After 20+ years as a chef and restaurant owner, I had a mid-life crisis and decided to become a massage therapist. I started practicing energy work in 1993, and massage in 1999.

I am the owner of THERA-SSAGE, a multi-disciplinary clinic and educational facility in Rutherfordton, NC. We offer massage therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, aesthetics, spa treatments, naturopathy, nutritional counseling, and herbal therapies.

I’m Nationally Certified in Massage Therapy & Bodywork, and an Approved Provider of Continuing Education under the NCBTMB. I’m a professional member of both AMTA and ABMP, a past delegate to the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards, and a founding member of the Alliance for Massage Therapy Education. From 2005-2011, I was a member of the North Carolina Board of Massage & Bodywork Therapy.

I’m the author of the Plain & Simple Guide to Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (2nd ed, LWW, 2009) and One Year to a Successful Massage Therapy Practice (LWW, 2008). Another book, A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Business, was just published by LWW in January 2011. My newest book is co-authored with Ryan Hoyme, otherwise known as The MassageNerd. We have collaborated on a volume for massage therapy instructors, Manual for Massage Therapy Educators, with a Special Section for School Owners and Administrators. It was released in July 2012.

I am available for consulting with individual practitioners, group practices, massage schools, and organizations.  I have assisted a number of new schools in starting up, including creating the initial paperwork needed for school licensure. I also assist schools, organizations, and individuals who seek approval as continuing education providers from the NCBTMB.

I’m on the visiting faculty for the Obus School of Healing Therapies in Leixlip, Co Kildare, Ireland, and the Board of Advisors for the Asheville School of Massage & Yoga.

On a personal level, I’ve been married for 19 years to my soulmate, Champ Allen. We have one furry child, Smokey Bear the Chow, and we reside in the mountains of Western North Carolina. I’m a musician and songwriter, have made numerous appearances in person, on public radio, public television, and have appeared on several recordings, including my own CD recorded with Hogwild, By the Light of the Moon (1999). I enjoy jamming with my friends, reading, writing, traveling, cooking, studying all things Irish, and have a full-fledged addiction to the Internet.

Thank you so much for your support. I appreciate it.