education & background

In January of 2015, Parker became a ToLabor trained Professional Birth Doula. Since that time, she's provided full spectrum doula support to folks in RVA. In 2016, while holding space for a laboring client, she discovered a deep connection with therapeutic touch. Inspired by the immediate relief it brought her client, Parker decided to pursue the study of massage and bodywork not only to enhance her skills as a doula but also as a care provider, and to more deeply understand of the nuances of the human body.

Parker graduated from the Lotus School of Integrated Professions and is a VA licensed massage therapist. Since graduating massage school, she has been trained by Claire Marie Miller in prenatal and postpartum massage and studied Acupressure for labor and delivery with L.Ac Keith Bell. Parker became a Practitioner of The Arvigo® Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy with the Arvigo® Institute in 2017, where she learned the art of abdominal massage for reproductive and digestive wellness. She’s studied the relationship of the psoas, diaphragm & pelvic floor with anatomist Tom Myers of Anatomy Trains and worked at a Pelvic Health Physical Therapy clinic for two years.

Parker is currently studying Visceral Manipulation with the Barral Institute and is pursuing an Associates degree in Nursing. VM assists functional and structural imbalances throughout the body including musculoskeletal, vascular, nervous, urogenital, respiratory, digestive, and lymphatic dysfunction. It elevates and treats the dynamics of motion and suspension in relation to organs, membranes, fascia and ligaments.

Parker often reflects on the words of her favorite anatomy teacher, “Your body is the healer”, and is passionate about understanding and honoring the mind-body connection. She believes that massage is a moving meditation; one that brings people into harmony with their incredibly resilient bodies. She hopes to give clients a unique and restorative experience.

In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking with her playful pup Shiori and loving partner, riding her bike, traveling, cooking nourishing foods and learning about the human body!

EDUCATION

Hatha Yoga Training

2012

Professional Birth Doula Advocate Training - ToLabor

2015

Acupressure for L&D Training - ToLabor & L.Ac Keith Bell

2016

Licensed Massage Therapist - Lotus School of Integrated Professions

2017

ACE Massage Cupping & Medicupping Training

2017

Pregnancy & Postpartum Massage Training