About Stuart
It's been over 19 years since I began my journey in the profession of the Healing Arts and Massage Therapy. While attending Prescott College in Arizona, studying Depth Psychology, I quite accidentally stumbled into the massage world. I attended a Swedish Massage course at the Southwest Institute of the Healing Arts as an independent study, and from that moment my focus began to shift from psychology to the healing arts. I then began pursuing more courses in holistic health and eventually found myself in Southern Oregon.
I completed the massage program at the Ashland Institute of Massage in 2002. Prior to graduation from massage school I was selected to work under two chiropractors in Medford as a Chiropractic Assistant and Massage Therapist. For two and a half years I refined my technical skills by learning to work with a wide range of chronic pain and acute injuries.
In 2003 I began to work as a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) at Waterstone Spa in Ashland, OR. I was promoted to the Massage Department Manager, and worked at the spa until the spring of 2013. As the Massage Manager, I was responsible for hiring and training LMTs in spa treatments and massage modalities. The spa environment allowed me to utilize my skills on a wide variety of clientele and client needs, ranging from relaxation massage, acute injuries, chronic pain, emotional and spiritual healing.
Since becoming licensed I have pursued continuing education in a multiplicity of massage modalities. Some of my favorites, and most utilized, are Foot Reflexology, Mana Lomi, LaStone Therapy and Aromatherapy.
In 2004 I was trained and certified in Foot Reflexology. This modality quickly became a large part of my practice, as the benefits are so quickly experienced by the client. Foot Reflexology, in my opinion is one of the most effective modalities at addressing specific concerns, or health conditions. Improvements can often be seen within 3 sessions. I am certified through the American Institute of Reflexology.
In 2006 I was quite fortunate to receive first hand training and instruction from Mary Nelson in LaStone Therapy. Mary is the founder of LaStone therapy, and her knowledge of the art helped me to gain a profound understanding of the technique. As a certified LaStone Therapist I am always amazed at how deeply this treatment effects clients physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
In 2007 as part of my own healing process, I traveled to the Big Island of Hawaii to study with Harry Uhane Jim in Lomi Lomi. This was my first experience of the islands, and in Lomi Lomi. The journey and class changed my life. I became fascinated by Lomi techniques, but even more so with the principles and spiritual beliefs behind this traditional healing modality. In 2010 I continued my exploration in Lomi Lomi by studying with Dr. Maka'ala Yates in the Mana Lomi technique. Again I felt a deep resonance with Lomi, and now feel that it will not only continue to guide my own journey through life, but also grow to be a very integral part of my massage practice.
In general, I see the course of my professional growth and development in the healing arts as ever-expanding. In the present I do my very best to integrate all that I have learned in order to help people in whatever way I am able. My desire to help people is the underlying foundation and substance of my work. I approach every person and every session with the intention to meet their individual needs for that time. I call upon my depth of experience, skill proficiency, and knowledge of the healing arts to create a safe, and comfortable space conducive to any and all healing experiences.
I completed the massage program at the Ashland Institute of Massage in 2002. Prior to graduation from massage school I was selected to work under two chiropractors in Medford as a Chiropractic Assistant and Massage Therapist. For two and a half years I refined my technical skills by learning to work with a wide range of chronic pain and acute injuries.
In 2003 I began to work as a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) at Waterstone Spa in Ashland, OR. I was promoted to the Massage Department Manager, and worked at the spa until the spring of 2013. As the Massage Manager, I was responsible for hiring and training LMTs in spa treatments and massage modalities. The spa environment allowed me to utilize my skills on a wide variety of clientele and client needs, ranging from relaxation massage, acute injuries, chronic pain, emotional and spiritual healing.
Since becoming licensed I have pursued continuing education in a multiplicity of massage modalities. Some of my favorites, and most utilized, are Foot Reflexology, Mana Lomi, LaStone Therapy and Aromatherapy.
In 2004 I was trained and certified in Foot Reflexology. This modality quickly became a large part of my practice, as the benefits are so quickly experienced by the client. Foot Reflexology, in my opinion is one of the most effective modalities at addressing specific concerns, or health conditions. Improvements can often be seen within 3 sessions. I am certified through the American Institute of Reflexology.
In 2006 I was quite fortunate to receive first hand training and instruction from Mary Nelson in LaStone Therapy. Mary is the founder of LaStone therapy, and her knowledge of the art helped me to gain a profound understanding of the technique. As a certified LaStone Therapist I am always amazed at how deeply this treatment effects clients physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
In 2007 as part of my own healing process, I traveled to the Big Island of Hawaii to study with Harry Uhane Jim in Lomi Lomi. This was my first experience of the islands, and in Lomi Lomi. The journey and class changed my life. I became fascinated by Lomi techniques, but even more so with the principles and spiritual beliefs behind this traditional healing modality. In 2010 I continued my exploration in Lomi Lomi by studying with Dr. Maka'ala Yates in the Mana Lomi technique. Again I felt a deep resonance with Lomi, and now feel that it will not only continue to guide my own journey through life, but also grow to be a very integral part of my massage practice.
In general, I see the course of my professional growth and development in the healing arts as ever-expanding. In the present I do my very best to integrate all that I have learned in order to help people in whatever way I am able. My desire to help people is the underlying foundation and substance of my work. I approach every person and every session with the intention to meet their individual needs for that time. I call upon my depth of experience, skill proficiency, and knowledge of the healing arts to create a safe, and comfortable space conducive to any and all healing experiences.
