MEET OUR TEAM OF EXPERTS

Chris Draybuck

I'm proud to have founded Balance on the goal of hiring and working with the best massage experts around Ann Arbor. Our commitment to learning about massage and the best ways we can impact you is second to none. Our team is passionate about learning your story and making sure we're applying our expertise to address your concerns every you find Balance.

On behalf of our entire team of therapists; THANK YOU! It's an honor and privilege to be on your wellness journey with you.

Learn about Chris's training and approach to massage

Chris Lee Draybuck, NCTMB, graduated from AAIMT where she went on to practice as an independent therapist until opening Balance Massage Therapy in October of 2008. Specializing in Neuromuscular Therapy, Myofascial Release, and Sports Massage, Christin is passionate about the immediate impact massage has on clients. In October of 2010, Christin completed a 100 hour Oncology massage program from Beaumont hospital.

Chris is a great fit for clients looking to make progress with very specific issues. Using an integrated approach, Chris combs trouble areas and works in a targeted way to provide relief. Our most senior therapist, Chris has performed over 5000 massages at BMT and is highly requested and referred to.

Chris’ goal in growing the BMT team is to focus on continuing education and develop a team deep in passion, experience, and shared knowledge.

Why did you become a massage therapist?

I decided to try massage therapy after college, not knowing what it was really about. I thought it was all about relaxation, but I fell in love with deep tissue techniques and problem solving. Now, nearly a decade later, I am still the happiest I have ever been with a career. Every day someone different walks through our doors who will walk out better than when they came in.

How would you describe your massage style?

At my core, I am a clinical problem solver; however, many of my clients receive very different massages. I love neuromuscular therapy, which really doesn’t have to be deep pressure, just specific work to be effective. I also love working slowly from a very light pressure starting point for many of my clients who are sensitive to touch or need a gentle approach.

What is your favorite client success story?

Helping people that have been dealing with migraines. One of my clients had been suffering from daily migraines for almost a year. Gradually, through multiple sessions, she has gotten relief. Now she’s off of strong medications, has only occasional migraines, and is taking her life back.

I also really enjoy having a focused pain relief oncology massage session. This is a very different approach of gentle, relaxing strokes that still has lasting results and helps support the healing systems of the body.

What do you like best about helping clients?

I really like teaching people about simple things that can help them out of pain. Many people who I’ve met have been living with pain and dysfunction for years, and have been searching for answers and relief. The great thing about massage is that it is non-invasive and beneficial. It works with your body so you can heal yourself.

What is your favorite season and why?

Fall! The leaves are gorgeous, cider, donuts, and cool, breezy evenings.

What is your dream vacation?

Themed knitting trip! Going to see some sheep on a ranch out west and learning a bunch.

Read about Angelica's training and approach to massage

Angelica joined BMT in August of 2009. She quickly established herself as one of our most sought-after therapists and a reliable teammate. Her fluid approach to massage allows her to give an extremely relaxing Swedish massage, or a massage that finds and releases trouble spots. Angelica also is able to blend in deep tissue bodywork; because she is a runner herself, she is an excellent match for runners who are training for a race or who are recovering from one. Angelica is a great fit for clients looking for a relaxing and effective massage experience that is tailored to their specific needs.

Why did you become a massage therapist?

I enjoy helping people, but can’t handle the sight of blood so I can’t be a nurse. Being a massage therapist is the next best thing!

How would you describe your massage style?

Very fluid deep work that is going to work out your problem areas and relax you at the same time. I’m a runner and I understand the importance of training and recovery for athletes too.

What is your favorite client success story?

A client leaving happy!

What do you like best about helping clients?

Giving relief from their aches and pains, feeling better, and leaving happy.

What is your favorite season and why?

Fall is the best season to run, and I love the leaf colors changing, hot tea, apple crisp, pumpkins, corn mazes, and hayrides.

What is your dream vacation?

Rome or Florence, Italy! I’d love to eat lots of pasta there.

Read about Matt's training and approach to massage

Matt joined our BMT team in April of 2011. He brings a slow and calm approach to massage therapy. Using a lot of Myofascial techniques, Matt’s style involves using longer, slower strokes. It is an effective technique and shows results. He does great deep tissue work and should be able to address any issue a client would like worked on. His deep tissue style is unique in that he builds the pressure slowly, and gradually works deeper and deeper. Matt also has advanced training in Hot Stone and does an amazing therapeutic hot stone massage.

Why did you become a massage therapist?

Massage is something I’ve always been interested in. I originally went to Grand Valley State with the idea of getting into the physical therapy program there. I ended up getting my BS there in Biomedical Science, but after moving back home to the family farm the opportunity to go to massage school opened up to me, and I jumped at the chance.

How would you describe your massage style?

