Alicia originally began her bodywork journey with an immersion in Esalen massage. She then continued to take courses in Shiatsu and Acupressure at the McKinnon Body Therapy Center in Oakland, California over her summers while pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Psychology-Neuroscience-Philosophy at Washington University in St. Louis, where she also took courses in somatic practices and dance. After moving to New York, she became certified in assisted stretching and worked in that field for four years, during which time she completed her massage therapy training.
Her work balances an understanding of the neuromuscular system with intuition and a deep appreciation of the mental-emotional aspects of bodywork, resulting in a holistic experience. In her own life, movement and bodywork have been a powerful tool for physical, mental, and emotional healing and self-discovery. She has found that receiving bodywork complements psychotherapy by bringing awareness to patterns in her nervous system, and by gently dismantling the habitual fight-or-flight state, allowing her to be more fully present. She aims to assist her clients in fostering a sense of safety in their bodies by reducing pain, increasing somatic awareness, and providing nurturing touch.
EDUCATION + CREDENTIALS
- New York, State Licensed Massage Therapist, Pacific College of Health and Science (2023)
- Esalen Institute Massage certification (2015)
- Washington University, St. Louis BA, Psychology-Neuroscience-Philosophy (2018)
- Shiatsu & Acupressure training, McKinnon Body Therapy Center, CA (2016)
- Active Isolated Stretching, Stretch*d (2019)
- 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training, Janet Stone Yoga (2015)
- Prenatal Massage training, MaMassage & Red Moon Wellness (2023)
- Breast/Chest Massage, Red Moon Wellness (2023)
- Neuroscience of Pain, Posture and Bodywork, Mark Olson (2024)
- Myofascial techniques for mobilizing the ribcage, DW Bodyworks (2024)
- Trauma informed care, Dr. Mark Olson (2025)