01/22/2026
We are fortunate to have an exceptional team of practitioners dedicated to your health and well-being. This month, we are delighted to spotlight an exceptionally talented massage therapist, Shannon. We asked her some questions about how she practices. Here are some highlights from that conversation:
What inspired you to become a massage therapist?
I can still remember the exact moment I opened my mind to the possibility of becoming a massage therapist. I was teaching a yoga class where I offered adjustments to the students. At the end of the class, one of my students, who was also a friend and bodyworker, came up to me and suggested that I do bodywork/massage myself. I admired this woman and valued her perspective, which encouraged me to consider this suggestion more seriously. She had done many hours of bodywork on me, which had been transformational. After researching the field, I found an amazing program on Kauai, where I had gone to high school and was close to family. I was accepted into the program about 6 months later!
How do you tailor your sessions to meet individual clients’ needs?
I believe that listening as closely as possible to what my clients are asking for helps me to tailor sessions. I listen to not only what they are saying verbally but also what they are saying with their bodies. Clients will often gesture or move in ways that tell a story about what is happening for them. I also look for cues from the nervous system, like spontaneous sighing or visibly relaxing muscles, to serve as guideposts for the work. If I’m not getting these signs, I will move in a different direction or engage with the client to gauge a better direction to go. I strive to stay present with each unique individual and situation. I also try to foster an environment that feels open and comfortable so that they can feel at ease clarifying their needs.
How do you personally practice self-care and maintain your own well-being?
I try to be diligent about self-care. I have a teacher who says, "Bookend your day in light." This looks like a morning and evening self-care practice. Rising with the sun and going to bed early (ish), no screen time for the first and last hours of the day. A regular morning short yoga movement practice followed by meditation. If I’m going to be working inside, it's important for me to get out for a walk beforehand. I make sure to get to the gym and yoga studio throughout the week. I don’t really diet but am conscientious about what I eat, low sugar, organic, and the like. I also like to receive regular care for my body and mind; massage and acupuncture, regular therapy, and belonging to conscious communities. Although this has been interrupted a little bit by my recent move to Santa Fe! Nature is also fundamental, and I plan regular adventures into the vast playground that is all around us. Hot springs are my favorite!
We are proud to have Shannon as a key member of our team, and we are confident that her expertise will continue to bring healing and joy to our community.
If you haven’t experienced the restorative power of Shannon's Maya Abdominal Massage treatments, now is the perfect time to schedule your session.
https://www.stillwaterbodywork.com/