I like to blend a few different things together to create an effective massage for my clients. I tend to use a lot of Myo and NMT techniques along with Swedish to really get in there to get after whatever is causing an issue for a client. I do tend to be more of a deep pressure therapist, and I have been incorporating some Table Thai into sessions, which is a form of massage that involves bending and stretching the client–I’ve been getting lots of good results from using it! I also enjoy working with Hot Stones as well.

What is your favorite client success story?

I don’t have one per se, as I have a pretty good roster of clients that I’ve helped with some of their assorted issues. Some of my favorite stories are the ones where I have spotted an issue the client has and didn’t know that massage could even do anything for that. I enjoy talking with clients about different techniques and approaches such as intraoral work for TMJ issues or a psoas release for lower back issues. It’s pretty rewarding to me to hear a client say after the session, “You were right. That did hurt like heck. But now I feel so much better now that you’re done!”

What do you like best about helping clients?

When someone tells me that their massage was the best part of their day. I enjoy hearing about how I’ve helped them out in just allowing them to use their body better or how I have gotten them through the stresses of their day through massage.

What is your favorite season and why?

My favorite season would have to be fall. There’s that cool crispness in the air that makes wearing a hoodie ideal. The leaves are changing and the harvest is coming in. And it’s football season, so I’m usually wanting to be off tailgating at a Grand Valley State game somewhere enjoying the nice weather.

What is your dream vacation?

For a vacation, I would really like to get away from it all, a small cabin somewhere way off the beaten path, where I could just enjoy the peace and quiet of the woods perhaps.

Read about Brian's training and approach to massage

Brian Wood is a graduate from Irene’s Myomassology Institute. Brian is passionate about the healing aspects of massage therapy. He believes in listening to his clients and adapts his technique to their needs. Brian draws on his experience in myofascial release to provide his clients with a truly relaxing and therapeutic experience. Brian’s advanced training in Hot Stone Massage helps provide clients a deep and relaxing massage experience. When he’s not working, Brian enjoys reading and spending time with his family and friends.

Why did you become a massage therapist?

When I was young I received massage from a family friend who was in school for massage. Then when I got older I realized that massage was what I wanted to do with my life, and to help people with massage.

How would you describe your massage style?

Mostly gentle with medium pressure and the ability to go lighter or deeper as needed. Somewhat intuitive, having the ability to “zero in” on those spots.

What is your favorite client success story?

I don’t have a single favorite, as I have a responsibility to make sure all my clients have a successful massage session. When someone comes in for their very first massage ever, I have to make sure they are comfortable and enjoy their massage enough that they will make massage a regular part of their life! Massage is such a huge help.

What do you like best about helping clients?

Helping a client is a two-way street: They feel better and I then feel better too, like a sense of accomplishment doing good. Making a difference in my clients’ lives makes a difference in mine.

What is your favorite season and why?

Spring! Being from Michigan, watching the trees start to bud is like nature’s promise that it will get warm again.

What is your dream vacation?

Sitting on a white sandy beach with my family, enjoying the crashing waves, the gentle breezes, while a team of scientists works diligently trying to find a way to make my day better.

Read about Juliann's training and approach to massage

Juliann Trudell has been receiving massage therapy throughout her adult life. Looking to pursue her passion, she decided to leave her successful career in communications and pursue a career helping others. A graduate of Irene’s Myomassology Institute, Juliann combines her experience with massage and her background in communication to build her client relationships. She understands how important therapeutic massage can be and knows the importance of working with each client to create a massage plan that benefits them.

Juliann’s expertise lie in Swedish massage, Hot Stone, and Elder care massage. She is the great fit for clients looking to relax and work out some issues.

Why did you become a massage therapist?

I became pretty worn down looking for a job that “stuck”. Instead, I got into massage to make my own position using the tools I learned. I became my own boss!

How would you describe your massage style?

I incorporate Swedish massage and other relaxing techniques into most of the massages I give.

What is your favorite client success story?

A client let me know her doctor recommended 6 months of physical therapy for a pinched nerve in her shoulder. She tried massage first before committing to that. After 2 sessions, her shoulder issue went away! Massage helped her save time, money, and she found pain relief.

What do you like best about helping clients?

Every client is different and needs different forms of help. I find ways to help each person individually.

What is your favorite season and why?

I enjoy winter because of all the beautiful snow.

What is your dream vacation?

Vacation? What’s that?

Read about Sarah's training and approach to massage

Sarah’s approach to massage is focused on helping her clients with any issues they may have by using different modalities to address their needs. She has had deep muscle training, and uses trigger point therapy along with firm pressure to troubleshoot her client’s issues. She then moves her focus to relaxation techniques to help promote an overall feeling of wellness.

