My Story into the Healing Arts

I was born mostly blind in my left eye, a circumstance that naturally heightened my sensitivity in touch and hearing from an early age. This deepened awareness drew me to music, my first medium in the healing arts. Growing up with a father passionate about connecting with others through music, I learned early on the power of rhythm, resonance, and human connection.

In my teenage years, I discovered that—even without formal training—I had a natural gift for sensing what was happening in others’ bodies while exchanging massages with friends. At 18, I received my first Reiki attunement and continued my training until becoming a Reiki Master Practitioner at 21. By then, I knew that massage and the healing arts were the path I would dedicate my life to.

In January 2013, I enrolled in the 600-hour Massage Therapy program at The Healing Arts Center in St. Louis, MO, graduating that December. My training included applied anatomy and physiology, professional ethics, draping, Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, myofascial release, and a variety of palpation techniques. Since graduating, I’ve expanded my skills by studying acupressure, foot reflexology, lymphatic facilitation, and diving deeply into the fascial system. My work with advanced myofascial release has grown to include oscillatory and rhythmic techniques, which later became foundational in the development of my own approach, Deep Rhythmic Fascial Integration (DRFI).

Over the last decade, I’ve continued my education through the International Alliance for Healthcare Providers and the Upledger Institute International, where I am actively training in CranioSacral Therapy (CST) and SomatoEmotional Release (SER), working toward CST-T certification. Alongside manual therapy, I have studied Nonviolent Communication (NVC) and therapeutic dialoguing for over ten years to create safe, empathic, and empowering client relationships.

Deep Rhythmic Fascial Integration (DRFI)

Through my studies, experience, and curiosity, I developed Deep Rhythmic Fascial Integration (DRFI)—a fascia-focused, rhythm-based approach to manual therapy. DRFI combines oscillatory and rhythmic myofascial techniques, bilateral stimulation, and an understanding of biological rhythms that help regulate the nervous system and fascia. A key component of DRFI is pandiculation, the body’s natural reset mechanism, which I teach clients as a tool to extend the benefits of their sessions into daily life. I am currently teaching and refining the DRFI curriculum as a continuing education offering for other therapists.

My Education Path Forward

In addition to my clinical practice, I am pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Biology (Pre-Physical Therapy track) at Portland State University, with plans to continue into a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. My long-term goal is to bridge manual therapy, fascia research, and physical therapy in a way that serves both clients and the broader healthcare field.

In Practice

Throughout my career, I’ve worked alongside chiropractors, naturopathic doctors, physical therapists, speech therapists, and acupuncturists to design holistic wellness plans that bring meaningful change to clients’ lives.

I have supported clients through a wide range of conditions, including:

Musculoskeletal & Structural Issues

  • Chronic pain

  • Postural imbalances and correction

  • TMJ dysfunction

  • Plantar fasciitis

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome

  • Sciatic nerve pain

  • Restricted range of motion

Post-Surgical & Injury Recovery

  • Recovery following surgery

  • Post-accident rehabilitation

  • Scar tissue restrictions

Nervous System & Stress-Related Conditions

  • PTSD symptoms

  • Insomnia

  • Opiate dependency recovery

  • Breathing and swallowing difficulties

Oncology & Circulatory Support

  • Cancer treatment side effects

  • Lymphedema

  • Circulatory issues

Voice & Speech-Related Challenges

  • Throat dysfunction

  • Speech difficulties

Seeing clients reclaim their quality of life—and watching the ripple effects of their healing extend to their families, communities, and creative work—is what brings me the most joy. Every session challenges me to learn something new, reminding me of the uniqueness of each body and story I encounter.

Beyond Bodywork

While bodywork is at the heart of my path, I am also a person of many passions. I love writing and playing music, gardening and seed saving, natural building, cooking, dancing, exploring nature, foraging for edible and medicinal plants and fungi, and engaging in deep, meaningful conversations. These passions continue to inspire my healing work, grounding it in rhythm, connection, and respect for the natural world.

My Approach

Clients often share that they appreciate my calming presence, intuitive touch, and depth of knowledge. My work is guided by one simple truth: healing is a collaborative process. Every session is an invitation to reconnect with the body’s wisdom, restore balance, and support the unique rhythm of each individual’s life.

Dakota and baby Rhythm at 6 months old October of 2022.