Before going into massage therapy I studied all kinds of art, including ceramics, painting, drawing, sculpture. Eventually I earned an associates degree from Skagit Valley Community College in visual arts and a bachelor's degree from WSU in Digital Technology and Culture, minoring in Japanese. I worked a part time job as a graphic designer and tech support for the University of Idaho for four years before relegating my art to my crochet hobby and going into massage. I have worked as a massage therapist ever since graduating from the now closed Altura College in 2018. Some of my favorite continuing education classes include Gary Schwander’s Structural Release Classes in Spokane Valley, Cupping class from Esther up at Summit Therapy in Pullman, a UI study about the Alexander Technique of postural realignment, and aquatic integration training.

I grew up listening to a story about how massage can make the difference between successful and unsuccessful recovery. Decades ago my uncle was in a motorcycle accident with a semi, and was initially told he would never walk again. My father visited his brother in the hospital frequently, massaging his legs like he had as children when my uncle would come home from his paper route. Despite the initial diagnosis, my uncle fully regained the use of his legs. In high school my brother job shadowed an LMT and subsequently taught me some techniques. Eventually, giving him and my friends informal massages every now and then became a more regular part of my life.

I believe postural mindfulness and understanding the concept of body tensegrity plays an important role in reducing chronic pain and tension. Body tensegrity is the concept that the network of interconnected tissues (bones, muscles, joints, and fascia) creates a dynamic balance of forces, allowing the body to maintain its shape, move, and adapt to external stresses. Postural mindfulness involves paying attention to your body's posture throughout the day, cultivating awareness of how you sit, stand, and move, and promoting increased balance and comfort. Listening to your body is the first step in taking care of it. Massage has many benefits, but is often best used in tandem with other therapies as it primarily addresses the soft tissue of the body, and is far from a substitute for going to a doctor.

I enjoy many aspects of massage, particularly diversity and discovering how each person is different yet similar. I most enjoy working on trapezius and triceps muscle because, for me, they are the easiest to identify and trace.

I spend my free time crocheting while watching TV shows or listening to audiobooks, occasionally playing computer games with my brother or husband, and every once in a while, visiting my family and friends in Washington and California. I also enjoy taking care of my snakes, cats, and plants, when not working on the house or laundry.