Staff

With a journey that began in 1993, my commitment to pain management runs deep. I specialize in assisting clients battling chronic pain, striving to prevent the necessity of surgery.

My approach is founded on the belief that everyone should emerge from the shadows of their ailments and rediscover their true selves. This philosophy isn’t just my profession; it’s my calling.

My expertise revolves around two core pillars: deep tissue bodywork and the intricate restructuring of muscular systems. Over the years, I’ve honed a diverse range of techniques, from Rolfing and trigger point therapy to Neuromuscular therapy and full-body reflexology. I even had the honor of learning directly from Shulman, an 84-year-old luminary, who shared his dynamic method, Shulman Therapy. This unique blend of formal education, personal experience, and specialized training has culminated in my approach, which I call “Dynamic Release Therapy” or DRT.

If you’re seeking profound healing for chronic dysfunction, whether it’s Plantar Fasciitis, hip discomfort, lower back pain, shoulder tension, neck issues, TMJ, or persistent headaches, I’ve got you covered from head to toe. However, I hold myself to a high standard: if, after three sessions, you don’t experience significant relief, I’ll openly admit that I may not be the therapist best suited for your needs.

My dedication extends beyond my work; it’s a commitment to every client I serve. I’ve had the privilege of working with notable individuals like Ed Bradley, Edward James Almos, Bon Jovi, Billy Bob Thornton, and currently work with Hillary Swank . I’m here to guide you toward a pain-free future, deeply invested in your well-being. Together, we can address your chronic issues and pave the way for a healthier, more comfortable life.

Since graduating from Spectrum School of Massage in 1994, I have enjoyed the
privilege of practicing massage; removing a bit of tension from the world, one
treatment at a time, is rewarding in and of itself.

It’s been proven that relaxation enhances healing, and my experienced hands
are skilled in a colorful palette of techniques for easing away tension with
respectful, compassionate touch. I specialize in slow, soothing techniques,
attuning to your verbal and non-verbal communications to gauge the pressure
needed.

In my experience, cupping is quite effective but under-utilized. It is an
ancient healing art from Asia, using suction to gently release restrictions from
deeper tissues, increasing blood flow, breaking up adhesions, and is a useful
complement for most pain relief treatments, including chronic conditions like scoliosis and restrictive scar tissue.

I moved to Bellingham to complete a Biology degree at WWU, and stayed for the
awe-inspiring beauty and the friendly community here. I love my peaceful country
home, with my husband, two dogs, and three cats, and our backyard nature
sanctuary.

Matt is returning to Barkley after a two year hiatus and is excited to reconnect with patients that have missed his work. Originally from Orcas Island, Matt is a PNW native and dedicated to his work as a massage therapist. Graduating from Whatcom Community College and attaining an AAS in Massage Therapy, Matt is specialized in Orthopedic Massage, a modality effective for the treatment of joint issues, musculoskeletal injuries, nerve impingement and enhancing posture and alignment.

Matt has been practicing massage since 2017 and plans to further his education next year through an education in mental health counseling at Evergreen State College. Matt has a compassionate and trauma-informed practice, and is very focused on patient education, believing that  empowering his clients to have better awareness of the day-to-day activities that impact their body health can mitigate aggravation, prevent further injury and lead to a higher quality of wellness.

Orthopedic Massage Explained:

Orthopedic Massage is a multidisciplinary specialized modality that focuses on the relationship between joint/spinal posture and soft tissue. This modality is particularly effective at addressing restrictions in range of motion due to adhesive/scar-tissue buildup both due to injury or issues like arthritis. Orthopedic Massage especially focuses on the vertebrae, sacrum, scapula, shoulders, elbows, hips and knee joints to reinforce/reset alignment, enhance posture and open space in the body to mitigate impingement of nerves. This technique is effective at treating adhesive issues like frozen shoulder or frozen hip and can alleviate issues stemming from nerve compression over the sciatic or brachial plexus nerve roots in the hips or shoulders, respectively. Orthopedic Massage not only helps to alleviate movement range restriction and musculoskeletal nerve impingement, but can be effective in the treatment of pain associated with repetitive strain injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome or plantar fasciitis and postural issues like thoracic outlet syndrome or pseudo-sciatica/piriformis syndrome.