Kathleen Merrick, LMT, Yoga Instructor & Owner

My joy and passion is for massage therapy, yoga and bringing a community together.

I love sharing the knowledge I have and learning new things from clients and the talented people I work with. I love living in the North County. The people of Lewis County are authentic, hardworking and welcoming. I graduated from Center for Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy (www.cnwsmt.com) in Albany, NY in 2001. The teachers, classmates and environment at my school melted together the mind, body and spirit connection of massage therapy.

My first experience with massage was during visits with my Gramma, Mildred O’Grady. Some of our favorite times were at the end of the day. She would get ready for bed and I would sit at the end of her bed and massage her legs and feet. We would talk about the day and share stories. This connection was very special for both of us in her later years. That experience prepared me for hospice massage therapy. In 2006, I was awarded a grant to start Pathways to Comfort, a comfort care massage program for Lewis County Hospice.

Yoga has come back full circle into my life. In July of 2007 I began teacher training at Yoga Vermont (www.yogavermont.com). Yoga is like massage in movement. It brings together breath, movement, flexibility and happiness. I have come to a place of deep contentment, finding the love of my life, having a career I am passionate about and establishing meaningful relationships with family and friends. A favorite quote of mine embodies the last ten years of my life.

I am married to a wonderful man, Charlie. He is an elementary school teacher, you may meet him checking in a yoga class or answering the phone from time to time. Together with hard working family, friends and trade professionals, we moved to this new location in November 2007. Welcome to OPEN SKY and healthier living in the North Country. Thank you to all who made this possible, a vision a dream come true. Thank you for taking time for yourself. Hope to see you soon!

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Louanne Genet Getty, LMT

A sculptor and teacher by trade and a graduate of The Center for Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy in Albany, NY, Lou brings decades of detailed awareness to the work of her hands. Her scope of work includes; Swedish Massage, deep tissue massage using both hands and feet, Therapeutic Touch, Craniosacral Therapy and meridian work through Shiatsu where she uses techniques designed to stimulate the flow of energy in meridians using stretches, palm, fingers, elbow, knee and foot pressure.

Rooted in the strengths of her own experiences and healing practices, Lou’s overall intention is to listen for, support, and encourage each clients goals for increased well-being and healthy lifestyle changes.

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Elisa Stanley, LMT

A native to Northern NY, I have returned to share my passion for alternative health care. I am a graduate of Jefferson Community College, and The Center for Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy, in Albany, NY. I have my Associates Degree in Liberal Arts ('96), Level II Reiki Practitioner Certification ('03), and NYS License in Massage Therapy ('04). My objective is to enhance your health and wellness one hour at a time. Whether you are seeking relaxation or relief from an injury, I can work with you to achieve your health goals.

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Melinda Swinyer, LMT

After graduating from the Massage Therapy program at Monroe Community College in Rochester, NY I was excited to move back to Lowville and find such a calming environment to work in.

I enjoy working with a variety of clients of all ages-athletes, office workers, farmers, new parents, students, and weekend warriors. Whether suffering from an injury or just in need of some ‘me time’ my skills allow each session to be focused specifically on my clients’ individual needs. I look forward to sharing my skills with the community and hope to see many new faces experience the relaxing and healing benefits of massage.

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Keri Cobb, LMT

I graduated from North Country Community College, in Saranac Lake, NY in May 2008, where I received an Associates Degree in Applied Sciences: Massage Therapy. I began working at OPEN SKY in January 2009. 

I thoroughly enjoy my profession, and find it very rewarding to be able to help people who are experiencing discomfort.  Whether it is due to pain, injury or just everyday stressors.  Working hand in hand with my clients to find what best suits their needs, while also utilizing both the therapeutic and relaxing benefits of massage is my number one goal.

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CHELSEA MASHAW

I grew up in Lewis County and I love this area more the longer I live here. Originally I went to North Country Community College in Saranac Lake, NY to become a Registered Nurse but found myself drawn to the field of Massage Therapy. I graduated from the Massage Therapy program in May 2009 with an Associates Degree in Applied Sciences. I have been lucky enough to be part of the amazing team at OPEN SKY since October 2009.

I love being able to offer people an alternative way to ease pain, increase their flexibility and range of motion, or just reduce stress. Whether the goal is being able to bend to tie a shoe or lift an arm to brush hair without pain and restriction I will work with you to reach it. Along with the massage treatment itself I like being able to work with clients to come up with a self-care plan that is tailored to fit their needs and abilities. I look forward to working with all different kinds of people and helping them benefit through massage.

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Instructors

Sue Stoffle

Yoga became a part of my life six years ago. As a busy working mom, I was in search of something that would bring stress relief and relaxation into my life. I found that and so much more in practicing yoga … a sense of overall well-being that can only be felt by experiencing it. It has recently become a desire of mine to bring the many benefits of yoga into other people’s lives. I have completed my first level of yoga teacher training and have been teaching since February of 2008. I teach a type of yoga that is part of the hatha yoga tradition and is a vinyasa style.

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Jane Astafan

Jane has been a exercise fanatic for over 40 years. She loves Pilates above all because of it offers the best body sculpting results. Pilates works the core and helps build muscles to lengthen and lean your body. Jane lives in Carthage with her husband Michael. She has been teaching Pilates for the last 4 years. Previously, Jane taught at the YMCA in Carthage. She worked in the beauty industry for 36 years as a store manager and hair stylist. Recently retired, Jane enjoys spending time with her family and spoiling her two grandsons. Jane encourages everyone to come and try a Pilates class. You won't be disappointed!

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Sandy Buckingham

I received my Tai Chi teaching certificate from Green Dragon School of Tai Chi in Utica, NY. I have been teaching Tai Chi since 2004. Tai Chi is a form of Chinese Martial Arts and I teach the Yang Style. This style is taught for health purpose, not for self-defense. Tai Chi stabilizes and strengthens every muscle and joint in the body through a gentle and flowing movement. Tai Chi stimulates the flow of Chi, (Chi is our internal energy source) which encourages healing on all levels; physical, emotional and spiritual.

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