“With 28 years of experience working at NYC's highest rated hotel, I wish I could list the names of some of the most famous A-Listers that will only request these two humans!"
- Randy Ross, Concierge at The Four Seasons Hotel, NYC
Passionate lovers of life and business, Anne-Margaret and Anthony sold their NYC yoga studio and spa (est. 2001) in 2019 to grow Giving Tree Wellness. With a cumulative 45+ years of luxury wellness experience between them, this power couple have each served the clientele of Manhattan's highest rated hotels and luxury residences since 2001. Organic in its origin, Giving Tree Wellness was birthed out of necessity when their healing center began demanding more time, leaving less availability to meet the exponential uptick in private clientele requests. It was in 2009 when they began building their wellness team, personally vetting each practitioner and training them in 5-star service. Having taught on 5 continents and in 50 US cities, this husband and wife team have made it their mission to raise the vibration of humanity.
Anne-Margaret
A renowned celebrity trainer, interfaith minister and community organizer, Anne-Margaret has worked intimately with people of all backgrounds, resulting in a clear understanding of what success looks like, inside and out. Creator of Chakra Yoga™, AromaYIN™ and the Total Training Workout™, her three signature styles were designed from her unique training, experience and perspective. An accomplished pianist, vocalist and composer, Anne-Margaret has released two albums of original music and has authored the spiritual workbook: Raise The Vibration, A Weekly Guide for Alchemizing the Human Experience.
Spearheading the 5d ascension,Anne-Margaret’s gift of Akashic Record channeling awakened in 2015 with involuntary movements and mudras, evolving into allowing Spirit to speak directly through her voice. In hindsight, Anne-Margaret was being prepared for this gift when she founded a spiritual community and yoga studio in NYC. It was at this center where she spent 18 years leading, teaching and developing programs designed to rewire the brain and align the energetic chakra system by integrating practical spirituality and archetypal wisdom. Amazing with beginners, Anne-Margaret has the unique capability of demystifying the most challenging of esoteric concepts, making them accessible while teaching how to practically, logically develop Spiritual Intelligence.
Anthony
An expert in luxury service, Anthony began his career as a massage therapist, working for the most famous luxury hotel spas in NYC. With over 20 years of experience and an unshakeable devotion to excellence, he has mentored countless spa and fitness practitioners in the art of heart-centered service. Developing trainings that provide professionals with a sturdy bridge into 5-star standards, Anthony holds the space for these gifted healers to increase their expertise and refine their points of service.
As a therapist, Anthony is known for his unparalleled gifts in utilizing physical and energetic healing techniques. Also certified as a Reiki, Kundalini Yoga and Chakra Yoga Practitioner, Anthony’s grasp of the critical role of breathwork and chakra wisdom in long-term healing, plays a vital role in his work.
Serving the most diverse county in the world, Anthony’s yoga studio and spa in Astoria, NYC provided the opportunity to partner with his wife in creating an inclusive, high-vibrational community of healing. This experience continues to inspire him in creating opportunities for cultivating community through conscious leadership.
Spa Team
Adriana - Massage
Adriana is a licensed massage therapist whose clientele is as versatile as her specialized modalities in massage therapy. Clients range from centurions to infants and from office workers to professional athletes. Her training includes Swedish Massage, Shiatsu, Thai Yoga Massage, Pre-natal and infant massage, myofascial/trigger point release and sports massage. Before becoming an LMT, Adriana was a professional ballet dancer for over 30 years, which provided extensive knowledge of injuries, rehabilitation, and self-care. As a dance and early childhood physical ed instructor, Adriana is familar with helping develop strenth and flexibility in her students as well as recognizing limits of range of motion. This led her to a certification in pre-natal and infant massage, so that theraputic touch can begin at the earliest stages of life. Adriana's lifelong journey with the arts - performing and healing - is what contributes to her professional and intuitive pproach as an LMT.
Christian - Massage
Christian combines his two decades in the health and wellness industry to provide deeply relaxing massage therapy. Through breath, massage and energy work, he specializes in calming the nervous system to allow your body the opportunity for optimal healing. With a passion for creating a restorative space to decompress and find rejuvenation, Christian offers a multi-faceted embodiment journey, tailored to your every need. His unique style of massage promotes increased mental and physical well-being by alleviating the effects of poor sleep and the impact of psychological, social and physical stressors.
Hong Lan - Massage
HongLan Tao is a licensed massage therapist and acupuncturist with a deep passion for helping people. A graduate of ASA and New York college of health professions, she joined our team on 2018 and receives the highest feedback from our loyal guests who adore her treatments. Expertise in stress relief utilizing orthopedic Swedish massage, Hong is also proficient in myofascial, deep tissue, lymphatic drainage, Maya abdominal massage and acupressure. HongLan delights in mixing Eastern and Western wisdom, integrating acupuncture and massage, to increase overall wellness by relieving tension, alleviating pain, and improving circulation.
