In 1999, I received a prenatal massage as a gift from my step-mother. A gift, much greater than the massage itself, was life changing for me. I knew at that time what I wanted to do in life. I am blessed to have had the opportunity to pursue this dream, connecting and interlacing massage therapy, yoga, doula support and community service.
As a child, I dreamed of being a therapist and always loved psychology. I loved listening to people and hearing their stories and still do today. It is fascinating to me that the vision I had as a child is now a reality.
I graduated from Montclair State University in 2001 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I graduated from Essex Group Institute for Massage & Bodywork in 2003, and began working as a Massage Therapist.
Massage therapy is a profound form of bodywork in an atmosphere of serenity, safety and non-judgment. It is an introspective experience that aides in nurturing and restoring one’s own capacity to feel peace and wellness from within.
I recently completed the curriculum for my Yoga Certification through YogaFit with emphasis on Therapeutic and Restorative Yoga. Incorporating yoga into my practice of massage therapy is a natural extension of connecting the mind and body, enhancing this synergy through movement and breath.
I am currently receiving formal training as a Labor Doula through CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association). I had my first experience as a Doula 20 years ago, and find myself reconnected to that experience. Becoming a Doula is meaningful to me on many levels, most significant is the universal connection of family at the purest and most precious time of life.
Community service is an integral part of our existence and a significant part of my practice. Giving something of ourselves, however small, reinforces the notion that we are all a part of something so much greater. It is an affirmation of who we are, all connected with more in common than contrast. It is a gesture that lasts beyond the duration of service with a beautiful rippling affect as many lives are touched. It’s a wonderful way to stay grounded, gracious and grateful.
My greatest inspiration comes from the women in my life, my mother, my daughter, my mentor and Spiritually, my birth-mother and my step-mother. These women in my life offer the greatest display of strength, courage, creativity, gratitude and grace, fueling in me a passion to be present, thankful and trusting in the moment always.
Desiderata.
Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.
Take kindly to the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrmann c.1920
