Her Story

Tamara was from the jump a ball of energy who, as her mom would say, was usually found jumping, skipping (with arms circling for added momentum), dancing, tumbling, running or climbing something. When possible, she would put them in dance classes or theater arts. It was evident this was her happy place. Early on in life those climbing hands would find a natural inclination towards squeezing and caring for family and friends, especially her mom. Having her initial school of touch being the intention for healing and connection.

Around twelve years old, one of her neighbors, Betty Mehling, an accomplished author and acupressure therapist would  join her on walks trough the neighborhood. Tamara became aware of pressure points, meditation and was even guided in her path as a young environmental activist. Without words being spoken to the effect, she was Tamara’s first mentor in healing arts. Betty gave her a cassette tape on guided meditation and a book, Relax with Self-Therap/Ease, both of which she produced. 

At fourteen she expressed interest in yoga, and her mom got her a book by Richard Hittleman and she began a steady practice. Tamara also hiked daily and considered spending time in nature “a part of her religion”. Her passions were cultivated at an early age for dance, healing arts and a love of the Earth. She began to devour many books with wisdom and woo woo to be found in spiritual book stores.
While still in high school, an opportunity to study and become a licensed aesthetician was presented. Tamara was facing serious cystic acne and this was the perfect alternative to prescription drug options. During the program a massage instructor, Merle Sunday, taught massage techniques and reflexology. This work opened her eyes to the fact that there were many modalities to learn in this career and endless opportunities to grow. It was at this point that a shift from being told by others that she should “become a masseuse” turned into an actual interest in “becoming a massage therapist”. 

After high school, Tamara attended the Desert Institute of Healing Arts in a 1000 hr program in which she excelled in anatomy and physiology classes and deep tissue massage techniques. As a part of the program she elected to continue studies in reflexology. Other elective courses chosen were kundalini yoga, prenatal massage, massage with seniors, bodywork for clients with HIV/AIDs, as well as working with women who have experienced trauma. These courses offered opportunities to offer massage to clients in the local Veterans Hospital, Southern Arizona AIDs foundation, and with survivors in safe houses. The education Tamara received carved out the kind of practitioner she would become.

Tamara's journey into healing arts did not stop there. She continued to pursue her passion by studying Chi Nei Tsang with Gils Marin, a renowned teacher of this ancient Chinese healing modality who studied with none other than Mantak Chia. Tamara also studied Cranial Sacral at Esalen Institute, a leading institution for alternative healing and personal growth. Her studies also  took her to Thailand, where she learned Thai massage at the world exclaimed school, Wat Pho and continued education in Chi Nei Tsang at Loi Kro.

After a trepidatious number of years of pandemic and having to take time away from the work she loves, she now has a beautiful office serving the community in the heart of Oakland, Ca.