The CORE Massage Program
Santa Cruz CORE Fitness + Rehab offers an experience unlike any other massage center. The difference in our service starts with our practitioners. Our staff has extensive knowledge, which allows them to offer a truly therapeutic experience. Whether you would like to recover from exercise, stress, or injury, CORE Massage Therapy or CORE Fusion Therapeutic bodywork will revitalize you mentally and heal you physically.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/alternative-and-complementary-medicine/the-healing-power-of-touch
At Santa Cruz CORE Fitness + Rehab, our practitioners communicate with each other ensuring that you have the best experience no matter who you see. In some cases we may even be able to use insurance.
Experience the blissful relaxation and health benefits of a CORE Massage, or the valuable healing power of CORE Fusion Therapeutic Bodywork. Three tiers of certified therapists specialize in various modalities of massage from ancient techniques to the cutting edge.
Each massage is a professional massage which includes time to robe and disrobe. An hour massage includes 50 minutes of table time.
Type of Massage We Offer
Therapeutic Massage
Experience blissful relaxation as well as health benefits by alleviating pain, releasing endorphins and improving range of motion.
- Swedish
- Deep Tissue
- Myofascial Release
- Medical Massage
- Hand & Foot Therapy
- Orthopedic Massage
- Sports Massage
Fusion Massage
Integrates Therapeutic Massage with advanced techniques and modalities to enhance the body’s natural restorative process. Modalities customized for each individual body's needs.
- Cranial-Sacral
- Lymphatic
- Oncology
- Acupressure
- Pre/Post Natal
- Thai
- Shiatsu
Upgrade Your Experience!
Enhance your massage with special add-ons.
- Various aromatherapy options
- Plant-based salves, oils, or lotions
We're excited to have you come in for your initial appointment!
Benefits of Massage
Monthly Massage Program
For regular massage clients, we offer a special monthly program for you. With the Monthly Program you receive the following benefits:
Call 831.425.9500 for more information or to sign up for our Monthly Program!
Do you live in the Santa Cruz or Watsonville area?
Check out our locals and new client specials here
CORE Massage Modalities
At Santa Cruz CORE, we offer many types of massage. Our award-winning therapists work as experts in their field and know the proper techniques to use to ensure you the best results from your session. We also have massage therapists in Watsonville, CA at our new location!
The therapist will move very slowly, working at an oblique angle to stretch the fascia and connective tissues, using a substance such as beeswax, so that hooking into the fascia is facilitated.
Using a blend of Traditional Thai techniques and assisted Yoga poses, to stimulate blood circulation, increase joint range of motion, and increase muscle flexibility.
Therapeutic goes beneath the superficial layers of tissue, our goal is to encourage a physical change in the body.
Designed to help you improve your sports performance by addressing the specific muscles that tend to be overused by the type of activities you do.
Indicated for post-surgery, chronic pain, overuse and repetitive stress injuries. To induce healing of the whole person this massage promotes change within the structure and function of the neuro-musculoskeletal soft tissue.
A form of manual therapy that specializes in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction.
Feet, Hands + Scalp Massage: Applies pressure to specific points on the feet, hands and scalp to influence the health of corresponding parts of the body.
Alternative oil is a topical oil that can alleviate pain and enhance relaxation. The antioxidants and fatty acids in alternative oil can rejuvenate, hydrate, and protect the skin against infection. It can also help alleviate eczema, acne and uneven skin tones. Alternative oils yield medicinal properties. Other benefits include reduced inflammation, reduced chronic pain, and improved sleep. This is a one-two punch that’s sure to knock out stress and pain.
Tailored to support the unique needs of pregnant women and their changing bodies. The physical discomforts of pregnancy can be greatly reduced with the nurturing touch of massage.
Based on traditional Chinese medicine. Acupressure is used to open the flow of energy along the meridians to promote healthy balance in the body.
A non-invasive, subtle modality working with the cranial rhythm to improve the function of the body’s systems and create harmony in the the body.
