Best Massage Therapist

It seems we have an old-fashioned, new-age rivalry on our hands, as Julie Kells, who lost to Beth Chase by one vote last year, narrowly pushes past Chase this year to take first place. After six years practising Swedish and deep-tissue massage at her clinic, Kells believes the key to a good experience is making the client comfortable, “I explain thoroughly and let them know how we’re going to go about it.” Patients dealing with physical traumas are the most rewarding for Kells because she loves helping people get their movement back. Good to know, but what we really want to know is, is she a talker? Kells laughs and says no way. “They [patients] have to start the conversation first because some people just want to chill.” Be Massage Therapy, 1565 South Park, 422-4512

1st runner-up Beth Chase, HS Studio Salon Spa, 7004 Mumford, 455-7004

2nd runner-up Francine Jeffery