What made you decide on a career in massage therapy?
A book on massage found in the back of a bookstore that was going out of business was my introduction to bodywork as a kid. Massage wasn't something I knew about or even heard about as a young person so that was a real eye opener! Through my late 20s and early 30s, I developed a yoga practice as a way to mitigate anxiety and depression (and unrecognized trauma) which lead to interest in somatic healing. I sought out naturopaths, mental health practitioners, acupuncturists, all in the quest of bettering my psyche, spirit and body- and trying to learn how to have all of them inhabit the same space in peace. I woke up one day after 8 years managing a bustling bakery wondering "how did I get here?" and made the decision to *choose* my next career rather than following whatever came my way. I'd always loved working with my hands and have always had a desire to be of service to my fellow human, so massage was my first choice! I convinced my sister to go to an informational workshop at East West College of the Healing Arts and was hooked by the time we walked away.

How long have you lived in Oregon? Have you lived in any other states?
I've been here for nearly 10 years. I moved here from a small island in Penobscot Bay, Maine but spent my childhood and early adulthood in Michigan.

Tell me three of your favorite restaurants in the area, and your go-to menu item from each.
Eesh...I can't even hope to answer this, but 3 of my go-to are
1. Incredible service and delicious food (my sister is the chef, so I *may* be biased!) is Circa 33,
2. Country Cat is a staple special occasions
3. Boke Bowl for Ramen and fried chicken steam buns!

What music do you enjoy listening to when you’re not giving a massage?
I love going to watch Portland Baroque Orchestra, and my radio is often set to All Classical. That said, I really do find joy in 'most every genre of music.

Other than being a Massage Therapist Extraordinaire, do you have any other hobbies or talents?
Growing things, playing with critters, yoga, getting out in nature, playing games, oh, and for secret talents, I was a floral designer for about 10 years and can still be convinced from time to time to provide beautiful blooms for weddings of friends and family.

What was the last good book you read, and why did you enjoy it?
I'm currently reading Move Your DNA by Katy Bowman. I LOVE how she breaks down corrective exercise to ensure proper form and is able to convey complex biomechanical ideas in understandable and engaging ways.

What is your favorite massage technique to use?
Myofascial release, Craniosacral, Hot stones, Compression...really whatever feels like the right fit for where my client is at in their body on a given day.

What is your perfect way to spend a rainy day in Oregon?
a giant cup of coffee, a book and a cat.

What is your favorite quote?
​This was the first thing that came to mind.

The Guest House
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice.
meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.
Be grateful for whatever comes.
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
— Jellaludin Rumi,

What is your go-to karaoke song?
Son of a Preacher Man by Dusty Springfield :-D

Describe the perfect pizza.
Crispy crust, plenty of cheese, pesto and artichoke hearts

Tell me a fun or interesting fact about massage therapy.
More than anything else, massage is a conversation with another human's central nervous system. Whoa!

What was the last TV show that you binge-watched?
Call the Midwife

Tell me the corniest joke you know.
Ask me if I'm a grape.
Ok, are you a grape?
no.
*cue me falling down in hysterics.
I don't know if it's corny, but it's SO stupid and I love it.

Before you started studying massage therapy, what was your favorite subject in school?
Arts, Sciences, Literature...you name it, I loved it at some point! I don't like to pick favorites :)

Do you have a favorite stand-up comedian?
Melissa Mccarthy, Ellen Degeneres, Tig Notaro

What is your definition of a good massage?
When the body is approached with fearless respect and reverence, the technique almost doesn't matter.

What is your favorite (or dream) vacation spot?
Ireland.

Finally, what is a weird/fun/little-known fact about you?
Most days I think everything about me is weird!

Long Answer: Yes, please do.

The cold and flu season is hitting the Pacific Northwest hard this year and it's important to know that it may be the best decision to cancel your massage appointment when you are feeling the creeping crud feelings. 

But massage sounds so good when everything is achey!

We know! But it’s still not always a great idea.

​When you are sick, your body needs you to rest. Receiving a massage isn't actually entirely restful to your body.  Massage causes change in the body (yeah!) and your body has to work to maintain stability. Getting a massage when you are sick takes attention away from infection-fighting (boo!) 

You’re not going to be happy and comfy on the massage table. Sure, it sounds like a warm, luxurious massage table would be awesome. But, believe me, the moment you put your already-stuffy head into that face cradle, you’ll realize the error of your ways. Gravity and pressure are not your friend here. Even if your therapist does a great face massage to drain your sinuses, you’ll likely feel worse when you get off the table.

You could get us sick. Since the junk that is flying around is likely contagious before symptoms show up, your therapist could pass your cooties along to more clients before they even know it’s happening. We get a lot of medically fragile clients in our office and those germs could be way worse for them than they are for you.

Further, when we get sick, we have to cancel clients and take a few days off work. Our massage therapists have limited paid time off and we'd really rather they spend it having a little fun than sneezing and coughing at home. 

So here's the deal: You’ll cancel if you're feeling something coming on or are already sick so as not to infect your therapist and our massage rooms, and we promise to do the same for you!

• If you have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea in the past 24 hours, or are still feeling gross from a recent bout of such things.
• If you’ve had a fever in the past 24 hours, or fever-related symptoms. This includes chills, aches, and fatigue. Even if you’re keeping the fever down with medicine, you’re still sick. The fever counts.
• If you are itchy, runny, and/or sneezy. Even if it is "only" seasonal allergies, you may be quite miserable on the massage table for an hour and that would be wasted time and money for you. 
• If you are coughing a bunch. 
• If someone in your household has the crud and you are feeling at all funky, please cancel.

There is often some gray area here. If you’re unsure about your situation, please call us before your appointment and we can make a decision together.

Short answer: Maybe
Long answer: Most likely not. We're pretty understanding because, hey, we don't want you to drag yourself in! All we ask is that you give us as much notice as possible so that we can try to fill the appointment from our waitlist (or can at least make a coffee date with a friend to fill the hour). 

If you're sick on Monday with the stuff that knocked your kids out for a week and you have an appointment with us on Wednesday at 3:00, give us a call. Please don't wait until 10am the day of your appointment. We reserve the right to throw the policy at you.

So, hey! Be careful out there. Get your rest, drink your water, take your vitamins and fight the good fight against the yucks! If they catch you, give us a shout.