My Story
From an early age I knew that I wanted to help care for people. This desire grew out of love for my grandfather and helping my family to care for him during his tumultuous journey with aggressive Small Cell Lung Cancer. At just seven years-old my life trajectory was pushed towards the healing arts. As my grandfather - one of the most treasured people in my life was dying, I tried to bring him comfort any way I knew how - with massage, reading to him, holding his hand, and being present. I knew then that this was important work and it is a privilege few are able to witness. The awareness that transpired from this event stays with me today and fills my heart with gratitude. Through this I cultivated inquisitiveness and a yearning to relieve profound suffering which has served me well and has allowed me to be available to others in need.
I am, first and foremost, curious about the world around me - always learning and growing. I am a student of life and marvel at all the wonderful ways of learning, both formally and informally. Some of the most poignant lessons have been taught through the wisdom and strength of those I have had the honor to serve and care for, through traveling and bearing witness to the best (and worst) of humanity, and through fostering a deep appreciation for animals and the natural world. My thirst for knowledge sends me all over. You might find me nose deep in a book, kayaking with Minke whales in the Bay of Fundy, hiking Mount Katahdin, camping with my family in the White Mountains, touring an underground city in Turkey, or riding an elephant in Sri Lanka. I am fortunate to have traveled to over 30 countries and counting. Each experience brings with it a new awareness, understanding, and admiration for the wonders of the world - the animals, flora, people, culture, and food (Oh the FOOD ... , but that is a topic of another matter).
Rest assured that I have a myriad of education and experiences to draw from. I have studied extensively and have amassed a variety of techniques, modalities, and methods of bringing care to the people I serve. Over time I have had the opportunity to study with experts and leaders in the fields of massage therapy, nursing, psychology, counseling, allied health, holistic and integrative health, public health, and Eastern and Western medicine. I'm committed to staying current with evidence-based practices and innovative models of care. It is a long running joke that I am a "forever student", but I really do love learning! You can see some examples of what I have been doing below.
This love of learning has brought me to a number of jobs and careers in health care over the years, having experience in laboratory science as a phlebotomist, lab assistant, lab coordinator and studying to be a medical lab technologist, an emergency medical technician, aerospace medical services journeyman in the Air Force, nursing assistant, telemetry technician, cardiology technician and coumadin lab manager, registered nurse, community health educator, massage therapist, craniosacral therapist, and lymphedema therapist. Of these, massage therapy and my experience as a Certified Oncology Registered Nurse, craniosacral and lymphedema therapist most informs my practice, and I strive to seamlessly integrate these disciplines together.
My clinical nursing practice is divided between nurse navigation at a busy Cancer Center, providing cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, biotherapy, immunotherapy, and supportive care to those with cancer or blood disorders in the Infusion Center, and assisting with public health initiatives in the Community Health and Wellness Center. I co-created and co-facilitate a Cancer Caregiver's Support Group and am involved with patient and staff education initiatives. My latest adventure is pursing a Master's in Nursing as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
Over two decades ago I had the opportunity to participate in a Medical Mission abroad in the Yucatan Peninsula which was a beautiful, humbling, jarring, and life-changing experience. Through this experience I grew to understand (or rather remember) that life is about relationships. That trip reinforced the notion that healing happens through relationship and presence is the most powerful gift. This profound and deep realization helped inform the person I am today - connecting me to my past and to my future, and reaffirming my life path.
I feel infinitely blessed to be able to put all my skills together to assist others in their journey. I LOVE what I do! Each person I get a chance to work with is unique and brings so much to the table. I really enjoy connecting with each person on a deep level and forming a partnership that empowers and leads people back to their inner wisdom and wellness.
I am, first and foremost, curious about the world around me - always learning and growing. I am a student of life and marvel at all the wonderful ways of learning, both formally and informally. Some of the most poignant lessons have been taught through the wisdom and strength of those I have had the honor to serve and care for, through traveling and bearing witness to the best (and worst) of humanity, and through fostering a deep appreciation for animals and the natural world. My thirst for knowledge sends me all over. You might find me nose deep in a book, kayaking with Minke whales in the Bay of Fundy, hiking Mount Katahdin, camping with my family in the White Mountains, touring an underground city in Turkey, or riding an elephant in Sri Lanka. I am fortunate to have traveled to over 30 countries and counting. Each experience brings with it a new awareness, understanding, and admiration for the wonders of the world - the animals, flora, people, culture, and food (Oh the FOOD ... , but that is a topic of another matter).
