WELCOME TO A STEP ABOVE MASSAGE
Welcome to A Step Above Massage! We’re a deep tissue massage therapy clinic in Albuquerque, NM United States run by entrepreneur and movement practitioner Larisa Chavez.
Our team is raising the standard of care by blending mind-body techniques and body work to help people move with ease and live without pain.
We’re certified in a range of therapies and techniques to soothe your pain and mobilize your stiffness – even if doctors have dismissed or minimized your experience.
WE’VE WORKED WITH:
- A World Champion Power Lifter to completely erase pain in her lower back and calm overstimulated nerves so she can now move her arms above her head again.
- Government Computer Scientists, Engineers and Accountants go from having sunken posture with stiff shoulders and recurrent headaches to being able to be at rest in good posture and not have any pain or stiffness in their neck or shoulders.
- Competitive Ballroom Dancers maintain a long season of competitions without injury.
- Active Retirees to completely erase sciatica, lower back pain, unstick calves and soothe achy legs.
- Avid Active Gym Goers restore and keep full range of motion of their pecs, shoulders, traps, back, hamstrings, and calves
- A Busy Hairstylist to eliminate persistent migraines, TMJ and lower back pain from long hours standing and working with their hands and shoulders.
And we’re bringing this same approach to you- we create a nurturing, unhurried space where we use mind-body integrating techniques to help you forget about stress, prioritize self-growth, improve sleep, eradicate muscle spasms, ease pain and boost mobility—so you can achieve your goals and focus on doing the things that make you come alive!
Because you deserve care that prioritizes you as a whole person. You deserve to feel your voice is heard, your body is respected, and your unique needs are honored. You deserve for your care to be and feel like more than just a hollow transaction. Together, we’ll listen to your body’s wisdom as it illuminates your path to being the best version of yourself.
PROUD TO HAVE WORKED WITH
MEET THE TEAM
Larisa Chavez, LMT
Hi, I’m Larisa. My journey to massage therapy has been as dynamic as the dances I’ve loved for over 30 years- even training with coaches from Dancing With the Stars. But it was my unanswered questions about how movement expresses emotion that led me to massage school, where I discovered the fascinating intersection of neurology, anatomy, and body mechanics. My previous career in molecular biology and love of dance finally and seamlessly blended my natural skills in a way that feels perfectly aligned. This is where I’m meant to be. This is how I’m meant to be of service to the world.
In 2018 I was diagnosed with Lyme’s disease – this dragged me through the experience of being gaslit by the doctors I was supposed to trust. They were telling me that my lived experience wasn’t real. The medical system failed me. Hospital doctors told me nothing was wrong and that I was just depressed. But I KNEW SOMETHING WAS WRONG. My body was yelling at me to keep searching, and when a holistic doctor did a complete workup of all Lyme disease strains, not just the ones recognized by the CDC, we got a clear positive result.
This isn’t right—I believe people deserve to feel safe and at home in their body and to be heard and believed when they share their experiences.
Chronic pain, stiffness, and the emotional weight of perfectionism and self-doubt can make life a constant battle. I’ve seen how the medical system fails people, offering quick fixes or dismissive advice like “it’s psycho-somatic” or “it’s part of aging.” That’s why I challenge both overly mystical pseudoscience and strictly empirical medical practices. From my experience, the most effective truths emerge from a balanced middle ground.
The body is a symphony of interconnected systems, and when one area is out of sync, it creates ripples of dysfunction. I believe in informed decision-making, sustainability, and collaboration. My role is to listen to, guide, and empower my clients with the tools and knowledge they need to heal. I help active individuals and professionals reclaim a sense of vitality, freedom, and joy in their bodies.
My current mission is to empower my clients with the tools and knowledge they need to take control of their health. I believe that people should have access to information that grants them the freedom to confidently care for themselves and others. I want to make it possible for you to move through life with ease, vitality, and joy – forever.
