Who are you?

Hello, I’m Elizabeth. I’m originally from Wisconsin and grew up as a military child in a family full of healthcare and education professionals. My father was a pediatrician, my grandfather a podiatrist, another grandfather was an Ohio State music professor and clarinetist for John Philipp Sousa and among my other relatives are a cardiologist, an oncologist, a veterinarian, and a physiatrist—my brother—who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating conditions involving the musculoskeletal and nervous systems.

Today, my husband and I continue to embrace the military lifestyle, along with our adult children and extended family. We actively volunteer with Wreaths Across America, Honor Flights, and a variety of other military-related events and functions.

Why did you become a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)?

As a child, I saw my father, a pediatrician, explain postural techniques and demonstrate percussive movements to help children loosen and mobilize mucus from their lungs. My grandmother often talked about using Swedish massage to relieve muscle strains. My parents were involved with respite care for area foster families, so I was always helping with the care of others in our family. These early experiences stayed with me.

Later, as I became a mother, I took infant massage classes after the birth of my first child. That experience deeply influenced me and inspired a desire to help others incorporate therapeutic massage—and music—into their lives from infancy through adulthood. I’ve seen firsthand how infant massage benefits both parents and babies, especially through the release of oxytocin, which supports bonding and emotional health.

With a background in medical anthropology and experience as a world traveler, I’ve observed how various cultures use nurturing touch and music for connection and healing. I value the interdisciplinary lens that medical anthropology offers in understanding human health. I also recommend exploring the work of Dr. Tiffany Field and the Touch Research Institutes at the University of Miami for more on the science behind touch. Please also visit: www.infantmassageusa.org to learn about the benefits of infant massage for the infant and the parents. Infant Massage USA has podcasts as well, so please consider listening to us on Spotify. I recommend the “Who’s the Man?!” podcast episode for fathers interested in learning infant massage.

As a violinist, a pianist, and a music teacher, I am also committed to helping my students prevent injury and maintain healthy posture and technique. Studying anatomy and physiology has empowered me to educate others on avoiding repetitive strain injuries, especially in the performing arts.

Where did you go to school?

I earned my undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin. I also hold a paralegal certificate in International Business from The Philadelphia Institute for Paralegal Training and studied at the U.S. Department of State’s Foreign Service Institute. I became a Certified Educator of Infant Massage through Infant Massage USA, and completed my massage therapy training at the Northern Virginia School of Therapeutic Massage. I have also completed training in the Vodder technique for lymphatic drainage through the Academy of Lymphatic Studies.

What modalities do you specialize in?

I specialize in Swedish massage, trigger point therapy, manual lymphatic drainage using the Vodder technique, and teaching infant massage to parents.

What conditions or dysfunctions have you worked with?

I have worked with clients experiencing stress, headaches, neck pain, and back discomfort. In addition, I’ve taught parents how to massage their infants to support better sleep, improve digestion, and promote oral-motor development. And yes—better sleep for infants often means better sleep for parents, too!

One of my favorite parts of this work is teaching fathers infant massage. My own father was a U.S. Navy doctor who went on to practice pediatrics after his service, so supporting fathers in this way is especially meaningful to me.

I also deeply value working with soldiers and rescue workers who may have missed the birth of their child or the early days of their child’s infancy due to deployment or the demands of their profession. Infant massage offers a powerful opportunity for bonding and connection during those precious early moments.

Why is massage important to you?

Massage is a powerful wellness tool that supports physical and emotional well-being at every stage of life. From bonding during infancy to stress relief in adulthood, therapeutic massage offers benefits that extend beyond physical relief. While it’s not emergency medicine, it can play a vital role in a healthy routine by promoting circulation, reducing muscle tension, and releasing endorphins that help break the pain cycle.

How would you describe your style of massage?

I use Swedish massage techniques to promote relaxation and overall well-being, along with trigger point therapy to target specific areas of muscle tension.

What keeps you motivated?

Seeing clients embrace massage therapy as part of a lifelong wellness routine is deeply rewarding. It inspires me to continue growing in this field and to provide care that truly makes a difference in people’s lives. I believe wellness begins at birth—and it’s an honor to support individuals on that journey from the very start.