Established in 2000, the modest practice of one therapist has evolved into a source of healing for thousands of patients. We have several therapists on staff that serve our clients Monday through Saturday.
All therapists at Back to Basics Massage Therapy, Inc. are licensed by the Ohio State Medical Board. Through years of extensive continuing education seminars, they have developed specialized skills in various services of therapeutic massage.
All therapists at Back to Basics Massage Therapy, Inc. are licensed by the Ohio State Medical Board. Through years of extensive continuing education seminars, they have developed specialized skills in various services of therapeutic massage.
Our Therapists
Owner, Kimberlee Kristof (currently not accepting new clients), is a 2000 graduate of Northwest Academy of Massotherapy, Inc. Her honed skills and experience throughout her career have produced remarkable results and have birthed what has been trademarked as IPDT. Interactive Postural Distortion Therapy is therapy done “with you, not just to you”. IPDT addresses the whole body and how your life practices have “wound you up” creating a torque on muscles and tendons, ligaments, nerves, organs and bones thus producing postural distortion and discomfort. Together we unwind you with a combination of different manual therapies, breathing, and interactive releases to produce a more comfortable “balance” to your body. This therapy also involves educating you on what to do at home until your next in office session.
Her extensive training from the St. John Neuromuscular Therapy Seminar group is in the following areas: therapeutic massage for cervical injuries, postural analysis, pelvic stabilization techniques, pain relief mechanisms for the shoulder, upper torso, low back, spinal column and extremities, cervical stabilization and atlas-axis mobilization, neuromuscular components of cranial decompression and scoliosis, and pain relief techniques for TMJ dysfunction as well as neuromuscular therapies for the eyes, hands, and feet.
Other specialized training includes Massage Masters for Golf Injuries and Balance Therapies, Effective Examination and Treatment Techniques for the Foot and Ankle, and the Rossiter Method of Deep Tissues Pain Relief Techniques.
The most current seminars attended were Better Bodies/Better Brains, offered through the Institute for Natural Resources, and Integrated Neuromuscular Re-Education, Muscle Energy Therapy, and Positional Release Techniques. As well as the following: The Pharmacy in your Kitchen - Medical and Medicinal Foods, Dynamic Stretching - Link to Fitness, Athletic Performance, Injury Prevention, and Rehabilitation.
“We strive to be the best therapists providing the highest quality of therapeutic massage to honor and utilize the gifts we have been given”.
Leigh Beining, LMT, BCTMB
Leigh Beining began her massage therapy career after graduating from The Healing Arts Institute in Perrysburg, Ohio in 2004. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Bowling Green State University.
With a strong interest in pain relief and management, Leigh has dedicated much of her training to advanced therapeutic techniques. Her experience includes Integrated Neuromuscular Re-Education, Muscle Energy Therapy, Positional Release, and specialized Neuromuscular Therapy for cervical, low-back, and hip pain. She has also completed training in St. John’s Neuromuscular Therapy for cervical injuries, postural analysis, and pelvic stabilization. In addition, Leigh incorporates CranioSacral Therapy, SomatoEmotional Release, and reflexology into her work, with training from both the Upledger Institute and the Academy of Wholistic Manual Medicine.
Leigh is especially passionate about supporting women through all stages of motherhood—from conception through postpartum recovery. She is certified in Pre & Perinatal Massage, Fertility Massage, and Mercier Therapy, a pelvic visceral manipulation technique that helps with fertility and c-section recovery. She also trained as a Labor and Postpartum Doula and expanded her skills with Spinning Babies and the Body Ready Method. As a certified Active BRM Birth Pro and BRM Teacher, she helps clients improve body balance, prepare for labor, and optimize comfort and positioning throughout pregnancy and birth.
Leigh is licensed by the Ohio State Medical Board and holds national Board Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (BCTMB®), the highest credential in the field. She is dedicated to offering an integrated, personalized approach to massage therapy and is passionate about helping clients use bodywork as part of their preventative and proactive wellness journey.
Lisa Morrissey, LMT
Lisa Morrissey began her massage therapy career after completing her training at Owens Community College in Toledo, Ohio in 2008. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Ithaca College.
Lisa specializes in the John F. Barnes (JFB) Myofascial Release Approach and has completed MFR I, MFR II, and Fascial–Pelvis courses. Her commitment to continuing education includes a wide range of advanced trainings such as Pharmacology and Nursing Sciences, Integrated Neuromuscular Re-Education with Muscle Energy Therapy and Positional Release, Rotator Cuff Release, Orthopedic Massage for Cervical Pain, Reflexology, Myofascial Cupping, and courses on therapeutic and medicinal foods.
