I quit an unfulfilling government job in Ottawa many years ago to attend the only massage school in Canada at the time, in Toronto. It was 1978. There were no spas, no wellness centers. The word wellness hadn't even been conjured yet and massage was - well frankly - thought of only in connection with the sex trade active in the 'parlors' along Yonge Street.
On graduation, my one option was to start my own practice. So I did. There began the journey that continues to inspire and teach me.
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I quit an unfulfilling government job in Ottawa many years ago to attend the only massage school in Canada at the time, in Toronto. It was 1978. There were no spas, no wellness centers. The word wellness hadn't even been conjured yet and massage was - well frankly - thought of only in connection with the sex trade active in the 'parlors' along Yonge Street.
On graduation, my one option was to start my own practice. So I did. There began the journey that continues to inspire and teach me.
I love being a part of the changes clients make for the better. For some, their lives are set on a different course that they've longed for and - wow - do I love watching them go!
I was fortunate early in my career to know a few brilliant teachers with whom I recognized the far reaching effects of various forms of touch therapies, beyond just the body, into all the layers and aspects of who we are. Since all expression manifests in the body, taking care of the body is the best channel to any change, healing or self-discovery.
I'm always happy to answer questions and discuss your situation before coming to see me, to ensure we are a good fit.
My classes, workshops, speaking and writing have consistently been about more than massage but massage has always been at the core of it all.
Try it for yourself? You can book online or call me. I hope to see you soon.
FL # MA 57393
# 005611-00
Massage and Hydrotherapy
The Aromatherapy Practitioner's Course
CranioSacral Therapy and Beyond
CranioSacral Therapy
Aromatherapy
Chair Massage Fundamentals
Deep Tissue Massage
Orthopedic Assessment and Clinical Massage
Balinese Massage
Pressure Point Massage
Stone Thermotherapy - Healing Stone Massage
Intrinsic Coaching Development Series
Coach Training Course
Biodynamics
Lifelines was my first full-time massage practice in Toronto after graduation.
The Sutherland-Chan School of Massage in Toronto hired me as a teacher. I became responsible for the curriculum and ultimately Principal of the school, teaching clinical application of massage as well as coordinating teachers, students and all programs.
I was a full-time cook and mate aboard a luxury sailing yacht in the Caribbean, taking care of guests who chartered us for a week. This was a great opportunity to support our guests with delicious whole food and introduce them to self-care.
After 16 successful years in St Thomas, Virgin Islands, I sold my practice there, moved to Florida and re-established A Touch of Wellness in Largo. That was 2011
Health and wellness coaching has always been part of my service to my massage clients when they've wanted it. I am now developing another branch of my business for teaching and coaching women in expanding wellness for themselves and those they care about. This new branch is called Woman's Way to Wellness and my first online course will roll out in early 2021.
I was asked by the University of the Virgin Islands to create and deliver a 40-hour course as an introduction to massage therapy as a profession. 30% of my students went on to take full training to become licensed.
In the economic crisis of 2008 I gave myself some insurance by adding part-time work at a luxury spa in St Thomas while still running A Touch of Wellness. On moving to St Petersburg, I transferred to the world-class Spa Oceana at the Don ceSar Beach Resort on St Pete Beach. Different from my private practice, I have enjoyed experiencing the spa world and the many interesting people who pass through and who work there.