About Us
Why choose Bull City Massage Therapy?
We do things a little different around here. Our massage therapists function as a team and we are committed to always go above and beyond for our clients. When you choose to visit BCMT, you receive access to a team of skilled massage therapists with a singular goal....
to help YOU on your wellness journey.
Each of us has a unique massage style and we utilize different therapeutic techniques. You may find that you prefer to stay with one therapist or rotate between us as needed but the focus is 100% on you. We provide custom, therapeutic sessions tailored to your specific needs to help you find balance in your body and your daily life. During your initial appointment, we review your medical history to ensure the highest standard of care. Follow-up sessions include a review of your history and a discussion of new issues or concerns since your last session. Please let us know if anything needs to be adjusted for you during your session (massage pressure, table temperature, room temperature, music selection or volume, etc.).
We use organic/vegan massage products by Sacred Earth, raw organic shea butters, organic coconut and jojoba oil and Professional Biotone products.
Nicole Pavlus, LMBT, NC #18212
Nicole, (she/her) completed massage training in 2000 from the Desert Institute of the Healing Arts in Tucson, AZ. She practiced massage in various settings before working with private clientele for 12 years in Fairfield County, CT. Nicole provides a healing environment where her years of experience shine through in sessions and leave clients feeling deeply rejuvenated. Nicole went on to earn her BA in Psychology at Smith College and now works full time as a Clinical Research Coordinator in a hospital setting. Her love and passion for massage and bodywork ensures Nicole remains active in the field part time. In her spare time, Nicole spends time with her husband, daughter, dog and friends. She is an avid reader, and enjoys travel and theatre.
Modalities: Swedish, Deep Tissue, Myofascial, Hot Stone, Cupping, Pre-natal, TMJ, Traditional Thai Massage
North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy License # 18212
American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) Member 112022 Professional Member since 2002
B.A. Psychology 2011, Smith College
Liz Wood, LMBT, NC #16993
Liz has been licensed in massage therapy and bodywork since 2009. A natural healer, she was drawn to massage after ten years of practicing Reiki energy healing. Liz specializes in combining Swedish and Deep Tissue massage to create a relaxing, mindful, and therapeutic treatment catered to each client’s specific needs. She values building and adapting long-term treatment plans and providing outstanding service. Her modalities include Cranio-Sacral Therapy, Hot Stone Massage, Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial Release, Sports Massage, Integrative Reflexology, Cupping Therapy, Lymphatic Massage, Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage and Reiki Energy Healing. A transplant from Cincinnati, Ohio, she is busy exploring the Bull City, enjoying southern fare, expanding her yoga practice, and staying indoors knitting and drinking tea with her partner and kitties!
Reiki Third Degree Master/Practioner (Usui Shiki Ryoho System) 2006 Cranio-Sacral Therapy 2008
American Massage Therapy Association Member (AMTA) 2009
SHI Medical Massage School, Lebanon OH 2009
Ohio State Massage Therapy License #33.017722, 2009
National Certification Board for therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) 2010
Integrative Reflexology 2018
Lymphatic for Detox Massage 2022
North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy License #16993
Jillian Gillespie, LMBT NC #21686
Jillian attended massage therapy school on not much more than a whim in 2014, but quickly became passionate about both the bodywork and the science behind it. She attended the National Holistic Institute in Santa Ana, California and graduated from their 1,350-hour advanced neuromuscular therapy program in 2016. Jillian has continued her education through a Master's degree in integrative exercise physiology from Temple University, but has always remained connected to massage therapy. She believes in both the physical and mental benefits of massage, and enjoys combining therapeutic work with relaxation techniques to fully maximize the therapeutic outcome. With experience in spa, chiropractic, and clinical settings, she loves to customize every massage to the client's specific needs.
Professional Memberships and Certifications:
North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy License #21686
B.S. Exercise Science, University of Delaware, 2019
M.S. Integrative Exercise Physiology, Temple University, 2021
ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist
American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) Member
Jameson Chapman, LMBT NC #22105
A graduate of Durham Tech in July of 2024, Jameson specializes in Swedish, Deep Tissue, Myofascial Release, Active Assisted Stretching and Hot Stone Massage.
Jameson discovered a passion for fitness and movement through rock climbing and lifting in 2019. He became a certified personal trainer during the pandemic and found his passion for helping people manage pain through gaining strength, learning proper technique, and myofascial release. Chapman managed a local private gym and trained clients for nearly four years. While working with his client's physical therapists, he learned to appreciate the benefits of massage and sought to expand his knowledge. His gentle, authentic, and kind nature are the first things you notice about Jameson.
He encourages others to value self care, meditation, and time spent enjoying their interests. As such, his energy is often spent rock climbing, lifting, and reading. Chapman also a self-proclaimed nerd who loves everything from Star Wars to Lord of the Rings.
Professional Memberships and Certifications:
North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy License #22105
Certified Personal Trainer
Climbing Instructor
B.A. Social Studies and History, Minor in Education,
Cleveland State University, 2014
American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) Member
Valentina White, LMBT NC #19273
Valentina graduated from the Carolina Massage Institute in 2019 and believes massage therapy is an essential part of recovery and overall well-being. She creates a calm, restorative space where clients can heal and reconnect with their bodies.
Her training includes Swedish massage, Therapeutic massage, Cupping, PNF stretching, and Manual Lymphatic Drainage techniques. In 2021, she completed her pediatric/youth rotation, and she is currently expanding her work to include geriatric-focused care. Valentina blends the modalities above to tailor every session and provides simple at-home guidance so clients can continue their healing beyond the table.
