Meet Our Therapists

Meet our therapists 🫶

patti durkin

Patti discovered her passion for health & holistic healing and was lucky & blessed to find her purpose by using TOUCH to help others. A committed life-long learner, with thousands of hours of training and numerous certifications in massage/bodywork, energy medicine, positive psychology, meditation and health coaching. She founded Therapeutic Touch in 1989 and is happy & grateful to be a leader in the WELLNESS REVOLUTION at the Jersey Shore. When not busy working, she rejuvenates with beach yoga, enjoying friends and family, time in nature, traveling the world and of course- getting massages!

Erika Caltagirone

Erika is a licensed massage therapist and Physical Therapy Assistant with over 11 years of experience in the healing arts. Known by her clients for having “healing hands” and a “magical touch,” Erika specializes in Swedish and deep tissue massage, tailoring each session to restore balance, relieve pain, and promote deep relaxation.

clare stelling

Clare is an LMT since 1996, with numerous certifications and education in Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports, Pre-Natal, Acupressure, Shiatsu, Aromatherapy, Reiki Structural and Myofascial Release, Manual Lymph Drainage, and Trager. Clare grew up in North Jersey and graduated college in Boston with BFA in Dance/Theatre Arts, moved to California to continue education in Rehabilitation Arts and Massage. Clare attained a comprehensive certification in Pilates and owned a fully equipped studio in NY/NJ from 2000-2019. When Clare is not working you can find her performing as singer with local bands, travelling, remodelling her home, enjoying anything involving the Sea. Clare is a transformative therapist and has been called a "healer" by many of her clients. "I am merely the Facilitator for Your own Healing to begin!"

Eleanor LaPointe

Eleanor has been a licensed massage therapist since 1995 and has been affiliated with Therapeutic Touch throughout her career. She incorporates a variety of therapeutic techniques, including shiatsu, and brings a strong foundation in Chinese medicine and Eastern healing practices to each session. Clients who choose Eleanor benefit from her years of experience and her ability to address both specific areas of tension and overall balance in the body. Eleanor also holds a Ph.D. in Sociology and serves as a full-time professor at Rutgers University.

SARA Pavao

A massage therapist at Therapeutic Touch since 2005, Sara combines Swedish, deep tissue and gentle stretching techniques to effectively ease achey muscles. She enjoys focusing on the head, neck and shoulders to melt away headaches, relax shoulders and diminish neck tension. Regardless of a client’s needs, she enjoys creating a warm, relaxing environment in which to wind down into deep relaxation.

kristin bernhardt, lmt

Kristin Bernhardt is known for her nurturing, intuitive full-body massage, using a variety of skills including Swedish, deep tissue, shiatsu and myofascial. Many clients say she has “magic hands.” Kristin has years of 5-Star Spa experience from Glenmere Mansion in Chester, New York to The Mandarin Oriental Hotel in NYC. She managed the Massage Department and was Lead Therapist at Manhattan Plaza Health Club in NYC for 17 years. A professional actor for 25 years, Kristin is profoundly grateful to have found a passion in massage therapy, leading to a dual career path. A 1999 graduate of the renowned Swedish Institute in New York City, Kristin is certified in pre/post-natal, oncology massage and Rising Star (TM), an energetic healing system, similar to Reiki. Kristin’s hobbies include singing, songwriting, playing guitar, swimming and dancing in the light, even when it’s dark and stormy. She delights in spending time with her husband, their lovely cat, friends and family.

TJ alexandrou

Known for his strong hands and therapeutic approach, TJ specializes in deep, effective massage work that clients rave about.

Stacey Narula

Stacey has been part of the Therapeutic Touch family on and off since the summer of 2004. With over seventeen years of experience, specializing in rehabilitative and medical massage, Stacey is versatile and can adjust to meet the needs of each and every client. A mom of two amazing humans and numerous furry critters, Stacey is an avid reader, singer, and beach goer! Her massage motto is, "there is no knot too big or spasm too cranky to combat her healing energy!!"

lisa mayer

Lisa graduated massage school in 1996. At which time she left her job as a letter carrier to pursue a career she loves. She worked at a spa in downtown toms River for 23 years before they closed in 2019. She is determined to hike all the national parks in the US. She loves the ocean and feels balanced by it. She credits her parents for everything she is and will be.

judy scheller

With 28 years of experience in massage and body therapies, Judy is passionate about helping clients reduce stress, recover from injuries, and reconnect with relaxation and wellness.

