It all started when I got a job in an insulation packing plant ....and developed a repetitive strain injury in less than a month.

I was working 12 hour shifts doing the same movements day after day. One morning I woke up and my ring finger on my left hand was tingling. It soon spread to my pinkie finger and then ring and pinkie on my right hand as well. I was referred to a doctor who said I had carpal tunnel, an ER doctor told me there was nothing wrong/that he could do, a chiropractor to fix my crooked neck and back posture, and a massage therapist to loosen up my arms. NONE of them did any type of nerve tests to see where the problem was coming from or help alleviate the now searing pain that was shooting down the back of my left arm from armpit to fingers. Then I was sent to a chiropractor who specialized in A.R.T. and soft tissue injuries....

After 1-3 treatments a week for 6 months the problem was GONE. It required stretching 4x daily, bi-weekly massage, and weekly chiropractic appointments to keep the scar tissue from coming back and my problem from returning. I decided I wanted to help people like that and enrolled in the massage therapy program at Medicine Hat College in 2002. We learned physiology, pathology, orthopedics, biomechanics, and I discovered my love of Anatomy. Classes included lumbar assessments, abdominal massage, pre- and post- natal and labour and delivery massage, TMJD (Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction) and MVA (Motor Vehicle Accident) treatments.... While there I was offered the chance to take an ‘Aromatherapy and the Therapeutic Uses of Essential Oils’ course as an add-on to my massage therapy training. “Essential oils can make your hands feel stronger and feel 3” deeper”. I was intrigued but skeptical since I was allergic to ‘scents’. It was here that I met a man who has since become my mentor in essential oils- Blaine Andrusek of Blaine Andrusek Phytotherapeutics based in Calgary, AB.

We learned about the chemical components of oils, the potential dangers of their misuse, proper dilutions, why specific oils must be held in high regard for both their potency and ecosystem fragility, and when to use the oils in different forms- topically, inhalation, etc. We were able to make our own blends under direct supervision with a wide array of carrier oils. It was an amazing class that ended 5 classroom days with an herb walk/botany lesson in Elkwater, AB.

After the classes I began to make and use my own blends at home since I noticed my allergies were clearing up. Turns out I was allergic to whatever crap was living in the carpets of my rental apartment and using oils such as Peppermint, Ravensara, and Eucalyptus helped me breathe better at night, letting me get more sleep and function better during class. Win!! Classmates liked some of the blends I made so they bought some...then clients started asking for the blends I was using on them and ‘do you have something for _’..... I now use oils daily to help cope with stress, allergies, sick kids, and the various bumps and bruises that occur from an active lifestyle.

I use these blends during massage treatments and sell to the public as well. When I'm not at home creating blends I enjoy being outside with my family- mountain biking, hiking, skiing, and camping in the mountains. I grew up in Flin Flon, MB playing hockey and baseball, and loving all things sports related.