Born and raised in Erie, Carl (PA#MSG012724) loves massage therapy because of the effects it has on both client and therapist, especially on the therapeutic end. He graduated from Great Lakes Institute of Technology in 2018, and quickly fell in love with the self-satisfaction and peace each session leaves the therapist with. One of his favorite things is being able to help people feel better throughout the entire treatment, from the initial intake to after-session care. He’s now been a part of Monacella’s team for over five years!

He’s known for deep tissue and injury relief by many, with a focus in the shoulders and low back. Whether you’re getting ready for an upcoming game, went a little too hard at the gym, or just need more than a typical relaxation, he’s there! His interests lie in sports-centered massage, along with the use of our Theragun and IASTM services.

When he’s not in the office, you can find him at Southwick Kickboxing and Grappling, listening to some heavy metal, or spending time with his family.

Born and raised in Erie, Carl (PA#MSG012724) loves massage therapy because of the effects it has ... Read More

Originally from Pittsburgh, Tammy (PA#MSG013628) has always felt drawn to therapeutic and intuitive healing, finding a home in it after rediscovering massage and it’s physical, mental, and energetic benefits in 2020. After graduating from Great Lakes Institute of Technology, she ventured into different modalities such as aromatherapy and herbalism to work alongside massage techniques!

She is very exploratory by nature, and loves to fall into work with any area of the body that’s bothering you that day. Each client has a different problem to work, which makes her sessions turn into a new adventure each time! This ranges anywhere from a stiff neck, to wrist and hand pain, to digestive and respiratory issues, and more. She offers a variety of services like Soothing Tummy and Intensive Ab Massages, Gua-sha, and Thai adapted to your body’s needs for that session. Her thirst for knowledge knows no bounds, and so she’s constantly adding new tools to her belt!

Outside of the office, she’s always seeking adventure and new hobbies as well. You can find her sorting fibers and fabrics for her latest project, collecting all things cat-themed, or in another world at Faire or a Viking reenactment with her partner!

Originally from Pittsburgh, Tammy (PA#MSG013628) has always felt drawn to therapeutic and intuiti... Read More

Coming from a background caring for animals, Abby (PA#MSG012460) felt drawn to practices like massage therapy from a young age. Working with horses, she came across some with muscular injuries –like ‘Snickers’, who had thrown his back out– and wanted to find a way to help them herself. What started with the idea of “healing hands” flourished after her graduation from Great Lakes Institute of Technology, and led to a path of discovery through the muscles that make up a person.

Though accessories and tools such as our IASTM and Theragun services can enhance her talents, she loves that she doesn’t need anything other than her own two hands to get someone back on their feet again. One of the most rewarding parts of massage for her as a therapist is getting to fit the puzzle of someone’s pain back together with her own intuition and knowledge. This work is especially rewarding for her in the neck and shoulders!

When she’s not in session, you can find her playing piano at various gigs in the area, or horseback riding at her local stable!

Coming from a background caring for animals, Abby (PA#MSG012460) felt drawn to practices like mas... Read More

Originally from Chicago, Ryan (PA#MSG014676) brings his knowledge of detail from illustration into each massage. Mixing elements from his time at the American Academy of Art College with classes from Great Lakes Institute of Technology and beyond, the art of massage comes easily to him with his intuitive mind.

Therapeutic massage is his passion, especially focused in the neck and hips. If you’ve got a past or current injury that’s bothering you, pain relief is a focus of most of his sessions!

When he’s not in the office, he enjoys reading sci-fi and crime fiction, playing video games with intense storylines, and using his art skills for model kit work.

Originally from Chicago, Ryan (PA#MSG014676) brings his knowledge of detail from illustration int... Read More

Pam (PA#MSG010444) has a Bachelor of Science in special education and studied massage therapy at Great Lakes Institute of Technology. Pam is certified in manual lymphatic drainage through the Klose school, with additional training in plastic surgery recovery and gender-affirming care. She has studied prenatal and postpartum massage, deep tissue massage, and Reiki.

Pam is committed to offering compassionate care and helping clients to feel at home in their own bodies. For many years, she assisted people with disabilities in the L’Arche Erie community, which imparted a passion for serving marginalized populations and adapting to each person’s individual needs. She finds fulfillment in serving a diverse clientele and wants everyone to feel welcome on the massage table. Pam networks extensively with the LGBTQ+ community and co-leads an online group dedicated to gender-affirming massage therapy.

Outside of the office, Pam is active in community theater and serves on the creative team for Dramashop. She loves hiking, rock climbing, and crocheting.

Pam (PA#MSG010444) has a Bachelor of Science in special education and studied massage therapy at ... Read More

Abigayle (PA#MSG015454) is an empathetic and compassionate massage therapist that loves to focus on pain relief and management. Alongside massage, she enjoys adding on our Cupping and Hot Stone services to enhance each session’s experience and relieve aches and pains. Her main goal is getting you to the best “you” that you can be!

