About Sonja
Registered Massage Therapist

Becoming a Massage Therapist

Natural health care has been a significant part of my life since I was a child. Therefore it is not surprising that I studied massage therapy and became a Registered Massage Therapist.

Being raised in a home where nutrition was foremost and good health considered worth the weight of gold – I have immense gratitude for my health, and an awe-filled respect for the human body and it’s abilities to heal when given the proper tools. My youth was also enriched with metaphysical teachings and meditation practices, which has provided me with a colorful spiritual base that resonates with all that I do today in my work and life.

I always dreamt of pursuing a career in natural medicine, and found my path in 1997, when I decided to participate in an Aromatherapy and bodywork course. I was instantly inspired by essential oils and discovered a passion for massage! The bodywork that I received and was learning to give helped me to overcome serious health issues and realize the connections between our physical, mental and emotional selves. The manifestations of stress in the body as dis-order became clear to me and I knew that I must pursue this further.

So I left my office job and dove into Aromatherapy and bodywork. I spent 2 years working in an aromatherapy shop where I also practiced holistic bodywork using essential oils, Swedish massage, reflexology and reiki as integral pieces of my sessions. I continued to learn about the power of therapeutic touch and deepen my appreciation of the complexity of the human body. I had to learn more…so it was time to further my education and become a Registered Massage Therapist.

Massage Therapy Education, Training and Credentials

I completed a 2,200-hour (2-year) massage therapy diploma at Foothills College of Massage Therapy, as well as the 3rd year of massage therapy education at the Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy.

• Massage Therapy Diploma, 2,200 hours
• Massage Therapy Diploma, 3,000 hours
• Registered Aromatherapy practitioner
• Reflexology level I
• Reiki level I
• Clinical Somatic Educator
• Student member of the Ortho-Bionomy Association of Canada
• Registered Massage Therapist with the College of Massage Therapists of BC – membership #05027
• Member of the Massage Therapists Association of BC
• Member of the BC Association of Practicing Aromatherapists
• Member of the BC Alliance of Aromatherapy
• Member of the Vernon Chamber of Commerce

Teaching Experience

In 2006, I began teaching at the Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy. It is a gift to be surrounded by skilled and likeminded colleagues at the college, and I am enriched by the culture emanated there. Teaching is a welcomed challenge and a confirmation of my passion for massage therapy.

I am currently the Teaching Assistant for 1st year students in the following classes:

Massage Theory & Practice 1
The primary focus of this course is on learning foundation massage techniques. An overview is given of body mechanics, physical stress management, corrective actions, care of the body & hands, taking a health history, and the client therapist/interview process. Discussion topics include the history of massage, the role of the massage therapist and spa practitioner, self-care and determining when massage is appropriate (indications) and when it is not (contraindications).

Massage Theory and Practice 2
In this course we emphasize a wholistic approach and focus on introductions in theory and practice in the following alternative techniques: hot and cold stone massage; meridians and Acupressure massage; Aromatherapy; Polarity Therapy, Reflexology and Ayurveda. Awareness of contraindications is heightened so that student spa practitioners are informed as to when to direct clients to a Registered Massage Therapist.

I am also a Supervisor in the student health spa, where I spend 1-on-1 time with a small group of first year students. Here, I am able to help the students enhance and integrate their foundation massage skills while they provide relaxation massage to clients in the health spa.

I thoroughly enjoy my involvement with the students as they embark on their careers in this wonderful healing field.

Passion for my Work

With over 10 years of education and experience in bodywork, I am pleased to say that my passion for this work grows stronger each day.The fuel for my fire comes from the clients who I am blessed to work with. The body speaks in a palpable language; as I work, I communicate with your body through manual therapy.

It is exhilarating and rewarding to feel the release in the body tissues as balance is achieved. The joy that I see in people’s eyes, the color that returns to their faces and the changes I observe in posture and movement always rejuvenate me to continue helping people through bodywork. When my clients report feelings of pain relief and tell me of the changes that are occurring in their lives because of the balance that they are achieving, I am charged to continue serving as a catalyst for this process.

I believe that within the human body is the desire and ability to be well. It is a gift to have found work that resonates with this belief and allows me to help people enjoy quality of life.

In my personal life I strive for balance in ‘walking my talk’. I nurture myself and maintain wellness with healthy food, regular bodywork treatments and exercise via my gym workouts, yoga, somatics and nature walks. I enjoy relaxing through enriching personal relationships, gardening, reading and playing with my beautiful son.

Contact Me

Call me at 250-550-4727 for a free 10-minute phone consultation. We can discuss your goals and I will answer any questions you may have about how Cascade Massage Therapy can benefit you.

My home office is located at 1601 – 30th Avenue, in the peaceful neighborhood of East Hill.

I look forward to working with you on your path to achieve and maintain optimum health.

Office located in Vernon, BC, Canada. Serving Vernon, Coldstream,
Lavington, Armstrong, Lumby, Enderby, Salmon Arm, Sicamous, Chase,
Falkland, Kelowna and the rest of the Okanagan.