Hi, I’m Amy
Breast Cancer Self-Care Specialist. Oncology Massage & Lymphatic Drainage Therapist. Entrepreneur. Obsessive Learner. Dreamer. Connector. Rabid Traveler. “Overalls” Enthusiast. Pottymouth Pollyanna. Breast Cancer Survivor.
Credentials & Experience
Specialized training and experience is critical when working with someone who is navigating a life-altering health challenge like breast cancer. I am an eternal student of my field, constantly working to hone my knowledge and hands-on skills, to support my clients body, mind, and soul.
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BCTMB - Board Certified in Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (621607-12)
LMT - New York State Licensed Massage Therapist (029431-1)
CMLDT - Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist (Monarch)
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Breast Cancer Network of WNY - President, Board of Directors
Vice President, Board of Directors (2021-2023)
Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM) - Professional Member since 2013
Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) Professional Member
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center & Roswell Park Care Network - Preferred Oncology Massage Therapy Contractor (2018-2023)
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I currently hold ~2000 hours of academic and practical training in a wide range of bodywork modalities. This includes professional education and hands-on training since 2011 including but not limited to:
Advanced Oncology Massage Mentorship with Tracy Walton, a pioneer in the field of Oncology Massage
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy Certification with Monarch Continuing Education (LANA approved)
Scar Tissue Mobilization for the Post-Mastectomy & Radiotherapy Client with Healwell Integrative Health Therapies
Scar Tissue: Changeable not Breakable with Cath Ryan and Healwell Integrative Therapies
Oncology Massage Training with Cal Cates of Healwell Integrative Therapies
Hospital Massage Training with Healwell Integrative Health Therapies, providing in-patient care to those in Intensive Care, Oncology/Medical, Palliative Care, and In-Patient Rehabiliation units
Opening to the Mystery: Presence in Caregiving at the End of Life with Cal Cates of Healwell
My Story.
I didn't intend to work with with cancer patients.
I went to massage school in 2011 so that I could leave the corporate world and find work that felt meaningful.
But the universe has a way of delivering what we need, even when we don't know we need it.
My breast cancer story is different than most.
Most women diagnosed with breast cancer - up to 85% - have no familial history or known predisposition to the disease.
I had my first mammogram at 23.
Growing up BRCA1+ with a long family history of breast and ovarian cancers I knew it could be me one day.
My career has not only allowed me to support others in their healing but ultimately to help heal myself after my own breast cancer diagnosis in 2017.
My professional knowledge and training enable me to consistently make informed and confident choices throughout life in survivorship.
Now it is my mission to empower women everywhere with these same skills to find their own self-care confidence.
My Core Values
Who we are matters just as much, if not more, than what we do. In both work and my personal life I try to lean on my values to guide my way just as I encourage you to explore yours in our work together as you begin your self-care journey. Many of these have evolved from interactions with beloved clients and I hope you might find one to carry with you as well.
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“Love is the answer, and you know that for sure”. - John Lennon
To me love in all forms is the ultimate guiding value. It encompasses Kindness, Compassion, Empathy, Beauty, Honesty, Connection, Passion, Service, Inclusion, Anti-Racism and so much more. When I lead with love I know that it is hard to go wrong.
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“If you carry joy in your heart, you can heal at any moment.” - Carlos Santana
To me joy is a feeling worth striving for yet attainable every day. It includes Fun, Adventure, Calm, Happiness, Gratitude, and Ease.
This isn’t blind positivity but means being fully present in all of my feelings with the intent to find growth in experiences.
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“I think, at a child’s birth, if a mother could ask a fairy godmother to endow it with the most useful gift, that gift should be curiosity.” - Eleanor Roosevelt
Curiosity is the fuel that feeds growth through Creativity, Expression, Reflection, Optimism, Openness, and Courage.
When used with intention and purpose curiosity leads to great things without harm or gossip.
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“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” - Nelson Mandela
Freedom is a luxury that is sometimes given and a right that is sometimes hard won. To me it means Autonomy, Confidence, Self-Reliance, Safety/Security, Empowerment, Wealth, Exploration, and Equity and I work to create it for myself and the world.
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“Do not wait for extraordinary circumstances to do good action; try to use ordinary situations.” - Jean-Paul Richter
For the earth, for others, for myself.
Drawing on Self-Compassion, Efficiency, Integrity, Stewardship, Thoughtfulness, and of course Action to ensure that not only do I leave this world better than I found it but that I honor myself in the same way.
Life Beyond Cancerland
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My Husband & Family
The people I love and who love me are really what holds me together. I got lucky that those I was born into and those I chose are equally as special and amazing.
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Buffy The Vampire Slayer
If you know you know. She saved the world a lot, and a few times, she even saved me. (For my fellow Buffyverse fans, are you team Spike or Team Angel?)
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Traveling the World
I have yet to meet a country that doesn’t have something so unique and special that I wouldn’t want to come back. The farthest I’ve been is New Zealand but these cliffs in Portugal call to me every few years!
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Tattoos
I have several and they all have meaning to me. This one says “rigged” and covers up my port scar. It comes from Rumi “live life as if everything is rigged in your favor.” And of course three little birds to remind me that every little thing is gonna be alright…
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Creativity & Learning
Ohhhh shiny! I love to learn and explore my creativity. I often come back to music and art, most recently working on my endless French lessons, my acoustic guitar, and watercolors just for fun.
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Kenny Rogers
My first concert, my first crush, and the album that helped me know my guardian angels were with me after my diagnosis. My favorite Kenny song that most people wouldn’t guess is “The Greatest”.
Work With Me
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Individual Guidance
One to one virtual support teaching you how to create your own self-care strategies and hands-on skills for whole body healing.
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Workshops & Courses
Workshops and courses to take self-care to a whole new level so that you can think less about cancer and feel more like yourself.
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Massage & MLD
Hands-On Oncology Massage & Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapies for women impacted by breast cancer in Buffalo, NY
