Emily’s Bodywork Background

My first encounter with musculoskeletal ailments occurred when I was sixteen. It was becoming increasingly difficult for me to lift my right leg while I ran, and my right upper trapezius (neck and shoulder) was chronically aggravated and tense during swim practice. I saw a Neuromuscular Therapist and it quickly became clear that I was fascinated by human physiology. With his help I was able to determine the root cause of my hip flexor weakness and establish a stretching and strengthening routine for my neck and shoulders. After that experience, I only needed a little push in the right direction to end up in massage therapy school.

I did a little self study, coloring in my Anatomy coloring book, and researching what muscles looked like on a cellular level, but it was my Yoga Teacher Training at Prajna Yoga that inspired me to truly study the body from all angles. After a full day of training, I would go home and pour over anatomy and philosophy books until I fell asleep and then do it all over again.

A few months later, I found myself at East West College of the Healing Arts in Portland, Oregon studying massage therapy. Throughout the program, I soaked in the science courses, bodywork courses, courses about therapeutic relationships and treatment planning... And during my final term, I chose to specialize in Thai Massage and Structural Bodywork.

I began taking prerequisites for physical therapy school as soon as I opened my doors, and I am proud to say after 6 years of being in business I graduated from Samuel Merritt University's Doctor of Physical Therapy program in May 2018 as a doctor of physical therapy.

As a physical therapist I have specialized in neonatal care- working in the NICU for many years. My continuing education led me to become certified in a gazillion things which you can learn about here.

Now, I use all the skills I have collected over the years to help families through the toughest transitions in their lives- preconception through postpartum. I not only work with the birthing body, but use my expertise in newborns and lactation to help ease my clients into parenthood.