I was born in Ohio and, at age 17, moved to Minnesota to attend Carleton College in Northfield. I studied biology and botany with the goal of eventually working for the Forest Service. But not all plans eventuate, as I never graduated and spent 18+ years working with developmentally disabled people in Boulder, Colorado. Upon leaving this career, I worked many different jobs, struggling to find another meaningful vocation.

I eventually decided to pursue my long standing interest in massage.

I have informally massaged people for many years—acting only on my intuition— when I felt they needed the touch. I was told that I was gifted. Feeling that I could help people improve their health and internal comfort, but lacking the credentials, I chose to move to Portland to attend massage school. By deciding to attend school, I finally faced my misgivings about learning prescribed techniques. I had thought I would lose my intuition and ability to sense inside the body if I was taught too much mechanical knowledge. As it turned out, I did not lose my intuition and now I continually search for new techniques to improve and enhance my skills in order to better serve my clients.

I attended East-West College in Portland, graduating in the summer of 2000, and have been licensed to practice massage in Oregon since October 2000.

I am certified in 1st Aid/CPR and a current member of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA).