Our Philosophy

Kalamazoo Athletic Wellness was born out of a desire to provide a multi-angle approach to holistic wellness for athletes without the "crunchy" texture. Our approach is rooted in science-minded techniques with proven results. All our therapists are highly trained and have a deep understanding of how the body works in relation to what you do.  So ask yourself, "WHY JUST FEEL GOOD, WHEN I CAN BE BETTER?"

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Our Rocktastic Specialists!!!

Nicholas Garman, LMT, NSCA-CPT, Master CAP received his certification for massage therapy in March of 2006 from the Kalamazoo Center for the Healing Arts and was licensed in 2013.  He is a 2013 graduate of the coaching certification program at KVCC. He graduated with honors as a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honors society.  He has taken several continuing education hours in sports massage, orthopedic massage, cupping, Gait assessments, and injury prevention and treatment. He also has a Masters level certification from the MHSAA Coaches Advancement Program and is a certified personal trainer through the National Strength and Conditioning Association.  Nick is the head massage therapist for the WMU Broncos Football team, has done on the field work with the West Michigan Mayhem, and was on crew for the 2011 Race Across America.  He also was an instructor in massage therapy, anatomy, and kinesiology for 6 years at KCHA.  Nick has a deeper tissue approach that uses movement and stretching combined with direct deep pressure to create lasting relief...after the session.
Nick specializes in football and CrossFit athletes.
Nick is the owner of Kalamazoo Athletic Wellness.

