When I moved to the Wenatchee Valley twenty-eight years ago, I had a Degree in Physical Therapy and an interest in Orthopedic Outpatient Physical Therapy. My journey began in Geriatrics and Home Health, and working in this field was such a blessing. I gained incredible knowledge and experience working with complex patients. More importantly, I acquired empathy and understanding for people who are in a vulnerable state. 

After having my daughter, I moved into an Outpatient Orthopedic Sports rehabilitation setting. With a background in sports through most of my life, I was in my comfort zone. I understood the value of addressing the whole body and not just affected areas or specific injury zones. Thomas Myers, Gary Gray, Janet Travell, and Ida Rolfing are influential in how I assess the body in movement and treatment. 

Next on my journey was working in Wound Care Therapy for three years. I was able to work with incredible patients who had been through all levels of tissue trauma as well as mental/spiritual trauma. Everything from treating burns/tissue damage from infections to the application of post-surgical abdominal vacuum dressings. It truly was an inside eye into how the fascia, muscle, and tendon tissue function and heal.

Last but definitely not least was returning to outpatient orthopedic work at Black Diamond Sports Therapy for the past seventeen years. We provided a warm environment for our patients to heal and change their trajectory during the rehabilitation process. I had a unique experience working with a major ballet production that performed here in Wenatchee, working to understand the challenges that these amazing athletes face each performance. Athletes and active individuals of all levels and backgrounds were a pleasure to work with in their goal to return to sports or other life-enriching activities. Manual work on the body and a vision for structural alignment have motivated me to continue my experience in massage therapy. I have always admired the work of LMTs in the valley. I believe massage to be an underappreciated discipline of human health.

I am currently working in another facet of human movement for an Industrial Health and Biomechanical Assessment Company. Ergonomic Assessment in the workplace, coaching/instructing in ways to reduce loads from the body and advising employees with initial care after an injury in the workplace have allowed another facet of bodywork to enhance my toolbox of assessment and manual skills.

I treasure all of these experiences, and I will utilize these in the next phase of working in manual and massage therapy.