Hello, My name is Mara. I am a Registered Massage Therapist operating in Kitchener Ontario and have been in practice for over half a decade. I studied at the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy with my internship focus based on hospice care (120+hours) and sports massage(100+hours). I have served the community in a variety of settings including multi-disciplinary clinics, wellness centers, chiropractic, and physiotherapy clinics.

During my time in these various settings, I learned about different approaches to patient centered care, treatment planning, and treatment approach thanks to the people who came to put their trust in my care. Each of my mentors offered me a unique outlook on how the body can heal which I was able to bring together in order to refine my strengths and discover a unique approach.

I have worked with managing symptoms of concussion, post-surgery recovery, nerve compression, postural imbalances, chronic low back pain, headaches and congestion, and muscle fatigue. (Learn more)

Around me, there were many skilled practitioners offering treatments using deep tissue practices. So I decided to focus on learning about indirect, non-painful forms of muscle release to help those who might have lower pain tolerance and might not find the experience of a deep tissue massage to be pleasant or beneficial. 

Using an extensive view of the human anatomy and physiology integrated with the principles of massage and its scope of practice, I learned that it was possible to look at the body and take care of muscle health by focusing on how the nervous system is interacting with the body.

 

I have been lucky to be have had the chance to work with athletes (hockey, wrestling, figure skating, tennis) at  competitive levels (varsity/semi-pro/national) , individuals in hospice care, firefighters/police, educators, nurses, and doctors over the course of my practice so far.
 

My practice continues to lead me down a path of learning about the mysteries of the body's natural healing abilities. I want to share this knowledge so it can be used to inform and empower people in my community. 

Before I became a massage therapist, I received training and spent over a decade in culinary arts where I learned about service and practiced Traditional Tai Chi Qigong to develop my inner awareness. Aside from massage therapy, I spend my time practicing meditative calligraphy, Tai Chi Qigong, skateboarding, and cultivating bonsai.