From: Native of New Mexico, from Tucumcari. Lived in Albuquerque, Wheaton, IL, Wilson, NC, Oklahoma City and Norman, Oklahoma, Clemson, SC, Amarillo, TX
Education and Qualifications: Bachelor of Science in Biology, minor in Chemistry. Upper level Montessori training and experience. Graduate of 500 hour massage therapy training program at Massage Therapy Training Center, Amarillo, Texas in April 2011. Certified by NCBTMB (the National Certification Board for Therapuetic Massage and Bodywork). Trained and certified in Reflexology by the New Mexico Academy of Healing Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Additional Continuing Education completed in Myofacial and Positional Release, Critz Technique, Aromatherapy, Hot Stone Massage and Hakomi.
Personal Information: Married with two sons, one step-daughter, and three grandchildren.
Interests: Spending precious moments with my wonderful family, playing with my dogs and cats, travelling (especially when I get lost in a beautiful place), photography, a good book, great movies, delicious food, intelligent conversation, watching other people Tango, science, history, art, culture - LIFE!
Philosophy: I believe that massage is as natural as breathing. Compassionate touch is necessary for a human's proper growth and development and for mental and spiritual renewal as an adult. As individuals, we also have differing physical and emotional histories, current external and internal stressors and our own personal methods of meeting our physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Because we are unique, the therapist we choose must be able to provide the type of work that best suits our individual needs as clients. It's important to first ascertain the desired outcome, then discuss types of treatment available, areas to be addressed, sensitivities or allergies, amount of pressure to be used, and temperature requirements, as well as medical history.
Client and practitioner must be able to establish a rapport based on mutual respect and the practioner must always remain professional, being willing to refer a client to another therapist or medical professional if they determine that a client's needs are beyond their scope of practice.
Your Privacy and HIPPA: The therapist has a responsibility to respect the privacy of the client at all times and to secure all records according to HIPPA standards and Texas licensing requirments. They are compelled by law to maintain accurate records regarding health and treatments received. They are legally required to explain all massage and draping techniques to be used, areas of the body which will be touched during the massage and to obtain client signatures on these initial consultation forms, and at any time changes are made to the client's health record or to the massage or draping plan.
The therapist should go over the benefits of massage with the client and explain what the client should expect, assuring them that their comfort, privacy and physical, emotional and spiritual safety is of utmost concern to the therapist. He/she should assure the client that their input is vital to providing the best possible massage and good communication on their part is welcomed and useful to the practitioner in improving the results of the massage and their technique in general.
As the client, you should feel at peace in your environment, comfortable with your surroundings, assured of cleanliness and good hygiene. Equipment, table covers and linens, oils, lotions, or aromatherapy products being used should be of excellent quality, the music played, the lighting, the temperature, the entire atmosphere of the massage should inspire tranquility, relaxation and rest.
Your therapist should never make you feel uncomfortable in any way. Instead, he/she should be sensitive to your phyisical and verbal input and be completely attuned to you during your session, working to establish a positive, safe environment of trust and respect. It is at this point that the most valuable work can be accomplished in the place of acceptance and tranquility within yourself where you can relax and become whole again.
Not every therapist is right for every client. You shouldn't feel obliged to continue seeing a practitioner if they aren't meeting your needs or if they make your feel uncomfortable in any way. It is their responsibility to assist you or to help you find another professional who you can trust with your health and well-being if they are not adequately trained or skilled in the particular modality which would be of most benefit to you.
If you've had a bad experience, don't give up on massage. Be clear about what you do and do not like and what your goals are when interviewing your potential therapist. Massage associations can generally provide recommendations in most areas - groups of practitioners who meet regularly to share their knowledge and discover new information. In Amarillo, the group is called the Panhandle Area Massage Practitioners, Inc. or P.A.M.P. You can find them on-line at www.pamponline.com. If your state requires licensure to practice (and most do now) you can go to your state's website, most massage therapy licenses are under the auspices of the State Health Department, and there you can verify whether or not the practitioner is licensed. Other organizations offer information regarding member therapists. These include, but are not limited to, AMTA (the American Massage Therapy Association), ABMP (Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals), FSMTB (The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards) and NCBTMB (National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodyworkers). Not all therapists will be listed on each site, particularly if membership is required, however, these organizations can provide good information and resources for locating a reliable practitioner in your area.
HELP FIGHT HUMAN TRAFFICKING: Solicitation for sexual services is illegal. If you suspect inappropriate or illegal conduct on the part of a massage therapist, business or a person accepting payment for massage services without a clearly displayed current massage therapy license issued by the Texas Department of Human Services, reports may be directed to your local District Attorney's Office, the Office of the State Attorney General or the Texas Department of Human Services Massage Therapy Licensing Division. In addition, a state massage business license is required for therapists working as employees of a business or other entity.
BECAUSE WE HONOR OUR PROFESSION, massage therapists are required to report incidents of solicitation by clients to legal authorities, and protect other therapists in the area by alerting them through associations and licensing authorities.
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