An Illinois native, Karla graduated from Wheaton College in 1989 with a degree in Exercise Science.  Her passion for exercise, kinesiology and the older adult population led her to a retirement community where she taught exercise classes and did personal training for 18 years.  During that time, a love and respect for massage therapy took hold as she began to understand that wellness involves not only our physical needs of exercise and proper nutrition, but also the ability to care for our mental, social and spiritual needs.

In 2008, Karla became a licensed and nationally certified massage therapist from the Wellness and Massage Training Institute in Illinois.  She started her own private massage business as well as incorporating therapeutic massage to the wellness offerings at the retirement community.

Karla specializes in a variety of massage modalities including deep tissue, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, sports massage, joint mobilization/range of motion techniques, geriatric massage, Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy, and Ashi-Thai.

Her philosophy is to provide the gift of touch in an atmosphere that resembles a peaceful retreat.  The modalities used will be customized to fit the needs and choices of individual clients with the end goal of feeling rejuvenated and able to breathe more deeply as they leave.

Other personal interests include cycling, running, outdoor activities, strength training, and spending time with her husband and three boys.