Samantha Goldberg Blackthorn
Samantha is a multifaceted individual, embodying a diverse range of skills and passions. She is a musician, massage therapist, Iyengar yoga teacher, anatomy instructor, tarotlogist, mystic, and registered herbalist. In 2001, she relocated to East Austin to raise her two daughters and, fueled by a vision, established Ace of Cups with the aim of serving her community.
With a degree in biological science from CSU, Samantha specialized in anatomy and physiology, complemented by extensive botanical studies. Since 2003, she has practiced massage therapy, accumulating over 2000 hours of training. Her expertise lies in pain management, myofascial trigger point release, structural integration, and sports massage. Samantha's experience spans various settings, including clinics, wellness centers, and high-intensity environments like art installations and job sites. Additionally, she imparts her knowledge as an educator, teaching anatomy, kinesiology, and massage techniques both locally and internationally.
In pursuit of her botanical interests, Samantha pursued studies under renowned experts such as Dr. William A. Weber and Dr. Tieronna Lowdog. She honed her skills in herbal formulation alongside Bert Norgorden in New Mexico. Alongside her professional pursuits, Samantha offers private Iyengar yoga sessions, herbal consultations, tarot card readings, and classes covering mystic arts, meditation, and herbalism.
Felisa Y. (Advanced Massage Therapist)
Felisa Yzaguirre is a Xicana indigenous mother, partera/midwife, bodyworker, and medicine woman based in Tonkawa territory in Austin, Texas. She aligned with her life's work after her daughter's home birth in 2013. She is a native Spanish-speaking Texas licensed midwife, massage therapist, and Spinning Babies Aware Practitioner.
Her practice weaves together traditional healing, Mexican Traditional Medicine, and Western modalities. Her specialties include abdominal/ womb massage, cupping, energy work, ancestral healing, folk herbalism, fascial hydration, lymph facilitation, facilitating care circles, and care using rebozos (mesoamerican textiles). She aims to restore the wholeness of mind, body, and spirit and encourages self-healing through higher self-awareness.
Lindsey C.
Lindsey (she/they) brings a deep, intuitive listening and a nurturing and grounded presence to her massage clients. Lindsey employs a variety of modalities, such as cupping, deep tissue, Swedish, prenatal, and Reiki. She believes bringing relaxation, pain relief, therapeutic touch, and energetic balancing can help people feel vibrant and live with ease. Bodywork is magic and helps foster a peaceful world.
Lindsey has two music degrees and became a licensed massage therapist after many years as a music teacher. In her free time, she enjoys dance, meditation, running, and hanging out with her children and dogs.
Tooki P. (Advanced Massage Therapist)
Tooki P. combines the rich tradition of Thai massage with advanced Western techniques to deliver an unparalleled massage experience. Growing up in Thailand, she mastered the art of traditional Thai massage, blending acupressure, Ayurvedic principles, and assisted yoga postures to help her family relieve pain and fatigue. Today, she offers this deeply restorative therapy on both the mat and table, with sessions that are truly out of this world. After moving to the United States, she expanded her expertise at the renowned Lauterstein-Conway Massage School, adding deep tissue and relaxation massage to her repertoire. Her intuitive deep pressure is a rare gift, and her passion for helping clients achieve their wellness goals shines through in every session. Caring for the body, mind, and spirit, Tooki’s devotion to her craft ensures that every massage is tailored to leave you feeling transformed.
Michelle G. (Advanced Massage Therapist)
Michelle took up the healing art of massage out of a passion to help people feel better. She graduated from Lauterstein Conway school of massage. Immediately after she took advanced training in cupping therapy. Michelle bases her sessions on the specific needs of the clients using a rhythmic flow to help relax the client and muscles. Michelle excels in intuitively listening,and coming up with a treatment plan to accomplish the best massage for the individual. Michelle uses many modalities. Cups to relieve tension and to promote blood flow, deep tissue/Ashiatsu to push metabolic waste out of inflamed areas, Swedish to promote blood flow and relaxation, and she designs the session for your optimal well-being. MIchelle is a compassionate therapist that is not afraid to get deep into your tensions, find the spots and release them. Michelle's biggest passion is Ashiatsu, barefoot massage. She has advanced training in this modality and excels in this technique. Michelle believes that with Ashiastsu she can get deeper and help the client experience an even deeper relief. She believes the results are longer lasting and a profound effect on any size client.
