Somatic work changed my life and the way I relate to myself. My first craniosacral session included a traction on my skull coupled with a lymphatic technique that released my spine, allowing fluid to rush out from my spine, filling my limbs. I cried as years of grief and dysfunction evaporated. The loss of my health to Long-COVID for years, 2 dogs, 3 family members, and identity as an online poker pro (my 1st career and love) kept my fascia tense, unable to relax. This was a religious experience- once my body melted into the table, I could feel a cloud of energy about 6-8 inches thick surrounding my body, bathing me with a slight euphoric sensation on my skin. Think of a barely existent cloud cloaking the body like a blanket of electricity that feels alive and restorative, while also restful. CST taught me to orient to space and fluid as structure, and muscle became secondary.

I learned to play cards with my family around 10, and at 17, poker grabbed me and tons of college kids as Chris Moneymaker (his actual name) won the World Series for a few million. The dorms were full of young adults trying to make their first million. At 21, I went pro and by 34 had made a few million. It was intoxicating and challenging, but I struggled with depression and chronic pain in waves throughout my career. I found some relief via yoga, bodywork, and integrative therapies, but not full resolutions. In my 30s, I noticed an empty feeling in my chest- life lacked meaning and vision. Undigested grief created an overly aggressive pursuit of life. My efforts depleted me, and rest became mandatory instead of welcomed.

The chronic pain got worse at 34. I knew poker only satisfied part of my personality, so I began a job transition. It became clear that my talk therapist couldn’t help me through complex issues. I felt lost, angry, and misguided as he blamed me for things falling apart and tried to have me apply theories he learned from books. Life got worse. The pandemic hit with stressors from family, friends, career transition, and Long COVID piling up. I pinched nerves, slipped discs, developed autoimmune issues, and experienced a lot of overlapping grief/losses. I was nonfunctional, barely able to walk, swallow, sleep, and nearly had two strokes. My most terrifying moment happened when my memory started to disappear.

“I left FedEx crying because I could not remember my name or address to put on a shipping label.”

My hands-on work, personality, and writing all tell my story of how to regain form and function after losing everything I loved to a soul-crushing series of events. An incredible life doesn’t start from techniques learned in books and training, or thinking and talking. It emerges from a relationship with your body and mind that develops through the somatic practices I offer. Let me walk you out of your struggles to find an unimaginable way of being immersed in wonder and awe, while feasting on the challenge and adoring restoration.

Education

A New Beginning School of Massage, Austin, TX

⦁ 750-hour massage therapy certification, including deep tissue and Myofascial Release

Craniosacral School, Houston, TX

⦁ Trained 80 hours with Ryan Hallford in Upledger, TMJ, and biodynamics

School of Inner Health, Denver, CO

⦁ 350 hours with Margaret Rosenau in biodynamic craniosacral therapy

Somatic Experiencing International I

⦁ 250 hours with Mariana Boccuzzi Raymundo

Dharma Yoga, Austin, TX

⦁ 200-hour yoga teacher certification

Private Training Tria Schaffer and Erin Arnold, Austin, TX

⦁ Myofascial Release

Lauterstein-Conway School of Massage, Austin, TX

⦁ Carol Osborne Pre and Perinatal Massage Specialization