Laura Russell, the founder and owner of Washington Wellness, LLC has been providing massage services since 1980. Laura received her massage training while in college in California, in the mid seventies and worked as a physical therapy assistant in both rehabilitation and acute care settings. Subsequently, she moved to the east coast where she completed dual degrees in chemistry and psychology at the University of Maryland while working at the National Institutes of Mental Health. After publishing a paper on binding properties of Valium receptor she realized that although research was fascinating, it lacked the social interaction and the gratifying personal relationships she was able to build as a therapist.

Laura decided to follow her heart and went back to doing what she loved…taking care of people through massage. It was at that time she began her association with the Sport and Health Clubs, now a strong partner in a mutually rewarding relationship. Realizing that her passion could become a career, she started Washington Wellness LLC with the goal of making professional massage therapy broadly available on a consistent basis.

As a business owner, she is always looking to improve and expand the services she provides. In the mid 80’s she used her medical background to establish relationships with chiropractors, physical therapists and a neurologist. In the 90’s business expanded from full body massage in the health clubs to include seated massage services in the workplace. Today, Washington Wellness provides full body and seated massage with over 60 massage therapists at over 12 sites, including health clubs, hotels, corporate and government offices.

Laura is a dedicated mother of two with an enormous amount of energy. Despite the challenges of raising a child with special needs, she maintains a consistent positive attitude and outlook on life. “Running my own business has allowed me opportunity to also be a full time mom. Raising a creative, talented daughter and challenging, autistic son made a flexible schedule necessary. I have two mutually rewarding careers and I am passionate about doing both to the best of my ability."

With a strong sense of community and a belief in the powerful benefits of massage Laura has set up and directed volunteer programs offering massage to nonprofit and charitable organizations including; mothers and their children who were victims of abuse at Martha’s Table, relief for rescue workers on 9/11 and for the staff at the Ivymount School, a private school for children with autism and other special needs in Montgomery County. “Massage can make people feel whole, victims need to learn the positive effects of touch and break the cycle of violence, care givers need to be restored so they can continue their work."

“My greatest asset is a talented team of massage therapists. In an often bruised and battered world, where stress and fatigue levels are profound, we can address these symptoms in a natural and therapeutic way through massage. Every client who comes through our doors trusts us to care for them – body, mind and spirit. Massage is important, powerful work; it is a privilege to be associated with so many talented people who share this value. I love that my lifework is devoted to a restorative, caring effort.”