My name is Dakota. I started massage school in 2020 and have completed approximately 1,000 hours of formal education: about 400 hours at Irene's Myomassology Institute and 600 at Parker University. Irene's is nationally accredited by ACCET, and Parker is institutionally accredited by SACSCOC. I've continued building on that foundation through continuing education, hands-on practice, and multiple documented Thai massage trainings.
My work combines therapeutic massage, athletic and clinical manual techniques, and customized Thai-fusion bodywork, with a focus on pain management and movement. I have a substantial training background, and I'm still developing my skill and judgment. Both matter to me. I take the work seriously, listen closely, and adjust each session to the person rather than follow the same routine every time.

I've had many great instructors. These are some of the notable educators who have contributed to my hands-on education:

JAMES WASLASKI - Dallas/Fort Worth based integrated manual therapy and orthopedic massage educator, author, and NCBTMB Approved Provider, with more than three decades of teaching experience. I participate in his trainings and incorporate what I learn into my approach to manual therapy. His book, Clinical Massage Therapy: A Structural Approach to Pain Management, is one of my main reference books and an important resource I return to when planning and refining my sessions.

GREG MAY - Parker University massage-school director and medical and athletic massage educator, with more than three decades of clinical and teaching experience.

DR. RICK ROBINETTE - Parker educator whose teaching history includes Costa Rica School of Massage Therapy, with a background in human sciences and soft-tissue education.

RANDY FILLION - Irene's instructor since 1995, teaching Thai massage, myomassology, and integrative bodywork.

ROB KELLY - Irene’s instructor, practicing since 1995 and teaching since 1996, with lymphatic and orthopedic education. He owns Rob Kelly Seminars, an NCBTMB Approved Provider.

RANDY CUMMINS - Zen Shiatsu Chicago faculty; his biography includes 20 years at Chicago School of Massage Therapy and 15 at Lauterstein-Conway in Austin, Texas. His teaching integrates Eastern and Western bodywork.

ROBERT GARDNER - Thai and Table Thai educator with educational writing published through Lauterstein-Conway. His website lists NCBTMB provider #247.

KRU WINA - Owner of Wina's Therapeutic Thai Massage & Spa, emphasizing individualized Thai bodywork, stretching and comfort.

ANDY HYDE - Manual therapist and instructor with a practice history beginning in 2010 and an orthopedic, neuromuscular, and athletic focus.

Extra training, Thai study, and what's next:

I completed the full online SEBASTIEN VALLA MASSAGE SCHOOL program and earned the diploma. His teaching blends Thai massage, deep tissue, and Lomi-Lomi, and includes workshops at Ong Thai Massage School in Chiang Mai. I plan to travel to Chiang Mai, Thailand, and complete training at Ong's Thai Massage School. I look forward to continuing that education in person and bringing what I learn back into my work.

Most recently, I started studying Thai Medical Massage through online teachings and a training handbook from Kru Ray Kesara (Kesara Mai Ngam), along with informal discussions in her community. I explore the ideas she shares and practice many of her methods. Her background includes training at Watpo Thai Traditional Medical and Massage School and the Union of Thai Traditional Medicine Society. I plan to attend her in-person Thai Medical Massage training to build on what I’ve learned and continue developing my hands-on skills.

For me, confidence means knowing my foundation, being honest about my limits, and continuing to learn. You can expect thoughtful work and clear communication about what we're doing, how it feels, and what you want from the session.

TX MT150078