One of the foundations of my practice is to promote greater awareness in the mind, body, and spirit.  I find that many of my clients are going through transition, and it is my hope to assist them in becoming more aware of their own strengths, to discover what is working and what isn't, what feels right, and what doesn't, and to trust themselves enough to listen to their inner truths.  Body work is a fantastic medium for this type of work and I am constantly seeking out different methods and techniques since each client is unique.  

The healing vocation is a path that chose me as much as I chose it.  When I look back along the road that led me to this work, I can see the choices I made, but I also see the guidance I had along the way.  The support of my friends, family, and spiritual guides was intrinsic to my ability to embrace this new and challenging future.  

I completed a two year program at the Muscular Therapy Institute in spring of 2006 and have been working as a massage therapist and body worker ever since.  I am so grateful for this work, for the way it constantly transforms my own life and the lives (and bodies!) of the incredible people I have the privilege to encounter. 

To learn more about my work click here.
Or check out my Intuition Blog to start a conversation.


Frequently Asked Questions

Many people have questions about massage, some of which can be rather embarrassing to ask.  Here are some questions others have asked and my answers to them.  If you have any question suggestions, let me know!

1.  Do I have to be naked?  Eeeeek!
2.  If I feel uncomfortable with something about my body... won't you feel uncomfortable too?
3.  I am a man. What if I have an uncontrollable erection during our session?
4.  Don't you get tired doing this work?
5.  You mean you don't even get tired after 90min sessions?
6.  What if I have a "gastrointestinal incident"?
7.  I had a massage once and it hurt really bad!  Will you hurt me too?
8.  How much pressure is too much?
9.  You say that certain conditions contraindicate massage, what does this mean?
10. What type and duration of massage should I get?
11. Do you accept tips?  Should I leave a tip? 
12. What happens if I fall asleep?
13. Am I allowed to talk during the massage?
14. Can I get massage if I'm pregnant?


1.  Do I have to be naked?  Eeeeek!
I always tell my clients to undress to their comfort level.  For some clients this means being naked aside from the sheet I use to drape them with, for others this means wearing underwear or a bra, or not removing any clothing at all.  Whatever makes you feel comfortable is what we will do.  This also tends to evolve over time so feel free to speak up if you want to change the routine.  I follow AMTA draping rules, in other words, I use a sheet to drape my clients and only uncover the part of the body I am working on, such as the back, or an arm or leg.  For Lomi Lomi the draping is a sarong instead of a sheet and traditionally the chest is exposed but that will only happen if you are comfortable with that.  I will never expose your genital area. EVER. 

2.  If I feel uncomfortable with something about my body... won't you feel uncomfortable too?
It is my goal to make each and every one of my clients feel special, beautiful, and loved.  Things like acne, psoriasis, sebaceous cysts, body hair, stretch marks, scars, or birth marks do not make me uncomfortable.  Actually the creams and oils I make for my treatments are formulated to help nourish and improve your skin!  Bodies come in all different shapes and sizes and I work with clients who are underweight, overweight, elderly, and amputees.  If you share with me what it is you are uncomfortable with, we can work together to help you feel as comfortable as possible.  Your body is amazing and I want to help you improve your relationship with it. 

3.  I am a man. What if I have an uncontrollable erection during our session?
This question is one of those that many people have but are afraid to ask.  Honestly the answer is about your own feelings and intentions.  Like it or not, our culture has associated sexuality with touch.  Massage feels good and an erection is a natural physical response to how good it feels, but it also has something to do with our cultural tendency to associate touch with sex.  It doesn't have to be embarrassing or wrong and most likely we can both just ignore it and enjoy the massage.  This happens less often than you would think because if I'm doing my job right you are so relaxed your body and mind won't even go there. Relax!

4.  Don't you get tired doing this work?
I get this question a lot and I definitely feel thankful that my clients are so concerned about my well being!  I very rarely get tired while working.  I take really good care of myself, get plenty of sleep, and I put a limit on how many clients I will see per day so that I can give high quality bodywork to each and every one of them. 

5.  You mean you don't even get tired after 90min sessions?
Some of my clients have said they feel guilty about booking a 90min massage because they don't like asking me to work for so long.  The truth is, I prefer giving 90min massages.  It allows me more time to warm up the muscles and tissue before I do deeper work so I actually do less tiring work.  That extra half hour means I can take my time and not think about the clock so much.  So treat yourself!  It's like a long weekend!

6.  What if I have a "gastrointestinal incident"?
You'd be shocked how many people want to ask this question but are too embarrassed.  The truth is, gas happens.  If you pass gas, don't worry about it so much. I am not going to think you're gross.  In fact I'll probably just take it as a compliment because you're so relaxed!  If your abdomen is making crazy noises, don't worry about that either.  It's a sign that your digestive tract is working which means your stress level has been reduced and that's a good thing!