Maribel - Massage
Maribel Gil, LMT is a wellness professional who is influenced by a deep foundation in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Tui Na. Integrating various modalities including traditional Swedish and Deep Tissue with trigger points, myofascial, joint mobilization and realignment of soft tissue, she specializes in prenatal and therapeutic massage. Maribel integrates breath and movement into a collaboration of healing mindfulness, greatly influenced by her lifelong studies of music, yoga and dance.
Vicki - Massage, Yoga
Vicki is fully dedicated to and passionate about the healing arts. A New York Licensed Massage Therapist since 1994, she has exceptional medical massage skills and is a Certified Reiki Master (450 hours). Vicki is currently a teaching assistant to Donna Eden, a world-renowned Reiki healer and best-selling author. Having devoted much of her life to being a professional dancer, Vicki also pursued certification as a Yoga Instructor, integrating kinesthetic awareness and knowledge of body movement into her work. Energy medicine and essential oils are also included in her massage sessions to amplify the healing benefits, thus creating a highly transformative experience for her clients.
Alicia - Massage
Alicia is a graduate of Massage Therapy from the Swedish Institute in New York City. She specializes in Deep Tissue, Sports and Swedish Massage which help to encourage full body awareness and relaxation for those who may be dealing with the stressors of busy city life. Her goal for each session is to create a therapeutic and collaborative environment geared to her client’s specific needs in order to achieve a feeling of oneness in the body.
Angie - Massage
For over 15 years, Angie has provided luxury massage therapy and acupuncture in China and NYC. One of our most requested practitioners, she is extremely proficient in deep tissue, lymphatic drainage, Swedish, hot stone, Thai and reflexology. Angie’s speciality is integrating both massage and acupuncture to improve circulation, promote relaxation and relieve stress and pain. Many of our regulars request her to help relieve headaches, as she can quickly address the contributing muscle groups with absolute precision. Angie feels so blessed to be on the team of Giving Tree Wellness healers!
Denise - Massage
A Massage Therapist since 2006, Denise has dedicated herself to providing healing and therapeutic bodywork for clients in a multitude of settings. She provides a stellar massage experience for clients by applying diverse skills in bodywork to alleviate pain and discomfort and release deeply held stress and tension. Her modalities include Deep Tissue, Sports, Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial Release, Stretching, Reflexology and Prenatal. With polished presentation and commitment to service, she provides an exceptional 5-star experience for all of her clients. When Denise is not working, she can be found hiking, doing yoga and walking her two rescue Terriers.
Kory - Massage
A graduate of The Swedish Institute of Science, Kory is a licensed massage therapist, proficient in medical, Swedish, myofascial release, sports, Shiatsu, aromatherapy, and chair massage. As a child, Kory was fascinated by the medical field and possessed a strong desire to help others. Since he didn’t go to college for medicine, Kory helped in other ways by giving family and friends massages...then made it a career. Kory is passionate about doing his part in helping people move away from their overdependency on pharmaceutical solutions towards a more holistic approach. A detailed-oriented professional with an extensive understanding of Anatomy and Myology, Kory thoroughly enjoys his work and is dedicated to making a difference in the medical field. His mission to foster a healthier perspective towards wellness and healing, seeks to reduce stress, discomfort, and pain for his clients.
Pam - Massage, Pilates
Pam Pardi, a graduate of the Swedish Institute, is a licensed massage therapist specializing in Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Pre-natal massage. As a former professional ballet dancer and a Pilates instructor for over 20 years, she brings her extensive background in exercise and physiology to her massage therapy, helping to increase mobility and correct patterns that reduce pain. Pam is currently working towards a Soma Therapy certificate (Guy Voyer, DO), a modality focusing on muscle energy, fascial normalization and joint mobilization. She's passionate about bringing more kinesthetic awareness and embodiment to her clients' daily activities and often offers take-home exercises to further their healing.
Giuliana - Massage, Esthetician
Giuliana is a licensed massage therapist and esthetician for over a decade. She is a graduate of The Swedish Institute of Health Sciences and Atelier Esthetique. A native New Yorker, Giuliana is acutely aware of the daily stresses we face, and is determined to help her clients feel relieved, relaxed, and reenergized. Well versed in Swedish, sports, and lymphatic drainage, she also specializes in deep tissue, myo-fascial release, Trigger Point Therapy, and prenatal massage. Giuliana's positive, attentive, and gracious presence ensures that every massage is personally tailored to the requests and needs of each client.
Marc - Massage
They say if you love what you do, then you’re good at it… Marc certainly knows this to be true! As a graduate of The Swedish Institute, he has practiced his love of massage therapy since 2004. With extensive experience at NYC luxury spas (The Ritz-Carlton, The Waldorf, The Plaza), Marc masterfully brings a 5-star experience. Having worked alongside chiropractors and physical therapists, Marc has the ability to tailor his approach, utilizing a variety of techniques personalized to address specific needs. With his passion for learning, Marc believes that we have the potential to never stop growing...and that this is truly the beauty of life!
