About Me

Hi, I’m Angela Jessie—a Buffalo-born and raised Licensed Massage Therapist, proud member of Bills Mafia, and loyal New York Knicks fan.

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Massage therapy was something I wanted to pursue years before I finally enrolled in school, but life took me into the human services field first. I spent nearly a decade supporting children, adults, and older adults with mental and physical disabilities. That experience became a major part of who I am and how I care for people. It taught me patience, adaptability, communication, and the importance of meeting people exactly where they are.

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I graduated from the New York Institute of Massage in July 2017 and opened Massage Is Life on November 21, 2017. Since then, both my business and my vision have continued to grow and evolve.

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My background in human services and massage therapy has given me a unique understanding of accessibility, sensory needs, mobility considerations, trauma-informed care, and the importance of creating environments where people feel respected, understood, and safe.

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That experience inspired the early development of Inclusion Wellness WNY, an adaptive wellness initiative created for individuals and families who may need a more personalized approach to receiving care. I intentionally paused that part of my work to refine the vision, strengthen the systems, establish clearer boundaries, and gain additional professional experience.

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Today, Inclusion Wellness WNY is being thoughtfully reintroduced with greater structure and a deeper understanding of accessibility-focused wellness. The heart behind it never left—it simply needed time to grow.

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Massage Is Life is also entering a new chapter. Buffalo will always be my home base, but I am currently working toward licensure in multiple states and expanding The Traveling Massage Therapist brand. This next chapter will allow me to combine massage therapy, travel, wellness education, corporate and community events, and future Massage for a Cause initiatives while continuing to serve my clients here at home.

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My nonprofit, Jordyn’s Light Inc., is separate from Massage Is Life and is a deeply personal part of my story. After my daughter, Jordyn Lee Whitt, was born into heaven at 23 weeks on August 5, 2020, I recognized the need for more compassionate spaces and support for families navigating pregnancy and infant loss.

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What began as a desire to provide comfort and help other families feel less alone has grown into a nonprofit focused on remembrance, resources, community, and support for grieving families.

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At the heart of everything I do is the belief that people deserve to feel seen, heard, respected, and genuinely cared for. Whether I am serving someone through Massage Is Life, Inclusion Wellness WNY, Jordyn’s Light, or a community event, that belief remains the same.

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Outside of work, I’m a devoted mom to my young adult son, helping him navigate his way into the real world while supporting his growth, independence, goals, and passion for cars. We enjoy traveling together to car shows across the country and taking cruises—we are proudly Loyal to Royal.

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I’m also a total introvert and definitely a homebody. When I’m not working or traveling, you will usually find me cooking at home, spending time with family, or planning my next adventure. South Africa remains my favorite destination so far, but there is still a whole lot of world left for me to see.

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My Massage Therapy Style

My approach to massage is centered around relaxation, stress relief, and helping you feel more comfortable in your body. I may incorporate deeper techniques when appropriate, but deep tissue does not automatically mean hard, painful, or forceful pressure.

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I have naturally firm hands and can work effectively without feeling like I have to fight your muscles. My goal is not to see how much pressure you can tolerate or leave you feeling like you were beaten up. My goal is to work with your body, address areas of tension, and provide care that feels intentional and appropriate for you.

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I also want to be very clear that I will not overwork my hands, wrists, shoulders, or body—or risk injuring myself—to provide extremely intense pressure simply because that is what someone prefers. My ability to continue caring for my clients depends on me protecting my own body, too. If you are specifically looking for a therapist who uses maximum force throughout the entire session, I may not be the right fit, and that is okay.

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Most people are actually surprised by how effective slower, calming techniques can be. When the body feels safe and supported, it may begin to soften instead of guarding against the pressure. A steady, intentional approach can help ease tension, reduce stress, and encourage the nervous system to settle without forcing the muscles to release.

Pressure is also very subjective. What feels firm to one person may feel light to someone else, which is why communication during your session is important. We can adjust as we go based on how your body responds and what feels comfortable, while still staying within what is safe and sustainable for both of us.

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I also take a trauma-informed approach to care. I want you to feel respected, heard, and in control throughout your appointment. Your comfort, boundaries, health history, and goals all matter when I customize your session.

My style may be a great fit for you if you are looking for relaxation, stress relief, focused attention to areas of tension, or a massage that combines therapeutic techniques with an overall calming experience. If you believe massage has to be extremely painful or forceful to be effective, I may not be the right therapist for you.

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Massage is more than just a job for me. I truly care about creating a space where people feel seen, supported, and cared for. I look forward to being part of your wellness journey.