Bio

Background Information & Personal Philosophy:

For as long as I can recall, I have had an interest and desire to help people heal.  However, early college thoughts of entering the medical profession faded away into a career in accounting and finance.  During my ten years in the world of corporate finance, I found myself continually stressed, hunched over a computer and having consistent back and neck pain.  The desire to relieve this pain led me to seek out non-medicative forms of treatment.  I eventually landed in the hands of a massage therapist who worked the knots out of my achy body and who then aided me in correcting my posture and finding easy ways to reduce everyday stress in my life.  I was forever grateful and the seeds of how I could help others were planted in my mind.

I enrolled in The Chicago School of Massage Therapy and attained my certification as a massage therapist in 1996, becoming a member of the American Massage Therapy Association that same year.  I acquired my National Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork in 1997.  My education did not stop with my certification.  I believe it is critical and necessary to continue the learning process, constantly adding to the skills that I can bring to the table when I work with clients.

My exploration into alternative/complimentary modes of caring for the body has taken me down many paths.  In 1996 I began studies in the Usui Shiki Ryoho method of Natural Healing, achieving the level of Reiki Master and Teacher in 1998.  The addition of the energy work brought my bodywork to a deeper, and at times, more personal level.

During a trip to Hawaii in 1997, I received my first introduction to Lomi Lomi (Hawaiian for massage) and the energy work that accompanies the physical bodywork.  The massage session was very powerful and healing.  Upon my return to Chicago, I learned of a local instructor who taught the ancient healing arts of the Hawaiians.  My training began in 1998 and continues to this day.  I started adding the Hawaiian work to my massage and offering separate healing sessions at the end of 2001.

At the suggestion of one of my clients, I traveled to Thailand in 1999 and spent two weeks studying the art of Nuad Bo-Rarn – ancient Thai Massage.  This style of work was different from anything else I had previously encountered.  It awakened and renewed my body in ways that I had not anticipated.  The addition of the Thai movements and energy techniques added a new layer to my work as I began incorporating it into my table work.

My desire to provide my clients with the best, most comprehensive care keeps me studying, learning and adding to my skills in every way possible.  To me, massage and bodywork is not just about relieving pain in the physical body.  It is about finding your place of balance – your center.  It is about honoring your body and learning to listen to its messages and signals.  It is about healing and finding the connection between the body, mind and spirit.