Strong Hands, Warm Heart

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. I always tell clients to trust their instinct when it comes to selecting a therapist. Which other profession can you think of where you come in, get naked and have a person put their hands all over your body. You better be comfortable with the therapist and his/her abilities and talents. Being intuitive about what the body needs is not really something that can be taught in a massage therapy class...you either have it or your don't. Schools teach technique, basic anatomy & physiology...they don't teach someone to be good at touch...that is an inherent gift.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. Exceeding the expectations of my clients, while maintaining a professional approach to therapeutic and intuitive bodywork. I love meeting new clients and learning subtle differences about my existing clients. I control my own schedule so it affords me the freedom to create the type of massage experience I would want to receive.

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. 1. How long have you been practicing? 8.5 years
2. Are you licensed? Yes, both in Washington State and Nationally Certified
3. What is lomi lomi? Sacred Lomi Lomi is a spiritual modality based on seven Shamanic principles. The soft, fleshy part of the forearm is used to move energy through the body rather than into it and as practitioners (facilitators) we work on releasing blockages which occur throughout the body.
4. Will I be draped during the session? Draping is always determined by the comfort level of the client.
5. Do you use oil? I use a massage gel actually which is primarily jojoba, more of a plant extract (an ester) than an "oil." It is the closest thing to natural skin oil and is wonderfully hydrating for the skin.

Q. How did you decide to get in your line of work?

A. I wanted to provide my clients with a positive life experience. It sounds sappy maybe, but I wanted to make my clients feel better after they come to see me than before they walk through my door. I have very loyal clients and they choose to come back because of the level of service I provide. I love my work and it shows.

Q. If you were advising someone who wanted to get into your profession, what would you suggest?

A. Seek first to understand the difference between giving a massage and truly connecting with another human being. Aproach every session as if it is your first and be present and mindful with your clients. Every stroke, every movement is an opportunity to have a delicate and deliberate communication with another person's body...what an amazing gift! Get massage...it's the only way you will recognize a good experience from someone just going through the motions.