Kira S. (Advanced Massage Therapist)
With a lifelong passion for natural healing, Kira brings an unparalleled level of skill and care to every session. A graduate of the prestigious Body Mechanics School of Myotherapy and Massage, [Therapist's Name] has mastered techniques specifically designed to heal injuries and support optimal performance. Specializing in injury treatment and sports massage, she is certified in advanced modalities such as deep tissue, myofascial release, prenatal, lymphatic drainage, lomi lomi, Swedish, trigger point therapy, and more.
What sets Kira apart is her intuitive ability to listen and focus on each client’s unique needs, allowing her to tailor treatments that go beyond surface relief to address root causes. Her massages are not just therapeutic—they’re transformative, combining advanced techniques with a deep commitment to restoring balance and resolving pain. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, seeking relief from tension, or simply looking to reset, a session with Kira will be unlike anything you’ve experienced before.
Drea M. (Advanced Massage Therapist)
Austin native Drea Marz has been immersed in the healing arts since 2009, bringing a wealth of knowledge and an intuitive approach to her practice. A graduate of San Francisco’s National Holistic Institute, she is trained in Swedish, sports, shiatsu, Thai, polarity therapy, myofascial, and trigger-point release techniques. While Drea’s style is not traditional deep tissue, her subtle and energetic approach fosters profound healing and deep transformation. With additional certifications in yoga from Austin’s Dharma Yoga and advanced training in biodynamic craniosacral therapy from The Body Intelligence program, Drea integrates body wisdom and mindfulness into every session. She has enriched her practice with influences from her time in Peru, where she studied Dynamic Dancing Thai Massage and drew inspiration from Amazonian and Andean healing traditions. Whether facilitating meditation groups at the Austin State Hospital or teaching embodiment practices in the community, Drea’s nurturing presence and ability to listen deeply allow her to meet clients where they are, helping them release tension, restore vitality, and reconnect with their body’s innate ability to heal.
Jennifer S. (Advanced Massage Therapist)
Jennifer is an intuitive therapist who draws from both Eastern and Western modalities, customizing sessions to release stress and guide the body-mind towards relaxation and well-being. She specializes in Shiatsu and CranioSacral therapy, interacting with energy meridians, acupressure points, and the autonomic nervous system to optimize physical and emotional health by balancing and unblocking energy flow. Jennifer is also trained in Somato-Emotional Release (SER), an extension of CranioSacral therapy that aims to identify and release the energy of past physical and emotional traumas trapped within the body.
Jennifer attended massage school at The Lauterstein-Conway Massage School and Clinic, and continues to study Thai/Zen Shiatsu, Cranio-Sacral therapy, anatomy, breath-work, and the mind-body connection. In her free time, Jennifer can be found riding her bike, doing yoga, gardening, beekeeping, and working with healing plants.
Amber V. (Advanced Massage Therapist)
Amber is a Licensed Massage Therapist and Certified Vibrational Sound Therapist dedicated to helping her clients feel their best through personalized, holistic self-care. With a musician’s heart, Amber integrates Vibrational Sound Therapy into her sessions, using bronze bowls to create deeply relaxing tones that enhance the therapeutic effects of her work. She excels in a range of modalities, including Swedish, deep tissue, prenatal, and postnatal massage, and her fascination with the human body allows her to craft individualized treatments tailored to each client’s needs. Amber’s approach combines technical expertise with a focus on breath and guided intention, nurturing the body’s ability to release tension and restore balance. With an interest in energetic and botanical remedies, she offers a unique, relaxing experience that helps clients unwind and smooth out the kinks life can bring.
