Dr. Melissa Bird is a descendant of the Shivwits Band of Paiutes. She is a nationally recognized lay preacher, author, healer, and podcaster. Dr. Bird has made hundreds of keynote speeches and workshops before audiences at universities, conferences, and religious institutions worldwide. Her combination of education, real life experience
Dr. Melissa Bird is a descendant of the Shivwits Band of Paiutes. She is a nationally recognized lay preacher, author, healer, and podcaster. Dr. Bird has made hundreds of keynote speeches and workshops before audiences at universities, conferences, and religious institutions worldwide. Her combination of education, real life experience and practical advice makes her apowerful force of change in the lives of the people she connects with. Past audience members have described her speaking as “fierce,” “revelatory,” “life-changing,” “enthusiastic,” and “inspirational.”
Dr. Bird creates the genesis for a new brand of leadership and graceful revolution. She inspires personal understanding through contemplation, helps people use their intuition to change their lives and communities, and encourages the healing of grief and loss through spiritual connection. She is the host of The Thinnest Veil podcast and the author of SAGE Guide to Social Work Careers Your Journey to Advocacy and the co-author of the best selling book Women Connected in Wisdom - stories and resources rooted in the 8 dimensions of wellness.
When she’s not working, she can be found reading trashy novels while drinking Earl Gray tea with heavy cream. She lives in Corvallis, Oregon with her husband, three children, two dogs and one three legged cat.
Awaken your own graceful revolution and connect with Dr. Bird at www.drmelissabird.com and on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram @birdgirl1001. Find her on LinkedIn athttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-melissa-bird-016640199/. Learn more about her startup farm andretreat space at https://www.themermaidsgardenoregon.com
Kirstin Davis (she/her) Oregon License #10154
Kirstin graduated from Oregon School of Massage in 2002 with a primary focus on injury recovery massage.
In 2017 she transitioned completely to a mat based barefoot massage practice which she calls “Barefoot Fusion.”
It began after Kirstin studied Chavutti Thirumal, a traditional Indian mass
Kirstin Davis (she/her) Oregon License #10154
Kirstin graduated from Oregon School of Massage in 2002 with a primary focus on injury recovery massage.
In 2017 she transitioned completely to a mat based barefoot massage practice which she calls “Barefoot Fusion.”
It began after Kirstin studied Chavutti Thirumal, a traditional Indian massage technique, developed over 2,000 years ago. Kirstin added her own spin to this ancient practice making her style completely unique. No one in the world performs massage like Kirstin.
She intends to change that by offering Barefoot Fusion trainings.
In addition, for the past eight years she has been the manager of Massage Naturally, a Portland based studio supporting independent LMT's.
Patty Glenn is a true leader in the world of massage therapy with her innovative and intuitive approach to bodywork, her certification as a development coach, and her expertise in private and public sector business management.
A northwest native, Patty graduated from Seattle Massage School in 1996 after having worked in human resources wh
Patty Glenn is a true leader in the world of massage therapy with her innovative and intuitive approach to bodywork, her certification as a development coach, and her expertise in private and public sector business management.
A northwest native, Patty graduated from Seattle Massage School in 1996 after having worked in human resources where she mastered policy and procedure development, conflict resolution, and prevention-directed training.
She has integrated these skills and more throughout her career while working as the owner/operator of Empowered Integrative Health Center and Wellbeing Center for Health, the Executive Director of the Oregon Board of Massage Therapists, founder and first president of The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards, President of Ashmead College, and as an instructor of both primary massage education and continuing education.
Patty currently works in a private practice in Edmonds, Washington where she enjoys empowering individuals through development coaching and hands-on-bodywork.
In 2017 at the World Massage Festival, Patty was inducted into the Massage Therapy Hall of Fame for her contributions to the profession and her role as a leader in the Massage Industry. Then, in 2022, Patty served as lead judge at the first American Massage Championship held at the World Massage Festival in Cherokee, North Carolina. This is where her passion to create a collaborative competition to unify and elevate the massage profession took seed.
In early 2023, Patty envisioned a collaborative expo which led to formation the Pacific NW Massage Showcase & Expo where the PNW Massage Open will also be held. She is excited to bring the spirit of collaboration and community working with her fellow therapists to showcase the excellence found in the Pacific Northwest!
