I am a graduate of Brenneke School of Massage. I received diplomas in both Integrative and Energetic Approaches in Bodywork and Therapies for the Treatment of Injuries, Specific Conditions, and Athletes. I am a member of the American Massage Therapy Association (A.M.T.A).I have been practicing since 1998. From 2002 - 2005 I was on staff with then Brenekke School of Massage. this was a great opportunity for me to work with the students in the class room, student clinic, off campus clinic and testing. In 2005 I took the sports massage intensive, a 200 hour class working with the University of Washington athletes in the training room at the UW and became a sports massage specialist. At the same time I became an A.C.E. certified personal trainer. I got into massage because I like to help people. This profession is the perfect opportunity for me to be able to do just that. I primarily focus on deep tissue and sports massage. I like to get to the root of the discomfort. I feel that my clients get more out of the massage this way, but if they request just a nice massage then I can give them that as well. I also believe in client education. I enjoy letting my clients know what is going on and why things may feel the way they do. I let them know the name of certain muscles or muscle groups. I teach them ways of stretching to complement their treatments that they receive. I like the client to meet me half way. What I mean by this is that I like them to be involved with the healing process. I can only do so much as a practitioner. With a little homework from the client, the healing goes much smoother and faster. Massage can be a slow process. Keep in mind that in most cases it took your body more than an hour to get in this position and will take more than an hour to get out of this position. Healthy touch is one of the most misunderstood and important elements of life. So much can be accomplished through the use of person-to-person (non-sexual) contact. The body forgets its innate ability to heal itself. With massage, the body becomes aware again and can remember how to help itself again. In short, massage is a necessary part of life. When not in the office I like to stay active by: working out, running, photography, and playing guitar and bass. I love to get outside and hike or camp when I can.