Rest assured that I have a myriad of education and experiences to draw from. I have studied extensively and have amassed a variety of techniques, modalities, and methods of bringing care to the people I serve. Over time I have had the opportunity to study with experts and leaders in the fields of massage therapy, nursing, psychology, counseling, allied health, holistic and integrative health, public health, and Eastern and Western medicine. I'm committed to staying current with evidence-based practices and innovative models of care. It is a long running joke that I am a "forever student", but I really do love learning! You can see some examples of what I have been doing below.
This love of learning has brought me to a number of jobs and careers in health care over the years, having experience in laboratory science as a phlebotomist, lab assistant, lab coordinator and studying to be a medical lab technologist, an emergency medical technician, aerospace medical services journeyman in the Air Force, nursing assistant, telemetry technician, cardiology technician and coumadin lab manager, registered nurse, community health educator, massage therapist, craniosacral therapist, and lymphedema therapist. Of these, massage therapy and my experience as a Certified Oncology Registered Nurse, craniosacral and lymphedema therapist most informs my practice, and I strive to seamlessly integrate these disciplines together.
My clinical nursing practice is divided between nurse navigation at a busy Cancer Center, providing cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, biotherapy, immunotherapy, and supportive care to those with cancer or blood disorders in the Infusion Center, and assisting with public health initiatives in the Community Health and Wellness Center. I co-created and co-facilitate a Cancer Caregiver's Support Group and am involved with patient and staff education initiatives. My latest adventure is pursing a Master's in Nursing as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
Over two decades ago I had the opportunity to participate in a Medical Mission abroad in the Yucatan Peninsula which was a beautiful, humbling, jarring, and life-changing experience. Through this experience I grew to understand (or rather remember) that life is about relationships. That trip reinforced the notion that healing happens through relationship and presence is the most powerful gift. This profound and deep realization helped inform the person I am today - connecting me to my past and to my future, and reaffirming my life path.
I feel infinitely blessed to be able to put all my skills together to assist others in their journey. I LOVE what I do! Each person I get a chance to work with is unique and brings so much to the table. I really enjoy connecting with each person on a deep level and forming a partnership that empowers and leads people back to their inner wisdom and wellness.
My Philosophy
My approach to massage and manual therapy seeks to integrate several modalities to create a unique healing experience. I believe in using a multitude of approaches that best supports each person's ability to unlock their inner healer. Finding strategies that resonate with each individual and working collaboratively to empower you to find your best self is something I am very passionate about. I believe the body has an amazing capacity to heal itself given the right tools and conditions. I see my role as a partner and facilitator who creates and holds a safe supportive space for optimal health and self healing through integrative care. Integrative care is person centered therapy based on healing partnerships, education, counseling, empowerment, holistic modalities, and connection to community resources. Working together we explore different strategies to enhance wellness and bring you back into balance. I will listen with intention and without judgement to what your body, mind, and spirit is needing in the moment to help facilitate the changes you desire.
Credentials
- Registered Nurse
- Oncology Certified Nurse
- Licensed Massage Therapist
- Certified Oncology Massage Therapist
- Certified Lymphedema Therapist
- Board Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork
- Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Provider
- Preferred Provider for the Society for Oncology Massage
- Kundalini Reiki Master/ Teacher
- AHA Basic Life Support Instructor
- AHA Advanced Cardiac Life Support Provider
