About Us
Karie Wik
BA, CYT, LMBT - NC License 9134
Karie practices bodywork with the intention of supporting her clients in achieving their ideal level of wellness. She strongly believes that true health is holistic, encompassing the body, mind and emotional/spiritual landscapes, and that the key to any therapeutic treatment is working to find balance and increased awareness in these systems. Karie is a licensed massage and bodywork therapist and a certified yoga instructor through Lisa Clark’s EmbodiYoga™ program at the 230-hour level. She began the practice of yoga and meditation years ago and uses this experiential knowledge of the body in her massage work. Since taking her first yoga class in 1999 she has had the pleasure of being exposed to a great number of healers and teachers from all over the world, taking part in workshops, as well as working as seasonal staff for over two years at the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies in upstate New York. Karie continues to develop her skills by working toward a Claire Marie Miller Nurturing the Mother Pregnancy Massage Certification and participating in weekly training in Neuromuscular Massage and Myofascial Therapy. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance from the Pennsylvania State University, and played the French Horn in orchestras and chamber groups for many years.
Gin Brunssen
BS, CYT, LMBT - NC License 3018
Prior to founding the Ayurvedic Bodywork Center, Gin had the distinction of working at the Chopra Center for Wellbeing, founded by ayurvedic physician and author Deepak Chopra. Here she learned Ayurvedic Massage Therapy and Panchakarma administration. She served as Assistant Supervisor in the Chopra Center Spa before being recruited to work as Therapeutic Bodywork Team Lead at Wellspace, a large integrative healthcare center in Boston, MA. In her first years as a therapist, Gin concentrated on mastering Neuromuscular Therapy, attending continuing education with Paul St. John. She also obtained certifications in pregnancy massage, infant massage instruction, and Integrative Neuromuscular Myofascial Therapy. Gin also holds a B.S. degree in the field of human development and family studies.
Sami Clark
BS, BA, LMBT - NC License 3819
Sami received a B.S. in Economics and B.A. in Multidisciplinary Studies (with a concentration in Japanese Language and Culture) from North Carolina State University in 1996, and worked for almost 5 years in the computer industry before realizing that massage was her true calling. She graduated from Medical Arts Massage School in Raleigh in April of 2003 and has been practicing massage full-time since May of that year. Sami's passion is working with people to help alleviate pain from injury, stress, and chronic issues. She blends elements of Trigger Point, Medical Massage, Deep Tissue, Swedish, and Sports Massage techniques to create a unique session tailored to each client's needs. She believes in not only easing the effects of, but also addressing the causes of soft tissue dysfunction in order to provide a pathway back to wellness. She approaches each concern with empathy, inquisitiveness, and the knowledge accumulated over years of experience. Sami currently holds both North Carolina and National Licensure in Massage and Bodywork. She also received her Medical Massage certification in January 2007. Sami has been a yoga student for 10 years, and may also be found running, strength training, reading, eagerly consuming music, and/or knitting in her free time.
Reuben Schooler
RYT, LMBT - NC License 7808
Reuben discovered his innate desire and ability as a healer through the spiritual science of yoga. Since that time, Reuben has devoted himself to the study and practice of radiant health and well being. As a young adult, Reuben was an active runner, rugby player and beach volleyballer. Later, Reuben turned to the practice of yoga postures to heal his body and mind from stress that manifested as various chronic dis-ease conditions. In 2001, Reuben became a Certified Personal Trainer with NETA and in 2004 became a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher with the Yoga Alliance. In 2005, he met his teacher, Dr. Samuel Sasu of Ghana (West Africa). Studying Ayurveda with Dr. Sasu led Reuben to become a licensed massage therapist in early 2008. Reuben is licensed by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork. Reuben earned his Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Duke University in 1987 and enjoyed a successful twenty year career in the Information Technology industry. Reuben has traveled extensively in North and South America, Africa, the Caribbean and Europe and is grateful for the opportunity to bring a world of experience to his offerings as an Ayurveda practitioner, massage therapist, and yoga teacher.