Our Team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Dr. Cynthia Durakis, Grand Master Yang and Helen Leonard, LMT, joined forces in 2023 to purchase their current office space and create a diverse, multidimensional, wellness facility.
Dr. Cynthia Durakis and Grand Master Yang met in 2004, when Cynthia began her training in Taekwondo. In addition to being a skilled massage therapist, Grand Master Yang also owns and operates Yang's Taekwondo Academy in Alexandria. Through a lot of patience and hard work he has guided Dr. Cindy to achieve her goal of third degree black belt. GM Yang began seeing massage client's at the current Willow Wellness Center location in 2014.
Helen Leonard joined the practice in 2020 bringing her expertise in prenatal massage and Bowen therapy. Coincidentally, Helen and Dr. Cindy are also both horse enthusiasts, sharing the ups and downs of horse training and ownership together.
Read the full bio's of each of the WWC partners below.
We are here to meet your holistic health needs with a variety of state-of-the-art chiropractic and massage therapy techniques. We can help you improve your fitness levels, posture, energy and nutritional status.
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Susan, our office manager, will do her best to coordinate your appointments and help you choose the best service and therapist for your needs.
Helen Leonard, WWC Partner
Massage Therapist
With degrees in health sciences, focusing in exercise, nutrition, fitness, and Bowenwork. Helen applies cutting-edge methods to maximize client health. Helen specializes in functional fitness, muscle release techniques, and stability training to assist with pain management, injury recovery and preventative care.
Mrs. Leonard worked closely with a chiropractic and pain management clinic bringing an innovative and effective approach resulting in profound long-term improvement. She has been a wellness clinician for 28 years, and practicing Bowenwork is an important integral therapy to maximize healing for her clients.
Helen’s passion for Bowenwork sparked her interest in teaching and she now offers a 4 hour introductory class for family and friends.
She encourages her students to learn Bowenwork modules 1-6, becoming certified Bowenwork practitioners, and to develop their own bodywork practice. Helen brings a wealth of experience and broad knowledge to help regain and improve your health.
703.706.9500
Master Yang, WWC Partner
Massage Therapist
(Grand) Master Yang has been practicing Taekwondo for over 45 years and has attained the prestigious 8th degree designation of Grand Master. He has been a strong presence in the Alexandria community since 2002 when he opened Yang's Taekwondo Academy on Commonwealth Ave. Since then he has taught thousands of children and adults the fundamentals of Taekwondo, as well as the core values inherent in the martial arts--determination, patience and focus.
He served in the U.S. Army 503rd infantry and received the Military Achievement medal and EIB (expert infantry badge).
Master Yang has been practicing massage therapy for 30 years, is certified in medical massage and trained in sports massage and acupressure. His unique method of bodywork combines eastern and western massage techniques. He is a highly skilled and intuitive practitioner and is in-demand by Willow Wellness clientele.
info@willowwellnessva.com
703.706.9500
Dr. Cynthia Durakis, DC, CFNMP, WWC Partner
Chiropractor
Dr. Durakis opened her first practice in Old Town, Alexandria in 1994, moving it to the current Del Ray location in 2014. She has extensive experience lecturing and writing on the subject of wellness and chiropractic care.
Comprehensive study in the areas of sports rehabilitation, clinical nutrition, prenatal care, pediatrics, functional endocrinology and veterinary orthopedic manipulation has allowed Dr. Durakis to provide a holistic, comprehensive approach to healing.
She has recently completed a certificate program in clinical functional and nutritional medicine through the American Academy of Functional Health.
In addition to providing her patients with state-of-the art chiropractic care, Dr. Durakis is proficient in the analysis of labs including serum/blood, stool, salivary hormones, organic acids and various forms of allergy testing. The functional medicine approach to care offers Dr. Durakis the opportunity to find the root cause of chronic conditions and apply specific natural protocols for each individual.
As a lifelong sports enthusiast and mother of two athletic daughters, Dr. Durakis has a strong focus on sports injury prevention and rehabilitation. She has extensive experience treating athletes with injuries associated with soccer, lacrosse, rowing, tennis, golf, running and pickleball.
Dr. Durakis holds a BA degree from Colgate University, a DC (Doctor of Chiropractic) from Life University and certificate in functional and nutritional medicine, (CFNMP).
Prior to beginning her private practice she served as the Professional Affairs Director for the International Chiropractic Association. Dr. Durakis also served on the Alexandria City Public School (ACPS) Wellness Task Force 2006-2008, was chairperson for the Alexandria Professional Women's Network and was a frequent contributor to the Old Town Crier.
Dr. Durakis has coached ASA Soccer and Alexandria Youth Volleyball, and is a proficient martial artist, having earned a 3rd degree black belt in Taekwondo.
