Our Staff at Backs By Popular Demand

Robin Haag joined Backs By Popular Demandsm in 1994, and in 1998 became owner of the business. She has experience in all aspects of massage therapy, but feels her strongest area is in myofascial release. Myofascial (pronounced my´-o-fash´-el) release is a massage stretching, range-of-motion technique to release restrictions throughout the body. It concentrates especially on the head, neck, shoulders and the low back.

Foot Reflexology is also an area that Robin excels in. It is a foot massage that uses the nerves in the feet to enervate with nerves in the body to help body and feet relax.

Robin received her B.A. from Washburn University, Topeka, in 1991 in Physical Education with an emphasis on athletic training. She took her myofascial training in 1991-92. She studied massage therapy under Maggie Kelley in 1993 and received her Reiki training in 1996. Robin is a member of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce, serving as an Ambassador for that organization. She is also a member of the Kansas Association of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. Robin is married to Ron Haag and they live north of Topeka, Ks. with their 2 children.

Mickie Bursey joined Backs By Popular Demandsm June, 1996, after completing her massage training from Maggie Kelley. Mickie is accomplished in both Swedish massage and Reiki (pronounced ray´-key) energy work, but feels her specialty is in Reiki. Reiki is a Japanese word for Universal Life Energy. It uses the warmth of the therapist's hands to release physical, mental, emotional and spiritual blocks in the body. She has practiced Reiki for 10 years and has been a Reiki master for the past 4 years. An hour session of Reiki with Mickie is $45.

Most recently, she has become certified in the EMF Balancing Technique®. The basic intent of an EMF Balancing Technique® session is to balance the human electromagnetic field, allowing the individual's energy to open as many circuits as possible. The person receiving the session may give a specific intent for almost anything, from healing, to self-knowledge, to simple stress reduction. The primary focus, however, is Balance.

Michael Ganson has been with Backs By Popular Demandsm since 1996. He received his massage training from Maggie Kelley, as well as giving assistance to her in her classes. Michael specializes in deep tissue massage which focuses on especially tight muscles in the neck, shoulders and back.

Michael is available for appointments weekday mornings and on Saturday mornings. Michael feels that massage is a very important part of overall health. He says, "Prioritizing your own health and well being is not selfish. The better you feel and function, the better you are able to interact with family, friends and associates."

Stephanie Schuttera moved to Topeka in May, 2000 after graduating from the Academy for Five Element Acupuncture in Hollandale, Florida. She currently holds a Masters degree in Acupuncture. Stephanie specializes in Classical (Five Element) Acupuncture and has received training in TCM, the NADA Protocol (for alcohol, drug and smoking), and Dr. Tan's style of acupuncture. One session of Classical Acupuncture is $70. Ten sessions of Classical Acupuncture is $600.

Stephanie has been practicing massage since November 1988. She currently holds a Tennessee massage license. She also has additional training in reflexology and Shiatsu.

In addition, Stephanie received her BA in Psychology in 1983 and has worked extensively with emotionally disturbed and behavior problem children in Nashville, Tennessee.

Alisha Saucedo joined Backs By Popular Demand in August 2002. She holds certificates in Swedish Massage, Hot Lava Stone Massage, and Fijian (Deep Tissue) Massage. She received her Swedish Massage training under the instruction of Russell Greene, Topeka, Kansas and her Hot LavaStone training under the instruction of Ruth Hardee, Denver, Colorado. Alisha received her certificate in Fijian Massage, a massage you receive fully clothed. The therapist massages the client with different parts of her feet, but, does NOT walk on the back. She is also trained in Foot Reflexology, and is studying to become a Doula (labor support professional). Alisha is a member of the KATMB. She attends Washburn University full-time and lives in Topeka with her husband.

Tina Deever came to Backs By Popular Demand after receiving 720 hours of massage training in 2004 from PCI of Lawrence. She has a certificate in Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, and Prenatal Massage. She has additional training in Foot Reflexology and Hot Stone massage. She feels her strongest area of massage is a deep massage to the neck, shoulders and back to help relieve tight muscles. Tina lives in Topeka with her 2 children Christy and T. J.

Valerie Williams - She joins Backs By Popular Demand as the new receptionist. In June 2002, she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Natural Health studies in preparation for her Doctorate Degree. She has been giving massages for 4 years. She is certified in Etheric Body Balancing and Reiki III. She lives in Topeka with her three children Gavin, Beau and Desiree.

Gayla Copeland has been working in the field of massage and bodywork for over ten years. She has studied Swedish Massage, Hot stone, Muscle Release Technique, and some Orthobionomy. She has also studied Reiki, Quantum Touch Reconnection, and Etheric Body Balancing. She lives in Topeka.