Corbin P. (Advanced Massage Therapist)
A native Texan, Corbin is a caring and intuitive massage therapist with a deep understanding of the body. His life experiences, passion for fitness and practical knowledge of anatomy make him an excellent match for individuals in recovery, athletes preparing for events, or anyone looking to improve their overall wellness. Whether you’re working toward a healthier lifestyle, training for a big event, in recovery or seeking relief from tension, Corbin’s personalized approach ensures you’ll receive the care you need.
Specializing in deep tissue, cupping therapy, manual lymphatic drainage, and Reiki, Corbin combines advanced techniques with a compassionate touch to help clients recover, perform, and thrive. His sessions are tailored to promote relaxation, mobility, and strength, leaving you refreshed and ready to tackle your goals. Corbin is excited to support the Austin community and looks forward to helping you feel and perform your best.
Mary Ellen M. (Advanced Massage Therapist)
With over 37 years of experience, Mary Ellen Milks is a master of integrative bodywork. She brings a unique and transformative approach to advanced integrated bodywork. Each session is tailored to her clients’ individual needs and wellness goals, blending her mastery of multiple modalities with her intuitive touch. Known for her exceptional ability to integrate cupping into her practice, Mary Ellen creates deeply therapeutic experiences that promote relaxation and healing on every level.
Passionate about women’s health, she takes a holistic, multi-modal approach to help clients unwind patterns of tension from daily life and work. Her distinctive style addresses not just physical concerns but also mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, creating a space where clients can truly reconnect and restore. Mary Ellen’s thoughtful and customized care ensures that each session is as unique as the person on her table. She offers a truly unique and amazing session.
IZZY
Izzy (she/they) has been a licensed bodyworker for just over 2 years and an intuitive for longer. Born and raised in Austin, TX, she has been surrounded by creatives & energetics since birth. After a decade of passion for healing, emotions & the body, and the power of space-holding, she became drawn to bodywork because of the all-encompassing affect of working alongside the body on the healing path.
Trained at A New Beginning School of Massage, she had the chance to discover a keen interest in the subtle modalities of bodywork. Her favorites include relaxation/Swedish, cupping, hot stones, facial massage, manual lymphatic drainage, CranioSacral, energetic bodywork, abdominal massage, integrative stretching, and Reiki.
Izzy has a background in Psychology (B.A.) and trained with Lexi D'Angelo & Vicki Reisima as a Transformation Guide, with a special interest in shadow work & archetypes. She also studied Integrative Somatic Parts Work with Fran Booth, LICSW, and Body Intelligence with Katie Hendricks, BC-DMT. This expertise has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of how the subconscious can manifest in the body. Her goal is to provide a safe space for any client to explore their relationship with their body (whether in relaxation or energy work) to achieve a higher level of authenticity & happiness.
Zoe E.
Since she was born totally blind, Zoe's reliance on and mastery of her tactile senses has developed into an experienced sense of touch and energy awareness that helps to make her massage therapy and energy work so palpably potent. As a proudly queer trans woman, Zoe also deeply understands how profoundly impactful it can be to feel affirmed, validated, and connected with one's own body, mind, and truest sense of self. Thus, Zoe joined Ace of Cups to fulfill her dream of serving the queer and pagan communities of her hometown by using her uniquely fluent sense of touch, her trauma-informed approach to therapy, and her connection to the metaphysical and esoteric to help in cultivating a safe place for not only physical healing, but mental and spiritual wellness, too. With her background in the spiritual practices of Asatru, Zoe practices runic magics, while her approach to energy work also draws on her education in Chinese traditional medicine and mysticism, with arts like Medicinal Qi Gong being as much a part of her practice as are her Elder Futhark runes. In Zoe's spare time, she is a singer and guitarist, as well as an author of fantasy novels and romance short stories. She loves to spend her time playing music, at the park feeding geese, or at home with a good Wuxia novel and a cup of chrysanthemum tea. Book an appointment with Zoe to feel the benefits of her one-of-a-kind relaxing, balancing, and restorative massage and body work; and remember: if you want to feel glowy, just call Zoe.
