I truly love my work, which is an ongoing inquiry into the nature of cultivating health and healing, facilitated by well-trained hands, an understanding of anatomy and physiology, and my intent to be of service to the increased well-being of my clients.
I came to this practice relatively late in life. Even though I am an elder in years and well seasoned, I feel young at heart. A lot of that is because (finally) I am doing work that I truly love. It gives me a strong purpose. I also believe in good self-care.
My fascination for years has been with craniosacral biodynamics bodywork, which I began receiving in 2007 and studying in 2013.
I’ve studied with two Craniosacral Biodynamics teachers, Ryan Hallford and Roger Gilchrist, and I’ve also taken classes in CranioSacral Therapy from the Upledger Institute. I’ve assisted at trainings in both branches of craniosacral bodywork.
I studied TMJ Mastery with John Corry, RMT, of London, Ontario. My Jaw Relief sessions include craniosacral biodynamics techniques as well as massage, Zero Balancing, and other skills I’ve picked up from physical therapists and osteopaths. There isn’t any certification for this specialty (that I know of) in the U.S. at present.
I’ve been a licensed massage therapist since 2012, when I graduated from Austin’s Lauterstein-Conway Massage School. My previous experience with bodywork was training in Reiki in 2011, as well as receiving it.
I am Board Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. Board certification requires a candidate to pass a rigorous exam and a criminal background check and agree to uphold NCBTMB’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
I am also a registered Craniosacral Biodynamics therapist (RCST®) with the Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy Association of North America (BCTA/NA), which indicates I have completed a 700-hour, two-year foundation training in this modality, which I did with Roger GIlchrist’s Wellness Institute in 2021-23 in Silver Spring, MD. I am currently assisting Roger Gilchrist with a foundation training in Austin.
I am also a licensed Massage Therapy Instructor in Texas and plan to develop continuing education courses as time permits. I’d especially love to pass on my knowledge and skills working with TMJ issues to other massage therapists.
My background includes a 40+ year yoga practice, enjoyment of ecstatic dance since 1995, and nearly 20 years practicing meditation. I am a curious person who has explored many areas of personal growth, healing, and wellness.
My healing journey
I developed PTSD as a child after a traumatic loss, years before it was named and appropriate treatment was available.
Dreamwork, journaling, therapy, reading, and connecting to others’ memories of the tragedy were significant aspects of my trauma recovery. Waking the Tiger was instrumental in understanding that a trauma response was embedded in my body, enabling me to release it in stages over time.
Getting to a state where I was no longer triggered took time. Part of that work was learning to relax my body and mind while lucid, because I didn’t know what it felt like to be relaxed. I started seriously meditating and cranked up my yoga practice.
I also began receiving regular craniosacral bodywork sessions, which made a big difference in my continuing trauma recovery. After receiving sessions, I felt like I was more myself: more centered, grounded, and clear, as if somehow my inner essence and well-being were becoming stronger.
I relaxed myself into quitting my office job, going to massage school, and taking my first craniosacral class while still a massage student!
And now here I am, 15 years later, drawing on my training, skills, and experience to work with my clients.
How may I be of service to you?