About Michelle
My interest in healing practices began with a career in nursing, working first in a holistic health clinic then moving into western medicine to work in ob/gyn, family practice, triage and surgery. After 10 years, I left the medical field to pursue my interest in massage therapy.
I graduated from the Minneapolis School of Massage in 2003, and began my massage career with a focus on deep tissue massage and injury rehabilitation.
I began studying abdominal therapy in 2008 through the Arvigo Institute. After 2 years of practicing the basic techniques, I went on to train in advanced Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy and became a certified practitioner.
The techniques have become my main focus after witnessing the healing impact they have brought to countless clients. After learning Maya abdominal massage, and practicing the techniques for several years, I trained in Chi Nei Tsang and Visceral Manipulation which brought a whole new depth to the how I practice abdominal therapy.
In addition, I have advanced training in pregnancy and postpartum massage therapy as well as Advanced Maya Abdominal Therapy for Pregnancy and Postpartum.
I have been incredibly fortunate to study under Dr. Rosita Arvigo, the founder of the world renowned Maya Arvigo International Association, as well as many other amazing teachers along the way. In 2017 I became a certified Arvigo Therapy Self Care Teacher and eventually left the institute to teach my own style of abdominal therapy.
I stay present and grounded through mindfulness based meditation and my passion and curiosity for life has led me to study spiritual healing across the globe, including Peru, Costa Rica, Mexico and the mountains and deserts of California and Utah.
Professional Memberships:
Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals
International Association of Healthcare Practitioners
Advanced Studies:
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy 2020 - 2022
The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy®
Professional Care - with Rosita Arvigo - 2008
Certification - with Rosita Arvigo - 2010
Advanced Pregnancy: Supporting Pregnancy from Pre-Conception to Post Partum
Certification Self Care Teacher
Spiritual Healing Traditional Maya Healing Approaches for Body, Mind Spirit
The Barral Institute
Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 1
Visceral Manipulation: Abdomen 2
Visceral Manipulation: The Pelvis
Chi Nei Tsang with Andrea Sullivan
Chi Nei Tsang with Serena Stone
Bodywork for the Childbearing Year
Pregnancy and Postpartum Massage Therapy with Kate Jordan
International Loving Touch Foundation
Certified Infant Massage Instructor with Diana Moore
(I do not currently teach infant massage)
International Cupping Therapy Association
Contemporary Cupping Methods
GuaSha: Asian Folk Therapy with Dona McGlennen
The Meta Institute and International School of Therapeutic Coaching
Certified Therapeutic Coach
Certified Spiritual Therapeutic Coach
Neuro Linguistic Psyhchology
Hypnotherapy
Reiki
Hands on Healing with Carol Lowell
Energy Healing / Energy Balancing