My Story

I believe that there are millions of factors that make and form our unique selves and the work we do. These form from instinctual pulls, life experiences, tools we are given, and values we embrace. In looking at my journey to becoming who I am as an individual and as a Massage Therapist, I see some of these factors so clearly.

   

I remember visiting nursing homes when I was in elementary school, and thinking that one day maybe I could be one of the nurses there. Something within drew me towards the pain, loneliness, and deep wisdom I could feel from these folks. This instinctual pull that I had to help, comfort, soothe, and ultimately learn from their pain, was strong.

 

When I was six, and again when I was twelve, I watched my mom battle breast cancer.  I felt her struggle through as she was given a year to live in 1988.  I watched her pass into death in 1995.  I saw the paradox of how important being cared for through the body really is, and the temporary nature of our lives in this body. I felt the response of so many people in our community for the better part of a year, namely, Diane, the hospice nurse who spent so many hours right there with us. The impact of deep compassion cannot be underestimated. These life experiences added more meaning and reason for me to do something with my life that might bring support to other humans, specifically those in some form of pain, and specifically through the body.

 

In 2003 I was given tools through education.  I attended the Academy of Somatic Healing Arts in Norcross, Georgia.  The program focused on Swedish, Sports, and Neuromuscular Therapy.  I pursued (and this pursuing continues) further training in various modalities. These include techniques in healing the pelvic floor, Lomi Lomi, Deep Tissue, Thai, an introduction to Craniosacral therapy, headache and migraine release, Esalen, and myofascial release.  In 2017 I finished a Yoga Teacher Training at Okra in Charlotte, NC.  I taught for the next four years, increasing my awareness of the effects of both meditation and movement on the Self, through the body. These were not only tools that I was given to use, but that became doors of healing in my own life.  This healing continues.

 

With each session, the client and I invite one another to find a meeting place of slowing down and emotional/mental safety. These values allow all of our parts and systems to notice one another and integrate with ease. This rest and ease create a space for support and healing that is unique for the individual for that moment in time.

 

This work has slowly, and is ever, changing me.  It seems heady and dry to describe exactly what it "is" in words, that is happening sometimes. Like the subtle impact of hand to clay, I receieve something from each client and each session.  I am forever grateful for all that has brought me to this moment doing this work, and for each client who has given themselves to a session.

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