It all began with a recognition and an invitation.

One warm, summer day as I was contemplating what kind of trade I could learn/practice to help put myself through college to become a psychotherapist with a high school friend, they shared with me that I was always really good at giving massages among my friend group. No one in my small home town of Coventry, Vermont was practicing massage. I had no idea what a career in massage would even look like with no role models to look to or ask questions of. I, myself, had never received a professional massage. It was 2003 and searching the internet was still pretty new to me, but I was able to use a computer at the local library to look for massage schools in states that were offering licensing as Vermont had no licensing requirements, at that time. Through that search I found a highly respected school (at that time), The Finger Lakes School of Massage, in Ithaca, New York. I went to an open house in the Fall and fell in love with both the teachers and Ithaca. I applied immediately and was invited to attend the following summer session. In July of 2004, I began the 1000-hour program. My life was forever changed by that experience and I am eternally grateful to the amazing teachers that helped me build such a solid foundation in the healing art of massage, energy work, and deep listening.

Aa a part of my final clinical hours I gave my mother her first massage. She told me that I had truly found my calling. I, too, had a deep felt sense of that being true. Leading up to graduation a teacher referred me to a spa in Stowe, Vermont to inquire about a job. I got a job interview as soon as the manager heard where I was studying. My graduation was on a snowy Saturday in December 2004, I drove home the next day and had my interview on Monday at the Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa. To my surprise and delight, I was hired immediately after giving the manager a massage. I had not yet sat for my New York State license nor my National boards exams, but the manager was not concerned and trusted I would pass them (which I did with high marks, in the Spring of 2005). I began giving massages there a few days later and worked there for 4 years before moving West to California where I began my journey as a self-employed massage therapist. I let go of finishing my psychology degree though it continues to be an area of self-study and finds its way into my sessions.

About Me

I was a Licensed Massage Therapist in New York from 2005-2013; one of the most rigorous and difficult states to become licensed in. I was a Certified Massage Therapist in California from 2011-2015; the highest certification in California. I have been a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist since 2005 and am now a Nationally Board Certified Massage Therapist. In January of 2015, I became a Washington State Licensed Massage Therapist. I am a member of the Associate Bodywork and Massage Professionals.

In addition to the many hours of continuing education I have participated in (see below) I also embody a deep passion/love for movement, most especially, dance. I began dancing at a young age informally and was blessed to receive formal training in high school that was rooted in modern, jazz and ballet. In more recent decades, I have been immersed in ecstatic dance (Open floor, 5-Rhythms, Soul Motion, and Azul Dance). I have further personal work in Buddhist meditation (Sayagyi U Ba Khin/Insight traditions). These practices deeply inform my sessions and aid me in having an embodied presence with you.

Your session with me is an integration of intuitive touch, myofascial techniques, and energy work. I customize each session to address your needs at that time. My touch ranges from light to deep and I encourage you to speak up if you need anything adjusted. My intention is to create a safe space and facilitate self-empowered healing. When asked for, I will offer guided breath techniques to assist in the deepening of the work. I am also more than happy to share stretches and self-care techniques, within my scope of practice, to further your well being at home, all you have to do is ask!

I do this work because I believe the body has an innate wisdom to heal and balance itself. I hold the belief that you have inside you what you need to heal and grow. My role is to listen to and support that natural resource. From the moment I began my training it was clear that my service to my community would include fostering self-empowerment and self-awareness, which I encourage through the skillful means of touch and mindfulness. I deeply respect and honor your inner wisdom. I offer the invitation/opportunity/space for you to listen to your body and respond to what it is saying, with gratitude in your heart for the insight it is sharing with you.

I currently live and work on the traditional lands of the Chemakum, S’Klallam, and Makah people. When I am not giving bodywork, you can find me at the water’s edge or possibly in the forest. I love to dance, hike, cycle, adventure, and celebrate! I also enjoy community life, singing, crafting, yoga, meditation, gardening, nutrition, and reading.

Alina’s Continuing Education

Bodywork

Craniosacral Introductory Workshop with Lauren Christman; 2024

Soma Essentials: Somassage® Workshop with the Soma Institute of Structural Integration; 2023

Muscle-Specific Deep Tissue Techniques for the Torso with teacher Brian Utting, LMT; 2019

Muscle-Specific Deep Tissue Techniques for the Neck and Side-lying Shoulder with teacher Brian Utting, LMT; 2019

Subtle Hands-On Skills with teacher Carol Gray, Midwife, LMT; 2016

C1:Visionary Craniosacral with teacher Regina Callahan, LMT; 2014

Level II: Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques with Erik Dalton, Ph.D; 2012

Upledger Craniosacral Level 1 with teacher Signy Erickson, LMT, DC; 2011

Energy Medicine

Acutonics® Level I with senior faculty teacher Carmen Cicotti, LMT; 2021

Reiki I/II Practitioner with Certified Reiki Master Christine Eartheart; 2018

Beginning and Intermediate classes with spiritual consultant Teresa Von Braun; 2013-2014

Raindrop Technique with teacher Carolyn Eldridge; 2014

The Way of the Shaman with Beth Beurkens; 2013

Energy Medicine with Dr. Jane Ely; 2013

Usui Shiki Shoyo Reiki I with Usui Reiki Master Teacher Jennifer Knight; 2011

Movement

Fascinating Foundations of Contact Improvisation with Aimée “Mia” Kelley; 2023

Open Floor Humanity Series with Anneli Colin-Skelton; 2023

Awakening Your Embodiment with Amara Pagano; 2023

Move Your DNA weekend with Katy Bowman; 2019

Somatic and Yoga Therapy for Back, Neck, and Shoulders with Robyn Smith; 2012

Anusara Yoga Alignment Intensive with Peggy Profant; 2011

Meditation

Insight Meditation 7-day silent retreat with Jill Shepard; 2019

Vipassana 10-day silent retreat taught by S.N. Goenka; 2019

The Heart of Recognition workshop with Karen Harris and Swami Girijananda; 2013

Deep Bowing Gratitude.

Many Thanks to all the teachers I have studied with.

Radiating out the utmost gratitude from deep within my heart for their guidance, support, and wisdom.