7.  I had a massage once and it hurt really bad!  Will you hurt me too?
I am so sorry that happened to you.  Massage does not have to hurt to be effective.  Please speak up and let me or any therapist know if something is hurting you or otherwise uncomfortable.  We might be able to read your body language, but it's much better if you just let us know that something hurts.  I promise not to be offended.  I want you to feel amazing after your massage, not sore and unhappy.

8.  How much pressure is too much?
The answer is relative to each client.  Everyone has their own sweet spot.  Deep pressure should never be so deep that you tense up in response.  Another clue is if you can't take a deep breath.  Massage does NOT have to hurt to be effective.  You should not be sore for more than 24 hours.  Sometimes myofascial work can feel like burning or pinching, but speak up if it doesn't feel right to you, or if you find you have lasting soreness or discomfort.  The main lesson here is communication!

9.  You say that certain conditions contraindicate massage, what does this mean?
Sometimes illness, disease, medications, and conditions make certain massage techniques high risk.  For example, steroid medications may weaken your tissue, so I will be wary of using too much deep pressure.  Pregnancy, high blood pressure and diabetes are just a few conditions that have certain contraindications.  Please communicate honestly with me about your health so I can make sure our session is healthy and safe for you.

10. What type and duration of massage should I get?
That's a good question that is easy to answer in some cases.  It stands to reason that if you are pregnant you should get a Pregnancy Massage.  If you know you like deep pressure, then get a Deep Tissue massage.  If you are in the mood for something really different, try a Lomi Lomi session.  Otherwise just about every client can benefit from the Basic Massage whether they're stressed out, in pain, just feeling tense, injured or in need of relaxation.  As far as duration goes, a great deal can be accomplished in an hour.  60min sessions are great for people who have one or two areas they really want to focus on, but also want a nice full body massage as well.  For people who have more than two areas of focus, for example neck, shoulders, hips, and feet, you may consider a 90min treatment to assure we have enough time to really get to everything.  I also offer 30min "spot" treatments for people who may have time or financial restraints but really need one focus area to be worked on, for example a neck & shoulder treatment, or a foot treatment for plantar fasciitis.  And of course when in doubt, just communicate what you need and we can figure out what the best treatment is for you.


11. Do you accept tips?  Should I leave a tip? 
Tipping always seems confusing for both clients and therapists.  I think it's because massage therapy bridges a gap between western medicine and a spa treatment.  You obviously wouldn't tip your primary care physician, but there is an expectation to tip your hair stylist.  It helps to look at it this way, if your massage therapist owns their own practice then they most likely have priced their services accordingly such that they don't need tips, but if you absolutely loved your massage and wanted to leave a tip, I doubt your therapist would turn it down.  If your therapist works at a spa or a wellness center, it's likely they are paid a  commission percentage.  In this case it would be customary to tip if you feel you had exceptional service, just the same way you'd tip your hair stylist.  In general clients tip between $10-$20 for a 60 minute treatment.


12. What if I fall asleep?
Some clients fall asleep while getting massage. I often see this with my clients who are sleep deprived or very stressed out. If you fall asleep, you may miss out on the mind/body connection work we do during the session, but you will still receive the physical benefits of the massage, not to mention some good restorative shut-eye. I do not wake my slumbering clients until the massage is ending unless they specifically ask me to wake them up if they fall asleep. So if you know you fall asleep easily and wish to stay awake during the session, let me know and we will try to keep you awake. And yes, I do have clients who snore. It happens to many people when they are laying on their backs. It's perfectly natural and it doesn't bother me.


13. Am I allowed to talk during the massage?
Of course you are!  I encourage my clients to communicate and ask as many questions as they like.  It is really important that you feel comfortable telling me if the pressure is too light or too deep, if something feels uncomfortable or painful, or if you need to take a break.  We don't have to chat the whole time, often we can just connect before the session to discuss your goals and any other pertinent information, and then get right to quiet relaxation.  If you are the sort of person who needs to talk in order to relax, I am perfectly willing and able to be a conversationalist, though every now and then I suggest you just remain silent for the session to connect with your body and mind.  Some people want complete silence for their session and that is perfectly okay.  Just let me know in advance and I will keep our communication to a minimum and check in with you after the session.


14. Can I get massage while pregnant?
Yes please!  Having a baby transforms your body in some incredible ways, not all of which are entirely comfortable.  Fatigue, nausea, and headaches in the first trimester give way to hip, back, shoulder & pain in the second and third as your body adjusts to the changing weight of your baby.  Some women do not prefer to get massage in the first trimester for many reasons.  I do offer it though if you are interested.  Into the second trimester you will lay on your side for the session, comfortably bolstered with pillows.  I do not use pregnancy tables with holes cut out of the middle as I feel it puts too much strain on the lower back and hips (like you don't have enough of that already!).  I may have some women lay supine (on the back) to do some neck, head and face work, but often that's only possible in the second trimester.  There are several contraindications to be aware of during pregnancy, including spots where I will avoid doing any direct pressure.  I so enjoy working with my pregnant clients, watching their bodies change and grow and helping them have happy pregnancies and healthy births!