Sarah has found that her massage style is very well suited to help clients who are dealing with Fibromyalgia. She has extensive experience helping clients deal with this condition. She also has received excellent feedback on her work on the neck and shoulders. Sarah’s massage has also helped those dealing with rotator cuff issues. Her clients leave with a sense of deep relaxation, as well as a feeling that their trouble areas have been worked out.

Why did you become a massage therapist?

As soon as I got out of the Navy, I had trouble finding a job where I could use my training so I was working at Starbucks. I saw a commercial for massage school and signed up and got started right away. I loved it, and still love it. Who knew after all those years I would find my niche!

How would you describe your massage style?

My style is a mixture of many styles. I like digging in and working out tension and can also go lighter and make it relaxing. I have a lot of clients who see me for therapeutic work, which I love. I can customize to each client’s needs. My intuition and education guide me through each session.

What is your favorite client success story?

I do not have any one in particular. I just love to see progress and improvements in health, pain management, and headaches. That is my favorite part of being a massage therapist.

What do you like best about helping clients?

I like making clients feel better. I like when I can help make them happier with pain management or a problem in general that I can fix. I am happy when they are happy!

What is your favorite season and why?

Fall! I love wearing hoodies and jeans. The leaves changing are so beautiful. Campfires are so nice to sit by and fishing is good too.

What is your dream vacation?

A hut over the water in Fiji. A glass floor would be a bonus!

Read about Debbie's training and approach to massage

Debbie uses her skills in Myofascial release, and NMT to help her clients achieve their wellness goals. She has extensive training in geriatric massage, and can use her knowledge to give her clients a very relaxing experience.

Debbie’s training has given her a unique combination of styles that she can use to provide her clients with deep tissue bodywork, but also a special sensitivity to their needs.

Debbie’s clients have reported that she is especially good at the work she does on the neck, shoulders, and upper back, and the work she does to alleviate tension headaches. Her approach is to give each client the individual attention they need to have a great massage experience.

Why did you become a massage therapist?

I desired to make a difference in people’s lives, to bring healing in a non-medical way. My friends and family told me how much they liked the back rubs I gave them so I decided to pursue a career along those lines.

How would you describe your massage style?

Relaxing and focused. I use all the techniques that I’ve learned in combination with one another, all with the goal of creating a relaxing and rewarding massage experience.

What is your favorite client success story?

When I was working at the UofM hospital, I was watching/supervising a patient who was very anxious and could find no rest. She asked me to rub her back in an effort to calm down. I happened to be going through massage school at the time, so gleaning on my training, I proceeded to give a relaxing back massage. She was able to rest for a couple of hours as a result!

What do you like best about helping clients?

It is my pleasure to know that I have been able to help them, even in a small way!

What is your favorite season and why?

Spring! Cold is beginning to leave and you can see new life on the ground! The days get lighter and we are reminded again that winter is not forever!

What is your dream vacation?

I would like to see Australia.

Read about Amy's training and approach to massage

Amy’s massage style is based upon helping each individual she works with to feel better, and to progress toward their personal long-term health goals. She thrives on the opportunity to educate her clients about how their bodies work, and how massage can help them with their daily routines. Amy uses a variety of techniques to address any issues a client may have, but her main focus is troubleshooting and problem solving using light to medium pressure NMT and Trigger Point techniques. She also specializes in relieving stress and tension with a great blend of relaxation and therapeutic techniques.

The approach that Amy uses is intended to combine different massage modalities to give the client some of the benefits of each style. She uses Myofascial to warm up the muscles, then moves toward NMT and Trigger Point to focus on the more specific issues and tension areas, while using Swedish style to seamlessly blend everything together for a calming and relaxing experience.

Why did you become a massage therapist?

I wanted to pursue a career that would allow me to directly help people with health concerns. The more I learned about massage, the more appreciative I became of the important role it can play in supporting health and a sense of well being. I decided to go to massage school to continue learning, and it has been such a rewarding path to follow ever since.

How would you describe your massage style?

I use an integrated approach, most often incorporating myofascial release, NMT, and swedish techniques into each session. I also often include stretching and joint mobilization to facilitate both specific therapeutic work and relaxation.

What is your favorite client success story?

One story that comes to my mind is of a client who was suffering from upper back and shoulder pain while working at her physically demanding job. After the first session, she reported feeling less pain, more flexibility, and more hope for being able to work at her job without pain. After repeated sessions, and her great dedication to stretching and strengthening exercises, she reported feeling pain free at work, and also a renewed motivation for exercising more regularly.

What do you like best about helping clients?

I love to hear my clients’ unique stories, and to cheer them on in reaching their health goals. This is a wonderful part of the job!

What is your favorite season and why?