In summary, Patty is an innovator in the world of massage therapy, coaching, and education. Her dedication to empowering individuals to make a positive impact on the lives of their clients is truly inspiring, and her unique blend of experience and expertise sets her apart from the rest.
PJ Hanks is a renowned essential oil educator, and Certified Holistic Health Coach. She did her aromatherapy training at Bastyr University in Seattle, WA. With her extensive knowledge and passion for the chemistry of essential oils, she penned the influential book "Essential Oils Unlocked," a comprehensive guide that elucidates the basi
PJ Hanks is a renowned essential oil educator, and Certified Holistic Health Coach. She did her aromatherapy training at Bastyr University in Seattle, WA. With her extensive knowledge and passion for the chemistry of essential oils, she penned the influential book "Essential Oils Unlocked," a comprehensive guide that elucidates the basic chemistry of essential oils and offers insights on blending them effectively.
Throughout her career, PJ has dedicated herself to promoting health and wellness through essential oils, not only for her family but for hundreds of individuals who have sought her guidance. Her hands-on approach has allowed many to discover the multifaceted benefits of using essential oils in their daily lives. As a sought-after educator, she has imparted her wisdom to hundreds more through specialized classes designed to demystify the understanding and application of essential oils.
Before venturing into the world of essential oils, PJ spent a considerable part of her professional life in adult education. She holds a degree in Communications from Brigham Young University, a background that has no doubt contributed to her skill in conveying complex ideas in a relatable and engaging manner.
Residing in the Seattle, Washington area with her husband, PJ continues to be a beacon in the field of aromatherapy, inspiring and educating those who seek a natural and holistic approach to health and well-being. Her commitment to excellence and empathy towards the needs of others makes her not just an expert in her field but a cherished mentor and guide.
Susan started her bodywork and healing practice in 1987. She was exposed to Cortical Re Education in 1988 and frequency specific current in 1993. In Washington state, she specialized in deep tissue and using energy with clinical treatments. She currently works at the FSM Training Clinic in Troutdale, Oregon alongside Dr. Carolyn McMakin, the founder of FSM.
Joe Lavin is a Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Phenomenal Touch Practitioner®, Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional, Certified Trauma Specialist, Certified Ashiatsu DeepFeet® Bar Therapy Practitioner, Certified Sarga® Bodywork Practitioner, Certified Myofascial Cupping Practitioner, Certified in Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue
Joe Lavin is a Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Phenomenal Touch Practitioner®, Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional, Certified Trauma Specialist, Certified Ashiatsu DeepFeet® Bar Therapy Practitioner, Certified Sarga® Bodywork Practitioner, Certified Myofascial Cupping Practitioner, Certified in Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), NCBTMB® Nationally Approved CE Provider, IMA Educational Ambassador, IMA Certified International Teacher, Certified Educator of Infant Massage, Certified Reiki Master & Teacher, Certified NFPT® Personal Trainer. In addition, Joe is a Member of the Massage Therapy Hall of Fame, a Judge for the American and World Massage Championships, a Trainer of multiple National and World Massage Championship Medalists, a Multiple American Massage Championship medal winner (specifically Bronze in Western Freestyle Massage, Silver in Eastern Freestyle (Thai Massage), and Bronze for the Overall American Massage Champion).
Jonathan graduated from high school In Springfield, OH, then traveled to New Hampshire to attend Dartmouth College. Upon graduating, he served as an officer in the U.S. Navy for 4+ years.
Between his time in the military before embarking on his massage career, he worked as a ski instructor, selling cell phones as they first emerged on th
Jonathan graduated from high school In Springfield, OH, then traveled to New Hampshire to attend Dartmouth College. Upon graduating, he served as an officer in the U.S. Navy for 4+ years.
Between his time in the military before embarking on his massage career, he worked as a ski instructor, selling cell phones as they first emerged on the market, and as the Ski School Director at Timberline Ski Area on Mt. Hood, where he served for 10 years.
Jonathan earned his Oregon Massage License in 1997 after completing his training at East-West College of the Healing Arts.
Over his career he has opened three offices to pursue his private practice.
He has been fortunate to be associated with McMenamins Edgefield since 1998, where he still works part-time at Ruby’s Spa, which Edgefield opened 16 years ago.
