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
Leigh Jacobs, LMBT, NC #20954
Leigh is deeply passionate about one on one therapeutic care. Though she is hesitant to call herself a “healer”, from the second you meet her, you feel the profound sense of calm, supportive energy she brings to every treatment session. A 2014 graduate of The Center for Massage and Natural Health in Asheville, NC, she began her massage career in Savannah, GA and later moved to Washington, DC. It was here where she fell in love with The Trager Approach (mindful movement education) and obtained certification as a practitioner in 2019. Before becoming a Massage Therapist, she worked for seven years as a Direct Care Provider for people with developmental disabilities. In 2021, her deep-rooted compassion for others brought her to Brooklyn, NY to work as a Professional Cuddler and provide support to touch deprived individuals through the pandemic.
Leigh loves educating her clients in movement based self-care, empowering them to find their own body’s “rhythm”. “When we take the time to listen to our bodies, through movement, we can move out of dis-ease and into joy and freedom.”
North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy License # 20954
The Traeger Approach Certification Level IV, 2019-2021
Yoga Teacher Training, 2014
B.A. Communications 2007, UNC Greensboro
Erica Diamant, LMBT, NC #16119
A 2017 graduate of The Body Therapy Institute in Siler City, NC, Erica is an energetic and caring Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist. Passionate about helping clients relax, rehabilitate and recover from injuries and medical conditions, she delivers targeted massage services to transform physical conditions and boost long-term recovery. Though Erica has been licensed since 2017, she has just recently begun working full time in her massage therapy career.
North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy License #16119
B.A. Psychology, 2008 UNC Asheville
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
Susan Falyar, LMT, 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.
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
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
ACUPUNCTURE Katie Depre LAc., LMBT NC, FABORM, MTOM, NCCAOM License #2193, #20838
Katie graduated Magna cum Laude with a 4-year Master’s Degree from Emperor’s College of Traditional East-Asian Medicine. She then went on to shadow her mentor in a fertility clinic for 3 years. Working as a massage therapist since 2009, Katie realized that the physical manifestations of disease and discomfort had roots in nervous system dysregulation, hormone imbalance, and emotional friction. This led her to study Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine in order to treat disease at a deeper level. Katie aims to educate patients about small, manageable steps in order to improve their lifestyles and ultimately their human experience. She is a Nationally Certified Diplomate of Acupuncture and a Fellow of the Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine Board of Reproduction.
Katie specializes in fertility, prenatal support, menstrual pain, PMDD, menopause, digestive balance, pain, and emotional ease.
Originally from Chicago, Katie spent 10 years in Los Angeles before moving to Durham in 2023 to be closer to her husband’s family. She loves her new community, the immersion in nature, and all the local live music! When not treating patients, you can find Katie at any and all live music performances, working on restoring her historic home, or cuddling with one of her many rescue animals!
Professional Memberships and Certifications:
National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
Fellow of the Acupuncture and TCM Board of Reproductive Medicine
North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy License #20838
Master of Traditional Oriental Medicine, Emperor's College of Traditional East-Asian Medicine, Culver City, CA