Noe C.
Noe Cortes, a dedicated massage therapist, embarked on his journey in November 2022 before graduating from his training at the Lauterstein Conway School of Massage. His passion for massage was profoundly influenced by the school's founder and the "Deep Method," a therapeutic approach that prioritizes the relaxation of muscles from within. Noe employs his expertise with a gentle, attentive touch and a keen focus on muscle fulcrums to deliver enhanced therapeutic relief.
Understanding the significance of conscious breathing in releasing tension, Noe collaborates closely with his clients to achieve their unique wellness goals. His specialization lies in deep tissue massage and myofascial release techniques, enabling him to address a wide range of physical concerns effectively.
Noe firmly believes in the subtle and deep-seated connection between mind and body. He actively explores diverse modalities and philosophies to expand his knowledge and skill set, while fostering a sense of community and encouraging open discourse in such fields as sociology, psychology, spirituality and metaphysics.
Nora H.
Born n’ raised in Austin, Nora trained at McKinnon Body Therapy Center in Oakland, California and has been in practice as a massage therapist for over a decade. Their style is fairly clinical in nature, while also being trauma informed with a heavy focus on breath and the nervous system resulting in an effective therapeutic touch that is soft and soothing, as deep as necessary, and as strong as it is gentle.
Nora specializes in deep tissue and myofascial release; but has trained in a wide range of modalities including Swedish, shiatsu, cranial-sacral, clinical deep tissue, sports massage, trigger point therapy, neuro-muscular techniques, prenatal, and intra-oral, amongst others. More recently, they have been deepening their skills in energy work and gained experience in hospice massage, both of which they are looking forward to further growth in. Nora's practice draws inspiration from the natural elements, with hands that strive to emulate water. Their touch is highly intuitive and grounded in deep listening.
With experience working in environments that run the gamut from serene spas to medical settings, Nora is ecstatic to have found a home at Ace of Cups amongst other creatives. To Nora, massage has always felt like a dance—no two sessions alike. They are honored to hone their deep attunement to the nervous system to invite clients into a metaphysical healing space where their connective tissues can remember ease and release.
Aimee C. (Advanced Massage Therapist)
Aimee has been a dedicated massage therapist for 23 years, beginning her career in 2000 after graduating from the Texas Massage Institute in Dallas, TX. She has worked in a wide variety of settings, from high-end spas to chiropractic clinics, with a focus on helping clients overcome "tech neck" and chronic pain. Years of working with every body type have honed her exceptional touch and healing intuition.
Aimee's advanced training includes Myofascial Release with John Barnes, Neuromuscular Therapy, trigger point techniques, Myoflexxion stretching, and acupressure, which she blends seamlessly to release chronic pain patterns. She also studied Lomi Lomi massage in Hawaii and incorporates its flowing, nurturing techniques into her practice. Certified in Ashiatsu, Aimee is passionate about using this deeply therapeutic modality to unlock her clients’ healing potential and restore balance.
Emma R.
Emma moves from a place of deep listening. Her work is often deep, sometimes subtle, and always centered around the nervous system.
Many times she has been asked, "Is there a name for your unique style of massage?". Her sessions have been described as grounding, effective, specific, and sincere. In practice for six years, her work is integrated and utilizes Trigger Point, Craniosacral, Myofascial, Heat, Ashiatsu, and Cupping.
"My intention is to get out of the way, to be a conduit for something greater than myself, and to enjoy."
Beyond bodywork, you may find Emma dancing, making dark chocolate, peer counseling, singing karaoke, teaching olympic weightlifting, and meditating on Invoking Loving Presence.
