Values

The following principles are important to me, and form the core of my business ethic. Here, they are mostly reflected in my massage therapy, but also apply to my labor and postpartum doula services and to my future midwifery practice.

The Environment

I believe in protecting our planet, which is why sustainability and non-toxicity are part of my life and my massage practice. When possible, I support local businesses whose own environmental efforts reflect these values. I believe these products and practices are healthier for our bodies and our souls, as well.

Some of the steps I take to reduce the environmental impact of my business include:

• My massage table was made from sustainable wood and non-VOC-emitting vinyl by Earthlite, a small west coast company.
• For outcall clients, I transport myself and my table in my Volkswagen pickup, which runs on biodiesel.
• I only use organic sheets on my massage table, and they are washed with hypoallergenic all-natural laundry soap.
• This website is hosted by AcornHost, which uses all renewable energy. AcornHost is also woman-owned and based right here in Portland.

Animal Welfare

I am committed to using supplies made without animal products or byproducts and which have not been tested on animals. Though I have been vegetarian since 1990 and became vegan in 2003, my clients are a mix of vegan, vegetarian and omnivore.

Allergy/ Sensitivity Awareness

Keeping your health in mind, I do my best to maintain a fragrance-free practice, including the laundry soap I use for my linens. I generally use shea butter for massages, but I am happy to use pure oils if your skin prefers. If you have any specific needs in regards to your allergies or sensitivities, please let me know.

For those with severe animal allergies, it may be important to know that, although I do my best to keep animal dander away from my massage linens, I do share my life with two cats and a dog.

Queer and Trans Inclusiveness

Though my practice is open to anyone in need of my services, one major goal in my practice is to bring safe and healthy touch to members of the queer and trans community. Personally, I identify as genderqueer and queer, though my clients come from all genders and sexual identities.

Accessibility

For those of you with movement limitations, I would be happy to work with you in any way that would be convenient. For example, my massage table can be lowered or even opened out to lie flat on the floor. Please let me know how I can better serve you.