Alex LaPierre, Licensed Massage Therapist (Owner of North Georgia Myofascial Release)
My name is Alex LaPierre and I’ve been a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) for humans since 2019. I’ve been working on horses since 2018. As a child, I learned that the name Alex in Greek means defender of mankind. I’ve always taken the meaning of my name to heart; I love helping people! One of my professional goals is to help my clients connect with their bodies to live with more awareness, defend themselves against pain, and fully enjoy life. I’m passionate about sharing the power and magic of Myofascial Release and empowering my clients to get out of pain and stay out of pain naturally.
I primarily practice the Myofascial Release technique pioneered by John F. Barnes. I also study work by other practitioners including Jean-Pierre Barral, Sarah Duvall, DPT; Gail Tully, midwife and creator of the Spinning Babies® Paradigm; and John Sharkey, MSc, internationally renowned anatomist and well-known expert on the manual treatment of chronic pain. I had the honor of training under Sharkey in 2023 at the Human Anatomy Dissection program delivered at Trecchi Human Academy in Cremona, Italy, at one of the few (only 3 or 4 worldwide!) hands-on fascia trainings hosted each year through the National Training Center in Dublin, Ireland.
Clients may work with me in the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
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In addition to my work with human patients, or two-leggeds as I often call them, I also have used MFR to treat horses. My own horse Bacardi (he was half mustang and full of spirit!) helped me hone my therapeutic art. When he wasn’t teaching me the best way to offer treatments, we enjoyed trail riding, as well as basic dressage for balance and suppleness. Bacardi also helped me teach the basics of gentle horsemanship to other horse lovers. When I’m not riding, teaching, or self-treating with MFR, I’m usually hiking with my dog Aoife, reading a good book (usually some sort of medical related something or another), or enjoying medical dramas. Lately, paddleboarding has also piqued my interest. Or, you might find me on the rare occasion out enjoying a little social ballroom swing dancing or latin dancing.
Training and Credentials
Licenses and Other Licensure/Certifications:
- Expert Level JFB MFR Therapist
- Board Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) https://ncbtmb.org
- Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT 012979), Atlanta School of Massage
- Equine Sports Massage Therapy (ESMT) and Certified Canine Massage Therapist (CCMT), Equissage International, Inc.
John F. Barnes Training Acquired
- MFR 1 x 2*
- MFR 2 x 2*
- Unwinding x 2*
- Myofascial Mobilizations x 2*^
- Cervical Thoracic x 2*
- Healing Seminar
- Fascial Cranium
- Fascial Pelvis x 3*^
- Rebounding
- Women’s Health x 2*
- Equine MFR 1, 2 and Skill Enhancement
- Therapy for the Therapist
- Skill Enhancement
- Advanced Unwinding
- MFR Subtle Engery- Level 1
- MFR 3
* indicates a repeated course = The Master is Always a beginner. Repeating courses always for refinement of techniques and a deeper understanding of the work as a whole.
^ indicates seminar assistant instructor
Additional Training
- Equine Anatomy Dissection, Trinity Equine Services in Odessa Florida (Winter 2026)
- Human Anatomy Dissection, Trecchi Human Academy in Cremona, Italy (Summer 2023)
- Spinning Babies Aware Practitioner, Oglebay Resort (Fall 2024)
- Spinning Babies, Madison, Wi (one day course Winter 2023)
- VM1: Visceral Manipulation 1 training through the Barral Institute
Heather Pippin, RN-BSN, MFR LMT
My name is Heather Pippin. I have been practicing massage therapy since 2007, after graduating from Atlanta School of Massage. As time went by, I had a nagging feeling that I could reach more people by becoming a nurse (this is before I had knowledge of John F. Barnes). I attended and graduated from Mercer University (Ga Baptist College of Nursing) in May of 2014.
After 12 years of experience as an RN-BSN, I learned that my calling is a more holistic approach. I’m drawn to natural healing and believe in getting to the root of a person’s problems, rather than only treating the symptoms. Stored trauma from accidents and other difficult situations can manifest itself as physical pain in many situations, and can become quite debilitating.
In recent years, I’ve found my passion in the John F. Barnes Myofascial Release approach, completing multiple seminars and continuing to expand my skills in this powerful, whole-body healing process. My work is guided by a love for connection, intuition, and supporting each individual’s unique healing journey.
Outside of the practice, I enjoy music, spending time in nature, caring for animals, exploring plant-based cooking, and nurturing my love of gardening. I share my home with four kitties—Blanco, Sullivan, Charlotte, and Amelia—and one dog, Mabu, who all keep life joyful and grounded.”
I am available in office on Wednesdays and Fridays.
John F. Barnes Training Acquired
- MFR 1
- MFR Pediatrics
- MFR Fascial Pelvis
North Georgia Myofascial Release contracts with massage and physical therapists (other medical license holders can be discussed) who chose to specialize in John. F. Barnes Myofascial Release. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact practice owner Alex LaPierre at (678) 262-8843 to discuss contract availability.
Currently contracted therapists will be listed on this page and the scheduling pages as available.
North Georgia MFR Mission and Values
North Georgia Myofascial Release provides superior, highly skilled myofascial release treatment, attracting clientele who desire holistic minded yet balanced practitioners from diverse backgrounds and education levels. This company promotes total decompression, and nervous system regulation to support pain relief, rehabilitation, and total embodiment. This company’s practitioners commit to frequent quality continuing education, community involvement and service.
The company contracts only with professionals receiving frequent mentorship through attending seminars often and through individual and group coaching with owner Alex LaPierre and other advanced myofascial release therapists.
Values
- Timeliness/Punctuality
- Authenticity
- Cleanliness
- Continuing Education/Mentorship
Resources, References and Suggestions
- Fascia Lately, Renie Allen
- Comprehensive Myofascial Self Treatment, PT Joyce Karnis (Recommended for all clients in care at North Ga MFR)
- Treat Your Own Back, Robin McKenzie CNZM, OBE, FCSP (Hon), FNZSP, Dip MDT, Dip MT
- Beyond Horse Massage, Jim Masterson