I think I've probably been always attracted to healthcare. When I think back to my childhood, I remember latching on to healthcare topics of conversation and reading articles related to health and self-care. I actually did not even realize that a career in therapeutic massage was an option for me until I was a little older. After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, I discovered therapeutic massage while working as an au pair (nanny) in my mid-20s. My employer at the time gave me a gift certificate to a spa and so my journey to becoming a healthcare provider began.
Education: In 1996, I decided to go to The Swedish Institute Inc., in New York City. I chose the school out of location convenience. Little did realize that I was about to attend a highly prestigious and impressive institution. When I graduated in 1998 and started interviewing for positions, I was genuinely surprised by how many of my prospective employers were so impressed with my education and skills. I am so proud of the education I received there, and I feel blessed to have made that choice to be a massage therapist and to have attended The Swedish Institute Inc. I can honestly say that I received an excellent education from high-quality teachers - the best of the best.
I can't really say that I specialize in any one technique. I utilize any skill and/or modality that I have acquired over the years and apply them whenever it is appropriate for the needs of the client at the time. However, if one were to ask me what some of those skills might be, I will name a few: myofascial release techniques, trigger point therapy, shiatsu-style stretches, and orthopedic massage techniques. Please be aware that I do not ever use just one modality or technique for the entire session, because my philosophy is that a client responds best when their needs are addressed, and most times, addressing those needs require more than one modality. My feeling is that techniques on their own aren't really all that special if they're not being appropriately applied or serving the client's needs. My intention is not to impress you with fancy styles of massage therapy, but to address your body's muscular needs. My intention is to listen to you and find out what you feel your needs are (and these might change from day-to-day), and I will do my best to meet those needs.
If I could speak for my clients, they might say that I have helped them relieve their headaches, migraines, sciatica, sinus headaches, get the water released from their ears after swimming, relieve their backaches, helped them sleep better at night, or help them recuperate faster from their injuries. I am so grateful to my clients for allowing me to help them in their self-healing process.
Location-wise, I only provide massage services in [?], New York. For those who may be wondering, I don't provide home-visits at this time. The population that I currently serve are non-pregnant adults age 18 years or older. For prenatal/pregnancy or pediatric massage referrals, [?].
Hobbies and other interests? Hmmm, I would have to say that I enjoy dabbling from time to time in graphic arts, aromatherapy, crochet, and trying out new recipes at home.