With a strong foundation in Swedish massage, Deep Tissue work, and relaxation-focused pain relief techniques, Lisa brings a thoughtful, skilled, and holistic approach to every session. She is dedicated to helping clients reduce pain, release tension, and experience greater ease and balance in their everyday lives.
Dawn Perry, LMT
Dawn Perry completed her massage therapy training at the Orion Institute in Perrysburg, Ohio in 2016. Since then, she has continued to expand her skills through courses in aromatherapy and massage therapy for osteoarthritis.
Dawn has also received specialized training in upper and lower body myofascial release, targeted techniques for lower back pain, general soft tissue release, and Branch Reflexology. These modalities allow her to tailor each session to meet the specific needs of her clients.
Dawn offers both therapeutic and Swedish massage, with a focus on advanced relaxation and effective pain relief. She is dedicated to creating a calming, supportive environment that helps clients unwind, restore balance, and feel their best.
Janelle Phillips, LMT
Janelle Phillips completed her massage therapy education at the Orion Institute in Perrysburg, Ohio in 2017. Her time at Orion sparked a deep appreciation for the body’s natural ability to heal, and since then she has remained committed to expanding her knowledge and enhancing her therapeutic skills.
Janelle has pursued ongoing education in a variety of modalities to better support her clients’ wellness needs. Her advanced training includes seminars in Lymphatic Massage for detoxification, Active Isolated Stretching and Strengthening, Myofascial Release, and Branch Reflexology. She has completed in-depth coursework in Myofascial Release I, Myofascial Release II, and Myofascial Unwinding, allowing her to work with the body’s fascial system in a sensitive, intuitive, and effective way.
In addition to her myofascial work, Janelle is trained in Ashiatsu, a barefoot massage technique known for its deep, broad, and soothing pressure. This skill set allows her to offer a truly customized approach, blending gentle unwinding techniques with deeper structural work depending on each client’s needs.
Janelle is passionate about helping clients find relief, restore balance, and reconnect with their bodies. She looks forward to continuing her professional growth and providing thoughtful, therapeutic bodywork that supports long-term wellness and relaxation.
Janelle Phillips, LMT
Janelle Phillips completed her massage therapy education at the Orion Institute in Perrysburg, Ohio in 2017. Her time at Orion sparked a deep appreciation for the body’s natural ability to heal, and since then she has remained committed to expanding her knowledge and enhancing her therapeutic skills.
Janelle has pursued ongoing education in a variety of modalities to better support her clients’ wellness needs. Her advanced training includes seminars in Lymphatic Massage for detoxification, Active Isolated Stretching and Strengthening, Myofascial Release, and Branch Reflexology. She has completed in-depth coursework in Myofascial Release I, Myofascial Release II, and Myofascial Unwinding, allowing her to work with the body’s fascial system in a sensitive, intuitive, and effective way.
In addition to her myofascial work, Janelle is trained in Ashiatsu, a barefoot massage technique known for its deep, broad, and soothing pressure. This skill set allows her to offer a truly customized approach, blending gentle unwinding techniques with deeper structural work depending on each client’s needs.
Janelle is passionate about helping clients find relief, restore balance, and reconnect with their bodies. She looks forward to continuing her professional growth and providing thoughtful, therapeutic bodywork that supports long-term wellness and relaxation.
Vicki Mangum, LMT
Vicki Mangum completed her massage therapy training at the Orion Institute in Perrysburg, Ohio in October 2020. From the beginning of her career, she has been deeply committed to serving clients with compassion, skill, and a focus on individualized care.
Vicki has earned her Oncology Massage Certificate, specializing in supporting people living with cancer. She has also completed additional training in Breast Cancer Massage Therapy, giving her the knowledge and sensitivity to work safely and effectively with clients undergoing cancer treatment or recovery. Her dedication to this work extends beyond the treatment room—Vicki volunteers at the Toledo Victory Center, where she continues to gain meaningful experience providing comfort-focused bodywork to those navigating cancer journeys.
In addition to her oncology-focused training, Vicki has completed continuing education in Active Isolated Stretching and Range of Motion techniques for rotator cuff injuries, as well as Branch Reflexology. These modalities allow her to help clients improve mobility, ease muscular tension, and experience deeper relaxation.
Vicki is passionate about continually growing her skills and expanding her understanding of therapeutic massage. She looks forward to providing sessions that support both relaxation and pain relief, helping clients feel cared for, balanced, and restored.
