Biographical Information
Christine was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida and holds a Bachelor's of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Florida in Gainesville. She participated in marching and symphonic band through college and always found time for outdoor activities and dance. After graduating from college, she obtained her PHR (Professional of Human Resources) certification and practiced in the field of corporate human resources for over sixteen years with Toyota. During that time, she obtained extensive experience in counseling, personnel management, training and wellness programs.
Christine has been a LMT (Licensed Massage Therapist) since 1993, providing Therapeutic Massage and specializing in the treatment of chronic pain. After personally experiencing intense muscular pain from overuse, she found massage therapy to be very effective and made the decision to learn the techniques to help herself and others.
She has pursued training in several different modalities including…
- Neuromuscular Massage Therapy
- Myofascial Release
- CranioSacral Therapy
- Visceral Manipulation
- Swedish Massage
- Sports Massage
- Shiatsu
- Aromatherapy
- Active-Assisted Stretching
… and other soft-tissue related paradigms. Exposure to these various treatment techniques has provided her with a very effective “tool box” of experience to draw from in treating her patients.
As for fitness, Christine was always interested in and participated in sports but didn't start training with weights until 1982 after a knee injury. She saw firsthand how one could change their body and became fascinated with the field of fitness and nutrition. After five years of study and basic training, she decided to try competitive bodybuilding. With her love of music and previous dance experience, it seemed to be an excellent avenue for expression.
She had her first competition in April of 1985 and went on to compete in multiple local, state and even one national contest gaining invaluable experience, memories, and a garage full of trophies
Due to an accident occurring on July 4th of 1990, her last competition was in June of that year. Wishing to share her knowledge and experience with others, in 1991 she became a Certified Personal Fitness Trainer. Today she counsels and instructs others on their own path to health and fitness on an individual basis or via Corporate Programs.
Unfortunately, the accident on July 4th of 1990 was that of a physical assault from a stranger while bike riding in the middle of the day. After that incident she decided it was time to learn self-defense and started taking Kung Fu / Chinese Boxing lessons. Excelling rapidly and enjoying the art, she then proceeded to compete for the next three years in local, state and national competitions ranking nationally in the top 10 for all 3 years in forms and weapons.
In 1993 she decided to go less physical martial arts-wise and starting taking lessons in Tai Chi Chuan and a different style of Kung Fu. Commonly described as a “moving meditation” she found Tai Chi Chuan to be a style of martial arts excellent for training both the body and mind. “Iron wrapped in cotton” is the more appropriate description in that one trains the body to be strong on the inside and “move like water”.
In efforts to stimulate her mind and body for further growth and challenges, she began searching for yet another art form in 2002. In July of that year, she started taking classes in Karate and Iai-Do (“E-ah-do” or Samurai Sword), and has found these to be both the physical and mental disciplines she has been searching for. She continues to practice in these arts today.
Christine is a wife and mother to two furry felines and 3 aquariums of salt-water fish. As for hobbies and interests she loves to travel, participate in any outdoor activity, sport rock-climbing, disc golf, sewing projects, animal adventures, food-oriented events and helping flowers to grow and bugs to get fat and healthy.
As a wellness oriented therapist, trainer and lover of nature, she will assist and guide you in your journey towards becoming balanced in mind, body and spirit.
Personal Interests:
- Tai Chi
- Gator Wrestling
- Rock Climbing
- Travel
- Dolphin Encounters
- Training athletes for Bodybuilding Competition
