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About Essie:

Roots and Professional Journey:

Essie’s massage journey began in 1992 in Yreka, California, where she apprenticed under master bodyworkers and herbologists at Mount Shasta Herbal Company. There, she studied energy work, body mechanics, and traditional Swedish and sports massage, while also learning the alchemy of crafting natural body products from herbs and essential oils.

She formalized her training at The Alexandar School of Natural Therapeutics in 1999 and immediately stepped into an educator's role — blending her passion for teaching with her expanding therapeutic skill set. During this time, she also earned a brown belt in Taekwondo, studied Zen philosophy and Aikido, and taught spa modalities, medical massage, and aromatherapy until 2007.

Essie launched Absolute Relaxation Therapeutic Massage in Yelm, WA, where her earliest clients included professional rodeo athletes, Elders of the Nisqually Tribe, and military personnel. Her approach is deeply informed by years of experience treating PTSD, chronic pain, geriatric needs, and post-traumatic injury. She also served as a consultant for spas and massage clinics across the region, helping other practitioners elevate their client experience and operational flow.

In 2007, Essie transitioned from full-time practice to pursue degrees in Social Science and Public Administration. She graduated with honors from Washington State University, and Seattle University. These academic experiences deepened her systems thinking and broadened her approach to integrative health care.

Her return to hands-on practice was paired with fresh energy. After further training in Craniosacral Therapy at Bastyr University, she stepped into leadership as the Spa Director at The Lodge at St. Edward in Kenmore, WA — shaping an experience-driven wellness program from the ground up.

Education in Healing Arts:

Zen Bodytherapy® Structural Integration studied under Bill Thompson, LMT, Owner of the Alexander School of Natural Therapeutics, and the late Audrey Nakamura of the Chozenji Dojo, Hawaii.

Sports Massage, Neuromuscular Therapy, and Orthopedic Massage techniques studied under Leif Grunseth, LMT of Belleview Sports Medicine (Paul St. John NMT); Whimsey Cherrington, LMT (SCS Release Therapy by Lawrence Jones, D.O.); the Washington State Sports Massage Team; Theresa Schmidt, DPT (PESI); Evan Hassel, DPT; Brian Utting, LMT, and founder of the Brian Utting School of Massage and the PNW School of Massage.

Craniosacral Therapy techniques studied under Dr.Einat Arian, ND, PhD, CST-D, Bastyr University, and Dr. Steve Heinrich, DPT, CST-D.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage certification was studied under Lisa DiFalco, RN (PESI), with testing and certification completed through Evergreen Certifications.

Pregnancy Massage research projects completed under the supervision of Aliesha Alexander, LMT, former owner and director of the Alexander School of Natural Therapeutics. Currently under the mentorship of Leslie Stager, LMT, RN, author of Nurturing Massage for Pregnancy for her continuing education courses and authorship.

Injury Treatment Massage studied under John Casebere, LMT; Robert Hasse, former owner of Bodymechanics School of Massage; and Evan Hassel, DPT.

Acupressure and Qigong Massage studied under Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming, YMMA Seminars.

Philosophy and Evolving Practice:

Essie’s approach to massage therapy is grounded in clinical reasoning, careful listening, and a deep respect for how the body adapts to stress, injury, and recovery. She believes effective bodywork should help clients feel safer and more connected in their bodies while supporting measurable goals such as pain relief, improved mobility, reduced tension, and nervous system regulation. Her sessions blend evidence-informed therapeutic techniques with attentive, individualized care that meets clients where they are.

Her passion for learning remains as vibrant as ever. She is currently advancing her studies in Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Craniosacral Therapy, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and Yoga, while also pursuing graduate studies in Exercise Science at Bastyr University. Her ongoing education reflects a commitment to integrating movement science, rehabilitation principles, and restorative practices into thoughtful, client-centered care.