OUR EXPERTISE
Meet Our Therapists
One methodology. Tailored to you.
Dedric’s highly trained clinical therapists are taught to think like clinicians, to observe measurable outcomes, and to amend the approach when necessary to meet the goals of the client. Each therapist learns the Functional Model™ directly from him, the same way he trained research therapists at Emory: one methodology, instilled with consistency. They approach the body like a scientist and work with the precision of a surgeon, adapting every session to meet you where you are that day.
Dedric Carroll
Founder & Clinical Director
Clinical Experience & Qualifications
Dedric is the Founder and Clinical Director of Empirical Knead, with nearly 20 years of experience in therapeutic massage, neuromuscular therapy, and myofascial structural integration.
His experience includes 13 years in clinical massage research at Emory University, contributing to published studies involving cancer-related fatigue, generalized anxiety, and the biological effects of therapeutic touch. His work included treatment protocol development and training research massage therapists.
For more than a decade, he developed and taught clinical research coursework for massage therapy students, using structured observation and controlled comparisons to examine therapeutic touch, pressure, stretching, and range of motion.
He developed the Empirical Knead Functional Model™, integrating body-reading analysis, postural and functional movement assessment, neuromuscular therapy, myofascial techniques, and functional movement therapies. His methodology draws on observation of human movement and response to therapeutic touch to uncover restrictions and compensation patterns that may otherwise be overlooked.
Treatment is guided by individual findings and reassessment: Observe. Assess. Treat. Reassess. As Clinical Director, Dedric provides ongoing therapist training, case review, and guidance across the practice.
Tony Le
Lead Therapist - Tony Le
Lead Therapist - Empirical Knead | Licensed Massage Therapist
Tony has been providing professional therapeutic bodywork since 2016 and serves as Lead Therapist at Empirical Knead. A graduate of the Atlanta School of Massage, he is licensed and certified in multiple modalities, including The Empirical Knead Functional Model in addition to Certifications in Swedish, Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular Therapy, Reflexology, Spa Therapies, Seated Chair Massage, Table Thai Stretch, and Craniosacral Therapy, along with several continuing education certificates.
Tony has fully integrated into the Empirical Knead Functional Model, applying fascia-informed and neuromuscular strategies to support structural balance and functional recovery. He works extensively with desk-based professionals, travelers, and active individuals, and is known for his uncommon attention to detail and precise deep tissue work.
He also provides individualized mobility and recovery recommendations to reinforce progress outside the treatment room. Clients appreciate his consistency, technical skill, and grounded presence.
Alicia Clark
Licensed Massage Therapist
Alicia is a Licensed Massage Therapist and NASM Certified Stretching and Flexibility Coach, and a graduate with honors of the Atlanta School of Massage. She is certified in Swedish, Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular Therapy, Reflexology, Spa Therapies, and Seated Chair Massage, and holds several continuing education certificates. Practicing since 2023, she built her foundation working alongside a team of chiropractors, providing massage therapy, assisted stretching, and structural re-education to help clients reach their functional and postural goals — and she now brings that same integrative approach to Empirical Knead.
Alicia specializes in functional cupping, myofascial release, neuromuscular therapy, and MyoZen techniques. She takes real pride in educating her clients, co-creating a targeted plan built around her clinical assessments and each person’s individual goals.
We are proud to welcome Alicia as part of our new Empirical Knead clinical therapist team, training in the highly reviewed Empirical Knead Functional Model™ to bring that same research-informed, standardized approach to every session.
Clients know her for her calm presence — the kind of depth in her soothing touch that acts as a balm to the nervous system, supporting lasting relief on and off the therapy table.