Around 2006, Jonathan started doing massage for the dancers of Oregon Ballet Theatre, and he still serves the dancers with the Allegro Society, the team of chiropractors, physical therapists, physicians, massage therapists, acupuncturists and Pilates teachers at OBT.
Sheila went to college on a piano scholarship and began her working career as a vocal music instructor, first in public K-12, then at a private high school.
Desiring to use other skills, Sheila received her MBA and expanded to additional roles such as a Strategic Planning and Development Manager for a county health department, Educational
Sheila went to college on a piano scholarship and began her working career as a vocal music instructor, first in public K-12, then at a private high school.
Desiring to use other skills, Sheila received her MBA and expanded to additional roles such as a Strategic Planning and Development Manager for a county health department, Educational Administrator for a family practice residency program, Director for the Institute for Health Professionals at PCC, and Executive Director for the Oregon Association of Naturopathic Physicians.
She began her Biofield Tuning training with its founder, Eileen McKusick, in 2021 and began to combine her knowledge of sound healing, flower essences, and the Biofield Tuning in her own practice later than year.
Sheila's interests are varied, including holding gourmet parties for her friends, reading international crime fiction, and enjoying her husband and Great Dane named Watson.
Dr. Gladys McGarey, M.D., M.D.(H) is internationally recognised as the 102-year-old Mother of Holistic Medicine and who now offers Life Consultations. In 1970, she co-founded the American Holistic Association in Scottsdale, Arizona, where she pioneered the integration of allopathic and holistic medical practices, laying the groundwork for
Dr. Gladys McGarey, M.D., M.D.(H) is internationally recognised as the 102-year-old Mother of Holistic Medicine and who now offers Life Consultations. In 1970, she co-founded the American Holistic Association in Scottsdale, Arizona, where she pioneered the integration of allopathic and holistic medical practices, laying the groundwork for the cultural shift that recognises alternative and holistic medical modalities. She still lives in Scottsdale, Arizona, and shares a medical practice with her daughter Helene Wechsler, MD. She currently has a life coaching practice, maintains a healthy diet, and enjoys a good piece of cake now and then as well.
Dr. Persinger, FSMTB Executive Director, brings a combination of management experience, examination expertise, and national and state legislative know-how to the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB). She has directed all psychometric aspects of examination development and was instrumental in offering award-winning quality
Dr. Persinger, FSMTB Executive Director, brings a combination of management experience, examination expertise, and national and state legislative know-how to the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB). She has directed all psychometric aspects of examination development and was instrumental in offering award-winning quality assessment services for six examinations, in three different languages for four professional certification and licensure programs. Dr. Persinger frequently presents at national management, regulatory and credentialing conferences and is a prominent advocate for public protection. After completing her undergraduate degree in human nutrition and postgraduate teacher training in her native New Zealand, Persinger completed her master’s degree in human development and family studies and doctoral degree in human services, at Kansas State University. She is a former university lecturer and has authored several publications, including student study guides and an instructor’s manual on marriage and family.
Dr. Bill Pleau began his career in natural health care in Denver Colorado in 1997. He practiced massage and manual therapy in various clinical settings in the greater Denver area for approximately 10 years. During this time, he was also very involved in training and mentoring massage therapy professionals at the Colorado School of Healing
Dr. Bill Pleau began his career in natural health care in Denver Colorado in 1997. He practiced massage and manual therapy in various clinical settings in the greater Denver area for approximately 10 years. During this time, he was also very involved in training and mentoring massage therapy professionals at the Colorado School of Healing Arts.
In 2006, after completing his undergraduate studies, Dr. Pleau and his wife moved to Portland so that he could continue his professional education. He has been in practice as an Oregon licensed Chiropractor since 2010.
For his own health and wellness, Bill maintains a practice of mindfulness meditation and movement arts such as yoga, Qigong, and martial arts. In his free time, he enjoys indoor and outdoor activities such as parkour, rock climbing, and skiing.
Dr. Pleau lives in Beaverton with his wife, Annie and their 2 boys, Oliver and Theo.
Studying the human body through the lens of a bodyworkers eye for the last fifteen years has been a continuous journey of learning, practicing, and teaching. Everyday requires commitment, hard work, and an honest and impeccable level of integrity. The opportunity to be a bodyworker and an instructor is an honor and a privilege and with e
Studying the human body through the lens of a bodyworkers eye for the last fifteen years has been a continuous journey of learning, practicing, and teaching. Everyday requires commitment, hard work, and an honest and impeccable level of integrity. The opportunity to be a bodyworker and an instructor is an honor and a privilege and with each client and each student my motivation comes from the recognition of such said privilege.