A hands-on body treatment that uses Chinese taoist and martial art principles to bring the body to balance.
Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of essential oils from plants for the improvement of physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Applied to the skin directly or mixed in a carrier oil. Can also be used in a compress or can be diffused into the air. The odors from the oils can produce specific effects on human neuropsychological and autonomic function and can influence mood, perceived health, arousal and have therapeutic applications in the context of stressful and adverse psychological conditions.
The primary goal of Swedish is to relax the entire body. Techniques include circular pressure applied by the hands and palms, firm kneading, percussion-like tapping, bending and stretching.
Hot stone massage is a variation on classic massage therapy. Heated smooth, flat stones are placed on key points on the body. The massage therapist may also hold the stones and use them to massage certain areas of the body.
Meet Our Therapists
Yvonne Horner is a CAMTC Certified Massage Therapist and an Energy and Somatic Medicine Practitioner, and is on her way to becoming a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist. Her massage journey began in 2006 when she started working at a Massage School as the Student Counselor which led to her taking classes, and her own Mother was a profound bodyworker who taught her how soothing touch could provide unfathomable results for people. She has over 900 hours of training in the following techniques – Vibrational Healing Massage Therapy, Structural Foot Balancing, Myofascial Release, Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue, Sports Massage, Lymphatic Massage, Cranial Sacral Balancing, Medical Massage, Pre & Post Natal Massage, Breathing Techniques, and Energy Work.
Her specialty lies in providing Integrative Bodywork, utilizing various massage modalities to work with the body’s innate healing power to create change. Her years of experience as a bodyworker affirm that physical pain and limitations are a sign of so much more than just the “usual aches and pains” or signs of aging. They are access points into much deeper patterns of learned behavior and physical responses that have adapted in our bodies over our lifetime. Yvonne is passionate about supporting others who are interested in a deeper mind-body-spirit connection – knowing that physical symptoms show up as a demand for change in some area of our lives.
Cala Remick-Rodriguez has been certified since 2008. Her specialties include Neuromuscular Therapy, Medical, Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports, Myofascial Therapy, Shiatsu, Lymphatic drainage, Thai and hot stone. Cala graduated with 250-hour in 2008 and with 900-hour in 2015 as a Certified Massage Therapist and Health Educator. She went on to do a 450-hour Advanced Neuromuscular Massage Therapy program and graduated in 2016. She continued her education in 2016 and graduated as a Certified Personal Trainer. Cala has a nurturing and individualized approach with her clients.
Her work is very detailed when it comes to muscles, tendons, ligaments and connective tissue. She works with clients using trigger point therapy for rehabilitation and overall relaxation. Her goal is to continue her education in nerve flossing, Somatics, and ART (Active Release Technique). She is committed to helping her clients reach their optimal health through education, participation and in finding a holistic approach through self-healing. When Cala is not working, she enjoys being outdoors, hiking, running, biking and rock climbing.
Gabby Marenco Gabrielle (Gabby) Marenco is a massage therapist and health educator with 900 hours of experience from the National Holistic Institute where she specialized in Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports, and Shiatsu massage. Gabby’s approach to her craft is to discuss with clients their goals to create a plan for the session before beginning bodywork. She creates a custom massage designed for each client to address their specific muscle tension, increase range of motion, and get out of pain. She combines eastern and western modalities with breathing techniques and stretches to help connect the mind and body. While in school, Gabby fell in love with massage. She found it to be a great form of medicine and as a way to re-educate the muscles in the body to create better posture and live a happier life. Professionally, she strives to create balance and total relaxation with her clients by suggesting self-care tools aside from massages, such as yoga and healthy lifestyle options.
In her free time, Gabby enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, swimming, and going for walks on the beach. She most enjoys sharing her knowledge with others to help them reach their optimal health.