Selma - Massage
Selma Ortega is a dual practitioner, with a License as a Physical Therapist Assistant and Massage Therapist. With 10 years of invaluable experience in the rehabilitation field, she has worked with a diverse age group on an array of conditions. With the nickname "Golden Hands," clients acknowledge her exceptional manual therapy skills to ease pain and intuit needs. Selma takes pride in customizing therapeutic exercises and massage techniques to increase strength, ROM, balance, and coordination to promote functional independence in daily activities. Recognizing the importance of continuing education, Selma's passion for learning continues to expand her offerings and expertise.
Visola - Massage
Visola was trained at The Swedish Institue and specializes in prenatal, Swedish, deep tissue, myofascial, ischemic compression, and shiatsu massages. In every session, she strives for relaxation, recovery, and the release of negative energy. By releasing, the client can transform their relationship with their body.
Fitness & Yoga Team
An eternal student at heart, Alex seeks to expand his knowledge at every turn. This craving for learning informs his teaching style and helps him meet students where they are, whether at a yoga studio or in a boardroom. Alex is certified as a yoga teacher through Giving Tree, with Anne-Margaret Redding, and a meditation teacher through Mindfulness Meditation, with Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach. His humorous, down-to-earth style invites students to logically apply esoteric teachings to their everyday life. For Alex, yoga is a mindfulness exercise to look within, as well as a moving meditation, where the breath leads and we follow.
Alex S - Yoga
Donna - Yoga, Total Training
Donna loves everything Yoga! Yoga gives her a way to connect with her deep passion for the creative and performing arts, which ultimately led her to teaching. After completing a 200-hr YTT certification from Bayside’s Vitality Yoga & Tai Chi Studio, she stumbled upon the Giving Tree Yoga Studio in Astoria. Immediately falling in love with the atmosphere that the owners of the studio (Anne-Margaret & Anthony) created, her hunger and thirst to learn more from them continued to grow more and more upon each visit. She found her inner voice beckoning her to sign up for the Fall 2015 Chakra Yoga Teacher Training Program, and she is so happy that she did! Her desire is to enhance her knowledge further so that she can teach with as much love, passion, compassion & nurturing as she found at The Giving Tree.
Julie - Yoga
Julie received her 200 hour certification at Princeton Center for Yoga and Health in Skillman, NJ in 2012, and is also a certified kids' yoga instructor. Julie has taught Pilates, yoga, and dance to all levels, kids/ teens yoga to multiple ages, and chair yoga and exercise to seniors. Julie’s classes balance flow and fun with breathing and letting go. She believes that fitness is about finding the fun and enjoyment, and loves helping her students find what works best for their bodies!
Craig - Personal Training
Craig is a native New Yorker with 10 years of experience as a personal trainer and nutrition coach in Manhattan. His athletic background is in cycling and boxing while these days he specializes in strength, conditioning, weight loss and bodybuilding style workouts which produce a fit aesthetic physique and functional strength. Drawing from experience training clients from all walks of life and fitness levels, each workout is specifically designed for you to reach your fitness goals. Workouts are challenging but fun and certainly get results as his many satisfied clients can attest to. Craig is a certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach through the International Sports Science Association and has also completed training the Equinox Academy EFTI. A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC with a degree in fashion photography. Craig is also an avid photographer when not in the gym.
Jonathan - Marathon Training
Bio coming soon!
Dani - Personal Training
Dani is a NASM certified personal trainer and AFAA certified group instructor, specializing in Barre. She is also a marathon runner and fitness enthusiast herself who hopes to help others find fun moving their bodies! She understands that no two clients are the same, and her favorite part about developing programs for people is getting to be creative and finding what best suits the individual- whether that's a workout that leaves them dripping sweat and exhausted or functional training where they barely realize that the dancing or playing they did was in fact exercising!
Jose - Personal Training
Jose M. is highly motivated and knowledgeable trainer with over 14 years of experience and his background of baseball and volleyball helps guide clients into fitness programs; design and monitoring exercise programs based on clients goals, needs, and physical abilities. Understanding of the core, functional training, nutrition, body weight exercises, weight training, yoga, pilates, kick boxing, athletic and conditioning, corrective exercises, injury prevention makes the the session fun and safe.
Rachel - Yoga, Personal Training
Originally from Winnipeg, Canada-Rachel adventured to NYC and more recently followed her heart to Jersey City. She has a deep love for the healing aspects of yoga and having spent her career in the performing arts, she has always felt
connected to expressing herself through her body and voice. Her playful energy accompanies her classes as she sets the tone for building strength, a physical devotion of body and a deep acceptance of self. Rachel strives to create a soulful class in a comfortable and inviting environment where each student feels welcome to arrive on their mat exactly as they are. In 2014, Rachel received her 200 hr Chakra Yoga
certification at the Giving Tree Yoga Studio in Astoria, Queens. Further certifications include: AromaYin (GTYS), Total Training (GTYS -yoga, personal training, mantra), 16hr Creative Sequencing (Asana Soul Yoga Practice), Pre/Posnatal Yoga (Michelle Goitia-JCBump &
Baby), 20hr Postnatal Yoga Teacher Training (Awakened Spirit Yoga, 10hr Sound Healing Training (Yoga Renew)