I'm a Licensed Massage Therapist** in the state of Maryland, and I received my massage therapy training at Potomac Massage Training Institute, in Washington, DC (PMTI moved to Silver Spring, MD in 2014).  I specialize in gentle and connected Deep Tissue focused work, and I also enjoy providing Swedish relaxation massages.

I believe that our bodies are a great resource, and the more that we can learn to listen and respond to what our bodies are telling us, the healthier we will be, and the more joyful our lives will be.  Regular massage and other bodywork can be a wonderful tool as we strive to respect the messages that our bodies are sending us (enhancing the body/mind connection) and to translate what we learn to personal self-care.  I believe that each massage session has the capacity to be a collaborative work of art, grounded in science, and that the combination of art and science together create the power of healing touch, which can help to support and maintain health and healing. 

I believe that "regular" massage is whatever serves you personally.  If you think that massage might be a good tool for your own health and wellbeing, then trying several weekly or bi-weekly sessions could help you to make a decision about what will work best for you.  "Regular" bodywork could be every week, every other week, once a month, or once or twice a year, depending on what you want to invest in time, money and energy, and what your goals are.  I personally try to receive preventative/maintenance bodywork from another practitioner approximately once each week, and sometimes more if I'm having a particular issue with my body.

I love working with people.  Before I became a massage therapist, I spent 20 years serving people as a librarian (https://www.goodreads.com/LibrarianElissa), in public libraries in Washington, DC and NYC, and I'm now greatly enjoying serving people in the field of personal healthcare.  I believe passionately in the benefits of massage and other bodywork, and I also believe that it's up to each person to discover what types of self-care and wellness support/maintenance work best in his or her own life.

I live in Silver Spring, MD with my husband, 2 young adult children (who come and go), and 2 cats.  Massage therapy is just one of my bodywork/self-care interests, and I've also been practicing yoga for close to twenty years, have meditated at least semi-regularly for twelve years, and have practiced 5Rhythms dance for over eleven years. Since graduating from PMTI, I've had additional introductory training in Shiatsu, Reiki, Trager, Seva Stress Release, The Connection Practice, Zero Balancing, Hellerwork, Distance Healing, Family Constellations, and Essential Oils. I am a Certified Pregnancy Massage Therapist (through https://www.clairemariemiller.com/nurturing-the-mother), and I am also a graduate of Alchemical Alignment, Bodywork for Trauma Resolution and Embodiment of Spirit (https://www.alchemicalalignment.com/findapractitioner).  Pronouns: she/they.

(photo above by www.williammoree.com)