About Me
I have been in Arizona since 1974 and was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut . My husband Pete and I have been married for more than 40 years. We have 3 adult, married sons, 2 granddaughters, and a grandson.
I was initially trained in Swedish Massage and Deep Muscle Therapies in 1985. I taught Anatomy, Physiology and therapeutic massage at Westwind Academy of Massage Therapy for 8 years. I used to get frustrated because as much as I could affect with massage, I couldn’t make permanent changes. I was always fascinated with Biomechanical contributions to tensional patterns and chronic pain, and in 1990 began my journey into Rolfing Structural Integration. I studied at The Rolf Institute in Boulder, Colorado. I am now a Certified Advanced Rolfer™ and a member in good standing of the Rolf Institute. Dr. Ida P. Rolf PhD developed Rolfing® Structural Integration. I also studied CranioSacral Therapy (trained through the Upledger Institute and also studied Rolfing Movement Integration. I have integrated these modalities into my work for greater effectiveness and a less painful approach to Rolfing. I specialize in what I call “Quantum” Rolfing, a term that I will explain later in more detail. My approach today is very integrative in nature. I incorporate electromagnetic field detoxification and music to balance the frequencies of the 33 elements of the body as well as Young Living Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils as part of every treatment. I find that the combination of these modalities accesses the subatomic frequencies that release so many holding patterns for a more effective result for my clients.
- Established Massage Business since 1985
- Rolfing Structural Integration since 1990
- Former Massage, Anatomy & Physiology Instructor
- Trained @ the Rolf Institute
- Certified Rolfer since 1990
- Contributed to law changes to improve profession integrity in the City Of Phoenix
- Certified Chaplain since 1999
- Certified Lay Counselor 2011
- Member American Association of Christian Counselors
- Certified Advanced Rolfer 2011
- Member in good standing with The Rolf Institute
- Prayer and Healing Minister
In my early years as a Licensed Massage Therapist I would often work on people week after week doing therapeutic massage for stress reduction and often chronic tension issues. That’s how you build a practice, right? It would frustrate me to have to keep doing the same things and not getting more lasting results. I wasn’t satisfied! I taught Anatomy, Physiology, and Massage at a local Massage College so my skill wasn’t the issue. I was an anatomy geek but really I wanted to offer a more substantial solution for stress and pain reduction. I knew there just had to be a system that would address the issues more systemically. I began seeing patterns in people’s bodies which led me to pursue studies in CranioSacral Therapy, and Somato-Emotional Release techniques and Rolfing then eventually to attain an Advanced Certification in Rolfing Structural Integration.
I learned that although Bio-mechanical stress patterns were definitely aspects to people’s tension and pain. I also began recognizing the importance of the Spiritual and emotional connection to one’s overall well-being. We are a spirit and we live in a body that is definitely affected by our soul (mind, emotions, traumatic experiences, and our will). This is the foundational piece of who we are. To be truly effective in therapy this must be considered, acknowledged, and integrated into the work. Caring Hands Integrated Wellness, LLC is my healing ministry!
Spiritual foundation and emotional wellness are keys to a balanced lifestyle and stress reduction. In my pursuit to serve the whole person I also sought Biblical and Spiritual instruction and became a Certified Chaplain, a Hope Coach, and a Certified Lay Christian Counselor. Since then I have an earned an Associate’s Degree of Biblical Studies from Charis Bible College in Tempe, AZ and became licensed to preach the Gospel. I’ve since graduated Charis’s 3rd Year World Outreach Global Training at the Charis Bible College in Woodland Park, Colorado and received my Bachelor’s Degree. With these Pastoral skills, I minister to people Spirit, soul and body. That’s God’s way based on a Biblical foundation of unconditional love and grace. It’s my privilege to encourage people and help them discover their true potential in a safe environment and without judgement while ministering the deliverance of healing to their bodies and peace to their minds too.
I personally believe in the God of The Bible and am a Born Again Believer and Spirit filled disciple of Jesus Christ. He is my Savior and Lord, God, Healer, Counsellor, Forgiver and Deliverer. I avidly study and draw my strength and wisdom from Biblical principles. My greatest love is teaching and then empowering people. By His grace I’m committed to Loving, living and modeling a genuine, faith filled life. My desire is to be a living witness of His true Love, Grace and Goodness.
I’m of Italian Ancestry. I enjoy cooking, travel, learning and watching wholesome, “feel good” movies, too. Generally, I like light-hearted comedies, faith-based movies, and things that are positive and uplifting. I like researching things about history and civics. I love listening to Praise and Worship Music. I spend focused time daily in personal development. I love reading and receiving the uplifting Word of God; worshipping Jesus and sitting on my back patio being quiet and enjoying my backyard “sanctuary” as I listen to the birds frolic in the trees. I have an emotionally needy but sweet French bulldog named Maribel who is my Rolfing assistant. She loves to play ball, greet people at the front door, and escort them to the Rolfing Room for their appointment. She may even add a little snore therapy to the session!
My husband Pete and I have participated in several short-term missions. We’ve went to Bosnia in 2000 to teach English. We’ve taught ESL to Bosnian refugees locally in 1999-2001. I’ve been to Mexico on a mission where we supported church growth. In 2013 and 2014 we went to Hvar, Croatia where we helped teach and strengthen Hvar Church members and encourage missionaries. March 2018 we went on a mission to Asti Italy. We do anticipate future trips to Croatia and are believing God that one day we will be Missionaries there someday. For the time being I teach weekly Bible Studies and disciple students nationally and internationally via Zoom Meetings.
Nutrition plays a key role in wellness. My goal is to offer people healthier options to support their wellness needs. It is impossible to do this work and not consider lifestyle choices including nutrition, exercise, attitudes, lifestyle choices, spiritual condition, habits, and beliefs. I encourage good nutrition and will refer clients to others for Nutritional and Hormonal expertise.
It is my privilege to help people become free, realize their full potential, and meet their life and wellness goals.