Hygeia Therapeutic Massage

About Me

I graduated magna cum laude from Eastern Connecticut State University in 1980 with a dual major in Psychology and English and a minor in Dance.  After graduation I spent two years in full-time professional training at the School of the Hartford Ballet, securing a Teacher's Certificate in Dance in 1982.  From 1981 to 2006 I taught Russian Classical Ballet in academic, recreational and pre-professional programs, sending students on to The Hartt School, Boston Ballet, Nutmeg Ballet and Princeton Dance and Theater Studio, among others. 

I expanded my teaching with a 5th Year degree in Early Childhood Education in 1995, achieving the Student of the Year award and graduated from the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy in 2004, where I merited the Award for Excellence in both academic and hands-on work.  My 25 years of training dancers has contributed hugely to my competence as a massage therapist.

This is a photo of Nia and me.  Nia and her mother came to my studio to learn Swedish Massage Techniques for Children.  Nia is an amazing student.  She is now practicing massage on her parents, friends and classmates!

At times, a client can benefit from a counseling or psychotherapeutic perspective in tandem with massage therapy, especially if there is a stress or trauma component to the complaint.  I have collaborated with Stephanie J. Smith, licensed professional counselor and hypnotherapist with excellent results.  You can see her website at www.sjsmithlpc.com.