If you’re dealing with limited range of motion or pain that’s keeping you from the activities you love or a lingering issue in your shoulders, back, buttocks, or legs that you’re just “living with”, I look forward to seeing you. CLINICAL QUALIFICATION & AFFILIATIONS
- Ashaitsu (DeepFeet Bar Therapy) Certified
- Licensed Massage Therapist
- New Mexico School Of Massage Alumni
- Bachelors of Science in Biology, UNM
- American Red Cross CPR/First Aid Certified
- American Massage Therapy Association New Mexico Chapter Board Member
Annie Burk, LMT
“Hi, I’m Annie. My path to massage therapy has been deeply personal—shaped by a lifelong desire to feel at ease in my own body and to help others do the same. For years, I struggled with discomfort and disconnection, feeling like my body was something to endure rather than appreciate. It wasn’t until I began receiving massage myself that my perspective began to shift. Through safe, intentional touch, I discovered that my body wasn’t a burden—it was something worthy of care, respect, and compassion. That realization changed everything, and ultimately led me to this work.
My passion for massage therapy lies in its ability to create meaningful change, one session at a time. I believe that when we feel more comfortable in our bodies, we open the door to greater happiness, health, and self-acceptance. My goal is to help you reconnect with your body—to see it not as something flawed, but as a beautiful, supportive vessel that carries you through life. Massage is not just about relaxation; it’s about rediscovering a sense of home within yourself.
This work is as therapeutic for me as it is for my clients. The science behind human touch shows how powerful it can be in supporting regulation and overall well-being, and I feel that every session brings a sense of balance not only to those I work with, but to myself as well. It’s a shared experience of grounding, restoration, and care.
As a practitioner, I am deeply committed to ethics, integrity, and a high standard of care. I approach each client with fairness, respect, and an open mind, always striving to create a safe and supportive environment. Kindness and compassion guide my work—not just toward others, but toward ourselves as well.
“If you’re looking to relax and reconnect with gentle and compassionate touch, or someone to commiserate over the difficulties of quitting addiction (my vice of choice is cigarettes), I’m your gal!“ 
Ana Karen Muñoz
Hi, I’m Ana!
I’m a Biomedical Engineer and the Communications Manager at A Step Above Massage. I’ve always been curious about people, health, and how things work, which is probably what led me to biomedical engineering in the first place. My background includes experience in hospitals, healthcare projects, and research and development, including leading a project to develop a prototype to help reduce involuntary movements associated with Parkinson’s disease. I also teach Telemedicine to university Biomedical Engineering students, which I really enjoy because I love sharing what I’ve learned and seeing how technology can improve healthcare. I’m a social and curious person who loves learning, meeting new people, and helping others.
Outside of work, you’ll probably find me exploring a new coffee shop or trying a different coffee, staying active through sports, or teaching boxing classes. I’m bilingual in English and Spanish, and I also speak a little German! I’m always looking for something new to learn or try, and I really enjoy being around people.
My mission at A Step Above Massage is to help make sure our clients and therapists both feel supported, heard, and cared for. I truly believe that when therapists feel good and supported, they can give even more to the people they care for.
“So, if you have a question, need help finding the right appointment, or simply aren’t sure where to start, I’m here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out. I’ve got you!!”
Taliah Nance, LMT
“Hi, I’m Taliah Nance”, a newly licensed Massage Therapist trained in Swedish and Deep Tissue massage. I became a massage therapist because I wanted to do something meaningful — to help people slow down, breathe,and move through life with a little more balance in this fast paced world. My goal is to help you step out of that for a while, so you can move through life from a more balanced, grounded place.
I know firsthand how it feels to not be heard. Years of dealing with TMJ and jaw issues taught me what it’s like to struggle inside the healthcare system — to feel like your pain isn’t being taken seriously, or that you’re just another appointment on the schedule. That experience shaped how I practice. I show up for every client with patience, attention, and the belief that your experience matters. That’s why every session is customized. Whether you’re carrying pain and tension and need targeted relief, or you simply need a quiet moment to just be and let your nervous system unwind. Want everyone to leave feeling heard, safe, and more comfortable in their body.
Outside of work you’ll find me hiking, reading, doing tarot, or working with crystals — little rituals that keep me grounded to help me bring that calm, centered energy into every session.
CLINICAL QUALIFICATION & AFFILIATIONS
- The Lauterstein Conway School of Massage Therapy
- Bachelors of Arts in Cultural Anthropology
- Certified in Manual Lymphatic Drainage (Vodder Technique)
- Member of the American Bodywork and Massage Professionals Association