Whether it’s upper, mid, or low-back pain, she gets into the whole back to figure out your underlying issues! After graduating from Great Lakes Institute of Technology, she pursued further education in pregnancy and postpartum massage, and is now one of our specialists. As she blossoms into her career here at Monacella, she’s shifting her focus towards the more therapeutic side of massage, and experimenting with varieties such as sports massage and energywork.

Outside the office, she loves songwriting for the piano, hanging in the yoga studio, and spending time with her family.

Abigayle (PA#MSG015454) is an empathetic and compassionate massage therapist that loves to focus ... Read More

“If I could teach people anything it would be patience. In such a everything-at-your-fingertips world, we have to remember to relax, slow down, and enjoy life! And this is a big reason why I love being a massage therapist. It allows me to be free — to enjoy life and in the work itself, which is an art, always to be appreciated and never again to be duplicated. People always leave feeling better than when they arrived, which is such a great feeling for the therapist and gives life meaning.”

Missy (PA LMT #MSG006570) has been doing massage for over 15 years. She has a passion for therapeutic massage. She specializes in pain relief and pregnancy massage.

She’s from Erie and has daughter, Kelli. She loves the lake and loves to spend her free time there and just being with her circle of friends.

“If I could teach people anything it would be patience. In such a everything-at-your-fingertips w... Read More

Coming from a background in medicine, Erin is driven in massage by her passion for helping others. Alternating between nursing and massage therapy, she graduated from Great Lakes Institute of Technology in 2022, and immediately began growing her knowledge with modalities such as Lomilomi. She loves to apply her thirst for knowledge to work and hobbies, reading up on American history, anatomy, and new massage techniques she can add to her tools.

Through her job, she wants to promote the message of individuality, confidence, and self-love above all. She brings out the chatty side in people, getting rid of bad moods and back problems! She uses the new things she learns for chronic pain and injury treatment, especially in the neck, back and shoulders.

“My absolute favorite place is the ocean. I love the salty air, the unpredictability of the waves, and the roar of the water as a new cycle begins with the wave’s push and pull. The feeling of the sand around my feet, and as it falls from my hands around my fingers. In a world viewed like an hourglass of sand, where we have to hurry to live.. slow down and realize the beauty life has to offer us. Look down a beach and take in the fact that life has to offer us endless possibilities – you just have to believe in yourself.”

Coming from a background in medicine, Erin is driven in massage by her passion for helping others... Read More

Originally pursuing education, Jo’s (PA#MSG015344) main focus is helping people become the best version of themselves. She has a passion for learning from and teaching others, and fell in love with the idea of “helping and healing hands” through the art of massage therapy.

As a graduate of Great Lakes Institute of Technology, their specializations fall under upper body work, especially with tension in the neck and shoulders. She loves to get in with detail work at a more intense pressure where your body needs it the most. Their top priority is working hand-in-hand with you, listening to your feedback and suggestions, and making a personalized treatment plan to get you back on your feet!

When she’s not working out knots, you can find Jo doing anything and everything artistic; whether it’s painting, singing, writing, or playing guitar, she’s there! They’re always open to music recommendations from new and returning clients – her favorite genres are heavy metal, 80’s shoegaze, and classic country!

Originally pursuing education, Jo’s (PA#MSG015344) main focus is helping people become the best v... Read More

Missy Hitz is a dedicated mentor both within her team and in the community, focusing on the growth and well-being of her staff, clients, and the community at large. While primarily managing and expanding her business, she remains involved in providing massage therapy services, ensuring her clients receive the best care possible.

With over 26 years of experience in massage therapy, Missy has a deep understanding of the human body’s alignment and potential causes of pain, thanks to her degree in Kinesiology from Penn State University. She combines this knowledge with her expertise in massage therapy from the Central PA School of Massage (CPSM) to help clients reduce and eliminate muscle pain and stress.

Missy’s passion for education and mentorship extends beyond her business. She has served as a Massage Therapist (MT) Program Director and Instructor at Great Lakes Institute of Technology (GLIT), MT Instructor at CPSM, and a Business Mentor and Director of Mentors at Paramount Pursuits. Her extensive experience in day spas, chiropractic offices, and fitness centers has provided her with a well-rounded perspective on the industry. She opened Monacella Massage & Kinesiology, LLC in February of 2008.

Committed to supporting local businesses, Missy is an active member of the Erie Downtown Partnership, City of Erie Mayor’s Business Council, GLIT MT Advisory Board and Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership.

In addition to her work in massage therapy, Missy is passionate about her Mary Kay business, where she helps women look and feel their best through skincare and makeup. She also mentors women interested in starting their own Mary Kay business, offering complimentary makeovers and skincare pampering sessions. Contact Missy if you would to learn more!

Missy’s ultimate goal is to help her clients live pain-free, allowing them to enjoy life to the fullest. Whether it’s picking up their grandkids, enjoying retirement, or simply being able to work with less stress, Missy is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of those she serves.

Missy Hitz is a dedicated mentor both within her team and in the community, focusing on the growt... Read More