Restructuring soft tissue with clinical & relaxation massage
My Ideology
While I have a strong clinical massage background, I love the nurturing aspects of the high end spa experience. In my practice, this kind of hybrid approach produces the best results in all my clients whether they have a therapeutic/pain management or stress reduction/relaxation focus.
Massage Education & Professional Background
Northwestern Health Sciences University
Northwestern Health Sciences University is a leader in natural healthcare education and is the only HLC-accredited school with a COMTA-accredited massage therapy program in the state of Minnesota. Higher Learning Commission (HLC)-approved schools must meet rigorous institutional standards. COMTA (Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation)-accredited schools are recognized for high-quality programs. It has a rigorous, science-based curriculum; varied clinical experiences where critical-thinking skills are coupled with valuable hands-on experience in public clinics, rehabilitation centers and hospital settings; an integrative approach to patient care working alongside chiropractors, acupuncturists, medical doctors and nurses.
Amy earned an (A.A.S.) Associate of Applied Science in Massage Therapy from Northwestern Health Sciences University. Her time there was an excellent foundation for understanding soft tissue and to know what to do with it! Previously having earned a Bachelor of Arts and working in the professional world, this career shift embraces many of her natural gifts, interest in overall wellness with a desire for life changing impact through an evidence based practice.
In addition to the rigorous massage program she was selected for the prestigious internship at Abbott Northwestern Hospital through the Penny George Institute, did clinical rotations in a wide variety of settings including a free clinic in Costa Rica and designed a successful case study combining massage therapy & Foot Reflexology on a woman with hypertension.
A favorite course was "Special Populations" which revealed the role that massage therapy can play in a host of unique medical conditions. What made the most profound impact, however, was seeing a cadaver dissection where the texture and lines of fascia illuminated her perspective beyond any previous images or experiences of building muscles with clay.
Since then, Amy has continued her education in innumerable ways including Orthopedic Massage Therapy & Massage for Professional Musicians through the Swedish Institute in New York City.
Education Background
- Bachelor of Arts, University of St. Thomas
- Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society
- Study abroad, Angelicum in Rome
- Every choir on campus! ....7days a week :) :)
- Certificate & Associate Degree in Massage Therapy, Northwestern Health Sciences University
- COMPTA Accredited Clinical Massage Therapy Program
- Mariposa Intigrative Free Clinic, Costa Rica
- Student Senate, Class Ambassador, Graduation Speaker
Professional Massage Background
- Downtown Chiropractic with Dr. Stephens (Minneapolis)
- Project Wellness (Minneapolis)
- Southwest Chiropractic with Dr. Stude (Eden Prairie)
- Cole’s Salon & Spa (Burnsville)
- Ivy Club Spa (Downtown Minneapolis)
- Grand Ave with Mindy Geraetz (St. Paul)
Notable Experiences
Massage for Professional Musicians & Artists
Massage for Professional Musicians & Artists
Massage for Professional Musicians & Artists
Performers use their bodies as instruments in specific & repetitive ways.
Amy has studied how to uniquely care for professional musicians, singers, dancers, conductors & other performers.
Endorsed by "The Minnesota Opera" & "Broadway Across America", working with traveling musicians who grace our Twin Cities with their talent.
Meditation Practices & Podcast
Massage for Professional Musicians & Artists
Massage for Professional Musicians & Artists
Deepening my meditation practices while in the beautiful mountains of Sidemen, Bali last March.
It was filled with new techniques for reflection, active engagement meditation practices which has expanded the interior dialogue with my hands out bodywork.
Sound Healing Training
Massage for Professional Musicians & Artists
Penny George Institute, Hospital Internship
Sound vibrations can help heal various physical, mental and emotional imbalances.
It has been used formally to treat a variety of conditions including chronic pain, blood pressure irregularity, and anxiety disorders.
I took this insightful course in Bali on the research based scientific aspects of sound vibration & beautiful creative integration of sound bath experiences.
Penny George Institute, Hospital Internship
Reflexology /Massage for Hypertension, Case Study
Penny George Institute, Hospital Internship
Amy was chosen for the prestigious 15 week internship at Abbott Northwestern Hospital through the Penny George Institute, an integrative care program where doctors' refer patients to complimentary therapies for pain, nausea & stress management. Amy used a combination of massage therapy & Foot Reflexology on patients and was able to shadow acupuncturists, other massage therapists & a music therapist in every department of the hospital. The potential for, and limitations of, our current health care models were illuminating.
Yoga Teacher Training
Reflexology /Massage for Hypertension, Case Study
Reflexology /Massage for Hypertension, Case Study
Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) included an array of training exercises like beach yoga challenging your muscles to balance in a new way.
More will be coming regarding yoga services!
Reflexology /Massage for Hypertension, Case Study
Reflexology /Massage for Hypertension, Case Study
Reflexology /Massage for Hypertension, Case Study
Amy researched, designed then executed a 10 week case study on a woman with hypertension, combining Foot Reflexology & massage therapy. The results were incredible in and of themselves but the experience revealed to her a much greater role for these kinds of complimentary modalities in health care. -- This is not surprising since it was inspired by how effective Foot Reflexology was on hospital patients struggling with constipation, stress & physical pain.
Mariposa Integrative Free Clinic, Costa Rica
Chiropractor Clinics, Injured/Special Populations
Chiropractor Clinics, Injured/Special Populations
In addition to a variety of Twin Cities clinic rotations, including the Pillsbury Integrative Free Clinic, Amy spent time doing massage therapy on Costa Ricans at a free clinic outside of San Jose. This experience significantly illuminated her perspective on soft tissue restructuring. Given their different diet, lifestyle and approach to healing, she discovered new ways to address manual therapy with these grateful recipients of her work. -- It was also a lot of fun to practice Spanish in a health care setting and work with the teenage translators throughout her time there! :)
Chiropractor Clinics, Injured/Special Populations
Chiropractor Clinics, Injured/Special Populations
Chiropractor Clinics, Injured/Special Populations
Over 10 years of working with an extremely skilled chiropractors, Dr. Stude at Southwest Chiropractic and later Dr. Josh Stephens at Downtown Chiropratic, gave Amy an ideal foundation in the massage therapy industry. Clients ranged from elite athletes to children & seniors all in different stages of life and health. Amy designed sessions for those who need intense care after accidents, before/after surgeries, and in conjunction with other therapy modalities.
Luxury Spa Massage & Body Services
Chiropractor Clinics, Injured/Special Populations
Luxury Spa Massage & Body Services
Everyone deserves massage that is both healing & conscious of the entire experience. Admits her strong clinical foundation, Amy absolutely loves the nurturing aspect of bodywork and the role that true relaxation can play in the body's healing faculties.
Receiving incredible spa treatments from around the world, and now working in luxury spa environments, has illuminated the subtle nuances that create a rejuvenating adventure.