Meet the Team

Here at The Meridian Healing Center, each member of our team is a vital element in our practice.  We all encompass the same philosophy and goal:  To help our clients achieve optimum health and restore balance in their lives.  Optimum balance in life is epitomized through the balance theory of Yin-Yang in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and regardless of which therapist you visit, you’ll work with that therapist towards restoring health, happiness, and balance in your life.
Can you imagine your best self?

NATALIE MARTIN - Owner & Operator
Master Massage Therapist/Instructor

 Natalie’s journey through life has culminated in the Meridian Healing Center.  It has been her vision and focus that has led to the creation of this wonderful facility. Natalie shares her passion for health, happiness, and balance in life with her clients as she helps them address their health and body concerns.  Over 28 years of satisfied clients and hundreds of hours of training is a testament to her dedication.  

Not only does Natalie have a BS in Molecular Biology and a BS in Nursing, she has combined her western training with 2 years of advanced training in Traditional Chinese Medicine.  As a graduate of the Massage School at the Healing Arts Institute in Roseville, California; Natalie has a unique and comprehensive approach to health.  Her diverse training combined with a passion and commitment to your health makes her a true asset in your quest for optimum health. 
 
Natalie specializes in advanced massage techniques, manual therapies, and Traditional Chinese Medicine techniques such as cupping, helping athletes to pregnant women, to the elderly, chronic pain clients. She believes everyone benefits from massage or manual therapies, and it's a wonderful adjunct in healthcare today! "That ounce of prevention really is a pound of cure."

Recently Natalie's new focus is in alignment to the TB12 method, introducing deep tissue massage with movement, in addition to her other modalities!  Clients are raving about the outcome.  She is finding great success with icing during massage also.  She says she " loves her job".

She also trains and teaches other massage therapists by providing Continuing Education Credits in accordance with Michigan law and the NCBTMB. 

​When Natalie isn't doing hands on work with her clients or learning more techniques to use; she can usually be found enjoying the outdoors with her dog Gus and best buddy and husband, Roberto.  From biking, rollerblading and kayaking to camping, fishing and hunting, the trio does it all.  Don't think the crazy U.P. weather will stop them.  They believe, "there is no such thing as bad weather just bad gear".   They strive to thrive!

​SARAH LEPPANEN- Smith -  Licensed Massage Therapist

Sarah studied biomedical engineering at Michigan Technological University for two and a half years before coming to the conclusion that her passion for health and wellness is better fed by more holistic modalities. She attended the Institute of Natural Therapies in Hancock, Michigan and received her massage certificate in 2013. It has since become her goal to help others feel loved, at peace, and let go of some physical and emotional tension.

Sarah practiced massage in Houghton, MI for two years before moving to Seattle, WA for a year, where she continued her massage work while attending an herbal wildcrafting apprenticeship in the forests of the Cascade Mountains. She returned to the Marquette area to spend time with her family, and for her love of the U.P. and the friendliness of Yoopers.
She feels blessed to be part of the team at the Meridian, where healing is the priority, and is excited about expanding her knowledge and experience in massage for the benefit of her client. Sarah enjoys giving an intense deep tissue massage complemented by myofascial work, but will always customize the massage and her technique according to her client's need.

Other than massaging and promoting wellness, Sarah gets excited about cliff-diving and tree climbing, swimming and camping and bike-touring, and serenading herself with her ukulele.
Call or text her at 206.822.4656 to schedule an appointment.
​