I was led to massage through injuries with extreme skiing accidents and car accidents that herniated, ruptured, compressed and twisted multiple disks in my back. Doctors said I would never run again and I would have chronic debilitating pain the rest of my life. The only surgical option was to go in through the chest, wear a harness for six months resulting in constant pain radiating around the rib cage from the surgery and only a slim chance of it doing me any good. I chose not to do surgery, flushed the pain pills down the toilet and thus began my journey into massage, Chinese medicine, martial arts, qi gong, meditation, multiple bodywork modalities, as well as learning to tune into my body and pain rather than away from it. I learned to push energy through my blockages/injury sites rather than accept the closed path and rewired adaptation that can happen when the body compensates for injury. I have since completed an ironman triathlon and distance trail running events, as well as lead a very active pain-free life.

I am grateful for this journey, the healing I received and role I had to play. It is what has made me into the therapist I am today. My unique background and life experience is helpful to students in my role as Whatcom Community College’s massage therapist program coordinator and instructor. 

In my spare time I enjoy volunteering with the fire department as a firefighter/EMT and taking advantage of all the outdoor activities Bellingham has to offer, including hiking, skiing, surf-skiing, paddle boarding, trail running, and triathlon training. 

I have enjoyed running my own injury rehabilitation office for over 13 years utilizing massage and personal training. During my time as a massage therapist I have worked in a variety of settings including treatment clinics, spas, chiropractic offices, and teaching continuing education classes. 

My educational background and credentials include a bachelor degree in pre-physical therapy from Western Washington University, certified personal trainer for over 18 years, firefighter I, wilderness EMT, and licensed massage therapist. I have enjoyed teaching in a variety of environments including, CEU’s, fitness classes and clients of all levels, online coaching, county fire academies, and in the WCC massage therapist program.