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Josh Waterfield, LMT
Josh Waterfield has been a licensed massage therapist in the State of Ohio since 2020. A graduate of the Orion Institute, he has built a strong foundation in therapeutic bodywork and continues to expand his expertise through advanced education and hands-on training. Josh has completed certifications in Precision Neuromuscular Therapy—also known as trigger point therapy—as well as the John F. Barnes Myofascial Release Approach. These modalities allow him to work with both muscular tension and fascial restrictions to help relieve pain, improve mobility, and support long-term structural balance. Some of Josh’s primary areas of focus include the cervical spine (neck and cranium), the thoracic region (abdominals, chest, and shoulders), and the pelvis (lower back, hips, and upper legs). By concentrating on these interconnected areas, he is able to help clients address common sources of discomfort and achieve a greater sense of alignment and ease. Josh is dedicated to ongoing growth, presence, and mindful practice. His goal is to create a relaxing, therapeutic experience that supports the mind, body, and soul, helping clients feel grounded, restored, and more connected to their overall well-being. |
Ciara Martin, LMT
Ciara Martin is a licensed massage therapist, trained at the Orion Institute of Healing Arts in Perrysburg, Ohio since 2021. She specializes in neuromuscular therapy, Branch Reflexology, and Manual Lymph Drainage, working with athletes, post-surgery clients, and those navigating cancer recovery.
Ciara combines therapeutic and Swedish massage techniques to relieve pain, improve mobility, and promote overall wellness. With a genuine love for helping people feel their best, Ciara strives to create sessions that are calming, restorative, and tailored to each client’s needs.
Ciara Martin is a licensed massage therapist, trained at the Orion Institute of Healing Arts in Perrysburg, Ohio since 2021. She specializes in neuromuscular therapy, Branch Reflexology, and Manual Lymph Drainage, working with athletes, post-surgery clients, and those navigating cancer recovery.
Ciara combines therapeutic and Swedish massage techniques to relieve pain, improve mobility, and promote overall wellness. With a genuine love for helping people feel their best, Ciara strives to create sessions that are calming, restorative, and tailored to each client’s needs.
Lindsey Melden, LMT
Lindsey completed her massage therapy training at the Orion Institute of Perrysburg, Ohio in 2025. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Bowling Green State University in 2008. Lindsey’s Swedish relaxation massage helps her clients find relief from pain and stress while improving circulation, boosting the immune system, and improving sleep quality. She is excited to gain valuable experience at Back to Basics and to continue her education in massage therapy techniques. Her goal is for her clients to leave their massage feeling deeply relaxed, and more in touch with their mind, body, and soul.
Lindsey Melden, LMT
Lindsey completed her massage therapy training at the Orion Institute of Perrysburg, Ohio in 2025. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Bowling Green State University in 2008. Lindsey’s Swedish relaxation massage helps her clients find relief from pain and stress while improving circulation, boosting the immune system, and improving sleep quality. She is excited to gain valuable experience at Back to Basics and to continue her education in massage therapy techniques. Her goal is for her clients to leave their massage feeling deeply relaxed, and more in touch with their mind, body, and soul.
Tomasina Zwayer, LMT
Tomasina has been practicing massage therapy since 2018, after completing her formal training at Orion Institute. With a strong foundation in therapeutic techniques and a compassionate, intuitive approach, she has worked with clients of all ages and physical conditions, tailoring each session to support individual needs and long-term wellness goals. She is committed to creating a calm, welcoming environment where clients feel seen, heard, and cared for. Her work is grounded in the belief that massage therapy can be a powerful tool for healing—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally as well. She has a particular passion for supporting first responders and frontline professionals, offering focused care for those who dedicate themselves to helping others. Whether you're dealing with chronic pain, recovering from an injury navigating high levels of stress, or simply in need of restorative self-care, Tomasina provides a personalized, client-centered experience. She is currently expanding her expertise by pursuing advanced certifications in Sports Massage and Craniosacral Therapy, further enhancing the range of services she offers.
Wellness Center Staff
John Winlock is an experienced and versatile personal trainer. Ever since John entered into the fitness realm he has learned that there is more to the body than how it looks, but how it feels and performs throughout our day to day activities. He specializes in helping people get mobile and active again in their lives by returning the body back to correct postural balance and enhancing the mobility needed to function daily. He is a certified nutrition coach, and is working on obtaining other health and wellness certificates.
Jennifer Gilliland, RD, PCC, CDE
Jennifer Gilliland is a Registered Dietitian, Professional Clinical Counselor, and Certified Diabetes Educator with over 30 years of experience. She brings a wealth of knowledge in both nutrition and emotional well-being, helping clients create lasting, positive changes in their health.
As part of the Back to Basics team, Jennifer provides individualized nutrition counseling tailored to each client’s unique needs and goals. She is passionate about supporting clients in feeling their best physically, mentally, and emotionally and guiding them toward balanced wellness.
Office administrators
Amy Montoya
Emily Dashner
Emily Dashner