Juan Alvizar is a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) and was certified in 2010 from Everest College in Reseda, California. Juan’s approach to massage is not only to heal people, but also to educate them about what’s going on with their bodies. They may not be aware of the stress or tension they are carrying, and Juan helps to identify the roots of the problems in order to maximize the benefit from the massage. Juan listens to his clients and discusses the desired outcome before beginning a massage. Juan knew from a young age that he wanted to learn massage therapy. His grandmother is a healer and he learned a lot of his massage foundation from her. Juan would watch her help heal people in the community and was inspired by how she would turn their days around. Juan decided that pursuing a career in massage therapy would allow him to help people get out of pain and create his own flexible schedule, which is something that is important to him.
Juan has worked with the athletic training program at Cabrillo College, where he had the opportunity to help injured athletes rehabilitate, make sure they stayed safe, and get them back onto the field as soon as possible so they could continue doing what they love to do. Juan also enjoys doing events, outreach and getting involved with the community. When he is not working, he enjoys playing volleyball, basketball, soccer and the occasional game of bowling!
Heather earned her degree in Massage Therapy at California Healing Arts College in the Fall of 2004. During her 15 years of experience as a licensed massage therapist, she has achieved proficiency in a broad range of modalities, including Oscillation, Swedish, Trigger Therapy, Reflexology, Shiatsu, Prenatal, Reiki, and Deep Tissue.
Heather aims to be continually growing her knowledge and expertise and looks forward to assessing each client individually to ensure that her treatment is successful. She welcomes challenging cases and highly sensitive persons, encouraging all of her patients to get involved with their treatment through the use of breath and release.
Heather has a passion for nature, travel and the challenges that come with traversing the great outdoors. In her spare time, she surfs with and spends time with her son. Art, cooking, and reading are where she is most content.
Sandra Nunez became a Certified Massage Therapist in 2018 through the National Holistic Institute. There she completed 900 hours of massage related work and ultimately decided to specialize in various massage methods including Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Trigger Point work. Sandra’s journey there was such an amazing experience that she then returned to expand her education in the Neuromuscular therapy program.
When Sandra was first introduced to massage, she quickly became passionate about taking the holistic approach. She decided to pursue a career in which she could assist people in a more meaningful way. With bodywork, she found a great approach in assisting others to find balance within their bodies and their lives.
Sandra teaches that self-care is critical for the overall well-being, and she makes sure that she practices what she teaches and takes care of herself as well as keeping in shape, maintaining good health, and also receiving massage regularly. Sandra has helped herself reduce muscular strain caused by postural issues from working at a desk job, as well as emotional tension.
Sandra’s approach to massage is to promote the importance of self-care and teach others how to become more aware of physical responses to life stress. She strives to show them how massage can become a part of self-care, and the great benefits it brings both physically and mentally.
Claudia is certified by Twin Lakes College of the Healing Arts and has a degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Five Branches University. She specializes in a wide range of massage modalities, including Swedish, Shiatsu, Craniosacral and Polarity. Claudia has practiced her craft since 1984 and still aims to expand her knowledge and practice.
Claudia is invested in each and every client partnership and starts her sessions with a new assessment every time. The body changes day today, and she prides herself on treating her patients accurately in direct response to their current problems. Claudia makes an effort to educate her patients by ascertaining and discouraging harmful lifestyle habits in order to prevent recurring problems. She continues to find joy in her practice and welcomes the challenging, interesting, and satisfying nature of her work.
Outside of her massage practice, Claudia works as a Children’s Swimming Instructor. She enjoys spending time with her high energy Queensland Heeler cattle dog and is in the process of transforming the ranch property on which she lives.
Karla is currently a full-time student enrolled in the Center for Employment Training also known as CET, under the massage and physical therapy aide program.
Karla has been practicing professionally for three years and specializes in Swedish, Deep Tissue, Trigger Point as well as a Sports Massage. Her ideal client is someone who is in search of better health willing to make the necessary lifestyle improvements to manifest a better version of themselves.
