Hello! My name is Mariel and I’d like to tell you a bit about myself.  I was born in Cape Canaveral had I’ve lived in the area my whole life. I started my training for massage right out of high school. I’ve been interested studying health and anatomy for as long as I can remember. I am still amazed by the body’s ability to self-heal to this day. My original idea was to use massage therapy as a stepping stone into the medical field and go into physical therapy from there. I wanted to combine the two in a more comprehensive form of rehabilitation although my ultimate goal was to work with children with special needs. I started school and ended up finding my niche with massage therapy.

 

 I got an associate of science degree in Massage and Advanced Massage Technique at the Orlando campus of Florida College of Natural Health in 2004. Through that program I became certified in neuromuscular therapy and sports massage. I have been in the massage field for five years now.

 

In 2006 I went back to school for training in esthetics. I went through the skin care program at Florida College of Natural Health and worked to get another associates degree in Massage and Basic Skin Care. I learned the basics of skin care and was able to extend my services to include facials, body treatments (like wraps and scrubs) and waxing.

 

I made the decision to go back to school because I felt there was a need for it. I wanted to do more to help people and to help a larger range of people. There are some who can’t get a massage because of various health reasons but would be able to get a skin care treatment. This included treatments I couldn’t offer and that bothered me. I think the sense of touch is one of our greatest and more powerful tool, not just as a therapist but as a person. Simply placing your hand on someone’s arm or shoulder conveys a message of interest, compassion and support. Such a simple movement causes a flood of endorphins to be released in that persons system. The endorphins (which are chemicals your body naturally produce as a form of communication) help boost mood and fight pain which helps improve overall health. I believe the body has a profound reaction to touch, much of which research is just beginning to show. By adding services more people would still get the benefits touch (relaxation and stress reduction) but it wouldn’t compromise their health.

 

I love my job.  I enjoy working with people and I also love the art and science behind massage therapy. I am continually studying different methods and practices of massage, and I enjoy learning new things. Massage therapists have to take continuing education courses to maintain our licenses the same way other health professionals do. I have a list of the different types of massage I’ve learned through these classes on my Services page.

 

If there’s anything else you want to know feel free to ask!