The desire to help others has been part of me since I was young. As I went through my own journey of healing in my early twenties, I realized that helping others heal was a call I had to answer. I explored a number of paths along the way including being a substance abuse counselor, yoga teacher, retreat leader and Reiki Master. I now primarily am a Massage Therapist, Reiki Practitioner and owner of LightBody Massage and Healing at a shared practice space called Collectively Well in Bel Air Md.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am the mother of two incredible daughters ages 7 and 12 and am married to my soul mate and best friend. We have a life beyond what we thought was possible and it is full of love (and of course some challenges) that have created a rich soil for us to grow from. We are also blessed to have my mother be such a big part of our lives. She lives with us, is an amazing grandma to our girls and has helped us beyond measure.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am currently a Massage Therapist and Reiki Practitioner and I absolutely love what I do. Long before I decided to go to massage school in 2013, I had looked into it but chose to pursue substance abuse counseling instead, which was an incredible opportunity but was not the right fit for me as a long term career. In 2010 I started on the path of becoming a yoga teacher and over the years have completed my 200 and 300 hr YTT as well as received additional trainings in Kundalini and Yoga for Trauma. While I taught at various locations and settings, I found a home studio at Peace Yoga and taught regularly there until it sadly closed in 2022.
Practicing and teaching yoga was instrumental in my understanding of just how important the relationship we have with our bodies is and how much transformation can take place by taking deeper care of ourselves. From that realization and trusting in the call to be a healer, it only made sense for me to revisit the idea of massage school. In 2015 I graduated from Holistic Massage Training Institute in Baltimore and soon started working part time at Full Heart Soulutions in Bel Air and out of my home treatment space in Forest Hill. Over the past 3 years I have stepped more fully into working as a massage therapist and have built a practice I am very proud of. Out of a need for a new office and a desire to work a long side other practitioners and offer the community a space for wellness, I opened Collectively Well in January 2023. Every day I go to work I feel so grateful to be in such a warm and inviting environment with my incredible officemates and clients.
Getting to help people feel better in their bodies and to find peace is such a gift, and one I do not take for granted. Each client I meet, and the many I have built deep connections with, greatly contributes to the person I am and the love that lives in my heart. Sometime I tear up thinking about all the amazing people I have gotten to know throughout this work, how many people who have trusted me to care for them, and I am blown away. I love so much about what I do, but at the end of the day I think it’s the space of healing and connection I get to share with people.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Savona, Vagabond, Mr. Souvlaki, Sizzling Bombay and Thai Spice.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I moved to Harford County in 2006.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Too many to name just one. I feel like I am always meeting interesting people whose stories and experiences move me deeply.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Station Eleven
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Listen to your heart, and if you can’t hear it, get quiet enough so you can. Life can be noisy, and sometimes we get distracted but there are always opportunities to come back to a place of guidance that will not lead us astray.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Yoga Fresh. I had been going there since back when they opened and they just recently closed. I spent many smoothie bowl/lunch dates there and miss it so.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Tough to narrow it down to one person, but Zach Busch, MD is someone I find incredibly fascinating. Ever since I first heard him talk I was really struck by how much he deeply cares for humanity and the vast knowledge he possesses; from biology, the gut biome and healing, to environmentalism and regenerative agriculture (and how he weaves all of these things together). The way he talks with such passion and depth is compelling to say the least and I’m sure it would make for an unforgettable experience. I can see us having a picnic at Rocks State Park.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The small town feel and friendly vibes of downtown Bel Air.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
It’s kind of hard to say because where I am at now feels pretty perfect. I feel like I have worked a long time to get to this place of stability and contentment and as much I like changing things up, I see myself in a similar place, just with more knowledge, joy and inner peace as I continue to grow as a healer, wife, mother and human.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I have lived in 3 other states; New York, New Mexico and Oregon. I was a bit of a wanderlust when I was younger and it took me moving around the country to realize Maryland was where I was meant to be.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Love Evolution Yoga
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
So many people but first off, my husband. He is the epitome of a hard worker who makes it all look easy with his positive attitude and mindset. My girls. They are forever reminding me of the mother and woman I want to be for them. All of my family, friends, clients and as well as those I meet out in the world.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family. Peace. Gratitude.
