Here be my slightly long-winded autobiography! 

The Professional stuff:

I began my journey as a Massage Practitioner in 2003, becoming licensed through National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. I have always been passionate about working with my hands and educating my clients and peers about a holistic approach to health and well-being. After sustaining an injury to my foot that had me on a knee scooter for 6 weeks and in a boot for 10, I began to really dig deeper into the balancing effects of bodywork. I truly gained an empathy for the clients I see for injury treatment, and found that it was the last 15% of healing that was the most difficult for me. Having been through this experience, I encourage taking responsibility and being accountable for the progress that is made with any healthcare practitioner. I also emphasize a strong assessment and self-care program, and view massage as a integral part of any wellness regiment.  

I have attended various continuing education courses including myofacial release & structual balancing, trigger point release, injury treatment, athletic sports massage, pregnancy massage and reflexology. I enjoy integrating all of these modalities in my sessions for a truly holistic approach to bodywork. 

I have been billing most major insurance companies, L&I and PIP claims since 2006, and have worked hard to build a fantastic team of physicians, other health care practitioners and resources to network with.

My business experience includes owning and operating my own thriving massage practice for over 2 years, creating and managing the bodywork program of a family wellness center, and now working with the fabulous teams at Penaluna Chiropractic Studio in Seattle, and Heroics in Bellevue. 

 

The Personal Stuff:

Born in the SanFrancisco bay area as the youngest of 7 children, I grew up encouraged to be independent and dance to the beat of my own drum. Well, I certainly took those traits and ran with them, moving to the great state of Washington at the age of 17, changing my full name and beginning a career in therapeutic massage. This was an extremely pivotal time for me, and where I would say I really began to get to know myself. There’s something to be said for being completely put of your element! My housemates and the first friends that I made were a student of Naturopathic Medicine, a personal trainer and a nutritionist. This combination catapulted me into a deep fascination of the human form and natural medicine. I spent two years as a vegetarian, worked for over 3 years in a Pilates and Physical Therapy Center , and began to work with the best practitioners in Seattle for Feldenkrais, Yoga, corrective exercise and chiropractic.

I have always enjoyed writing; keeping a journal, mutterings of poetry, etc. and this year, have begun pursuing getting paid to do so. My ultimate dream is to continue doing bodywork late into life, expanding my skills into being a Doula and birth Educator, and traveling/writing at least 3 months out of the year.   

I have an immense amount of gratitude that the closest people in my life inspire and challenge me to be the strongest and most balanced expression of me that I can be. Here are a few other fun tidbits…

* The main squeezes my life are my Boston Terrier, Miles and Boxer, Odis.

* I am a simple girl that likes odd things; weird shoes, funky hats, wood jewelry.  

* The moments in my life seem to be measured and remembered best by the music that would fit them.   

* I love to play board games.

* I ride my bike everywhere and choose not to own a car. 

* I like stormy nights and gray days. 

* My middle name, Ilana, means Tree in Hebrew.

* I am technically Jewish, though I was not raised as such.

* I have traveled a bit and dream of traveling lots more.

* My favorite season is fall and I was born on the autumnal equinox.

* My favorite color changes every few years. Currently: orange.

* I believe in the higher truth, even if it hurts.

* I’ve learned that I can be pretty discipline, except when it comes to cheese.

* My subconscious is a wicked contender.

* I love dancing in the desert at sunrise.