licensed massage therapist

Degrees and certifications

Licensed Massage Therapist, CA (2014 -present)

Advanced Training at the International Professional School of Bodywork, San Diego:

• Deep Tissue Massage

• Neuromuscular Therapy

• Sensory Re-patterning

• Relaxation and Hot Stone Massage

• Sports Massage

Perinatal Massage Therapy Certification

I was so fortunate to train and become certified by the one and only, Carole Osborne with Body Therapy Education. She wrote the Prenatal Massage Book that is used in most massage schools and has been a lead teacher nationwide for over 35 years. 

University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT

Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies, Psychology Minor

University Honors Program, Deans List, Magna Cum Laude

Senior Honors Thesis: An Analysis of Interventions to Improve the Social and Interpersonal Skills of Children with Asperger’s Syndrome 

TRAININGS

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for Behavior Therapists

Cornell University Residential Child Care Project, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Training

my story

Let me briefly take you back with me to age twenty three when I moved across country from Boston to San Diego to create a fresh start and “live the California Dream.” It wasn't so dreamy at first though. I was working full time as a behavior therapist with children with autism and suffering from chronic migraines. This work was so purposeful and first opened my eyes to the power of touch and intention as I taught children how to regulate their bodies and big emotions. I cared so deeply for those families and still do, so somehow, I learned to “power through” the migraines for almost a year, which I do not recommend! I was living in my sympathetic nervous system, my survival fight or flight mode, far more than the healthy amount. My twenty three year old self was a textbook people pleaser and accommodator, with a “go go go” mentality - pouring so much of my energy and love to others and not nearly enough to myself. I allowed my worth to be defined by how much I was doing and giving rather than trusting I am worthy of unconditional love for simply who I am BEING. I wasn’t comfortable feeling anger so I suppressed it rather than feel it to release it,  which I now understand was a huge trigger for my migraines. 

My wise, loving parents back east were so concerned about my well being and my lack of seeking self care, they booked me an appointment with a highly respected acupuncturist in my area. That appointment will forever be imprinted in my heart as it was a huge “aha” moment and shifted the trajectory of my life.  I walked in his office carrying a dark cloud that hovered around me-  wishing I could numb the intense pain felt in the upper left quadrant of my head and neck. After only putting one tiny needle in my hand and one in my arm, I broke down in tears. I immediately felt clarity, peace and awakening come over my whole body. After he finished treating my meridian points, he left the room to give me space for a healthy healing release. When I walked out of his office, the sky had never looked so blue. The dark cloud I was carrying had vanished. It felt like magic. I left relieved and perplexed wondering how two points in my arm could clear my headache when nothing else I knew of could. From that moment forward, I was fascinated by the holistic approach to healing and it couldn't have been more clear that our mind, body and soul are so closely interconnected. This led me to my advanced massage therapy training and discovering my calling to help others nourish their whole being with a holistic approach using bodywork, practicing love and compassion towards ourselves, mindful awareness, movement, and breath work.

Although I still get a occasional migraine, usually when my hormones shift, I now see my headaches as a helpful reminder to slow down, honor my needs, look inward, be with any uncomfortable feelings to release them and nourish myself on a deeper level. They have been a true gift of guidance in my life. Personal growth was never meant to be linear, rather a windy road. However, I am so grateful for all I have learned and will continue to learn on this beautiful and humbling journey of life and motherhood. I received so much valuable wisdom along the way that I hope to share and am also excited to provide support in areas where I was missing it. 

 I hold a special place in my heart for mothers, parents, and women navigating times of uncertainty or transition — though I truly value the uniqueness of every individual I work with. In order to live and give from a wholesome, heart centered state, I feel it is essential to regularly nourish and replenish ourselves. It brings me so much joy to create a space for you to care for yourself and do just that!

why i Became certified in Perinatal massage

It is my honor to create a safe space for mamas to process and release emotions, take time for themselves to fully receive and feel replenished. When a mother learns to honor her needs and truly care for herself, she can handle the challenges of motherhood with more grace and feel the blissful moments of pure love with ease. From personal experience, I have felt the transformative effects of therapeutic bodywork during the most vulnerable and sacred phases of life; while creating life inside and while nourishing a sweet little newborn. With so much uncertainty, priority shifts, physical and hormonal changes through pregnancy and postpartum, massage is a powerful way to get out of our heads and connect deeply to our body, our heart and that powerful mother intuition. During such a challenging and sacred time in a woman's life, therapeutic massage is so transformative to help a mama feel nourished. When a mother feels cared for, she can naturally care for and nourish her baby from a healthy, wholesome, heart centered state of being. Everyone around her benefits!

I am committed to helping mothers embody their incredible feminine power so they can enter the transition into birth and motherhood feeling strong, confident and nourished. I often feel the magnitude of this transition is underestimated in our culture and hope to change that so women honor their divine feminine energy for all its worth.