own personal wellness and spiritual journey.
Shannon is a Spiritual Mentor, Reiki Master Teacher, Energy Specialist, Crystal Healer, Certified Yoga Instructor, Sacred circle and Ceremony Facilitator, Non-Denominational Legal Ordained Minister, Young Living Educator, Distributor, and Team Leader, Massage Therapist, Doula & Natural Woman's Health Coach.
REIKI: Shannon is a Certified Reiki Master & Teacher since 2000 and 8th decedent in lineage from Dr. Mikao Usui. Shannon offers Usui Reiki levels I, II, Reiki Master, and Reiki Master Teacher certified classes throughout the Chicago-land and Rockford area. Along with Reiki Master Apprenticeship and Reiki Master Teacher Apprenticeship programs and Certifications. NCBTMB CEU's available.
YOGA: In addition, Shannon is a Certified Yoga Instructor and has received acknowledgement certifications for 500+ hours YTT. She is dedicated to working with all students. Shannon’s classes are uniquely taught to meet the individual needs of all who attend. Shannon graduated from the Lakulish Institue of Yoga, Kripalu, Gujarat, India 2006 by Guru Acharya Yogendradev at Universal Spirit Yoga.
AROMATHERAPY: Shannon has 15+ years experience with Essential Oils and the therapeutic benefits they offer to support us as part of the sacred plant kingdom. Shannon teaches Aromatherapy Basics, Raindrop Technique, along with many other classes and workshops throughout the year.
SPIRITUAL MENTOR: Shannon is a legally ordained non-denominational Spiritual and Holistic Minister Practitioner, also certified to perform religious services. Shannon integrates her Native American roots and shares traditional spiritual healings as passed down to her from generations of family healers. Available for Blessing Ceremonies, Weddings, Life Celebrations, Personal and Private Group Healing Sessions.
Shannon is an Approved Provider through NCBTMB for offering CEU’s -Continuing Education Certification Unit hours in many of her classes.
Shannon is a Specialty Appointment at SoderWorld, please email her directly to set up an appointment: E-Mail: fullcircleharmony@comcast.net

Massage Therapist
Krassi Marinova
Krassi was born in the mountains of Bulgaria as an Aries. She moved to the U.S. in 2001 and became a Licensed Massage Therapist in 2013, graduating from School of Holistic Massage and Reflexology.
Her passions have always been in nature. She use natural holistic practices in her daily life and help others achieve the same through a clean, honest mindset. Krassi believes in the healing power of touch and the connection between body, mind & spirit. She has a unique style that includes skills in Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports, Reflexology & Reiki. Krassi has also completed the Cranial Sacral Therapy Training through the Sacred Journey Institute and she is constantly continuing her education to add other modalities and techniques to her tool belt.

Massage Therapist
MaryRose Plante
MaryRose graduated from the Wellness and Massage Training Institute and has been in practice since May of 2002. She has taken many advanced deep tissue and self care classes and is alway excited to find something new to learn. Before joining the wellness team at Soderwold, MaryRose had worked in the relaxing spa setting and a busy Chiropractic office; as well as spending 7 years working at Athletico Physical Therapy doing pre- and post- surgical massage, working with both acute and chronic pain/injury and all levels of athletes including high school sports, weekend warriors and professionals. While MaryRose's experience has given her the skills to excel in Deep Tissue and Sports Massage, she also enjoys treating the whole body with a Swedish/Deep Tissue Combo and adding stretching, Reiki and Cranial; completing the overall relaxation experience. Finding her home at Soderwold, MaryRose is focused on helping her clients find balance in their lives and to heal their bodies.

Massage & Cranial Sacral Therapist
Stephanie Brown
Stephanie is a certified Visionary Cranial Sacral Therapist, licensed Massage Therapist, and Quantum Healing Hypnosis Therapist. She is the founder of the Illumined Soul integrative healing arts, designed to “awaken your inner Radiance.” Stephanie is a graduate from the School of Holistic Massage & Reflexology and from the Sacred Journey Institute in Tinley Park, where she studied and taught with the late Don Massat, legendary “City Shaman” and founder of the SJI school and the Beyond Wellness Center. Stephanie practices Cranial Sacral Therapy, Miasm Release Therapy, Sacred Journey Therapy, Vibrational Healing Therapy, Distance Healing, all of which induce healing and spiritual transformation in clients who exhibit many different types of ailments and dis-ease, including anxiety, TMJ, ADHD, cancer, autism and schizophrenia.
“My approach is inspirational and intuitive in gently working with each of my clients to integrate different aspects of their body, psyche, and spirit into an ever unifying whole. My passion is to support them as they realize their innate gifts, which arise as they come to terms with their past and learn to forgive and accept their karmic patterns, which may have been inherited ancestrally, unlocking codes and allowing more light to emerge from their DNA. I work with adults of all ages--individually, as couples and family units– as well as teenagers and small children." ~ Stephanie

