CHARLOTTE, NC - - Amber Hammond, a massage therapist at Massage Envy Spa at RiverGate, has been named Massage Envy Therapist of the Year for the North Carolina region. Hammond will receive her award at the National Franchise Conference in Arizona on May 3, 2011.

Nationally, Massage Envy recognizes the top massage and skin therapists from each of its 52 regions. Each franchise clinic nominates one of its most successful therapists for this regional award. Hammond was selected the top therapist from among 26 other North Carolina Massage Envy therapists across the state nominated for this award.

A graduate of Southeastern Institute in 2009, Hammond’s unique sense of touch helped her gain a strong client following and instant popularity that has many clients asking for her by name and scheduling regular appointments to improve their wellness. The positive feedback and her fast-growing clientele helped earn Hammond this recognition.

“Amber is highly respected by clients, including medical professionals who have standing appointments with her every two weeks,” said Melissa Seuster, co-owner of RiverGate Massage Envy Spa. “It was very difficult to choose just one out of our 36 highly-qualified therapists, but Amber’s abilities and reputation are simply amazing. She receives fabulous feedback from clients and co-workers alike.”

Hammond was chosen not just from among the 36 RiverGate therapists, but from a pool of over 700 therapists working at 26 locations throughout North Carolina.

Past North Carolina winners include Terry Cope (Massage Envy Spa at South Park, Charlotte), Jamie Abbott (Massage Envy at Mayfair, Wilmington) and Maureen Van Kirk (Massage Envy Spa at South Park, Charlotte).

“It is a prestigious award and we are all proud of Amber and all past award winners,” said Jim Fitzsimmons, Massage Envy regional developer for North Carolina. “Massage Envy has the best massage therapists in the state and to be selected ‘Best of the Best’ is indeed special.”

Massage Envy has 12 Charlotte area locations. For more information, please visit www.MassageEnvyCLT.com or visit our Facebook Page at Massage Envy – Greater Charlotte, NC.