- Former Emergency Medical Technician
Education
- Master of Public Health - Chamberlain University - Downers Grove, IL - With Distinction
- Bachelor of Science, Nursing - Saint Joseph's College - Standish, ME
- Associate of Science, Nursing - University of Maine at Augusta - Augusta, ME - Summa cum Laude
- Bachelor of Science, Health Sciences, Biology, & Holistic and Integrative Health - University of Southern Maine - Portland, ME - Magna cum Laude
- Diploma, Massage Therapy - Downeast School of Massage - Waldoboro, ME - Honor Graduate
- Associate of Applied Science, Allied Health Sciences - Community College of the Air Force, Montgomery, AL
- Associate of Science, Liberal Studies - Southern Maine Community College - South Portland, ME
Professional Memberships
- Oncology Nursing Society
- American Holistic Nurses Association
- American Nurses Association
- Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing
- American Massage Therapy Association
- Society for Oncology Massage
- Maine Oncology Massage Therapists
- Golden Key International Honour Society
- American Heart Association Instructor Network
- Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments
- Nurses on Boards Coalition
- American Public Health Association
Volunteer Experience
- Madeline's Mission - Vice President, Self-Care Advocate, Board Member
- Lucy's Love Bus - Oncology Massage and Holistic Integrative Health Provider
- American Cancer Society - Making Strides Against Breast Cancer - Oncology Massage Therapist
- Dempsey Center - Oncology Massage Therapist
Continuing Education
Massage & Manual Therapy
- Caring for Clients with Cancer - Tracy Walton, MS, LMT
- Bringing Massage Therapy Into the Hospital - Healwell
- Hospital Based Massage Therapy: Successes, Challenges, & Sound Advice - Tracy Walton, MS, LMT
- Oncology Massage in Action - Tracy Walton, MS, LMT
- Oncology Massage Therapy Advanced Mentorship - Tracy Walton, MS, LMT
- Orthopedic Treatment of the Neck: Assessment & Treatment Strategies for Soft Tissue Pain & Injury - Ben Benjamin, PhD
- Orthopedic Treatment of the Low Back: Assessment & Treatment Strategies for Soft Tissue Pain & Injury - Ben Benjamin, PhD
- Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques: Posture, Pain, Performance - Eric Dalton, PhD
- Advanced Myoskeletal Techniques: Upper Body Treatment, the Neck, Shoulder, & Torso - Eric Dalton, PhD
- Advanced Myoskeletal Techniques: Dynamic Lower Body Course - Eric Dalton, PhD
- Professional Ethics - Eric Dalton, PhD
- Myofascial Release 1 - John F. Barnes, PT
- Myofascial Release for Cervical-Thoracic - John F. Barnes, PT
- Cupping for Scar Therapy - Lisa Dowling
- Trigger Point Therapy - Neil Ascher
- CranioSacral Therapy 1 - Upledger Institute
- CranioSacral Therapy 2 - Upledger Institute
- SomatoEmotional Release 1 - Upledger Institute
- Manual Lymph Drainage & Complete Decongestive Therapy - Klose Training
- Head & Neck Lymphedema - Klose Training
- Axillary Web Syndrome - Klose Training
- Breast Cancer Rehabilitation - Klose Training
- Oncology Certificate Program - University of Southern Indiana
- Chemotherapy & Biotherapy Provider Certificate - Oncology Nursing Society
- Creating Healing Caring Partnerships - Jean Watson
- Genetics Fundamentals - Oncology Nursing Society
- Sleep-Wake Disturbances - Oncology Nursing Society
- Nurse Empowerment in a Culture of Safety - Oncology Nursing Society
- Board Leadership: Nurses in Governance - Oncology Nursing Society
- Venous Thromboembolism in Patients with Cancer - Oncology Nursing Society
- Sexual Dysfunction and Fertility Impairment - Oncology Nursing Society
- 2018 Triage Cancer Conference - Triage Cancer, Oncology Nursing Society
- Navigating Cannabis in Patients With Cancer - Oncology Nursing Society, Bridge Conference
- CAR T: Power, Passion, and Tempering Its Storm - Oncology Nursing Society, Bridge Conference
- Head and Neck Radiation Oncology: Evidence-Based Symptom Management for Physical and Psychosocial Care - Oncology Nursing Society, Bridge Conference
- Head and Neck Radiation Therapy Treatment: A Multidisciplinary Perspective - Oncology Nursing Society, Bridge Conference
- Hazardous Drug Safety: Answering Some of the Difficult Questions - Oncology Nursing Society, Bridge Conference
- Opioids for Cancer Pain in the Midst of the Opioid Crisis - Oncology Nursing Society, Bridge Conference
- Oncologic Emergencies: Treatment Challenges in Acute Care and Outpatient Settings - Oncology Nursing Society, Bridge Conference
