At the New York AMTA chapter, we’re proud to highlight incredible massage therapists who go above and beyond in their dedication to clients, helping their communities, and advancing the art, science, and practice of massage therapy. The AMTA-NY Board is proud to recognize these inspiring members whose passion and commitment embody the highest standards of our profession.

Member Spotlight December 2025

Tatjana Lazovic

Her Journey from Serbia to America

Nominated and written by: Liv B. Well, Membership Engagement Committee

For nearly two decades, Tatjana Lazovic has been a force of passion, dedication, and resilience in the world of massage therapy and esthetics. A proud AMTA member for almost two years, Tatjana brings a blend of European precision, artistic touch, and heartfelt compassion to her practice at European Luxury Day Spa in White Plains, New York.

Tatjana’s journey began in Serbia, where she studied at the Medical College for Massage Therapy and Esthetics, graduating in 2009.

“At first, when I started my very first school at Medical College back in Serbia in 2006, it was great, but very hard. I was very excited to learn new things, but because I am from Serbia, it was always tough for us financially. I came from a middle-class family, so during college I had to work. My mom helped me as much as she could, but it was tough.” 

Tatjana’s story is one of perseverance and self-belief.

 “I knew I had to do something to change my circumstances. So I moved to the Capital city by myself at the age of 19. I attended Medical College of Professional Studies in Belgrade, Zemun. I was a great student!”

Tatjana finished massage therapy school and passed with honors. Motivated by this new massage therapy license and the desire to travel, Tatjana’s ambitions led her across borders, oceans, and overseas.

“In 2014, I decided to go and work on a cruise ship. At 10 pm, I called to apply for a job. The girl who answered the phone was in shock that I was calling so late, but I told her I want to go like now now. She liked my enthusiasm and sense of urgency and said I had the right personality to work with her team. In two days, I went for the interview. How did I get a job with bad English? They asked me why they should give me the job. I definitely wasn't ready for that question. But I had to let my personality shine through. So, in very broken English, I told them, "I am a mermaid, I have beautiful long hair, and I am very pretty, so I have to go and live on the ocean." (My favorite Disney princess is The Little Mermaid). They loved my answer, and they gave me the job.”

“I had fifteen days to close my spa, pack bags, and go to London. I was in London for about a month and a half, training for my new career. Training was very hard, because everything was in English, but I didn't give up. In two months, my English became really good. London is expensive, so I mostly ate noodles. Finally, when I finished my training, I went on a cruise ship, and all the amazing food was available there. That was the happiest moment after eating noodles for over a month.

Life on a cruise ship

“Traveling the world and working on the cruise ship as a massage therapist and esthetician was a lot of fun. I met so many different people from different cultures and backgrounds. I visited a lot of places, but it was also very hard work. We worked 12-hour day shifts for 9 months, with only 1 day off a week. I was living in a very small cabin with a roommate, under the water with no windows. My cruise ship experience made me tough, strong, and ready to run my own business. I learned that there is no excuse; you can do anything if you work for it.”

“After 5 years of working on the cruise ship, I finished my career on the sea, and I moved to the United States. Then, another new journey started for me. I could not work with my diploma from Serbia, so I had to go back to school for massage therapy to work as a massage therapist in the US.”

“I fell in love with America when I worked on the cruise ship. Just everything about America is so beautiful. I needed a better life, and I needed to be on solid ground, no more instability. America is my home now. With hard work, America gives me everything that I unfortunately couldn't get in my country: safety, a better life, and a well-paying job.”

Back to massage school.  

“I attended the Institute of Holistic Health and obtained my Massage Therapy License from the state of New York in October of 2025, and one more time, I did it! I am now a Licensed massage therapist in 3 different places- Serbia, London, and the U.S. I can say my journey has been very tough and challenging, but I made it, and I am very proud.”

“I am the owner of European Luxury Day Spa in Westchester, White Plains, NY. My practice welcomes everyone.” Tatjana has built more than a wellness center; she’s created an experience. “The best part of my work is when a client tells me it’s the best massage of their life. When they tell me they feel relief and joy again, that feeling is priceless!”

Even after 16 years in the field, Tatjana continues to expand her expertise.



“This November, I will be attending a training for TMJ and buccal massage. A lot of my clients suffer from TMJ disorder, and I want to be able to help them out and to include new services in my spa.” 

When she’s not helping others heal, Tatjana finds joy in the simple pleasures of home and travel. A self-proclaimed “cat lady,” she enjoys spending time with her feline companions, tending to her garden, and exploring new places with her husband. Tatjana’s story is one of courage, perseverance, and unwavering belief in the power of healing touch. The AMTA is proud to have Tatjana Lozovic as a member.

To submit a nominee and explain why you think we should highlight them, contact membershipengagement@amta-ny.org. We’re looking forward to recognizing more amazing AMTA-NY members!

Do you know an outstanding massage educator? You can nominate them for the Teacher of the Year Award! Check out the details below.

Check out these AMTA Awards! Is there anyone you know who fits the description?

At our annual AMTA-NY Convention, we will present awards based on your nominations. Here are the awards:

• Sports Massage Achiever Award: This award is given to honor an AMTA member and acknowledge their accomplishments in sports massage.

• Humanitarian Award: Awarded to acknowledge the “heart” of massage in action. The nominee must be an AMTA member who has volunteered in the larger community, such as a charity, church, or other form of community outreach.

• Meritorious Award: Awarded to acknowledge diligent volunteerism done in an altruistic manner. The nominee must be an active member of AMTA for one year. This is the highest award in the chapter and is recognized at the national level.

If you know anyone you would like to nominate for any of these awards, email our Awards chair, Edward Pacyna, at awards@amta-ny.org.

Here is our annual scholarship contest for massage students

AMTA-NY would like to recognize all of its new members. Welcome aboard, and we're happy that you're a part of our community.