About Me
Healing is possible.
I had daily headaches with neck and upper back pain for over two decades, and that is no longer the case.
I felt I had tried everything over the years, and had resigned myself to this pain as a permanent fixture in my life. Some of these treatment attempts helped some, but only to an extent or for a limited period of time. In addition to a foundation of healthy life habits and embodiment experience, what ultimately tipped the scales for me was learning more about pain neuroscience and mind-body methods, such as those taught by Dr. Howard Schubiner, Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
I have come to understand that pain can become a learned pattern in the body, nervous system, and mind. This learning is often unconscious – shaped by the body’s response to stress, past injuries, trauma, or overload – and becomes embedded in neural pathways, emotional memory, and even the fascia* itself. Chronic pain is rarely just a physical issue; it’s a complex system of protective patterns that has become stuck.
In addition, hearing others’ stories of healing through these methods helped me realize what was possible – a door of healing opened where it had been closed. Sometimes just the possibility of healing can make all the difference, and science has shown that most chronic pain can be literally unlearned! And even if the pain does continue, I firmly believe that everyone can learn to relate to their pain with less distress and more peace.
My Mission
In large part thanks to my own journey, I am able to offer a uniquely comprehensive approach to chronic pain and dysregulation – rooted in the ongoing research of my lived experience, my work with clients, extensive continuing education, and findings from scientific studies and related fields. My approach honors the multidimensional complexity of pain and dysregulation. And in doing so, it can open the door to real change.
As such, I blend more body-based techniques (i.e. hands-on bodywork and embodied movement) with more mind-based somatic approaches (i.e. mind-body coaching). My main body-based approaches are rooted in the responsive presence of intuitive flow, and include the gentle yet powerful opening of myofascial release (Barnes-style MFR), the fluid connectivity of the Trager approach, the subtle depths of craniosacral therapy (Upledger-style CST), and the freedom of embodied movement (as informed by my studies in dance and Qigong).
My main mind-based somatic approaches include the integrative power of guided breath and awareness, the nervous system regulation and neuroplastic healing of Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) and the inner relational depth of Internal Family Systems (IFS).
My studies are further deepened through training in Holistic Pelvic Care™, which supports a reclamation of one’s wholeness and center of being, as well as the time honored tradition of Tui Na and the clean flow of lymphatic drainage. I meet you as a whole being – wondrously unique, and empowered as an active participant in your healing journey.
My Background
I come to the world of bodywork with a background in psychology, healthcare, and dance. During my time at UNC-Chapel Hill I earned bachelor’s degrees in psychology and studio art while additionally studying healthcare prerequisites. I went on to practice my passion for heartful care as a medical assistant and wilderness therapy field guide. These experiences strengthened and honed my intuitive skills of empathetic presence and support. I further honed these skills by completing the comprehensive massage licensing program offered by the Center for Massage & Natural Health in Asheville, NC. The program solidified my anatomical proficiency, broadened my awareness of and passion for somatic psychology, and equipped me with a strong toolbox of techniques and modalities to draw from. I have a passion for learning and continue to expand the breadth and depth of my offerings every day. Some of my additional studies have included somatic therapy techniques, Holistic Pelvic Care, craniosacral therapy, tui na, manual lymphatic drainage, Thai massage, Aguahara (a type of aquatic therapy), and Qigong instructor training.
Chronic pain and dysregulation can be unlearned!!
*Fascial restrictions are the body’s way of remembering – its nonverbal learning – patterns shaped not just by past injuries and habits of body-use, but also by unresolved stress, trauma, or tension. They’re adaptive at first, but over time, they can lock the body into loops of pain and protection.
Here I am with one of my chicken cuties, Harriet – I love that we can watch them and the ducks from the session space!
My sweet pup, Yogi Bear, loves to support the healing space for those who enjoy having dogs around.
My Passion
Ultimately, my love of embodied movement through dance and the integration of one’s mind, spirit, and body called me to the field of bodywork. I began to realize the wealth of wisdom and potential within our very own bodies. I’m passionate about the ways bodywork can open doors of possibility, integration, and a feeling of home in one’s own body. I am passionate about supporting health and wellbeing, not as a one-size-fits-all paradigm, but as the path we get to unfurl in coming home to ourselves. I believe this process can establish a foundation for more meaningful and connective living, with the effects rippling out beyond our singular being. I believe in tolerance for different ways of living, celebrating the diversity of life, and recognizing the wondrous and unique spark of aliveness within each of us. I feel blessed and humbled to be doing this work and offering my skills in service of abundant thriving.
Why "Water Wisdom Bodywork"?
“Water is fluid, soft, and yielding. But water will wear away rock, which is rigid and cannot yield. As a rule, whatever is fluid, soft, and yielding will overcome whatever is rigid and hard. This is another paradox: what is soft is strong.” ― Lao Tzu
Water embodies much of how I seek to work as well as what I seek to cultivate and share through my work. Water makes a way with effortless ease, persists with cunning resilience, and flows with supple adaptivity. Water is healing, cleansing, mysterious, and life-giving. The Daoist tradition associates water with our core essence and with the wisdom found in deep listening.
We are in fact composed almost entirely of water. And so, may come home to our essence: strong in our softness, free in our fluidity, and centered in our clarity. May we open the channels within ourselves to flow with ease, allowing more vibrant aliveness and connectedness to flourish within ourselves and beyond.
My Ideal Client
My ideal client is motivated as an active participant in their wellness journey, putting effort and intention into what they ingest and how they use their body – striving to eat whole foods and exercise at least twice a week. My ideal client is willing to share honestly and communicate their feelings and needs while also understanding the importance of boundaries in all relationships. My ideal client approaches the path of healing with inquisitive curiosity, an openness to try new things and experience the beauty of the journey itself.