I began (re)creating health and a more meaningful connection to my body, heart and soul after life changing events when I was a teenager. I lived with undiagnosed pain. I began a holistic health class at college, danced for creative expression and went to men's groups and vision quests to recover health and balance. I do my best to live a 'holistic' lifestyle that includes diet, exercise, mindfulness practices, creativity and, of course, diverse and complimentary methods of bodywork. And, perhaps most important, connecting with our roots in nature by simply living the gift of life. Of course, we dont all take the same path or have the same needs but when it comes to being alive the essential components of a connection to body, nature and heart are essential.
My first diploma in Massage Therapy and Transformational Bodywork is from the Pacific School of Massage and Healing Arts in California. I was propelled into a new way of looking at the mysterious forces that reside in our body. Forces that heal as well as trap old ways of being that can be a hindrance to our health. This school was a multi-level educational curriculum that also included varied techniques of massage therapy as well as participating in a 10 day sit in Insight Mediation Tradition (or Vipassanna). Yoga-Massage, Touch for Health, Shiatsu, Acupressure and Tai Chi were also taught along with other modalities that make up the tool box of a good bodyworker. Transformational Bodywork, a method described by Fred Mitouer, PhD is, quite simply, Massage Therapy that is used to transform your life through working with the multi-faceted response the bodies has with emotions, spirit and tissue when met with conscious touch.
I have studies with many teachers with studies around California in: Chi Net Tsang, Visceral Manipulation, Cranial Sacral (Upledger Style). Also, somatics is integral to my path. I did a Yoga Teachers Training and did various movement based somatic explorations with Life Art Process, Continuum, Authentic Movement, Contact Improv.
I additionally became passionate about theatre and dance. I completed a theatre training at Dell Arte which specialized in Melodrama, Commedia dell Arte and Clowning. I then studied modern dance both in Seattle and San Francisco enjoying many moments as performer in small venues doing mostly improvised performances. I still loves to dance and get involved in the theatre, recently I worked with a New York director doing an onsite shakespeare production in Geneva.
I have a university degree in Religious Studies where I emphasized eastern enlightenment/spiritual experience. I also worked actively in the Botany Department which was adjunct to studying natural remedies and enjoying a connection to nature.
In 2005 I received a diploma in Biodynamic Cranial Sacral Therapy with the Education Trust in London. I also did additional training with this method in working with: viscera, babies, pregnancy and the 'stillpoint'. The Biodynamic model is a powerful of working with the bodies inherent intelligence and ability to find health.
Before I left for Europe in 2003 I directed a 800 program in Massage Therapy. I was teaching, organizing the curriculum and team leader of a a group of teachers that trained students to be therapists. I also taught leadership techniques and advanced deep tissue massage.