Lara graduated from the Palmer Institute of Massage and Bodywork in Salem, MA in 2001 and has worked in a wide variety of settings and maintained a busy private practice ever since. Most recently, she created and launched The MINI MASSAGE COMPANY, Boulder's premier on-site massage organization.

Her studies at Palmer included Swedish Massage, Neuromuscular Therapy, Sports Massage, Prenatal, and Ayurvedic Medicine and Marma Massage. Later studies included Hot Stone Massage and Aromatherapy.

Lara traveled to Boulder in 2004 to complete a Thai Yoga Massage training at the Boulder College of Massage Therapy. Upon moving here in January of 2005, Lara continued her education with programs at BCMT in the Master or Ortho Sports as well as continuing ed at Cortiva, including Prenatal with esteemed teacher Michelle Kolakowski and a Low back pain intensive with well known teacher and therapist, Bob King. She obtained her National Certification in 2005.

She also now holds a degree in Contemplative Psychology from Naropa University. She is planning on completing continuing ed for advanced TMJ work, advanced abdominal massage and continued Thai Massage training over the next two years.

Lara sees massage work to be a team effort between client and practitioner and creates an environment that supports the unfolding of the innate wisdom that lies within the body. Viewing pain as an intelligent and powerful teacher, she believes honoring that wisdom while simultaneously developing a curiosity about the wheres and whys of it's origin, is one of the most direct ways to transformation and healing. Letting the body, and the entire person know that it is "OK", not "bad" or "wrong", is the intention she carries in every session.

Having worked in luxurious spas and high demand fitness centers, Lara has taken those seemingly dissimilar experiences and created a massage that is both specific and effective as well as incredibly nurturing and relaxing. She does not believe the two need to be mutually exclusive.

She receives frequent massage work not only for her own self care or to continually learn new skills & improve old ones, but to not lose sight of the experience from the perspective of the client. In receiving work she is reminded of the humbleness, humor, and compassion needed to truly be effective for every client she works with.

When not working with clients, Lara spends most of her time cooking for people she loves, shopping for good ingredients, and cooking some more. She finds cooking to be her personal practice - a powerful way of finding balance in her mind and body.

CLIENT FEEDBACK

“Lara will find every sore muscle in your body. She will find muscles you didn’t know were there, much less that they were sore or needed work! She does this with an amazing touch that is both gentle yet deep. I try other massage therapists once in a while, but none compare to her, and I’m always comparing their work to Lara’s, because it’s the best massage work I’ve ever had.” – L.Willetto – mom & baker extraordinaire (client of 5 years)

“I was so grateful for the massage work Lara offered during my race season. It really helped after tough training rides and on active recovery days. It worked so well, I now massage my own legs after every ride. But that one spot on the back of my leg is impossible to get without her hands!” – Jon Malone – semi pro mountain bike/road racer and cycling coach. Boston MA (client from 2003 – 2005)

“Lara helped me through the final five months of my pregnancy with amazing pre-natal massages that both relaxed and invigorated me. My husband now gets Lara’s treatments too and we both appreciate her nurturing, healing touch. She is especially good at modifying the style and or pressure of her therapy depending on how our muscles are doing or where we need specific work. Lara is awesome!”- P. Russell Bartell – mom to Ariel. (client of 4 years)

“Lara has a wonderful touch. She’s great at working on chronic problem areas. I find that I feel relaxed just being in her presence!” – Amy T. (client since 2009)

“I have been seeing Lara for a number of years for massage therapy. I was fortunate to have met her at a spa where she worked a few years ago and have been following her ever since. She is extremely knowledgeable in her field and becomes highly attuned to her clients needs. The sessions are always rejuvenating as well as therapeutic. I would highly recommend Lara to anyone who is looking for a well experienced massage therapist. “ - Betty O (client since 2005)