About

Jo Bakal National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach & Massage Therapist: LMT, NFC, PMP Jo is a licensed massage therapist and NBHWC certified health and wellness coach. She has a mission is to bring kindness and compassion to the world by serving seniors, women, and animals with a growing tapestry of wellness services. She is passionate about making each client feel they are in healing caring hands whether you receive a therapeutic or relaxation massage. Her range of techniques include Swedish, Myofascial Release, Deep Tissue, and Reiki. Jo will use a moderate to medium pressure – depending on your preference – to coax your muscles and body to release tension facilitating relaxation, and an overall feeling of well-being. Jo graduated from Altierus Career College, Tampa, FL, obtaining her massage license in 2020. Special training and certifications include Senior massage, Canine massage, and Oncology Massage for people who are living with or have survived cancer. On the personal side…Jo lives in Tampa, Florida, with hubby Walter nee Zev, her amazing dogs Lyla and Lucy Lou, and two fantastic cats, Lara and Lua. In addition, Jo has three adult children (David, Sasha married to Chaya, and Katya) in various parts of the world. When they are all in the same city, it brings her tremendous joy to cook and share family meals. When Jo isn't working, she volunteers time providing massage and reiki to animal rescues, practicing qigong, reading, drawing, or playing with food to create delicious plant-based recipes. Jo's book From My Table to Yours is available on Amazon.com. Jo's current project is opening a wellness B&B retreat and retirement home for senior dogs. CREDENTIALS: • HWC Cancer Populations Concentration Cancer Coach Certification, 5/2023 •Oncology Massage Certification, Full Circle Health and Wellness, 3/2023 •Advanced Senior Massage Certification, Day-Break Geriatric Institute, 2021 •Canine Massage Certification, Holistic Animal Studies - Angel’s Animals, 2021 •NBC-HWC National Health and Wellness Coach Certification, 2020 •Published Real Food From My Table to Yours, 2020 •IIN Coaching Intensive Practicum, Institute for Integrative Nutrition, 2020 •Licensed Massage Therapist – MA95252 (4.0 GPA and Ambassador), Altierus Career College, 2020 •Certified Natural Food Chef, Nutrition Therapy Institute, 2017 •IIN Immersion Graduate Program, Institute for Integrative Nutrition, 2012 •IIN Certified Health and Wellness Coach, Institute for Integrative Nutrition, 2011 •Certified Level III Qigong Instructor, Long White Cloud Qigong, 2020 •Animal Reiki Certification, Shelter Animal Reiki Association, 2017 •Certified Reiki Teacher, International Center for Reiki Training, 2015 •Certified Scrum Master, Scrum Alliance, 2014 •PMBOK PMP Certification, Project Management Institute (PMI), 2009 •BA, Visual Arts, SUNY Empire State College, New York, NY, 2006 •Fine Art Studies, Tyler School of Art, Rome, Italy, 1983 •Illustration & Fine Arts, School of Visual Arts, New York, NY, 1982