Professional Memberships and Certifications:
North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy License #19273
Associate in Arts, Guilford Technical Community College, 2020
Associated Massage and Bodywork Professionals (AMBP) Member
Janelle Ward, LMBT NC #18423
Janelle is a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Massage & Bodywork Therapist with a passion for helping clients improve their well-being. Her approach to massage therapy is intuitive, focusing on the body’s natural signals and offering a balance of relaxation and therapeutic benefits. She blends a variety of techniques—including Swedish, Deep Tissue, Myofascial Release, Cupping Therapy, and Thai Massage—creating customized sessions tailored to each client’s needs.
After a brief hiatus working in the real estate industry during the pandemic, she is thrilled to return to her roots in massage therapy, bringing empathy, meticulous care, and a rejuvenating touch to her sessions. Prior to the pandemic, she provided post-race massage for endurance athletes with Bike MS and has since continued expanding her expertise with specialized training, including a 12-day study abroad intensive in Thai Massage with the International Training Massage School (ITM) in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Her approach to massage is deeply informed by her background in business, health studies, and ongoing education in Thai massage and holistic bodywork.
Originally from Winston-Salem, NC, Janelle relocated to the Triangle area in 2013 to pursue a degree in Business Administration at NC State with a minor in Health, Medicine, and Human Values. A 2019 graduate of Wake Technical Community College, she quickly obtained her NC massage license and began her career focusing on a holistic approach to physical wellness. Janelle is a lifelong learner who looks forward to continuing her education in public health, aiming to integrate broader health paradigms into her practice, and intending to pursue a Master of Public Health in the near future.
Professional Memberships and Certifications:
North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy License #18423
B.S., Business Administration, North Carolina State University, 2017
American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) Member
Nicholas Grey, LMBT NC #12934
Nic is a dedicated massage therapist with a deep passion for promoting holistic well-being. He graduated from the Massage and Bodywork Therapy program at Gaston College in 2012, and practiced for four years before taking a hiatus in 2016 to pursue other interests. His unwavering commitment to the field, coupled with a desire to support mental health, led him to reacquire massage therapy licensure in 2025. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Nic recognizes the essential connection between mental and physical wellness, which allows him to create a calming environment conducive to relaxation and healing. As a veteran, he brings discipline and a strong sense of responsibility to his clients and his practice. In his free time, Nic enjoys weight lifting, outdoor activities, hiking, and attending live music events. An avid reader, he is dedicated to continuously seeking knowledge to enhance his massage therapy education and provide the best care for his clients. Nic specializes in Swedish, Therapeutic, Deep Tissue and Sports Massage.
Professional Memberships and Certifications:
North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy License # 12934
American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) Member
B.S., Psychology, Grand Canyon University, 2014
USMC Veteran
Parker Akumabor, LMBT NC #19252
Parker Akumabor is a gentle, kind-natured and skilled massage therapist with a passion for helping others achieve optimal wellness. Originally from Durham, she graduated from Cortiva Institute in Baltimore, MD in 2018, and began providing massage therapy sessions there before returning home. Specializing in Swedish, Deep Tissue, Hot Stone, Prenatal, Gua Sha, and Cupping, Parker is dedicated to tailoring each session to meet the specific needs of her clients. Whether performing body treatments or therapeutic and relaxing bodywork sessions, she believes in creating a nurturing environment where individuals can tap into their body's natural healing abilities and emerge as their best selves.
Professional Memberships and Certifications:
BA in Communication Studies, 2015 Towson University - Towson, MD
North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy License #19252
American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA)
Sadaria Price, LMBT NC #23041
Sadaria is a newly licensed massage therapist who is passionate about starting her career journey. A Navy veteran and graduate of Cornerstone Holistic Institute, she brings a grounded, intuitive approach to bodywork.
Sadaria’s background as a water instructor influences her style—steady, rhythmic, and focused on helping clients breathe, soften, and release stored tension. She aims to create sessions that support both relaxation and functional ease, meeting clients where they are and tailoring each treatment to their needs.
With a creative eye and strong attention to detail, Sadaria approaches massage much like her artwork: with intention, patience, and a focus on form. She enjoys helping clients understand their bodies, unwind patterns of tension, and discover a greater sense of comfort and mobility.
Outside the treatment room, she continues exploring new artistic projects and stays active through her love of swimming.
North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy License # 23041
AMBP Member
US Navy Veteran
Susan Falyar, LMT, MMT, LMBT NC #18245
Susan spent 12 years as an EMT and Aerospace Medical Technician in the U.S. Air Force before discovering a passion for massage therapy and its healing benefits. She attended Lotus Professional College in Richmond, Virginia, graduating top of her class in May 2015. Susan founded KS Massage Therapy in Burlington, Iowa and in 2018, her practice was awarded Best of The Best in Massage Therapy for Southeast Iowa. In 2019, a family move brought her to Durham, NC where she opened Bull City Massage Therapy. Susan believes fully in the body's ability to heal itself if given proper nutrition, nurturing, meditation and balance. She is certified and licensed to practice massage therapy in North Carolina and Virginia and has multifaceted experience working with athletes of all levels and ages. Susan's massage technique is best described as smooth and flowing. Pressure can be adjusted for any preference but her signature smooth flow transition throughout the session promotes deep relaxation and presence.
Susan is currently the only MMT (Master Myoskeletal Therapist) in Durham, NC.
Professional Memberships and Certifications:
North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy License # 18245
Iowa Board of Massage Therapy License #079972
Virginia Board of Nursing Certified Massage Therapist #0019013617
Master Myoskeletal Therapist MMT, 2024
Erik Dalton Certified Myoskeletal Therapist 2022
Bamboo-fusion Certified 2016
American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) Member
USAV IMPACT Certified
SafeSport Current
Background Screening through USAV since 2011
USAF Veteran