ABOUT US

FERNANDA SANTIAGO

FOUNDER, CERTIFIED AROMATHERAPIST, LMBT

For inquiries:

919-297-8445

info@apexretreatseminars.com

Born in the Island of Puerto Rico, Fernanda Santiago has always had a passion for wellness and helping people get healthy.  Her great grandmother was a midwife, herbalist and considered by many to be an expert in the use of natural healing compounds. This knowledge of herbal medicine and natural healing has been passed down for generations. Fernanda was introduced to Aromatic Botanical Medicine early in her career and has specialized in Aromatherapy for 20 years. She has also trained in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and mentored by Acupuncture Physicians, and Botanists, gaining hands on experience. She has studied with both Floracopeia and The School of Aromatic Studies.She loves gardening, the outdoors and creating custom formulations for her clients. She has a private practice in Apex, NC named Healing Feels Good®. Here she provides consultations, Aromatherapy treatments & formulations as well as bodywork sessions such as Reflexology, Thai Massage and Thai Herbal Poultice treatments.

She is the co-founder of Apex Retreat Seminars, a nationally approved continuing education school for massage therapist and is a Level 2 NAHA Certified Professional Aromatherapist.

She loves to share her knowledge and passion for helping others using traditional methods of healing.

Rapeewan Kannawat (Gail)

LMBT

Gail, born and raised in Thailand, brings a rich cultural heritage and deep passion for holistic healing to her role as an instructor at our continuing education school. With a dedicated focus on enhancing student practices and promoting client well-being, Gail specializes in Table Thai Massage and Thai Foot Massage. Her teaching philosophy integrates traditional Thai techniques with modern practices, empowering students to work smarter and support their clients' health and healing goals effectively. Gail’s extensive knowledge and genuine enthusiasm make her a valuable asset to our program and a source of inspiration for all who work with her.

Danielle Jones

LMBT

With six years of dedicated experience in massage therapy, Danielle Jones brings a passion for health, fitness, and wellness to Apex Retreat Seminars. She believes that everyone deserves a pain-free life and empowers others with the skills and knowledge for self-care.



Danielle has honed her expertise in a variety of settings, including pain management clinics, chiropractic offices, and luxury spas, where she mastered techniques such as Deepfeet ashiatsu, deep tissue, table Thai, and cupping. Her diverse background enables her to provide customized, effective bodywork to her clients.

Outside of hands-on work, Danielle actively engages on social media to inspire other massage therapists, sharing insights on finding joy and fulfillment in the profession. Her passion for growth and skillful practice makes her an invaluable member of the Apex Retreat Seminars instructor team.

Elijah Dougherty

Elijah Dougherty, a 36-year-old veteran of the US Army hailing from Austin, Texas, has forged a diverse path encompassing multiple realms of wellness. As a dedicated practitioner and teacher of yoga, he found solace and strength in his spiritual practice, intertwining meditation and yoga to nurture both body and soul. With eight years of experience as a massage therapist, Elijah honed his skills in various modalities, ultimately specializing in therapeutic and deep tissue techniques. His journey led him to Thailand, where he immersed himself in the rich tapestry of Thai culture, infusing traditional Thai massage with Western practices while deeply respecting the cultural heritage of Thailand. Elijah's passion for authenticity led him to seek out and incorporate genuine traditional Thai techniques, which he now shares eagerly with fellow American therapists, fostering a deeper appreciation for the holistic art form rooted in centuries-old traditions.

REBECCA BRUMFIELD

LMT, CERTIFIED CUPPING THERAPIST

Rebecca currently resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, but her love of traveling and mentoring women in the health & wellness industry allows her to help other women grow their business. She has a deep passion for Mother Earth & spending time out in nature hiking and camping with her rescue dog. Her current project is self-converting a tiny school bus into her very own “spa mobile” which will allow her to take her bodywork skills on-the-go! Rebecca is the founder of Badass Bodyworkers, a supportive online community of encouraging, badass go-getters and goal-diggers who help each other overcome their fears and blocks, attract their ideal clients, and set boundaries needed in order to grow a thriving, profitable business that allows women to rock their wellness business without stress and burnout. Rebecca Brumfield is the owner of Nomadic Bodyworks, founder of Badass Bodyworkers, Podcaster, Queen of Cupping Therapy, Massage Magazine Author, Bodywork Mentor, Industry Educator, Spa and Wellness Industry Concierge, World Massage Hall of Famer, Aquarius, ENFP, Enneagram7, & Die Hard Taco Lover.