About the Practitioner

A native of New Jersey, Marlene grew up in a small lake community in the western part of the state. She loves the water and swimming so much, that after college she received her open water SCUBA certification. In 2000 she dove the Blue Hole in Belize at 136 feet.

Marlene attended Rowan State and finished her Bachelor's degree in Literature at Ramapo College of New Jersey. On her days off, she loves to curl up with a knitting project or be working in her garden.

After moving to North Carolina in 2002, she lived in Asheville for two years, while attending North Carolina School of Natural Healing. There Marlene completed a 675 hour program for Massage Therapy. In the spring of 2004 Marlene earned her North Carolina state license to practice massage therapy and bodywork. She then worked in several spas in Asheville and Brevard. In 2007 she accepted the Spa Manager position at The Greystone Inn in Lake Toxaway. She managed a number of therapists, as well as working with a number of clients herself. In the spring on 2012 she trained her replacement before leaving to open her own studio. Also in the spring of 2012 she graduated from Blue Ridge Community College with a degree in Nail Technology.

Marlene enjoys taking continuing education classes to further her skills as a massage therapist. She has completed certifications in Lomilomi, Huna (Hawaiian Energy work), Massage Cupping, Lymphatic Drainage Massage, Thai Bodywork and Thai Herbal Ball Massage, Myofascial Release, Reflexology and Yoga, A Personal Practice.

Marlene loves Aromatherapy and has begun to specialize in its therapeutic uses. In 2016 she began her study of clinical Aromatherapy with an intensive 40 hour program, Aromatherapy Essentials, and has completed the level 1 guidelines of the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy. She is also certified in Aromatherapy: Facial Massage and doTERRA’s Aromatherapy Technique, as well as, taken multiple classes at doTERRA’s convention in 2015 & 2016.

Marlene also completed and is certified in Bellanina Facelift Massage. She is also certified in Comfort Touch, a massage modality specifically designed for the elderly and hospitalized.

Marlene currently resides in Lake Toxaway with Merriadoc and Winston, 2 kitties, who love getting into mischief. Her hobbies include gardening, cooking, knitting & weaving and collecting bookmarks.

licensed & insured massage therapist NC 5526

Testimonials

This has been the best 80 minutes (the most relaxing) of my vacation. I've compared the Lomi Lomi to many massages and never found another treatment to be as relaxing and tranquil as this. Marlene is a wonderful masseuse with such a peaceful presence. -Susan

So relaxing! Marlene is a joy & comfort to be around! -Laura

A perfect ending to a wonderful two day stay (at Lake Toxaway). Marlene is a treasure! -Lec

Marlene brings compassion and strong positive energy to the massage table. Her comprehensive knowledge of the neuromuscular and lymphatic systems enables her to give a gentle deep tissue massage that is both relaxing and therapeutic. I highly recommend her work, especially to those experiencing chronic back pain due to degenerative spine conditions. -Ann Marie

Marlene Fennimore is one of those great treasures you find hidden in the mountains of Western Carolina. A truly great professional massage therapist. Her rare ability to hit those muscles where attention is needed and still leave you melted onto the table when its over. I have been her client on a regular basis, going onto 3 years and she never disappoints. -Richard

Marlene gave the best massage I've gotten anywhere- better than Parrot Cay or Grove Park!! And the body scrub before hand was perfect! -Debi

Thanks so much Marlene for making my Mom's 80th birthday so special! We appreciate everything. -Erin

The gift of touch has most certainly been given to Marlene. Her therapeutic massage is always customized to every client's need. A detailed approach in combination with the most beautiful aromatherapy oils instantly bring relaxation as she concentrates on areas of the body. Marlene is a skilled professional therapist who has given me countless hours of divine pleasure and healing. -Hildegarde

I experienced a Lomi Lomi massage today and while I'm not sure if the treatment would have been the same without Marlene's touch, it was an amazingly wonderful experience. I've had massages in many spas and this treatment was one of the best. I enjoyed it tremendously. Marlene has a wonderful touch/hands. -Susan