About the Therapist

Degrees:

Associates of Applied Science in East West Bodywork from Centerpoint Massage and Shiatsu Therapy School and Clinic
950 Pilates Teacher Training Program from The Pilates Center
Bachelors of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from UW-Milwaukee

Continuing Education:

Barral Institute Visceral Manipulation 1, 2, 3, and 4
Barral Institute Neural Manipulation 1
Barral Institute Listening Techniques 1
Rapid Neurofascial Reset Upper and Lower Body
Upledger Craniosacral 1 and 2
Franklin Method Level 1 Teacher Training
Precision Neuromuscular Therapy Neck and TMJ
John Barnes Myofascial Release 1
Thai Massage through Centerpoint

Interests:

Outside of work I enjoy performing and am an actor for Boozy Bard (performing Shakespeare Raw at the historic Pabst Brewery) and puppeteer for Full Frontal Puppetry. I also love taking different movement style classes when I have the time like all varieties of dance, yoga, pilates, qi gong, and anything else that seems fun!

What to Expect in Session

The session starts with assessments to see if the body is guarding the nervous system or the organs (viscera).
The first assessment is an osteopathic assessment called "general listening" where I put my hand on top of the clients head while they stand to see where the most tension is in the body at that moment.
When the general area is found the client lies down and I do "local listening" where I put my hand on the area we found in general listening and wherever my hand is drawn into is where we start. The goal is to be as anatomically specific as possible, if I press the specific spot that is causing the tension it will draw my hand out.
I like to include an orthopedic test to measure change. This could be hip flexion or shoulder external rotation depending on the area we end up in. If I press the area from local listening and it improves the joint's range of motion that means that area is impacting that joint!
We work the area we assessed, then we reassess. If my hand is no longer drawn into the area that tension was resolved and we can move on! The orthopedic test should improve as well.
Once the nervous system and viscera is resolved we can move on to muscles. I often use client movement based techniques to work the muscles.

What to Expect After Sessions

Although some people can feel better after 1 visit, most people need 3-5 sessions to get the best results. Each session is like unraveling a new layer of an onion that's developed for years and years.
I recommend booking 3-5 sessions about 3 weeks apart and then once you feel better you can cancel any leftover appointments.
Everyone responds to change differently. Some people feel better right away, others feel better after a sleep, others feel worse before they feel better.
After visceral or craniosacral you may feel tired the next day as the body is using energy to make changes. Some people may have an emotional release when they leave, different bowel movements, or a spike of energy- anything is possible.
After visceral and craniosacral therapy a good night's sleep is best as that's when they body does most of its healing.
After RAPID Neurofascial Reset you will feel like you did a big workout the next day. This is a good thing, it means immune cells like macrophages and neutrophils are eating waste and repairing tissue. This should resolve in 24-72 hours.
The best thing to do after RAPID is to MOVE after your session- go for a walk, grocery shopping, chores, yoga, workout, etc. This integrates the work into your nervous system and will help you not feel so icky the next day. DO NOT ICE as it slows down the healing response.