Education: In 2004, I attained my Certificate of Professional Massage Therapy from Sister Rosalind Gefre Schools & Clinics of Massage in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota. From there, I have continued my education in the field of massage and bodywork with the National Institute of Health Science in Minnesota, and through my membership with Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals. 

Why I do what I do: As soon as I learned what massage therapy was, I knew it was what I wanted to spend my life doing. I simply love helping people navigate their pains, get in touch with their body, feel better, and move easier.

During my first years in practice as a brand new massage therapist, I quickly noticed the strong connection between the body and the mind. This motivated me to pursue a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Art Therapy. However, after graduation, I ended up resuming my practice of massage therapy for several reasons, but mainly because I simply love massage and bodywork, and I had missed it so much. Even though I am not currently practicing counseling or art therapy, the knowledge I gained from my education with Antioch University Seattle informs my bodywork practice, and has led me to a deeper understanding of the body-mind connection and how the body tends to hang onto trauma.

The massage therapy and bodywork we do together can help support the work you do with your mental health care provider. Although I work well with mostly everybody, this background knowledge allows me to work especially well with those experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD, recovery, eating disorders, sleep disorders, cognitive decline, the end-of-life process, grief and loss, adjustment to any life transition, stress, compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, and burnout. In the same way massage therapy supports the physical health of your body, it also supports your mental and spiritual health. 

On a  personal note: Aside from practicing massage therapy and bodywork, I am also a caregiver, and an artist. I enjoy spending my free time with family, stargazing, and wandering around in nature.

Thank you for your interest in receiving massage therapy and bodywork treatments. I look forward to working with you and being part of your path toward healing and wellbeing.

Melissa Raml, Licensed Massage Therapist & Back Specialist