Michele Baker, R.M.P Since 2011, Licensed Esthetician since 2019

Baltimore School of Massage in Linthicum, MD
Chesapeake School of Esthetics in Arnold, MD

I believe that a healthy mind and body are the foundation of a healthy, fulfilling life. My journey into Massage Therapy began after an injury that left me with significant pain, swelling, and a limited range of motion in my upper back and neck. At the recommendation of my chiropractor, I sought massage therapy to help reduce inflammation and restore movement.

After just one therapeutic session, I was able to turn my head with ease. I hadn’t realized how restricted I had become until those muscles finally released. Over the next six months, follow-up and maintenance sessions helped me avoid pain medication and even surgery. That experience changed me—and it inspired me to help others heal through the same powerful, holistic approach.

I believe no two hands are the same, and therefore no two massage therapists are the same. I customize every session to fit the unique needs of each client. Today, I am proud to work alongside a team of therapists and estheticians who share the same values, prioritize client-centered care, and appreciate the benefits of alternative wellness.

Outside of the studio, I’m passionate about many things—my children, my pets, my plants, animals of all kinds, delicious food, traveling, and the incredible way the human body moves, communicates, and heals. Anatomy, physiology, movement, and energy work have always fascinated me. Some of my favorite moments are the simple ones: seeing a client bend to tie a shoe or put on their coat with less pain after a session. Those small improvements mean everything.

When I work, I use my hands to “see.” I don’t just feel the surface—I feel the layers beneath it. I visualize the structure of the muscles and understand where they should be and how they should function. I also understand pain on a personal level. I know how it moves, how it can refer to other areas of the body, and how it impacts mood, sleep, energy, and overall quality of life.

In 2019, I was diagnosed with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. A client referred me to an integrative health doctor, and after two years of reviewing my history, symptoms, and testing, we finally had an answer. From there, a new chapter began.

Alongside my integrative doctor and physiatrist, I learned to manage pain more naturally. I incorporated yoga, aerial yoga, paddleboarding, and low-impact strength training. I also discovered that certain “healthy” foods—like mushrooms, tomatoes, avocados, and eggplant—triggered inflammation and GI issues for me, leading to a personalized nutrition approach that changed my life.

Around the same time, I began caring for plants and gardening. What started as a hobby became a form of therapy. Gardening is essentially horticultural therapy—it reduces anxiety and depression, boosts mood, and supports both physical and mental well-being. The healing that comes from simply tending to a plant is something I bring into the energy and environment of my practice.

If you’ve been with me since before 2019, you’ve likely seen the evolution of my practice: Thanksgiving 5k’s with clients, goat yoga events, grounding retreats, a growing plant collection, new styles and modalities of bodywork, and shifts in music and studio aesthetics. Every change reflects something I learned on my personal journey—and I bring those positive, healing elements into Synergy every day.

My mission is simple: to create a space where people feel supported, understood, and empowered in their healing. Massage therapy changed my life, and now I’m honored to share that same restorative, holistic care with every person who walks through our doors.

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) is a heritable connective tissue disorder that causes generalized joint hypermobility, joint instability, and chronic pain. hEDS is also associated with a variety of other symptoms and related conditions that affect many different areas of the body. 

- The Ehlers-Danlos Society

Nationally Certified 2011

Board Certified Since 2015 

What does Board Certified mean?

Board Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork represents the highest attainable credential within the massage therapy and bodywork profession. Board Certification is a separate credential above and beyond entry-level massage therapy licensure.

As Board Certification is voluntary, its achievement represents the highest level of commitment to clients and to the advancement of the massage therapy and bodywork profession. Board Certificants must meet higher standards of education and experience, as well as pass a rigorous exam that tests massage therapy and bodywork technique and application, critical thinking, communication, law, ethics, evaluation, documentation, and planning

 

NCBTMB is the only certifying body for the massage therapy and bodywork profession. For that reason, NCBTMB’s certification processes are founded upon a superior Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, which all Board Certificants must adhere too. Like our Certificants, the advancement of the profession and the improvement of client care is our focus.

There are many things I am passionate about, my kids, my pets (all animals), plants, crafting when I can and massage. Seeing a client after a session and watching them put on a coat or bend to tie a shoe with less pain and greater ease is very rewarding.  Im a life time student alternative healthcare is my way of life, to learn it, to practice it and to share it. 

 

Nationally Certified 2011

Board Certified Since 2015 

What does Board Certified mean?

Board Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork represents the highest attainable credential within the massage therapy and bodywork profession. Board Certification is a separate credential above and beyond entry-level massage therapy licensure.

As Board Certification is voluntary, its achievement represents the highest level of commitment to clients and to the advancement of the massage therapy and bodywork profession. Board Certificate holders must meet higher standards of education and experience, as well as pass a rigorous exam that tests massage therapy and bodywork technique and application, critical thinking, communication, law, ethics, evaluation, documentation, and planning

NCBTMB is the only certifying body for the massage therapy and bodywork profession. For that reason, NCBTMB’s certification processes are founded upon a superior Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, which all Board Certificants must adhere to.  The advancement of the profession and the improvement of client care is our focus.

Sarah Knapp, Licensed Esthetician since 2019

Massage Thearpists:

Travis

Tierra

Alice

Sabrina

Crystal