About Me

Regarding Covid-19 and other illnesses, if you'd like me to wear a mask, I am happy to!

I graduated cum laude from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN. I planned on going to graduate school for dance/movement therapy, but was side-tracked by a car accident that led me to receive massage therapy for my injuries.

After bodywork sessions diminished my pain, I quickly decided to pursue a career in massage. I initially attended a 600-hour program at Northern Lights School of Massage Therapy in 1997 (now known as CenterPoint). I immediately followed that with a certification in NeuroMuscular Therapy (with Judith Delany). I also have training in Connective Tissue Massage with John Latz. I was an instructor in the therapeutic massage department at CenterPoint (which unfortunately closed after being in business from 2001-2020), and do numerous continuing education hours each year. I am Board Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (BCTMB) and Licensed with the City of Minneapolis (a requirement as of July 1, 2014). I have been a member of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) throughout my career.

What is SHIATSU (Japanese acupressure)? I completed 750 additional hours and received a certificate in East-West Therapeutic Bodywork from CenterPoint in December 2016. Shiatsu uses the meridians or lines of energy in the body to move and balance the flow of Qi. It is helpful for energy level, mood, sleep, and all of the body's organ systems.

What is the H.A.R.T. Method? The H.A.R.T. Method: Holistic Abdominal Relief Therapy is an external, non-invasive and nurturing treatment of the abdominal area and pelvis. The organs of the abdomen and pelvis, including the uterus, ovaries, prostate and intestines, may have shifted, or become swollen or inflamed, thereby restricting the flow of blood, lymph, nerve and chu’lel (qi/chi). Blockage of the flow of fluids and chu’lel through the pelvis can be a primary cause for a long list of symptoms. These may include but are not limited to: pelvic floor pain or dysfunction, digestive issues, poor circulation in legs, prostate enlargement or discomfort, low back pain, frequent urination and incontinence, bladder infections, fertility challenges, painful periods, irregular periods, PMS, vaginal yeast conditions, endometriosis, painful intercourse, varicose veins, endocrine (hormonal) issues, and aching legs to name a few…..

What causes this to happen?
Poor pelvic alignment, car accidents, chronic constipation and straining and other stresses to the ligaments that support the abdominal and reproductive organs, falls to the sacrum, running on cement surfaces, repeated pregnancies close together and extended pushing during childbirth, are some examples of what might create susceptibility to issues like those listed above.” Also, our sedentary lifestyle does not create the movement that naturally massages our internal components; sometimes they need some assistance :)
 
WHAT IS STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION? 
In fall 2022/ spring 2023 I took a series of intense classes in Structural Integration with John Latz (you may know of this as Rolfing). Ida Rolf was a bio-chemist who created a system to align the body within the gravitational and electromagnetic fields of the earth by working with only the fascia. Fascia, or connective tissue, encompasses all of the white stuff in the body. (Muscle is the red stuff encased within the fascia. Internal organs are also surrounded and supported by fascia.) You may have heard this is painful, but it needn't be. It can be challenging, yes, but working with a skillful and trusted practitioner can be life-changing. What if the last time you had to feel one of your pain/tension patterns was as it finally journeyed out of your body? Trauma also resides within the fascial web, as do the acupuncture meridians.
Structural Integration aligns and balances the body by eliminating shortness in the fascia. As fascia is lengthened it allows the muscles and organs encased within it to work more efficiently. The practitioner applies manual techniques to the body, working throughout the entire fascial web in a systematic way. When restricted fascia is released, the body can return to its structurally optimal position. The effects of gravity, the stress of daily activities, physical injuries and other traumas can pull the body out of alignment. The fascia gradually shortens, tightens and adjusts to accommodate the misalignment. When the body is out of alignment it creates inefficiency and imbalance resulting in stiffness, discomfort and loss of energy.
S.I. is typically done in a series of TEN sessions, ideally only 1-2 weeks apart, and to receive this work you keep underwear on and are an active participant in the session. No lubricant is used; so please arrive with no lotion or oil on your skin. Many of the techniques used to 'hook' and lengthen the fascia feel relieving and useful, but some may be challenging (as the introduction of change often is, in any environment or situation). Our communication will be essential to help you remain comfortable and integrate the work.
Structural Integration is priced differently, and sessions are currently offered at a rate of $200 + $18.05 tax = $218.05 each.
Any of my appointment times can be Structural Integration sessions. 
Please allow 70-90 minutes per S.I. treatment, and arrive with no lotion or oil on your skin. Underwear or a two-piece bathing suit are worn. No racerbacks, please, as I need access to the tissues along your spinal column.

 

I am married and have a son. I enjoy movies, exercise (Pilates is winning over yoga right now), hiking, reading (though I start books and often don't finish them) and baking. Ask me about weighted hula hooping!

I offer 45, 60, 75 & 90-minute appointments.

I don't offer online booking. I keep a running list of available appt times. A brief email or text echange typically gets us on each other's calendars without much delay.

Price List (9.025% sales tax)

45 minutes 90 + 8.12 (tax) = 98.12

60 minutes 120 + 10.83 (tax) = 130.83

75 minutes 150 + 13.54 (tax) = 163.54

90 minutes 180 + 16.25 (tax) = 196.25

Structural Integration 200 + 18.05 (tax) = 218.05

Cupping (with a session) additional $25

Soul Retrieval using Flower Essences (allow 20-30 minutes) $50

  • Want to pay less? You need not pay sales tax if you provide a written note from a DC/DO/MD or LAc recommending bodywork.
  • Tips are always appreciated, yet never expected.

 Please Note:

If you must cancel your appointment with less than 12 hours notice,

a $50 fee will be expected

(illness, bad weather & true emergencies are exempt)

 

If your appointment is completely missed or forgotten,

a $70 fee will be expected

(a gift certificate will be considered ‘used’)

 

Clients arriving late may not receive their full session time