Welcome! I am Sarah Girard and I have been serving others as a bodyworker since 2013. I specialize in Lymphatic Therapy and Reiki. I am passionate about creating a safe and welcoming space for anyone looking to heal through the mind and body connection of gentle bodywork.  As a child I was fascinated with the healing power of nature. You could find me exploring the woods behind my house or playing in a nearby stream. I found solace and spiritual connection in nature that I longed to share with others. As a teenager, I was involved in 2 car accidents within one year that left me in debilitating and chronic pain. After months of PT, doctor's visits, and pharmaceuticals, I finally found relief in the healing touch of massage therapy. Bodywork allowed me to begin the healing process through uncovering years of guarding in my body, buried emotions, and poor postural patterns which directly contributed to my pain.  Following high school, I returned to my love of nature and earned a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science from the University of Michigan- Dearborn.  I spent some time in the corporate world, and university sector recruiting volunteers and funding for Detroit area non-profits in the area of environmental education, habitat restoration, recycling and urban farming. Although I knew the work I was doing was important, I felt a call to something deeper and more personal.  In 2012 I enrolled at Ann Arbor Institute of Massage Therapy and have been eagerly learning everything I can about hands on healing and self care ever since. I spent the first 7 years of my career as a massage therapist working with chiropractors and serving the clients of those clinics. In that time, I learned Lymphatic Therapy through Dr. Bruno Chikly's Chikly Health Institute as well as the Usui system of Reiki through Ann Arbor Reiki Master Suzy Weinckowski. I enjoy working with a wide range of clients and especially enjoy seeing the transformation of those diagnosed with conditions such as fibromyalgia, autoimmune diseases, chronic pain, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, neuralgia, sinusitis as well as those preparing for and recovering from surgery. In October of 2020, I started Elevate Mind & Bodywork, LLC with the intention to help ELEVATE you to the best version of yourself. I'm delighted to invite clients to my massage suite/retreat. This location brings the healing energies of nature right outside the window of your treatment room. In this sacred space, I choose to use my personal healing journey of chronic pain, trauma, depression, anxiety, gut issues and more to empathize with my clients. Once we strip away tension, fear, trauma, inflammation and pain, we can see what our bodies and minds can truly accomplish. While I share insights with my clients when relevant, my approach is intuitive, collaborative, non-judgmental, and rooted in deep listening.  I honor the time I have with my clients and know your time is valuable. My intention is to be as present and as helpful as possible in our work together. May you welcome my life experience, education, and intuitive bodywork to guide you through your healing journey.