MEET OUR STAFF
NICOLE TAIANI, OWNER
Massage Therapist
Nicole has been a licensed massage therapist for over 15 years, specializing in Neuromuscular therapies, pre and postnatal massage and Lomi Lomi. In her years of practice, she has found a wonderful balance between rehabilitation and relaxation.
Graduating from Sarasota School of Massage Therapy in 2004, Nicole has furthered her education by studying aromatherapy, advanced cupping and reflexology. Opening Southern Maine Massage & Wellness in 2015 it is with great appreciation she welcomes you to the practice.
TONY TAIANI, OWNER
Integrative Bodyworker
Tony graduated with his Masters in Athletic Training in 2014 and has been practicing bodywork for over 6 years. He specializes in integrative work with a focus on rehabilitation and recovery. He has a passion for helping athletes and clients alike gain mobility, reduce pain and brings expertise and additional training in strength and conditioning to help clients achieve their bodywork goals. Tony is the co-owner of Southern Maine Massage & Wellness and he welcomes you to the practice.
NICK DEFOREST
Massage Therapist
With focus on deep tissue and neuromuscular massage, Nick works to help restore flexibility and range of motion, relieve pain and stress in the body and provide each of his clients with a relaxing and restorative experience. Nick went to the Swedish Institute College of Health Sciences in New York, NY; it was a 2 year program with over 1,000 credited hours of schooling. He has extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology and welcomes you to the Co-Op.
JAKE BLACK
Massage Therapist
Jake is a Licensed Massage Therapist who specializes in Neuromuscular Techniques and has been practicing for many years. Jake is trained in deep tissue, Swedish, foot reflexology, trigger point therapy and focus work. Using fantastic pressures and having an expansive knowledge on how the body operates, Jake is able to hone his practice to fit and suit the individual needs of each client. Jake believes that, like a car, the human body is also a vehicle which needs a tune up once in a while. He understands issues and problem areas that need attention bringing a sense of calm and comforting to every session.
NICOLE COLBY
Massage Therapist
Nicole graduated from Spa Tech Institute in 2009 and has been a licensed massage therapist for ten years and holds a B.S. in Health Science with a minor in Biology and Psychology from the University of Southern Maine. Nicole takes an integrative and comprehensive approach to bodywork and aims to find and "turn" every "stone," leaving you feeling completely relieved and in a state of well-being.
JANNINE GAUDET
Massage Therapist
Jannine has been a Licensed Massaged Therapist for over ten years and is extremely passionate about this career, and finds it extremely rewarding to educate clients on body awareness. She specializes in Deep Tissue Techniques as well as joint mobility and aromatherapy offering an incredible session in Rain Drop Therapy. She is currently studying herbalism through an online program and hopes to integrate it into her future sessions. Through continuing education, Jannine finds new ways to enhance her body work and expand her practice. She looks forward to working with you!
SAMANTHA BUCKLEY
Massage Therapist
Samantha would like to welcome you to Southern Maine Massage & Wellness and looks forward to working with you. Samantha graduated from Spa Tech and has a specialized focus in headache relief, reflexology, and Integrative Bodywork. She loves to work with clients to find the perfect balance between relaxation and recovery and enjoys setting people on the right track to wellness.
BILL TAIANI
Massage Therapist
Bill has been a Massage Therapist for over 10 years. He was trained at the New Hampshire Institute of Therapeutic Arts in Bridgton, Maine. Educated in Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular Techniques, and Trigger Point Therapy, he also incorporates long soothing strokes to help calm and unwind. Bill has a strong passion for helping his clients find balance and relaxation, making each session a customized massage for the client’s needs and well-being.
MEGAN NEWELL
Massage Therapist
Megan graduated from Mountain Heart School of Bodywork in Colorado in 2013, where she completed their 1,000 hour program, learning a wide range of modalities. Megan offers a unique blend of Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular techniques, Reflexology, Acupressure and Energy Work to help her clients restore their inner balance. Megan specializes in Prenatal Massage and loves to help support Moms on their Pregnancy and Postpartum journey.