Massage Therapist
Kaylee Berg
Kaylee moved here from Madison, WI where she graduated from Madison College Therapeutic Massage Program in 2014. After graduation, she went on to be the Lab Coordinator and Instructor, which has ignited her fire for teaching. She began working in the spa and gym industry and worked her way up to a management position for an oriental medicine and Asian bodywork office. She's trained and specialized in many areas of bodywork including Thai Yoga Massage, Therapeutic Deep Tissue, Relaxation, Hot Stone, Cupping/Gua Sha, Reiki, and Prenatal Massage. She also has a strong desire and hopeful dedication to master her herbal medicine crafting and to learn Ayurvedic body treatments. She's also a Birth Doula, and finds interest in obtaining her childbirth educators license. She also hopes to work with some of her mentors to dive into the world of plant medicine, especially in South and Central America.
Kaylee feels that even in a sometimes broken and scary world, there is healing all around us. Music, nature, art, bodywork, movement, silence, and mostly in each other. If we can do our part to cultivate kindness, each day will be brighter. That's why she loves Soderworld, and the work she does here. It's a sacred space of love, kindness, growth, and healing. Her goal is to specifically tailor her treatments to fit your needs, so that you can find peace in knowing that you are on your way to a better quality of life. She's continuously amazed how the body, mind, and spirit work together, and have the ability to heal itself. It's an absolute honor and privilege to be able to be a small part of each person's unique journey.

Massage Therapist & Astrology Reader
Alexia Kawa
Alexia graduated from Soderworld Wellness Center & Academy straight out of high school. Alexia has a strong intuition and uses it with her collective knowledge of Swedish, Deep Tissue and Esalen to provide her clients with the best possible experiences. She is a Master Level Reiki Practitioner who also incorporates techniques from Lomi Lomi into her massage therapy sessions. She is fond of many Ayurvedic treatments and can perform the Ayurvedic Odyssey Massage. Alexia has also been studying Astrology for the past 8 years and offers private Astrology Readings based off of your birth chart. She constantly learns new methods to mix into her practice.

Massage Therapist
Jemima Lipari
Jemima began her massage career fifteen years ago and specializes in therapeutic massage with the intent to bring harmony and balance while also nurture the body, mind, & spirit. Jemima enjoys providing Swedish, deep tissue, sports, stretching, prenatal massage, and a range of techniques to help her clients work through their issues. Jemima is also a birth/death doula with a passion for assisting with peaceful, joyful life-transitions. She is dedicated to helping her clients heal the body, mind, & spirit. She will also be co-facilitating a Grief Circle at Soderworld.

Massage Therapist
Quinten "Q" Pastore
Quinten graduated from Universal Spa Training Academy in 2021 at the top of his class. He specializes in clinical massage, relaxation, therapeutic, combination, and sports massage. His intuition and response to body language is what gives him his transcendental touch. Some of his favorite moves range from relaxing deep myofascial, to neuromuscular energy work, to invigorating & energized deep tissue. His Swedish massage is very flow oriented and based in deep relaxation to help the body reach its transcendental state of self healing. He believes anyone out there that is in pain, can benefit from any of his massages that are based on your needs and your body's issues. Book with Q today to experience the transcendental touch!

Esthetician & Yoga Instructor
Violet Vrsek
Violet has been a licensed esthetician since 2007 with expert training in the Bioelements product line, deep relaxation, crystal healing, energy movement, and the comforting power of touch. Come join her in a journey of the senses with her treatments as the beautiful aromas, soft music, soft lighting and her gentle touch whisk you far away from the hectic demands of day-to-day life.
Violet is also a yoga teacher with a unique style. She loves to use a unique tie in of deep breathing and relaxation techniques to help heal the body. Your visit with her is guaranteed to be unlike anything you’ve experienced before. No matter what your skin type or issues, she will leave you with a fresh-face, an outer glow, and a new found inner peace.

Sound Healer, Yoga & Meditation Instructor, Marketing Admin
Chahe Soderholm
Chad Soderholm is an Idea Entrepreneur, highly skilled producer, director, and creative professional. In 1997, Chad founded Wellness Information Network a web-portal for natural health and alternative medicine and the producer of Wellness 2000, a holistic wellness convention that was held at the Rosemont Convention center.
In 2006 Chad founded Digital Aisle, a pioneering interactive shopper-marketing agency where he created products, software and services to it’s client roster such as Diageo, Starbucks, Pfizer, Procter & Gamble, Miller/Coors, AB Inbev, Remington, Merck, Hewlett-Packard and Disney.
Presently, Chad works as a freelance Producer/Director, wellness practitioner, sound healer, and pursues his own inventions and other creative endeavors. Check out one of Chad's invention, The Paka Pillow in SoderWorld's retail shop.

Front Desk Wellness Coordinators

Michelle

Kierstin

Cassandra

Kat

Jenn
Administration Assistants

Celeste
