I decided to become a massage therapist because I love working one on one with people in a way that is directly beneficial. There's nothing abstract about it. Receiving a good massage helps us feel better. It's truly rewarding to be able to help a person, sometimes in a way that is life-changing, in 60 or 90 minutes. About a decade ago, I began school at the University of San Francisco. The idea was that I'd end up being a neuropsychologist. Not long after, I traded in the 18 credit semesters for a classical guitar, a fast bicycle to get around the city and time to pursue my loves of dance, music, yoga and long distance running. Living such a full and physical life helped to push me northbound to Oregon and into a career of massage therapy.

I attended massage school here in Grants Pass and got my license in 2012. Since then, you could say that I've put it to good use. I'd like to pull all the data to get the exact number of massages I've given, but for the sake of simplicity, I can roughly estimate it at about 5,000 massages! Yes, that number shocked me too. I learned the art and skill of giving extraordinarily luxurious massage and body treatments in high end spas throughout the Rogue Valley. I've helped hundreds of patients to recover from auto injuries while working alongside chiropractors. I've been in an auto accident myself and learned what it feels like to be the one on the other end of the diagnosis codes. I'm all too aware of the frustrating ebb and flow of healing from injury, and also, that any event resulting in physical injury can stir up emotional trauma from our past. Such was the case for me, so I approach my sessions with a sensitivity to that possibility. Continuing education has allowed me to refine my skills and I broadened my scope by completing a Yin Yoga teacher training at the Mount Madonna Center in the Santa Cruz mountains.

During my time living here in Southern Oregon, I've also spent a lot of time singing, dancing and running. I learned to dance Argentine tango, east and west-coast swing, salsa and bachata. In 2016, I swing-danced to live music in a performance for Ashland's Oregon Shakepear Festival Green Show. I have performed my original music for several audiences here in Grants Pass. I ran the Pear Blossom 10 mile and the Rogue Half Marathon races. Oh yeah, and I've received lots of massage.

My most recent and amazing accomplishment yet, has been in becoming a mother. Before all else, I am a mother. So for the time being, my availability to give massage is limited to only two days a week. Better book ahead!