Meet Sharon, one of our Massage Therapists

I'm Sharon Betzler, Certified Massage Therapist. I live in Kalamazoo with my husband and two dogs. I have two grown children and two grandchildren that provide me with my favorite pastime. I enjoy the outdoors and finding ways to heal naturally.



Most of my life has included learning to taking care of the body in a holistic way. Graduating from Kalamazoo Center for the Healing Arts, I have been working as a Certified Massage Therapist at Awake and Aware Massage and Yoga studio located in Kalamazoo since 2007. I also work at the West Michigan Cancer Center, giving massage to patients receiving chemo-therapy.



I believe that stress is at the root of disease. Stress held in the body can present itself in many forms of dis-ease. With everything going on in our lives, our bodies are no longer able to release the daily tensions. Massage assists the body to let go of tension and reminds the muscles how to relax so they can rejuvenate.


I really enjoy giving massage at the Castle in the Country. Life slows down here and guests are able to breathe, relax and get pampered in a beautiful setting.

Caramelized Onions

Comments: It may seem unnecessary to go through all this for just onions, but the end result is truly worth the time. The vinegar adds an acidic punch, the sugar makes these sweeter than they naturally would become, and the Vermouth adds complexity. I use this recipe to prepare a large batch that I then use in other dishes, such as Fritattas or savory Focaccia. Leftovers can be kept in a ziploc bag in the freezer for a couple of weeks, maybe longer, I just have never had them last any longer than that.


Ingredients (quantities are just guidelines here):
Onions-Usually 5-6 small yellow onions
¼ C Dry Vermouth
¼ C aged vinegar, such as balsamic, white balsamic, or sherry vinegar
¼ C brown sugar
1-2 T Vegetable Oil
Water-enough to cover onions in the pan
Salt and pepper to taste

Procedure:
1. Slice, dice, French-cut, or chop onion any way you like to see them
2. Place in a large skillet with oil and over high heat and stir to coat onions
3. When onions just begin to sizzle, add all other ingredients and bring to a boil
4. Reduce heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes. Liquid should reduce slowly
5. When most of the water has boiled off and onions are in a syrup, increase heat to brown slightly, watching and stirring often to prevent from burning.

Meet Angie, one of our Massage Therapists

Hi, my name is Angie Nash i live in Gobles Mi where i enjoy many outdoor hobbies such as hiking, swimming, gardening, and snow shoeing.

I received my certification at the Kalamazoo Center For Healing Arts. I am trained in many different types of massage including Swedish massage, reflexology, polarity, acupressure, cranio-sacral therapy and Myofascial Release. I continue taking advanced courses and seminars to enhance my message technique.

I truly enjoy giving massage at Castle in the Country. Outside of that setting I have many independent clients. I stay very involved at the Kalamazoo Center for Healing Arts where I have assisted in many courses.

I have a passion for massage. I believe the body holds all we need to heal. As a practitioner I can help facilitate the healing process. Massage can aid the body in many ways including: Deep relaxation, Stress Reduction, Ease of Aches and Pains, as well as an overall holistic wellness within the body.