Hello my name is Toni! I am the owner and resident Massage Therapist here at Just Be Bodyworks. You can learn a little bit more about me by reading the Q/A’s down below!
Q: “How long have you lived in Grants Pass / Southern Oregon? What is your favorite part about our community?”
A: “I was born and raised in Grants Pass and I love that we are such a close community. There is a uniqueness in this little town and that’s what makes it home. I love that we are surrounded by nature and we embrace the resources that we have.”
Q: “Tell us about your Massage Therapy training. Where did you go to school? What was your favorite class and why?”
A: “I went to school at Ashland Institute of Massage. My favorite courses in school were Thai Massage and Sports Massage because I love the fact that both of these modalities include massage as well as lots of stretching techniques. I think that in having a client participate in the massage it helps a lot in the healing journey as it makes people focus and bring attention to their own body. I encourage people to move in any way that feels good to them as I am massaging. “
Q: “What was your experience in the Massage industry prior to joining the Just Be Bodyworks family?”
A: “Massage therapy has always interested me. I had a few massages as a teen and I just liked the idea of helping people and making people feel better. I worked at a chiropractic office before joining Just Be Bodyworks and I was amazed watching people walk in the door in agony, sometimes not able to stand and being able to walk out of the door feeling amazing. I strive for this and love the feeling I get when I am able to help relieve somebody’s pain.”
Q: What specialties & modalities do you offer? What style of massage do you love to do and why?
A: “I currently offer Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, and assisted stretching. I love assisted stretching because I feel like it goes hand in hand with massage and creates a deeper and long lasting effect in combination with massage. I also really enjoy Fascial work. Fascia is the connective tissue that encases our muscles and internal organs; it’s kind of a big deal. I think of fascia as one big sheet and every once in a while you have to have those sheets ironed out. Just like muscles, your fascia can develop adhesions. Neglecting your fascia can lead to limited range of motion and pain.”
Q: “What’s on your massage bucket list? What specialties & modalities do you feel called to pursue in the future?”
A: “I would love to learn more about Thai Massage. “
Q: Who is your ideal client? What kind of humans do you enjoy working on and connecting with?
A: “I love working with anyone and everyone. Every Body is different so each client and massage is an adventure and a new connection. But if I had to pick one specific attribute I would like my client to have, it would be someone who is good at communicating! If you would like more or less pressure don’t be afraid to speak up!”
Q: “What is your favorite part about your job as a Massage Therapist? Why do you do what you do?”
A: “I do what I do to help people feel good- whether that be a knot that has been killing them or daily stress consuming them. I love to help people feel more comfortable in their body. When you’re comfortable in your body it helps you realize just how amazing the human structure is and how it can change and adapt. “
Q: “What does your self-care routine look like? What hobbies & activities do you enjoy?”
A: “I receive massage as often as possible. I often use cupping on myself as another form of self care and try and receive chiropractic care about once a month or once every other month. And baths; a lot of baths. Swinging in the hammock and listening to nature. I love being on the lake with my family, knee boarding, beach trips, kayaking, paddle boarding and even a good Netflix binge every-once in a while.”
Q: “What does it mean to you to “Just Be?” How do you create space to Just Be?”
A: “In my mind to “Just Be” is to unclench your jaw, release the tongue from the top of your mouth, roll your shoulders back, elongate your spine, unwind all of the tension in your body that you don’t consciously realize is there amidst a wild day. Take a big belly breath and release your stress, not by ignoring those thoughts but by accepting those thoughts, acknowledging them and just let them float away. Just be still.”