Alicia Hileski, LMT received her certification in massage therapy from the Kalamazoo Center for the Healing Arts in 2009 and was licensed in 2015.  She has taken several hours of continued education in sports massage, reflexology, low back pain treatment, and geriatric massage.  She also has extensive experience in treating clients who have fibromyalgia.  Alicia played soccer for 7 years, has been in competitive shooters, and on a roller derby crew.  Alicia has a solid consistent full hand pressure that she combines with some pressure point work to get deeper releases with minimal discomfort.
Alicia specializes in working with soccer and hockey. 
Alicia is an Assistant Manager working with our Hospice and West Michigan Cancer Center divisions.
Adam Brown, LMT, NHE graduated from the Therapeutic Bodywork Practitioner program at the Naturopathic Institute of Therapies and Education in Mount Pleasant, MI in October of 2017 and received his massage therapy license in November, 2017. Prior to his training in massage Adam was also trained as a Natural Health Educator at the Naturopathic Institute in 2014 where he was introduced to various bodywork modalities including massage, craniosacral therapy, reflexology and aromatherapy.  Adam is also trained in Ashiatsu Massage.  Adam’s passion for anatomy and functional human movement led him to pursue training from MovNat (Natural Movement Fitness), and he became a MovNat Certified Trainer in September of 2015.   Adam’s massage style is, thus, often movement-oriented including range of motion techniques, stretching, active release, and neuromuscular therapies in addition to more standard Swedish massage and myofascial release. This combination of focused work and relaxation provides for immediate relief from pain and tension with deep, long lasting results.
Adam specializes in Ashi massage and working with runners, cyclists, and CrossFit athletes.
Adam is also an Assistant Manager at KAW working with our Workplace Wellness, Wellness Store and Membership divisions.
Ronald Strozewski, LMT graduated from the Kalamazoo Center for the Healing Arts in 2010 with his certification in massage.  He was later licensed in 2014.  Ronald worked with us at our Bronson Athletic Club Location in 2016 and returned to our ranks in 2019 when they closed the massage department.  Ronald has been working with the WMU Football team and loves to cheer them on during the games!  Ronald has a fun personality and is easy to talk to, you will find his massage to be engaging and relaxing.  He uses a mixture of deep tissue, stretching, myofascial release, and movement therapies to induce deep relaxation of the tissues and mind.
Ronald specializes in football and manual laborers.
Jill Winfield LMT BS received a massage certification at the Institute for Massage Education in July of 2019 and was Licensed in the State of Michigan in November of that year.  Jill has also taken continued education in Myofascial release and low back pain treatment.  Most recently Jill finished a certification program for Ashiatsu massage.  They also graduated as a member of the Phi Sigma Pi Honors Fraternity with a Bachelors degree from WMU.   Jill was in the undergraduate Athletic Training program working primarily with the Men's Football and Basketball teams at K College and WMU.  Jill loves martial arts and is a black belt in Karate from Zen Bei Butoku Kai International and holds rank in Tai Chi as well.  Additionally, Jill has trained in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Kalamazoo BJJ.  Jill was also a Swimmer for many years in high school, college and more recently Masters swimming.  On a more nerdy note they were the color guard captain in high school and also played Quidditch on the Loyola Lumos travel team.  Jill uses a light touch approach to connect with the body and often focuses on Myofascial and Craniosacral techniques.  If you are in need of deeper pressure Jill can tap into the Ashi massage skills for a small up-charge.  This makes for a deeply relaxing session with effective results!
Jill specializes with martial arts/combat sports, swimming and color/winter guard.
Tamara Mitchell LMT, CMLDT graduated from Sanative Tranquility in Grand Rapids, Michigan with a certification in massage therapy in May of 2019 and was licensed shortly after.  While attending the program she took several specialized courses including cupping, hot stone, movement and stretching, and became certified in Manual Lymphatic Drainage.  Tamara also completed her certification in Ashiatsu massage in early 2021.  Tamara is also a former runner and CrossFit athlete, and is currently on the Michigan Elite Strength Olympic weight lifting team.  Her work feels beyond her years and uses a moderate pressure deep tissue approach utilizing stretching and less pain intensive versions of trigger point to help the body as a whole.
Tamara specializes in runners, CrossFit and Olympic weightlifting athletes.
Sarah Therkildsen, LMT  received her certification in massage therapy from the Institute for Massage Education in July of 2012 and was licensed later that same year.  Sarah is also certified in pregnancy massage and has taken continued education in sports massage, as well as, how to calm an over active brain through the Institute of Brain Potential.  She is the mother to some very active boys and has seen her fair share of sports related injuries.  Sarah has experience with giving post event massages at various running events.  Sarah's massage uses a lovely blend of techniques including Swedish, MFR, craniosacral, and stretching.  This makes for a fully effective session for whoever is lucky enough to get on her table. 
Sarah loves to work with runners, soccer players and pregnant women.
Haley Graves LMT,  has been practicing massage therapy since her graduation from the Kalamazoo Center For The Healing Arts in 2014.  Haley spent many years working as a traveling massage therapist.  She is passionate about helping people through their healing process. This allows her sessions to feel like a calm and safe place to relax, unwind and melt into the table. With rhythmic flowing strokes and a quiet calm she tailors the sessions to your specific requests. Allowing release in your chronic areas and providing an overwhelming sense of relaxation. “KAW allows me creative freedom to create a session that leaves you feeling rejuvenated while supporting me with a variety of tools to get quick and effective results. I enjoy KAW’s atmosphere and working along side these skilled therapists.” One of the tools we offer that she is trained in is Gua Sha. It is a light scraping technique that can help reduce muscle fiber adhesion. Clients seeking a moderate to firm massage will be a good fit for her table.
Haley specializes with cycling, running, and yoga.
Virginia Krewsone LMT, brings with her many years of health related experience!  As a combat field medic she served 8 years for the US Army.  She then graduated from the Onandaga School of Therapeutic Massage in 2005.  Virginia is Licensed in both Michigan and New York.  She has also done additional training in Lymphatic Drainage, Reflexology, Cranial Sacral Therapy, as well as Orthopedic and Pregnancy Massage...just to name a few.  Virginia has also been working with the WMU football team since she came on with us.  Virginia's massage is a medium pressure approach with lots of muscle kneading and integrated techniques to induce a deeper muscle relaxation.  Virginia has a passion for working with fellow veterans as well!
Virginia specializes in armed force veterans, football and golf.
Hannah Kruger LMT, Graduated from the Institute for Massage Education in 2018 and was fully Licensed in the State of Michigan in 2021.  Hannah has been certified in Cranial Sacral Therapy from the Upleadger Institute.  Hannah is a very active person and has done 14 years of professional dance, 9 years of competitive swimming and 7 years of Track and Cross Country.  Currently she is starting her journey into combat sports with Muay Thai.  Hannah's massages are highly adaptable to the clients needs.  She feels just as comfortable doing deeper pressure massage as she does bringing a light touch to the table.  Ever-evolving and focused on self improvement her massage approach is continuing to expand with new tools and modalities to best meet her clients needs.
Hannah specializes in dance, combat sports, running and swimming.
We recently hired on an additional therapist, Jessica Bunce LMT.  Their details will be posted soon!

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