I'm a 1994 graduate of Wellness and Massage Training Institute in Woodridge, Illinois.  I practice a individualized, focused, effective blend of Swedish, deep tissue and Trigger Point therapy for stress management and pain relief. My approach is always holistic, recognizing that no aspect of pain or stress (or even, actually, injury) is separate in the body, mind or spirit of my client. The approach I take has always been informed by my original interest in the Human Potential Movement… way back in the 1960s … when there was an early recognition that the body, mind and spirit worked as one unit, either balanced or unbalanced. When one aspect becomes more balanced, the door is opened for the rest to fall into place. Massage therapy can play a vital role in relieving stress, increasing body awareness, facilitating physical healing, and bringing the entire bodymind back into a functional balance.  My professional massage therapy license (LMT) was granted by the State of Michigan in 2013, when licensing for massage therapists was instituted. . My initial training as a Yoga instructor was in 2001 with Integrative Yoga Therapy, which takes an approach to Yoga instruction that looks at not only the physical but the energetic, emotional, thought-based and intuitive aspects of Yoga practice (and well-being). After teaching for 15 years,  I completed my Yoga teacher certification process through Essencia Yoga Teacher Training in Wheaton, Illinois. Essencia’s approach is a less “holistic,” more traditional, alignment-based, Hatha Yoga approach. I am currently studying the neurobiology of Yoga with Kristine Weber, who applies current Western research to traditional Yoga practice.  I am a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200) through the Yoga Alliance.  In 2013 I was invited to teach a trauma-informed Yoga class to survivors of complex trauma at Allegan County Community Mental Health, the first class of its kind to be offered at a public mental health agency in Michigan. I became certified as a Trauma Informed Yoga Teacher (TIYT)  through Sundara Yoga Therapy of Austin,TX,  in the summer of 2016.  My clients and students come from diverse walks of life, with a wide range of ages, occupations (each with their inherent physical stressors), levels of ability and wellness issues represented. My aim is to enhance the quality of my clients' lives by offering the benefits of therapeutic massage and Yoga instruction tailored to their specific relaxation, pain-management and holistic wellness needs.