I have worked in the bodywork and movement fields since 2005 including over 12 years of experience as a Massage Therapist, and over 7 years of experience as a Nia Technique Instructor. While these practices were invigorating, inspiring, and rewarding, they were also taxing on my body and led to multiple injuries.

In 2017 I first discovered Hanna Somatic Education and was blown away by the changes I experienced after just one group class. A massage-related injury that I had been dealing with for at least 5 years disappeared and over the next few weeks I learned the somatic movements that I needed to continue releasing the tension that was causing this long-term pain. I was inspired to train to become a Hanna Somatic Educator and began this study in 2019.

Concurrently, while still working as a massage therapist and Nia instructor, I sustained a severe spinal injury which led to a period of disability, steroid injections and two failed surgeries. I began to study chronic pain in even greater detail and found my Hanna Somatics practice to be indispensable in my path back to sitting, standing, walking, and eventually hiking.

Chronic pain has been and still is a part of my journey. I have learned tools and techniques to improve my quality of life so that I can be at ease as I work, socialize with friends and enjoy hikes in the mountains. It is my desire to be able to support others to reach their goals too, whether it is increased mobility, less pain, feeling embodied or even learning to soften and relax at a deeper level.