Annalisa Derryberry
Licensed Massage Therapist
Improving your physical and mental well-being through compassionate, experienced massage
I graduated from the Florida School of Massage in Gainesville in 2004. I’ve had the chance to work with a variety of ages and physical conditions over the years–in a chiropractor’s office, a fitness spa, and over 15 years in private practice in Gainesville & Jacksonville.
I’ve found that people today are too stressed, too sedentary, and too stuck in old patterns of body and mind—myself included! If we can move and breathe more easily and more fully, we can begin to feel less stressed and more pain-free. I want to help people feel that freedom and move/breathe/live the way we’re created.
How did I get into massage? I’d say it’s a tie between my mom and the Beatles.
Mom
My mom has had multiple sclerosis since before I was born. She did the best she could to stay physically active, through swimming and working out, because she knew that she felt worse if she didn’t. She also tried a lot of other things like massage, chiropractic, and craniosacral therapy, and found she got a lot of benefit. Growing up with her taught me a lot about caring, patience, and having a good sense of humor in the face of adversity.
The Beatles
When I was about 15, I discovered The Beatles, and got REALLY into them. I listened to everything I could, and got every book I could about the band and my favorites, John and George, which got me started doing yoga, and reading about home remedies and alternative medicine. In college, I joined a yoga class, and a fellow classmate told me about the awesome massage school there in Gainesville. I tucked this away in my mind, and 4 or 5 years later, it was time to give massage school a try.
Boy, was it the right decision!
I found myself working with (and on) people with growing confidence, listening to their words and their bodies, and everything finally clicked. Plus, my own body felt a lot better with all the massage I received. A few years after graduating, I began learning Thai massage, which blends yoga and massage—the best of both worlds–and eventually became certified.
“Thai massage has been a mainstay in my life for 10+ years after having living in the Pacific NW and Missouri. When I moved to Jacksonville recently, finding a Thai practitioner was high on my priority list — luckily, I found Annalisa! She is attentive to what your body needs, always makes sure the pressure is just right, and offers suggestions for your overall wellness — the total package of body, mind & spirit. I always feel great afterwards!” –Leann A., Jacksonville, FL
I opened my massage therapy office in Jacksonville, FL in 2013. More recently, I have completed a certification in Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology from the Academy of Ancient Reflexology (2017), received training to become a certified Yomassage therapist (2019), and become a yoga teacher with 200hr training at Discovery Yoga Center (2019) and 300hr training through Heart & Bones Yoga (2021.)
Other fun facts: I have an English degree from the University of Florida. After having lived in Tampa and Gainesville for significant portions of my life, I’ve been in Jacksonville since 2011, where I live with my husband and our four cats. In my off time, you can find me enjoying books, classic rock music, crossword puzzles, and trivia games.