I’ve always been passionate about health and wellness. I began as a pre-med major in undergrad which evolved into an interest in natural and integrative medicine. My love for working with my hands initially guided me toward a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts. Working as a jewelry artist, I started my own business,  Dream Spiral Art Jewelry . It was a decade later when I discovered a way to combine my interest in health and wellness with a love for working with my hands. That’s when I became a massage therapist! In 2010, I graduated from the Institute of Massage Therapy (I.M.T.) in Richmond, VA and began working at a wellness clinic in the Fan. After a couple of years, I started my own practice as  Artful Hands Massage Therapy . The program at I.M.T. was rooted in medical massage and provided me with a strong foundation in deep tissue techniques, along with Swedish massage, myofascial release and trigger point therapy. Over the last decade, I’ve fine-tuned my artful hands with additional certifications in Integrative Reflexology, Perinatal massage (Nurturing the Mother), Reiki (energy work), Aromatherapy and Lymphatic Massage.  One of my favorite certifications so far has been Integrative Reflexology. Reflexology involves applying pressure to specific “reflex” points on the feet, hands and ears, which have peripheral nerves connected to the central nervous system. These reflex points relate to each muscle and organ in the body and when stimulated, can relieve pain, reduce stress and improve digestion and sleep, among other health benefits. Each massage therapy session with me will incorporate a variety of techniques. Areas of tension are addressed by gradually flowing deeper into the tissue, allowing pain and tension to melt away without being jarring. I love when clients drift in and out of sleep during a session, experiencing relaxed and meditative states of consciousness that are deeply healing and restorative. When I’m not working with clients, I still seem to be doing something with my hands – painting, gardening, making jewelry or cooking up new recipes for my line of medicinal salves,  Roots of Zen Botanicals . Other interests include hiking, yoga, playing volleyball, doing Zumba and travel. I share my home with a loving husband, energetic son and three snuggly kitty-kids.