I was born and raised in New York and have been living in Portland Oregon since the very late 90’s. I have a thriving bodywork practice that is based heavily in the ideas of spatial relationships throughout the musculoskeletal system and a structural approach to manual therapy. I regularly work with students teaching both on the collegiate level and in the field of continuing education.
As a treatment based bodyworker I believe that we hold a truly significant place in the health care community and my goal is to slowly shift the paradigm of what we as soft tissue specialists are capable of and recognized for.
You simply can not imagine how much fulfillment I have received through working with so many wonderful clients and students. Each of them has given me a chance to learn more about my craft as a bodyworker and myself as a human being. Learning and practicing bodywork is truly a life’s endeavor and I have so much still to learn. The opportunity to share a viable approach and philosophy, and have adirect effect in the bodywork community is a far far greater feeling then I am capable of putting into words.
Simply stated … making the decision to enter the field of bodywork has been the best decision I have ever made.
While competitive swimming at Whitman College, a biceps tendonitis injury sent me down the path to studying the human body, which led to a chance encounter with triggger point massage and yoga. I found I had a knack for finding tender spots and a deep interest in how the human body is built and moves. I graduated from and started teachin
While competitive swimming at Whitman College, a biceps tendonitis injury sent me down the path to studying the human body, which led to a chance encounter with triggger point massage and yoga. I found I had a knack for finding tender spots and a deep interest in how the human body is built and moves. I graduated from and started teaching at East West College in 2001. In 2005 I studied Thai massage at ITM in Chiang Mai, Thailand. A chance encounter led me in 2008 to receive two sessions of Rolfing™ that completely changed the functioning and position of my chest, hips and feet. I knew as I walked effortlessly away from those sessions that this was the path I needed to be exploring for myself and for my practice. I spent three years researching anything I could find about Structural Integration--discovering in the process the works of Jeff Maitland, Erik Dalton and Tom Myers--culminating in my graduation from the KMI program of Structual Integration in 2011.
My practice focuses on helping my clients move more easily and function more optimally in their structures, whether that is in a Structural Integration series or not. The more I work with my clients and with my students the more I marvel at how complex, amazing and interconnected our human structure is. I believe that bodywork can play an incredible role in helping people step back from the aches & pains and pressures of daily life and injuries both new & old. I believe that through Integrative Bodywork we can come to a better understanding of ourselves and become more at peace with our bodies.
I live and practice in Portland, OR where I live with my wife, daughter, two dogs and two rabbits. Free time will usually find me hanging out with the family, working in my dad’s woodshop, playing disc golf, screenprinting or playing music.
Dr. Rama Vasudevan is a passionate and holistic healer, hailing from Southern part of Indian Subcontinent. Rama, moved to the beautiful Pacific NW in 2001 to be an Engineer. She went onto pursuing her Master’s in electrical and computer engineering from Portland State University and worked at Intel for over a decade.
Upon her own experien
Dr. Rama Vasudevan is a passionate and holistic healer, hailing from Southern part of Indian Subcontinent. Rama, moved to the beautiful Pacific NW in 2001 to be an Engineer. She went onto pursuing her Master’s in electrical and computer engineering from Portland State University and worked at Intel for over a decade.
Upon her own experience with healing with Ayurvedic medicine and Chinese medicine, she pursued Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine program at OCOM. She is an ardent advocate of eating simple and plant-based nutritious meals. She loves sourcing local, organic, and seasonal foods, better yet, she loves to cook stuff from her own backyard! She is passionate about guiding and helping people with healthy lifestyle by balancing physical, mental emotional and spiritual health.
Rama is particularly focused on treating using gentle ways of needling using Japanese Style, primarily to treat the many symptoms but also provide root treatments where necessary thereby enhancing the body’s own healing capacity. She is particularly interested in lifestyle changes through holistic nutrition that fits best for the body’s constitution.
