Kristen graduated from The Healing Arts Center in 2012. She got into the field of massage therapy because she wanted to find a more holistic approach to healing. She previously studied psychology and stumbled upon the mind body spirit connection through learning about meditation, and when she could not create a program in college that suited her needs, she turned to massage therapy recommended by a friend. Massage therapy closed the gap of the mind-body connection which no other modality could do. Kristen also learned about how our emotions get stored in the tissue and how this plays a role in the way we move our bodies. What she loves about massage is that it allows us a path to connect with ourselves internally that is very tangible and practical. There’s no guessing whether you’re connected or not. Massage allows us to work on ourselves at every level, not only physically, but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually as well. And it feels good! It wakes us up to ourselves over and over. Kristen is trained in Swedish massage, deep tissue, deep touch, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, sports massage, hot stone therapy, reiki, pranic healing, reflexology, crystal healing, crystal polarity, and energetic field manipulation. Myofascial release her favorite modality because it addresses the entire individual in a way that no other modality does. Our emotions get stored within our tissues, and only myofascial release directly targets these connective tissues in the way that it seeks to connect without pushing, and then gently stretches at the voluntary release of the person’s body so that the person receiving can reconnect to and experience the emotions stored inside within the consciousness so to be processed and released. We can unwind all sorts of trauma this way. The body learns to trust the hands of the practitioner by the way that the practitioner waits for a release from the tissues before asking it to stretch. This allows the client’s body to feel safe enough to go deep into the subconscious mind for richer healing. Often there is twitching, crying, or even unwinding off the table in this deep healing modality! It is a deep mind-clearing modality. Kristen studies the entire field of holistic health and healing, and aims to open a wellness center in St. Louis one day. She believes massage therapy should be incorporated into our health regime and into the social paradigm as a necessity rather than a luxury. Her goal is to help everyone reach that “core zen” that each one of us has within. She is here to shift the global paradigm of health from that of covering up symptoms and pill-popping to holistic wellness where we play an active role in our health on a daily basis and in multiple levels, and where our health routine is integrated within our activities and decisions. She also owns an online business called Infinite Health & Healing where she coaches others to heal holistically and to be their own healer, exploring themselves mentally and emotionally, and also to help them achieve their dreams. A few fun facts about Kristen. She also worked as a massage therapist in Mexico, and her favorite way to stay healthy is to eat a vegan lifestyle. Clients should book with Kristen because she listens to their body. When they book with her, they won’t get someone simply going through the motions. She doesn't force, and she weaves the callings of their body into a graceful and coherent dance of healing. She is very intuitive and often receives feedback from clients saying that her hands moved to the exact places their bodies were crying out for to be touched. Each body is sacred, and she will honor each spirit that comes through her practice. Also, she infuses each session with Reiki blessings!