Tell us about your massage school and other trainings:
I attended Lancaster School of Massage located in Pennsylvania. This pursuit to work with my hands, own a business, and work with people became an unexpected career path for 8 years. During this time I developed skills in Geriatric massage, Neuromuscular therapy, Connective Tissue work, and Pre-and Postnatal massage. Throughout this journey I began to learn more about the importance of rest, self-care, leadership, and personal growth. I stepped away from Therapeutic Massage for 2 1/2 years and worked as a Chiropractic assistant and Radiographer which allowed me to see the beauty of the skeletal and nervous system from another angle.
What bodywork are you currently studying?
I am looking to expand my skill set in the area of Fascial work and Visceral massage. During my most recent education in the Spontaneous Muscle Release Technique (SMRT) I’m discovering softer approaches to engaging muscle tissue for a lasting, impactful change. I anticipate the opportunity to learn more through education with Sandpoint Medical Massage.
What do you want people to know about their body?
We hold our stories in our body. Both our stories and our bodies are to be honored and regarded as valuable. Massage Therapy is one way of holding space for the stories embodied deep within, whether it’s working on old scars, a current problem area, or an ongoing recovery. I am grateful for the opportunity to hold space for individuals on their journey.
What do you want people to know about health and wellness?
I am continually reminded that health and wellness requires intentionality, care, and compassion. I believe that health and wellness is uniquely rooted in each of us, and threaded through every culture at a physical, spiritual, and emotional level. This is a process in the journey of life and part of the beauty is discovering what this looks like for various people.
Self-Care Advice
Take time to unplug from technology and find creative ways to rest from the demands of life. This will look differently for individuals through various roles and seasons of life. For myself, I receive rest by being in nature, sitting in my hammock, or prayerfully spending time in quiet reflection.
What is your favorite system in the body?
The complexity of the fascial system is intriguing to me! While it is interwoven throughout the whole body, it adapts to changes by holding, releasing, hardening, and softening. As a parallel to our lives, the fascial system in our bodies holds stories of disruption, healing, and repair.
Favorite thing to do in Sandpoint?
My favorites are the Mickinnick Trail and running with a weekly run club, followed by City Beach during the summer. 🙂