I think fall is my favorite. I like the exciting beauty of fall colors mixed in with that reflective anticipation of colder months right around the corner.

What is your dream vacation?

Traveling to a very different part of the world and exploring both cities and countryside with good friends. Right now, I’m really interested in visiting Hungary and Romania. In my wildest vacation dreams, I’m good at learning many different languages!

Read about Kyla's training and approach to massage

Kyla’s massage style is best described as a combination of medium to deep pressure specific work and lighter, smoother relaxing work. She thinks of each session as a unique opportunity to learn more about her clients, their needs, and her craft as a whole. With a varied training background, Kyla can integrate various techniques into each massage to help find new ways to address the needs of each individual she works on. Ultimately, her goal is to connect with her clients, and help them to leave with a smile.

Kyla takes her time with each massage, and is able to slowly guide the massage experience from a flowing, relaxation based approach to a more thorough NMT or trigger point technique. She relies mostly on Swedish style, but has the ability to integrate many modalities into her sessions. She works in stretching when appropriate, and she can also help with improving range of motion. Kyla is also adept at working with clients who may have postural imbalances.

Kyla is a great fit for clients who are looking for a smooth relaxing massage, especially those who would also like some specific focus on the neck, upper back, and shoulders. She is also great with people who like to learn a little from their sessions, as she informs her clients of what she is working on, and ways to improve their overall well being. Kyla’s quiet, caring demeanor makes her easy to connect with, and her positive energy easily rubs off on her clients.

Why did you become a massage therapist?

I grew up hearing my dad talk about the pain relief that massage therapy brought him, that was never really matched by various drugs over the years, so it was always in the back of my head. When I started thinking about what kind of professions I’d like to be a part of, I added it to a list that included things like pastry chefs and translators. In the end, I decided that massage therapy, with its ability to make such a huge impact on people’s lives, sounded very satisfying to me, so I enrolled in a program and it turns out I love it!

How would you describe your massage style?

It depends on the client. Usually I use the Swedish style as a base, and then integrate other modalities such as stretching or trigger point work as I see fit.

What is your favorite client success story?

There are too many to pick a favorite! Recently a client came in with intense shoulder and neck pain that had suddenly started. After a focused session of deep tissue, range of motion exercises, and stretching, the muscles went through a good release. The first thing she said to me when she got off the table was “Wow! It’s like night and day!” We were both pretty ecstatic

What do you like best about helping clients?

The variety of client stories! Everybody’s story is unique; where they’ve been, what they’ve done, and where they’re going is fascinating to me.

Whether helping someone relax after a hectic week, nipping a migraine in the bud, or working on a chronic issue, it makes me happy to be a positive addition to that story.

What is your favorite season and why?

Spring! The weather’s just right: warm with a cool breeze. The way everything feels as if it’s shaking off the sleepiness of winter, as if all that pent up energy is about to burst into action and a multitude of possibilities can become reality–I can’t help but feel excited.

What is your dream vacation?

I can only choose one?!?

Read about Amber's training and approach to massage

Why did you become a massage therapist?

I became a massage therapist because I wanted to be able to help people live their best lives, to try a more holistic approach to wellness and healing.

How would you describe your massage style?

I mix deeper detail work like trigger point or myofascial with medium to deep swedish. I also like to use stretches and NMT if needed.

What is your favorite client success story?

Any client that leaves feeling better then when they came in.

What do you like best about helping clients?

I like seeing clients leave relaxed or with less pain. It is really rewarding to know I helped with that.

What is your favorite season and why?

Fall, for halloween!

What is your dream vacation?

Anywhere I can camp with my family.

Dan

Currently On Health Leave

Read about Dan's training and approach to massage

Dan’s massage style focus is deep tissue work with an emphasis on tension relief and mobilization. His goal is always to use bodywork to facilitate his client’s comfort. He uses good communication and interpersonal skills to help each client on an individual basis.

Dan is a great fit for clients looking for deep, specific work. He’s also been a great match for those interested in work on the feet and legs.

Why did you become a massage therapist?

It sits at the center of a Venn diagram of what I enjoy, what I am good at, and what I can make a living doing.

How would you describe your massage style?

Preferentially heavy, deep work focused on anatomical response and therapeutic effect.

What is your favorite client success story?

Recently, I have a client who has been walking with crutches for many years, and I have been able to provide both a great deal of pain relief and increase functional range of motion, despite heavy muscular development adapted to the problematic posture.

What do you like best about helping clients?

I think helping clients sums it up. Most of my work results directly in people feeling better, and that is deeply satisfying.

What is your favorite season and why?

I love them all. Michigan’s temperate climate brings out the greatest aspect of each.

What is your dream vacation?

By myself, a meditation retreat. With friends and family, a party at the park with games and swapping tall tales.