After living in Alexandria for 30 years, Dr. Durakis and her husband now live on a farm in Middleburg, VA with 3 horses, 2 dogs and assorted chickens!
703-963-0870
Reena Sarai
Personal Trainer, Corrective Exercise Specialist and Meditation Teacher
As a certified Personal Trainer, Corrective Exercise Specialist, and Nutritionist, Reena is dedicated to helping clients achieve their health and fitness goals through a holistic and personalized approach. With years of experience and a passion for helping clients achieve their goals, she specializes in designing tailored exercise programs that not only improve strength, endurance, and flexibility but also correct movement imbalances and prevent injury.
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Whether you’re looking to enhance your performance, recover from an injury, or simply improve your overall health, Reena takes the time to assess your unique needs and develop strategies that optimize your physical health. Her background in corrective exercise allows me to address movement dysfunctions, improve posture, and enhance overall body mechanics for long-term success.
info@willowwellnessva.com
703.706.9500
Elena Barnaeva
Acupuncturist
I am a licensed acupuncturist and graduate of the Tai Sophia Institute (current MUIH), with a passion for natural healing that has guided my practice since 2009. My journey into acupuncture began during my university years while studying biology and human physiology. At that time, I was struggling with a persistent skin condition that conventional medicine couldn’t resolve, and, lastly, I was referred to an integrative practitioner who introduced me to acupuncture and other holistic techniques. Within just three sessions, my skin cleared—an experience that left me in awe and deeply inspired by the body’s innate capacity to heal.
That event had changed the course of my life; my curiosity grew over the years alongside my career as a biomedical research scientist. I found myself wondering: why aren’t these ancient methods more widely embraced alongside conventional medicine? I’ve seen how much time, effort, and money go into developing new drugs – often with limited success in achieving true healing. Meanwhile, practices like acupuncture, breathwork, and quieting the mind can bring real, lasting relief. I believe deeply in the power of integrative medicine; the union of modern technologies and science with ancient wisdom should be the future of medicine. I am open to partnerships with medical doctors to support our patients together.
My practice is built on the principle that healing begins when you feel truly heard and supported. That’s why my first gift to every patient is compassionate, attentive listening.
Whether you’re dealing with physical discomfort, emotional stress, or simply seeking greater balance, I invite you to begin this healing journey with me. Let’s pause together, restore your body’s natural rhythm, and explore what’s possible when we give space for the body and mind to heal.
info@willowwellnessva.com 703.706.9500
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Bernadette Brooks
Esthetician
Bernadette is a highly experienced, state licensed Esthetician with more than two decades of expertise in advanced skin care, wellness, and beauty consulting. Licensed in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia, she has built a career blending technical excellence with a personalized, client-centered approach.
Trained at the prestigious Christine Valmy School of Skin Care in New York, Bernadette has continued her professional development through certifications with leading brands and institutions, including Clarins Institute, Jan Marini, Priori, and Heitland Seminar by Ross Graf.
Her specialized knowledge covers advanced skin treatments such as chemical peels, acne therapies, anti-aging protocols, pigmentation management, and sensitive skin care.
Bernadette’s career spans wellness centers, medical spas, and private studios. She currently serves clients at her business “Bee’s Waxing Room”, where she delivers customized treatments designed to restore skin health and enhance natural beauty; further deepening her experience in medical-grade esthetic services.
Beyond the treatment room, Bernadette has coordinated skin care and nutrition workshops and provided beauty support for major events and brands, including Coca-Cola, the Essence Music Awards, and Brand Seven Marketing. She is also skilled in makeup artistry for both theatrical and bridal clients, bringing artistry and confidence to special occasions.
With expertise in both product knowledge and client education, Bernadette has worked extensively with professional skin care lines such as Hylunia, Clarins, Acveda, Jan Marini, Dermalogica, and MD Formulations. Her philosophy is rooted in the belief that beauty and skin health are deeply connected to overall wellness – a principle she integrates into every service.
Dedicated, knowledgeable, and compassionate, Bernadette Brooks is committed to helping each client look and feel their best through customized treatments and holistic care.
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info@willowwellnessva.com
703.706.9500
Sakeenah Muwwakkil
Massage Therapist
Sakeenah is a Maryland native with Ghanaian roots. She is a proud “Bear”, graduating from Morgan State University where she received a B.S. in Biology. After 7 years of working in the health science field, Sakeenah pursued her lifelong passion of becoming a massage therapist.
She believes healing starts with loving oneself and that once individuals are on the path of selflove one’s life will improve physically, mentally & spiritually.
Sakeenah’s practice is rooted in the philosophy that massage therapy is a part of the holistic approach to maintaining health within one’s body. To encompass this ideology, she uses eco-friendly organic materials to sustain her practice. She affirms that regular visits to a massage therapist are an act of selflove.
703.706.9500