She specializes in Pain management, Headache, Gastrointestinal disorders, Mental emotional disorders – Anxiety, ADHD, Insomnia, PTSD etc., Dermatological ailments like Acne, Seborrheic Dermatitis, Psoriasis, etc., auto immune conditions like Irritable Bowel Disease – Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis etc., Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma, Women’s health, and Geriatric conditions like Post Stroke recovery, Post-Covid conditions etc. She loves to treat pediatric and elderly alike! Rama is also well trained with Chinese Herbal medicine and able to combine day-to-day usage of simple, locally grown herbs with the meals. Rama can also combine other modalities of treatments like Cupping, Moxibustion, Gua Sha where applicable, to support the healing process. Rama is also trained in non-needling techniques like Teishin which is best suited for needle sensitive patients or perhaps even pediatric population.
Outside of her practice, Rama enjoys nature, gardening, reading, enjoys yoga and meditation, Qigong, hiking and spending time with her lovely family (Especially with her daughter Haasini)!
Elise Volkmann has been a practicing Licensed Massage Therapist since 2016. She became the first American to be awarded a medal by the International Massage Association in 2017 at the World Massage Championship in Copenhagen. For the past seven years, she has been operating a successful freeform massage and wellness center named Wanderi
Elise Volkmann has been a practicing Licensed Massage Therapist since 2016. She became the first American to be awarded a medal by the International Massage Association in 2017 at the World Massage Championship in Copenhagen. For the past seven years, she has been operating a successful freeform massage and wellness center named Wandering Hummingbird in downtown Issaquah, WA - which currently hosts five additional massage artists offering a wide range of specialities. Elise has also been leading educational massage classes since 2020 and has instructed massage therapists in multiple languages on the art of inguinal/lower backpain treatment, intraoral techniques, and essential business skills. She is a compassionate and caring practitioner who aims to broaden exposure to both the mental and physical healing benefits of massage and breathwork techniques.
Karen Weitz is an exceptional, intuitive healer with 35 years of experience receiving therapeutic massage. After becoming a LMT in 1997, she has worked in various positions throughout her career, including as a massage department manager, educator, franchise manager, a collaborator with local chiropractors, and a sole practitioner. She ha
Karen Weitz is an exceptional, intuitive healer with 35 years of experience receiving therapeutic massage. After becoming a LMT in 1997, she has worked in various positions throughout her career, including as a massage department manager, educator, franchise manager, a collaborator with local chiropractors, and a sole practitioner. She has developed and taught several training courses, ranging from business practices to ethics, and operates her own private practice called "Mieux Massage & Wellness."
Karen's passion for giving back led her to volunteer on medical missions to Haiti, where she trained local practitioners to perform massages on amputees, scar tissue, and babies who were touch-deprived and/or handicapped.
In 2019, Karen participated in the International Massage Association's World Massage Championship in Copenhagen, showcasing her innovative Heated Gua Sha technique and other evidence informed practices. Karen also competed in the first American Massage Championship in 2022. At both events, she received praise from fellow competitors for her expertise and mastery. Despite not winning any medals, these competitions helped to hone her skills to the best of her career because of her increased focus, intention, and mindfulness.
Karen is a master creator and has recently developed an enhanced sound bath experience that she trademarked as an Energetic Tune-Up Sound Bath™, which she performs one-on-one with clients or in group settings. She also developed The Grief Protocol™ technique, which helps the body process the intensity of emotions surrounding grief.
Karen's passion for her work and commitment to innovation, education, and networking with other massage therapists make her stand out in the massage therapy industry. She is a proud Oregonian and a graduate of East West College of the Healing Arts.
Linda Weitz is a double certified Emotion Code and Body Code practitioner who has helped people of all ages and pets locally in the Portland area, and as far away as Australia and Malaysia using the Emotion Code and the Body Code in her practice called "Evening Wellness."
The daughter of an ER Nurse, at age 17, Linda began working at the s
Linda Weitz is a double certified Emotion Code and Body Code practitioner who has helped people of all ages and pets locally in the Portland area, and as far away as Australia and Malaysia using the Emotion Code and the Body Code in her practice called "Evening Wellness."
The daughter of an ER Nurse, at age 17, Linda began working at the same hospital where her mother worked and has maintained employment in health care ever since.
Linda is multitalented with musical and artistic skills and has deep love and compassion for animals. She has rescued several cats, raising them from infancy after they were found abandoned by their mother. She also owns horses, dogs, chickens, and raises goats.