My introduction to massage and why I’m a massage therapist:
As a young girl, I was already the family massage therapist, rubbing out my family’s aches and pains. However, even in elementary school I suffered from tight shoulders and neck with tension headaches that were relieved by loving massage. So, at a very early age I learned to appreciate the benefits of massage from both sides of the massage.
Years passed and friends continued to encourage me to share massage. I was happy to give massages, was joyful at good results achieved working intuitively. Meanwhile, I continued to literally live with a pain in my neck. A good massage from a friend always helped a lot. I wasn’t shy about getting folks to rub my shoulders. Don’t know why it never occurred to me to go to a massage therapist. There weren’t nearly as many then and a good caring friend can do wonders! The massage I used on others was influenced by what I learned when others worked on me. For years friends suggested I pursue massage. Decades later, a series of events finally led me to take my massage seriously and enroll in massage school.
Who are my Clients:
Many of the people who trust me to give them effective, enjoyable massages have been visiting me for over a decade. Some are new acquaintances. Others have sought treatment for a specific situation and have contentedly moved on.
I‘ve successfully worked with clients for relief of headaches, TMJ, sore shoulders, stiff necks, carpal tunnel symptoms, aching backs, old nagging injuries, recent accident injuries, stress, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, lymphedema, effects of cancer treatment, and those who want to feel better and maintain good health.
My practice is built on referrals from clients, friends and from other practitioners.
Modalities,Training and Experience:
I graduated from West*Wind Academy of Massage Therapy in 1997. David Blakey’s enthusiasm for massage, extraordinary teaching ability and approach to therapeutic massage were a perfect fit with my feelings about massage and worked beautifully with the intuitive massage I’d been sharing with my friends. After graduation, my association with the school continued for a number of years as an assistant instructor with Inge Daniel, L.M.T., then as an instructor of Therapeutic Massage.
During my association with West*Wind, I attended and participated in a number of workshops including Tui-Na Acupressure classes with Joel Signuer and Inge Daniel, Foot Massage and Reflexology with David Blakey, Native American Flute as a Path to Breathing and Grounding with Walt Carr, Therapeutic Touch, and Introduction to Trager Bodywork with Kate Rose. New elements incorporated seamlessly into the fabric of the integrative style of the Blakey Method and my own intuitive massage style. I've continued to integrate new techniques wherever they're found.
Following my tenure with West*Wind, I found further education in many places. I studied informally with Earl Kimbell, D.O. for a number of years. Dr. Kimbell had a local Osteopathic practice of Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine and was an instructor at Midwestern University Glendale AZ campus and then John C. Lincoln Hospital. Dr. Kimbell has since relocated, however I'm thrilled that he chose to share with me some of the more advanced modalities massage therapists use that have been developed by and for osteopathic physicians. In addition I've participated in classes in Reiki and Aromatherapy at Phoenix College, and more recently, CranioSacral Therapy with the Upledger Institute, an excellent class in Lymphatic Drainage with Gail Davis at Healing Arts Connection and, back at Phoenix College for a wonderfully thoughtful class concerning treatment of oncology patients.
From my graduation from massage school in 1997 until fall of 2004 I practiced at Concepts in Relaxation with Ed Perez. It was a lovely environment for massage. I continued at “Concepts” until Ed closed the office in the Fall of 2004. Which happens to be when Juniper House officially opened its doors. Exquisite timing and fantastic energy brought me to Juniper House in August 2004 where I’ve been happily massaging and growing professionally ever since.
