THE BOKETTO TEAM
Jelena Nikolajevic, [ LAc, MSTOM ]
Jelena studied acupuncture and herb theory at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in NYC. While in school, she had extensive training in both eastern and western medicine that covered subjects like pediatrics, orthopedics, dermatology, oncology, geriatrics, urology and gynecology. She studied under some of the best practitioners in and out of school where knowledge in Japanese acupuncture, shiatsu, tui na, and sports medicine was enhanced.
Areas of specialty include orthopedics, anxiety, stress, digestive disorders, insomnia, migrane headaches, menstrual disorders, low immune system, genitourinary disorders, asthma and night sweating. In her practice she incorporated trigger point release therapy, tui na, applied kinesiology and muscle testing, nutritional and lifestyle counseling and Traditional Chinese herbal medicine.
Kelly Sherman, [ L.Ac., CHN ]
Kelly has a passion for helping patients integrate the wisdom of the traditional healing arts and holistic philosophies into today’s fast paced lifestyle and modern approach to physical and mental healthcare. She is a Licensed Acupuncturist, Arvigo® Practitioner, and Astro-Empowerer. Kelly received her Master of Acupuncture studying Classical Chinese Medicine from the National University of Natural Medicine while concurrently completing her certification as a Holistic Nutritionist at the Wellspring School of Healing Arts, both located in Portland, OR. Her style of acupuncture incorporates gentle needling with combinations of body work, tuning forks, moxibustion, aromatherapy, and glass fire cupping, along with nutrition and supplementation therapy depending on your needs.
Through Arvigo Therapy, as learned through the Arvigo Institute, Kelly weaves the wisdom of traditional Maya medicine alongside Classical Chinese medicine to facilitate powerful shifts with intentional engagement and hands-on realignment of the organs and energy systems housed in the abdomen and pelvic bowl. As a clinician, areas of specialty include stress management, anxiety/depression, insomnia, fatigue, chronic pain, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), PCOS (poly-cystic ovarian syndrome), and painful/irregular periods. Together you will not only address your areas of concern at their root cause, but build a personal playbook for how to maintain balance and flow moving forward in a comprehensive and sustainable way.
As an Astrologer, Kelly offers natal chart readings and group workshops that expand self-awareness and encourage alignment with your most authentic self.
MEET OUR MASSAGE AND REIKI PRACTITIONERS
Nicole
Nicole LaCour [ LMT ] fell in love with massage as a teenager when she rode horses competitively. Massage not only helped her but also aided her horses performance to the highest degree. After realizing the endless benefits of massage, she decided that she wanted to go to school for massage therapy. Nicole went to school in Orlando, Florida and received her license in 2014. After massaging in Florida for a few years she decided to move to Richmond to be closer to family. In Richmond, she began working closely with physical therapists, chiropractors, and acupuncturists and began to see the beauty in how each profession approaches the body. Nicole has worked with many clients and tailors each session to their specific needs. Nicole blends many techniques and modalities, from deep tissue to myofascial release and Swedish, to best suit her clients.
Available on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays
Dionne
Dionne DiBlasio is a certified Massage Therapist based in Richmond, Virginia. Having graduated from The Institute of Massage Therapies, she is also certified by Virginia's Board of Nursing. Dionne specializes in a combination of Deep Tissue and Swedish Massage. Dionne has worked in both clinical and spa settings with a wide range of clients and client needs. For the last four years, she has worked in conjunction with physical therapists to facilitate the healing process prior to and post surgery. If you are recovering from an injury, dealing with chronic pain, or simply want to relax, Dionne will develop a personalized treatment plan for you. Her hope is to create an environment where clients feel safe, comfortable, and at ease.
In addition to being a massage therapist, Dionne is a mother and pediatric cancer advocate. She previously studied ballet and modern dance at The Alvin Ailey School. Her body awareness as well as interest in bodywork is the result of her experience as a dancer and yoga student, using this to help guide her in her practice.
Available on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings
Kayla
Kayla Berry received a degree in Anthropology from Virginia Commonwealth University. After graduating from VCU, she moved to China with the US Peace Corps. It was there that she began noticing how her own body worked as a holistic system—the physical, emotional, and spiritual bodies being interdependent. Kayla enjoys guiding others to discover and listen to the many ways our bodies communicate with us. Your body does its own healing, but sometimes it needs some help along the way. Her intention is to co-create a space for this healing to happen. She uses an intuitive, slow, and thorough approach to the soft tissues and fascial bindings. Sinking in layer by layer, she works with what your body is saying, allowing deep release to occur with ease.
Kayla is certified in Pre and Post-Natal Massage, Medical Massage, and is a Reiki Master Teacher. She has plans to pursue studies of Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Acupuncture. Kayla works with a variety of techniques, including Deep Tissue, Swedish, and Reiki energy work. Her favorite clients are ones who are active participants in their own journey of learning about their bodies, and she welcomes curiosity at any point along the way.
Available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays
MEET OUR NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN
Dr. Alexandra Cope
Dr. Alexandra Cope made her way back east with after the life-altering decision to pack up her medicine and to stand as an ally and medic at Standing Rock with the American Indians in 2015. Already having a passion for holism in medicine, she discovered the missing link during her time at Standing Rock—integrating justice into her medical practice. With her elders, she is a wisdom seeker & truth keeper that links her allopathic medical training and naturopathic medical degree with plant medicine.
Her joy is in women’s health and empowerment on all levels, including digestive health & microbiome restoration. Being a Natural Medicine Doc, she also naturally helps heart health and blood sugar issues.
Dr. Cope, is a trauma-trained physician with a professional background, including a 5 year Medical Degree + Naturopath License from The National University of Natural Medicine, 2 years of clinicals with an ENT Naturopath, 2 years of clinicals with Transgender Medicine from New England School of Homeopathy, as well as Food Sovereignty Training. Dr. Cope strives to inspire empowerment on all levels, focusing on womxn’s health. She specializes in fasting, digestive health, microbiome restoration, and the fertility journey.
See Dr. Cope if you are looking for the underlying issues that are imbalancing your mind, body, and spirit. Read more about Naturopathic Medicine, here.
MEET OUR ESTHETICIAN
Anne
Anne Dietrich is a board-certified licensed massage therapist and esthetician with over ten years of experience in the field of holistic care. As an esthetician, she has been able to work with a plethora of skincare lines and has a vast knowledge of products, understanding components and ingredients and how they can affect various skin conditions. She practices nutritional therapies to assist in healing and nourishing the skin. Anne fulfills her passion for skin correction using non-toxic, high quality ingredients—her ultimate goal is to assist her clients both internally and externally through slow beauty.
MEET OUR MAKE-UP ARTIST
Mariah
Our in house make-up artist, Mariah Najdawi, has been working professionally in her field for over five years. She employs a skin-first mentality in order to enhance, rather than conceal. Through a combination of both skincare and make-up, Mariah celebrates her individual clients by helping them to implement an individualized routine and regimen using products available at Boketto.