- Genomics & Biomarkers in Cancer Care - Oncology Nursing Society, Bridge Conference
- Pharmacology Update Part 1 - Oncology Nursing Society, Bridge Conference
- Complex Cases: Managing Adverse Events From Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors - Oncology Nursing Society, Bridge Conference
- The Trajectory of Brachytherapy for Gynecologic Patients - Oncology Nursing Society, Bridge Conference
- Genitourinary Side Effects of Gynecologic Malignancies and Their Treatments - Oncology Nursing Society, Bridge Conference
- Evidence-Based Strategies for the Management of Central Venous Catheters - Oncology Nursing Society, Bridge Conference
- AACR/ONS Bench to Bedside: Using the Immune System to Fight Cancer - Oncology Nursing Society, Bridge Conference
- COVID and Cancer: The Role of the Oncology Nurse in the Continuum of Care - Oncology Nursing Society, Bridge Conference
- Hot Topics in Cancer Care: COVID-19 and the Impact on Cancer - Oncology Nursing Society, Bridge Conference
- Blowing the Roof off with Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) - Theresa Campo DNP, FNP-C, ENP-BC, FAANP & Keith A. Lafferty, MD, FAAEM
- Cultivating Our Best Selves in Response to COVID-19: The Community Resiliency Model - American Psychiatric Nurses Association
- What to Expect in a Survivorship Visit - Southern Maine ONS, Laura Garber, MS, PA-BC
- Patient-Focused Clinical Research & Advocacy - National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Global Policy
- Spring to Life Conference on Leukemias 2021 - New York Oncology Hematology Society
- Treatment & Survivorship - National Comprehensive Cancer Network
- Patient Engagement to Impact Cancer Care Policy - National Comprehensive Cancer Network
- Optimize the Safety of Your Oncology Infusion Therapy - Seth Eisenberg, RN, BMTCN, OCN
- ONS/ONCC Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Certificate Courses - Oncology Nursing Society
- Tobacco Treatment: Basic Skills - Partnership for a Tobacco Free Maine
- Tobacco Treatment: Intensive - Partnership for a Tobacco Free Maine
- Tobacco Treatment and Prevention Conference 2012 - MaineHealth Center for Tobacco Independence
- Vaping and E-cigarettes - MaineHealth Center for Tobacco Independence
- Tobacco Treatment and Prevention Conference 2019 - MaineHealth Center for Tobacco Independence
- Prevention Professionals Conference 2019 - Maine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- The Rise of E-cigarettes - MaineHealth Center for Tobacco Independence
- E-cigarette Cessation: The State of the Science - MaineHealth Center for Tobacco Independence
- INDEPTH: An Alternative to Teen Nicotine Suspension or Citation - American Lung Association
- E-cigarette Cessation Among Adolescents: Lessons Learned from Adolescent Tobacco Cessation - New England Prevention Technology Transfer Center
- Tobacco Treatment and Prevention Conference 2020 - MaineHealth Center for Tobacco Independence
- Intersection Between Adolescent Trauma and Substance Use Disorder - Co-Occurring Collaborative Serving Maine (CCSME)
- Intersection Between Infant Trauma and Substance Use Disorder - Co-Occurring Collaborative Serving Maine (CCSME)
- Navigating a Foodborne Outbreak: Preparation for Interprofessional Practice - Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health
- 2019 Effective Treatments for Opioid Use Disorder: Educating and Empowering All Nurses During an Epidemic - American Psychiatric Nurses Association
- Kundalini Reiki - Marie Deforge
- Aromatherapy: Rain Drop Technique - Young Living Essential Oils
- Healing Trauma Summit - Sounds True
- Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy: Level 1 - Dan Hughes, PhD
- Heal Attachment Shock: Integrating Dissociation, Attachment, & Neurobiology with Deep Brain Reorienting - Deidre Fay, LCSW & Frank Corrigan, MD
- Polyvagal Theory - Stephen Porges, PhD, The National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine (NICAM)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy - DNA-V Model - Mid Coast Hospital
- Providing Hope & Healing to Those Coping with Trauma and Loss - TAPS Institute for Hope & Healing
- Once a Warrior Always a Warrior: Enhancing Care of PTSD and Other Trauma Conditions for Military, Veteran, and Civilian Clients - Charles Hoge, MD & Peter A. Levine, PhD, Ergos Institute of Somatic Education
- Motivational Interviewing - American Psychiatric Nurses Association
