1. Tell us a little bit about your path and how you came to Element?
My background is in music and the arts. I have been a musician since childhood, and spent years writing, playing, and producing music. As an electronic music producer, I traveled a lot, and met people from all over the world. When I was in Israel, DJing at Mid-Burn Festival, I took a Thai massage workshop and it opened up a new world for me. For the first time, I experienced how hands-on bodywork can be healing on so many levels. Feeling guided to expand my knowledge in the healing arts, I first gravitated towards using sound and music as a healing modality. I took several training courses to learn about sound healing and worked under a mentor, Dr. John Beaulieu, a psychologist and naturopath who is one of the leaders in the field of sound healing and polarity therapy. He taught me how to work with clients one-on-one and at some point suggested that I study massage therapy to expand my practice and knowledge of anatomy so that I could serve others in the best way possible. Studying massage therapy at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine turned out to be the most gratifying two years of my life. Upon graduating, I was determined to work in the best massage clinic in New York, which led me to the doors of Element Natural Healing Arts… and the rest is history.
2. Can you describe how you work?
I work very closely with people, and that to me is the most satisfying and fulfilling aspect of my job. I get to see nearly instantaneous results, on both physical and mental/emotional levels. Every day is completely new and exciting, allowing me to deepen my practice of mindfulness and focus on the present moment. Sometimes there is a misunderstanding that I am doing all the work, but in reality, my client and I are working together. It is a practice that involves meeting people where they are, at any given moment, and acting as a guide walking alongside them to slowly make progress towards their goals.
3. Tell us about your practice.
My practice involves fine-tuned listening to the subtle languages of the body. My main focus is the breath. I always begin sessions by guiding clients in deep breathing to relax and gain a greater understanding of the body’s structural movement with the expansion and contraction of the lungs. I continue to use the breath throughout the session to guide and inform my technique. At a certain point during the session, I find myself breathing in sync with my client and get into a flow state. When I get into this peak performance state, I become the clearest, stillest channel to guide my client into a healing space.
4. What do you when you’re not at work?
I’m most often in my music studio writing and producing music. I’m working on an album and I perform live shows throughout the city, both in the electronic music and alternative rock scenes. I also love swimming and have the good fortune of belonging to an amazing gym on the Hudson River, where I can swim four times a week and watch the sunset during my laps. My hobbies include painting, cooking, playing the piano, meditating, riding my skateboard, and hanging out with my three-year-old nephew as often as I can.