When I was young I had a friend who was one of the first licensed acupuncturists in Canada, and have since held a continued attraction to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and eastern philosophies.

I have a belief that we contain everything in us that can facilitate healing. I also believe we can stop ourselves from healing by holding tension in our bodies both emotionally and physically and perhaps also spiritually.

My first experience with bodywork was at the Haven Institute in 2008 where I was enrolled as a participant in a program called “Come Alive”. The assistant there took me on a journey and through his use of pressure points and bodywork, and I was able to release (in a safe and boundaried way) an anger that I had long been holding on to. I consequently felt such a shift in my body, that I wanted to learn more. I studied at the Haven for many years – learning modalities in bodywork and personal development from both eastern (TCM) and western psychology that the founders put together.

I came across Shiatsu quite by accident. I had gone to the Vancouver School of Healing Arts (VSOHA) with a different focus in mind and decided a weekend introductory class in Shiatsu could be interesting and fun. I was sold after the first day!

I then took the intensive Shiatsu Certification Program at VSOHA – including Shiatsu Massage with the amazing Fernando Cabrera (40 years of Shiatsu teaching and practice), TCM, Anatomy and Physiology and Business.

I graduated in fall 2018 and started my own practice on Bowen Island. I also practice Shiatsu as one of the bodyworkers during programs at the Haven Institute.

I personally feel grounded when I give Shiatsu and I hold an intention of balance and healing. I love the continuing learning I get from working with many different people and have gotten some amazing feedback as well!