She emphasizes to her patients the importance of massage a regular regimen to better assist their self-care and needs.
Karla enjoys exploring her creativity in her spare time and has a deep affinity for photography, painting, and interior decorating. She also enjoys spending her time outdoors soaking up the sun, going to the beach and on hikes. She likes exploring new trails, as well as bike riding with friends and adventuring to new restaurants to try their cuisine and desserts.
Alyssa is a certified massage therapist currently attending the National Holistic Institute for Neuromuscular massage. Some of her specialties include Shiatsu, Energy work, Deep tissue, Acupressure, and facilitating healing.
Alyssa’s ideal client is anyone looking for relaxation and pain relief who wants to maintain a long term partnership with their massage therapist. She enjoys helping others in need and considers customer service to be a top priority.
Alyssa has always dreamed of living in California and is delighted to be here! She moved to the Santa Cruz area a little over a year ago from Ohio with her two dogs. Outside of her massage work Alyssa loves to spend time outdoors, either hiking in the mountains or on the beach in the sun. She is passionate about art and usually fills up her free time creating.
Catherine is a certified Thai Massage Therapist with 8 years of experience and is currently finishing her degree in Kinesiology to become a physical therapist. Her specialties include deep tissue and Thai massage. She is an expert in pressure point work and range of motion.
Catherine’s ideal client is someone who is upfront and direct about what is going on in their body. Communicating how and where they feel discomfort in their body is the best way to ensure a successful and lasting therapeutic result. All Catherine hopes for is an honest client who needs therapeutic work done on them and has a smile on their face!
Catherine traveled to Thailand to get certified in Thai Massage and recently came back from India where she earned her certification as a yoga teacher. She has worked in casino settings as a massage therapist in Vegas, California, and North Carolina before deciding it was time to settle her roots in California. In her spare time, Catherine enjoys the beach, hiking, running, yoga, and cooking. She is an avid adventurer and traveler and loves to dance (especially to salsa and merengue). Catherine was born in Queens, New York, and was raised later on in Miami and Ormond Beach, FL.
Clarke earned his CAMTC Massage Therapist Certification at the California Holistic Institute in San Luis Obispo in 2019. His specialties include Deep Tissue Massage, Swedish, Trigger Point Therapy, Stretch and Release, and Reflexology.
Clarke is an ideal practitioner for clients who are committed to self-education and betterment. He is eager to learn everything he can from CORE’s community of healers and to use that knowledge to educate and help his clients.
In his spare time, Clarke enjoys playing bass and guitar, listening to music, and juggling. Some of his other interests include drawing, practicing penmanship, and the occasional larger art project.
Darci has been licensed for 30 years in various healing and therapeutic therapies. After completing her degree in Calculus and Economics at CSU Chico in 1978 she decided to pursue her Healing Arts training. It includes 570 training hours in Hawaii at the Maui Academy of Healing Arts. including a Polarity Therapy apprenticeship, and a DT/pre-Rolfing apprenticeship. She has also completed 555 training hours in Ohio at the Energetic Studies & Bodywork, RPP program.
Darci loves learning and honing her craft and has continued to expand her knowledge with continuing education in Cranial Sacral Therapy, Traditional Thai, Thai Herbal Compress, Lomi Lomi, Reiki 3, doula training (Hawaii certified only), and Japanese fascia release technique. She is trained in many specialties but considers her specialties to be Polarity Therapy, Deep Myofascial, Lomi Lomi, Pre-Natal, and Reiki.
Darci’s ideal client is one that is interested in truly investing in their health and is open to new ways to find balance. She believes that lifelong learning and creativity are key for happiness and hopes to share that with her clients and her work.
Darci loves to hike and spend time near water. She lived on Maui with only solar power and rainwater harvesting for 22 years. Much of her training comes from her time spent there and her love of the Hawaiian lifestyle. She likes to also create Fiber Arts and working with her hands in any capacity.