- Theraplay Module 1: Theraplay Theory & Concepts - Mandy Jones, LCSW, RPT, JD & Andrea Bushala, LCSW
- Trust Based Relational Intervention - Karen Purvis, PhD, Karen Purvis Institute for Child Development, Texas Christian University
- Strengthening Relationships with TBRI: Intro and Overview - Caregivers - Maine Children's Home For Little Wanderers
- Beyond Consequences - Heather Forbes, LCSW
- Biological Underpinnings of Early-Life Stress: From Mechanisms to Novel Approaches for the Developmental Programming of Lifelong Health - Bessel van der Kolk, MD, Trauma Research Foundation
- The Emergence of a Polyvagal-Informed Therapy: Harnessing Neuroception of Safety in Clinical Treatment - Bessel van der Kolk, MD, Trauma Research Foundation
- Disrupted Caregiving Relationships vs. Traumatic Stress: Treatment Implications of Their Differential Effects on the Development of Self, Mind and Brain - Bessel van der Kolk, MD, Trauma Research Foundation
- Plasticity of the Social Brain How to Train Mindfulness, Compassion and Perspectives on the Self - Bessel van der Kolk, MD, Trauma Research Foundation
- Come to Your Senses: Establishing & Regaining Body Awareness- Bessel van der Kolk, MD, Trauma Research Foundation
- Inside and Outside Threat: Mind-Body Approaches to Fear and Danger - Janina Fisher, PhD, Academy of Therapy Wisdom
- Attachment, Trauma & Family Systems Therapy - Terry Levy, PhD & Diane Poole Heller, PhD - Therapy Mastermind Circle
- Rhythms and Regulation: Innovative Approaches to Brain and Body During a Time of Immobilization - Bessel van der Kolk, MD, Trauma Research Foundation
- Treatment at the Interface of Addiction and Trauma - Bessel van der Kolk, MD, Trauma Research Foundation
- Trauma and the Restoration of the Self: Integrating Fundamental Discoveries in Neuroscience with Embodied Self-Awareness and Mindfulness - Bessel van der Kolk, MD, Trauma Research Foundation
- Designing Trauma-Informed Interventions for Youth at the Grassroots Level: A Practical Toolkit for Bringing Research to Practice - Bessel van der Kolk, MD, Trauma Research Foundation
- Eliminating Barriers to Access Healing from the Trauma of Identity Based Social Inequalities Using a Peer Counseling (ReEvaluation Counseling) Model - Bessel van der Kolk, MD, Trauma Research Foundation
- Smoking Cigarettes, Eating Glass: One Psychologist’s Story - Bessel van der Kolk, MD, Trauma Research Foundation
- Healing Traumatized Families: Attachment and Trauma Informed Therapy for Children, Adults, Couples and Families - Diane Poole Heller, PhD & Terry Levy, PhD, Therapy Mastermind Circle
- Hope for the Journey Conference 2020 - Karen Purvis Institute of Child Development, Show Hope
- Wisdom of Trauma - Gabor Mate, MD, Zaya Benazzo, Maurizio Benazzo
- Biology of Trauma Solution Series - Aimie Apigian, MD
- How to Work With Traumatic Memory That is Embedded in the Nervous System - Ruth Buczynski, PhD, Peter Levine, PhD, Pat Ogden, PhD, Bessel van der Kolk, MD, National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine
- How to Work with the Limbic System to Reverse the Physiological Imprint of Trauma - Ruth Buczynski, PhD, Peter Levine, PhD, Pat Ogden, PhD, Bessel van der Kolk, MD, National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine
- Healing Trauma in a Fractured World - Thomas Hubl & Gabor Mate, MD
- Trauma and the Nervous System from the Polyvagal Theory Perspective - Stephen Porges, PhD & Gabor Mate, MD
- Examining the Root Cause of Addiction from an Indigenous Lens - Gina Perez-Baron, Pat McCabe, Daniel RYNO Herrera & Gabor Mate, MD
- Broken Connections: Healing Strategies for Trauma & Attachment - Diane Poole Heller, PhD & Gabor Mate, MD
- Relationships as Mirrors of Our Trauma - Esther Perel & Gabor Mate, MD
- Self-Expression and Mindfulness in Healing - Gabor Mate, MD & Alanis Morrisette
- Trauma and the Somatic Connection - Peter Levine, PhD & Gabor Mate, MD
- Building Intergenerational Trauma Sensitivity & Awareness - Sara King, PhD, Angel Acosta, EdD, Daniel Siegel, MD & Gabor Mate, MD
- Psychedelic Therapy for Trauma Healing - Francoise Bourzat, Rick Doblin, PhD, Marcella Ot’alora & Gabor Mate, MD
- The Importance of Holotropic States in the Field of Psychotherapy - Stanislav Grof
- The Trauma of the Body in the World - Gabor Mate, MD & Eve Ensler
- Neurofeedback BCIA - Mitchell Sadar, PhD, BCN, Angelika Sadar, MA, BCN, Robert Turner, MD, BCN & Leon Morales, MD, PhD, Sadar Psychological and Sports Center
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