About
Welcome to my journey!
Growing up in Bahama, NC, I discovered my passion for massage at an early age, often playing "spa" with friends and family where I always wanted to be the one giving massages. After completing my massage training in 1998 at the age of 21, I worked for both the Duke Diet and Fitness Center and the Duke Center for Living as one of the first in-house massage therapists for their programs. In 2000, I ventured to California to explore and expand my skills. My career took off when I joined Google in 2005, where I helped build and shape a massage program that is still vital to their onsite perks for employees. The company went from a small handful of therapists at the headquarters in California to about 50 nationwide. After leaving Google in 2012, I maintained a private practice in both the Bay Area and Los Angeles and had the opportunity to work for a high end in-home spa service, working with celebrities and other Hollywood Industry clientele. That was interesting!!
Over the past 29 years, I have had over 1200 hours of massage education. My training includes Myofascial Release, Sports Massage, Trigger Point, Craniosacral, Positional Release, Oncology Massage, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Scar work, Esalen, Trager and Shiatsu. I completed a 40 hour Prenatal Massage Certification in 2007 got my doula certification in 2008, both in San Francisco, CA. One of the many perks of working for Google was they encouraged and funded our continuing education, so I had the unique opportunity to attend some of the best trainings out there, taking classes at Esalen in Big Sur, San Francisco School of Massage, Upledger, Trager Method, and John Barnes.
I am a big fan of receiving regular massages myself and understand the importance of taking care of ourselves through stress management, massage, and self-care. My work combines a caring touch with individualized and detailed treatments. My style is focused and deliberate, paying attention to the needs of each client.
After living on the west coast for sixteen years, I moved back to Durham in 2016 with my husband. I'm enjoying exploring all the old and new in my hometown, and eating good food with old friends.
Since 2018, I have studied Oncology Massage, cupping therapies, and scar tissue mobilization and completed a 45 hour (Vodder Technique) Manual Lymphatic Drainage certification with Klose Trainings.
In August 2024, I completed my training (135 hours) with Norton School Of Lymphatic Therapy to become a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT)
Reviews
"From the moment I enter the massage room, Allison's calming presence helps me relax. She always asks what I wish to have her work on and is very easy to converse with. Allison is very thorough with her massage technique. She adjusts pressure depending on what is comfortable and makes the whole experience very relaxing and enjoyable."
- Michelle Nathan
"Allison does a great job of remembering what we've worked on historically, and builds on that for each subsequent massage. She actively listens to my feedback during sessions in order to tailor the massage to my ongoing needs, as well as specific needs for that session. These attributes are a reflection on Allison's attention to detail. In addition to giving a great massage, she provides me with tips and suggestions for self-care, at my request. The benefits of a great massage can quickly be undone if the underlying cause of discomfort is not remedied. By taking the time to care about the reason I'm on the massage table, and doing whatever she can to provide longer term relief is a major reason why I keep coming back to her." - C.S. Powell
" Allison remained aware and sensitive of my body's response to the massage. Although I was uncertain the amount of pressure I could handle, she gradually deepended the massage until it was best for me. It seemed she sensed where my muscles were tight and where the knots were located. She spent more time than I've had other massage therapists spend, where I needed it. In past massages, I've tensed if the therapist has worked a muscle until it's uncomfortable, almost painful. This has never happened during my massages with Allison." - Monica Chapman
"I've had massages from well-known places in San Francisco, as well as from my travels in Asia. There is no doubt that Allison is by far and hands-down the best massage therapist I've had! She does an excellent job in deep-tissue massages. She's absolutely wonderful in locating the knots and being extremely patient in getting them out. I have convinced my coworkers to go to her and not one has been disappointed!" - Jeanne Choi
Let’s Work Together
Please let me know if you have any questions.
