I work a little differently than most massage therapists. When you come see me, of course you will get a great massage that is targeted on your problem area(s).  However, your massage will be customized to what you need that day.  I work with you to actually solve your problem, and then continue to work with you to maintain your optimum health. I schedule my appointments so I have time to listen to you, and to what your body is telling me. The body can’t be forced to open or relax; it is like an onion with many layers. Each layer of tissue has to be opened up so that the next layer can be reached. If your issue is in a deep layer, it will take some time for the body to allow full access.  An example of this is when a therapist keeps “digging” to get into those knots but the client does not get relief.  The client may insist that he or she needs deep tissue, but in reality, the body was not ready for “digging” and other techniques need to be used.  Most therapists aren’t trained in these other effective techniques and the public hasn’t heard of these techniques. Becoming a massage therapist was never in my original plan. I graduated from Cornell University with a degree in Russian Language and Soviet Studies with plans to make the Air Force a career. After a few years of active duty military service, I transferred to the Air Force Reserves and began working as a management consultant. I loved horses and wanted a “horsey” job. I learned about the field of equine massage (yes, there is such a thing). The equine massage school I initially wanted to attend required students to be either vets, chiropractors, or massage therapists. I decided my best option was to become a human massage therapist. Once I started massage therapy school, I realized how much I loved doing human massage! I graduated from AKS Massage School in Herndon, VA, in Nov. 2002. Initially, I was trained in Swedish/deep tissue work, but then continued to get training in advanced massage therapy techniques including Reiki, Cranial Sacral Therapy, Deep Tissue, Sports Massage, Bowen and more (including equine massage). In March 2003, I started practicing as a licensed massage therapist in northern Virginia. I had my own private clients and also worked part time at the Army Navy County Club.  I personally experienced how healing Reiki treatments can be when I broke both of my arms in the middle of massage school! I was my own test case for does it “work?” I healed very quickly, was back to doing full body massages, and graduated on time from massage school. I completed my training as a Reiki Master in 2004.  I relocated to the Huntsville, AL, area in 2008. I ran my massage practice part time while working full time as a management consultant. In March 2014, I opened a permanent location in Huntsville for Bodywork for Healing.  I live on a small farm with horses, chickens and cats; I am a Christian.