Yvonne Long
is the owner and 1 of the practitioners of Sweet Surrender Incorporated. She has been working in the healing arts field since 2003 as a massage therapist, reflexologist and reiki practitioner. She loves to learn all things in the realm of personal and spiritual development and is always striving to be a better practitioner and decent human being. She has been married to a Wilmingtonian since 2005 and together they are raising 3 beautiful boys.
Melissa Ryan
My career in massage therapy began a bit later in my life, but it has been so very easy to enjoy it. It combines my natural desire to help others, my need for variety in the day-to-day, and my fascination with the workings of the human body.
It has been rejuvenating to find new passion well past my youth; learning so many things through my work brings fresh insights to my life
experiences. I enjoy learning new modalities and integrating them into sessions for the most optimal outcomes for clients.
It is a privilege to witness clients’ improvements in mobility, decreases in pain, and returns to favorite activities. I look forward to continuing to move forward in this field, learning new things and honing my skills as I go.
Christine Swinson
Meet Christine Swinson, a Licensed Massage Therapist who brings more than 15 years of experience, passion, and artistry to her practice. A 2009 graduate of Miller-Motte College, Christine has built a deeply rewarding career helping clients feel their best through customized, client-focused care.
Christine specializes in Swedish, deep tissue, sports massage, hot stone therapy, and a variety of spa treatments. Her approach blends technical skill with intuitive touch, creating sessions that are as therapeutic as they are relaxing.
Outside the treatment room, Christine is a vibrant part of the local arts and music community. A lifelong music lover, she’s always on the lookout for live bands and performances. She has nearly 30 years of experience as a line dancer, two-stepper, and country swing dancer, and she is also an accomplished performer in bellydance and sword dance. Christine plays zills, jembe, and doumbek drums, and enjoys crafting her own performance costumes.
A creative spirit at heart, she also loves reading, writing short stories, and diving into anything that fuels her imagination.
Christine looks forward to working with you and helping you feel relaxed, restored, and renewed.
Lizz Mitchell
Lizz specializes in Deep Tissue, Therapeutic Massage, and trigger point (“knot work”) techniques. While she naturally has a firm, confident touch, she customizes every session to match your comfort level and your body’s unique needs. Her goal is always to help you reach that perfect state of relief and relaxation — your own “sweet release.”
She also enjoys incorporating facial, scalp, and foot massage (reflexology), along with hot towels and light stretching, to enhance each service with an extra layer of soothing comfort. Helping people live pain-free is a personal mission for Lizz, and she brings that intention into every treatment.
No matter your goals, challenges, or condition, Lizz is committed to creating a personalized plan to help you feel fantastic. She looks forward to supporting your wellness journey — one customized session at a time.
Nicole Slapnicker
With more than 15 years of experience as a licensed massage therapist, Nicole Slapnicker specializes in fully customized sessions that support each client’s individual goals — whether that’s deep relaxation, targeted therapeutic work, or deeper-pressure techniques.
She is a firm believer in the powerful connection between mind and body, and her approach blends skilled touch with an intuitive understanding of how emotional and physical wellness intersect.
Outside the treatment room, you’ll often find her enjoying nature walks, visiting dog parks, or relaxing at the beach with her beloved “dog child.” She’s also a creative spirit who loves crafting and making candles.
Dedicated to continual personal and professional growth, she is currently studying Clinical Counseling at Liberty University, further strengthening her holistic view of wellness.
She looks forward to helping Sweet Surrender clients feel restored, balanced, and cared for.