heather whiting

Heather has been with Therapeutic Touch since last summer and is VERY popular. - She has 20+ years experience. Her work is moderate to deep. She definitely can do DEEP TISSUE. She’s into martial arts & biking/fitness. Very caring & easy to be around. She’s got a great mid-western spirit & our clients love her

susan rossillo

Susan Rossillo, LMT, is a highly experienced massage therapist dedicated to helping clients relax, recharge, and restore balance. Since 2007, she’s been offering personalized care through Swedish Massage, Hot Stone Therapy, Reflexology, and Deep Relaxation techniques. Susan creates a calming space where stress melts away and healing begins—inviting you to experience the powerful benefits of therapeutic touch.

What Our Clients Are Saying

"One of the best escapes and luxuries to self may be found in Bay Head on the sand and near the surf on weekend mornings...immersing oneself in a welcoming yoga class just steps from where the waves roll in after the sun rises. It is a favorite and calming way to begin a summer day or weekend, amidst a naturally beautiful and serene setting with some of the shore's most inspiring instructors. Seeing an endless beach scape upside down while in downward dog is something not to be missed. Some travel by bike from Asbury just to make this ritual. The only thing that enhances this very reasonably priced and open arena for bliss by the sea is a massage to follow at Therapeutic Touch. - A gem of a spa nestled right near town with very friendly therapists awaiting your visit. - All within walking distance and guaranteeing an incomparable and spirited launch to your summer days..."

Wendy Dinneen, Walker Spa
Yoga Enthusiast, Founder of Blissfully Unaware LLC

"Increased my mobility and my psyche has also benefited! My relationship to Therapeutic Touch began about 7 years ago. I was having difficulty bending my knee when I played tennis. One session with Roger and I not only could bend, I had increased my vocabulary: IT band. Over the years, Roger has continued to keep my knee, my shoulder, my back and sundry other joints moving. And I have added words such as teres and trapezius to my vocabulary. My tennis and paddle games have improved due to my increased mobility and my psyche has also benefited. Roger keeps me moving and Patti keeps me smiling."

Beth Nelson, Mantoloking, NJ

"Fifteen years ago I arrived at the Jersey shore and was referred to Patti Durkin at Therapeutic Touch by a friend in New York City. I realized early on this was more than a place to get an hour massage, but a sanctuary for healing, balancing life's ups and downs, managing stress and after 390 visits now I am convinced of it. I believe in the statement on my coffee mug that states "Blessings Are Everywhere" and must include Patti and her team who take care of the body, mind and soul of so many folks on a daily basis. I look forward to another 15 years of good health with Therapeutic Touch and thank them for all they do for me."

Dave Giusti, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ

"I always look forward to my weekends in Bay Head and especially my visits to TT! Everyone is very talented and I always leave feeling renewed and refreshed...ready to face the new challenges of the week ahead. A lot of my friends & family love it here too."

Joe Belfatto, Summit, NJ and Bay Head, NJ

"Complete Relaxation! I started coming to Therapeutic Touch 15 years ago. This was after a back injury at work 4 years earlier caused me to have numerous pain therapies including; acupuncture, cortisone shots, inter-discal injections and others. Although I obtained significant relief from my massages, I was unable to avoid spinal fusion surgery. Once the surgery was complete, I started coming to Therapeutic Touch bi-weekly and have continued ever since. I get great relief from the stiffening of my back muscles along with the added benefit of the complete relaxation of the massage experience. These reasons along with the personal attention given to me has led to a friendship, that has aided me greatly over the years."

Anthony D'Altrui, Wall Township, NJ

"After 15 years of coming to TT, I still get the same peaceful calming feeling as soon as I walk in the door. When I leave I FEEL REFRESHED and wonder why I hadn't come back sooner. It is the best spa around and all the massage therapists are amazing!"

Terry Blue, Point Pleasant, NJ

"My husband Jeff said to me 'this is my favorite massage place in all of New Jersey' and I agree! Never have I had better consistent massages!"

Kathleen Jackson

"Coming to TT during my vacation at the beach is like putting a cherry on top of a hot fudge sundae."

Lucia Beauchamp

"Part of the summer in Bay Head - a massage at TT I look forward to stepping into the door all winter long. Relaxation awaits. All the senses are calmed. It is always a treat that I look forward to giving myself."

Eileen Phillips, NY

enter as you are, leave as you are meant to be

Meet our therapists 🫶​