AURA RAVENCRAFT
Massage Therapist
Aura has over 10 years of experience, with a special interest in Thai Yoga, Yoga, and Reiki. She has also worked in medical environments utilizing both Western and Eastern modalities. Aura attended the National Holistic Institute in California learning a wide variety of skills including Myofascial Release, Trigger Point Therapy, Lymphatic Drainage, Prenatal Massage, Swedish and Deep Tissue. She also traveled to India to receive her 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training certification (E-RYT 200) and Chiang Mai, Thailand for Level 1-3 Thai Yoga Massage, Thai Herbal Compress, and Thai Foot Reflexology certifications. She is also a Reiki Master Teacher, certified through Sacred Valley Healing Center in Mount Shasta, CA. Aura likes to meet her clients “where they are at” regarding their massage goals whether they be practical, transcendent, transformational or to simply reach a state of tranquility. She looks forward to meeting and applying a tailored approach to your massage experience!
ZACHERY BANDLE
Massage Therapist
Zach is a licensed massage therapist practicing at both of our locations in Windham and South Portland. His goal is to help every client reach a point where they can live more freely and in control of their bodies, not limited by the constraints of their pain. He achieves this goal by encouraging relaxation, self-care, and by creating a safe space where his clients can be heard. Currently Zach is furthering his education in craniosacral therapy, a light-touch modality focused on the premise that the body can heal itself and a little goes a long way. Stay tuned for more!
MARJA RIVARD
Massage Therapist
Marja is a Licensed Massage Therapist who chose this late in life career to help people who are experiencing chronic pain. She came to this profession to aid her husband in recovery from an accident. He has some pain free days now. Marja employs deep tissue, assisted stretch, neuromuscular release and long flowing strokes to both relax and soothe the problem areas.
Marja graduated in January, 2023 from Spa Tech Institute in Therapeutic Massage. She is currently studying to be a Naturopathic Practitioner as well. She believes in a holistic approach to wellness.
ASHLEY ELLIS
Esthetician
Ashley is a passionate individual who has two goals: give love and give confidence. We are all better humans when we're happy and if she can help you to be happy and confident in your own skin, her life is fulfilled. Your skin is as unique as you are and Ashley is up to the challenge of giving you a personalized experience that will leave you feeling truly cared for and heard.
NICOLE FINNERTY
Esthetician
Nicole attended Spa Tech Institute but was initially interested in skincare years ago, as a way to practice self-care when going through a rough point in life, and over time she grew more passionate about it. She finally took the plunge and applied to Spa Tech so that she could have a job doing something she truly cared about. Nicole is super happy to be able to work with you all!
AMELIA WITHERELL
Esthetician
Amelia graduated from the Catherine Hinds Institute of Esthetics in 2020, where she fell in love with facials and product formulation. Since then Amelia has worked closely with her clients to ensure they receive the relaxation and results they deserve. She’d love to work with you on any goals you have; whether it be falling asleep on the table, or big skin changes!
MADDY SELBY
Esthetician
Maddy is a dedicated professional with a strong passion for skin care, holistic health, and wellness. With her expertise in acne treatment, she strives to help her clients achieve clear and healthy skin. Maddy also excels in relaxation techniques, providing a soothing and rejuvenating experience for her clients. She is especially committed to empowering women through the healing power of touch, promoting self-care and inner well-being.
LIZ CALLAHAN
Esthetician
Liz is a dedicated member of the Southern Maine Massage and Wellness team, specializing in expert skincare and body treatments. With a passion for providing exceptional care, Liz takes pride in helping clients achieve their wellness goals. When she's not at work, Liz can be found taking care of her beloved kitty Luna and nurturing her growing collection of houseplants.
LEAH LAWLER
Esthetician
Leah is a valued member of the Southern Maine Massage and Wellness team, dedicated to providing exceptional services to our clients. With expertise in body waxing, advanced facials, and gua sha, Leah brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to her treatments. Her passion for helping clients relax and achieve healthy, radiant skin shines through in her commitment to basic skincare routines. Leah's warm and welcoming demeanor creates a comfortable and soothing environment for all those who visit our wellness center.
TIFFANIE BURTON
Permanent Makeup Artist
Tiffanie's journey into the world of micropigmentation began with a passion and a desire to help others feel confident and beautiful.
In her practice, she prioritizes hygiene, safety, and client comfort above all else. Tiffanie uses the highest quality pigments and tools to ensure the best possible outcomes. Each procedure starts with a thorough consultation, where you'll discuss your goals, assess your skin type, and design a personalized plan that aligns with your vision, whether your goal is perfectly arched brows or a stunning lash enhancement!