Kirstin graduated from WCCMT Victoria in the spring of 2017. She started her practice in a spa environment, eventually transitioned into a clinical setting and finalized her experience in Victoria with her own private practice. She found herself in Nanaimo after making the decision to live a more quiet life and be closer to her family. With extended family spanning from tip-to-tip of Vancouver Island, she feels Nanaimo is the perfect place to call "home". 

       Naturally drawn to holding space for her friends and family, Kirstin always knew she would end up working in the health-care field. Studying anatomy and having a hands-on career felt the most appealing, which led to Kirstin deciding to pursue massage therapy professionally. She enrolled in the massage therapy program just one year out of high school. She had to grow up quickly by keeping up with her studies, navigating living alone, and bonding with her peers of various age groups. She thanks this stressful and hectic time for making her into the dedicated and present practitioner that she is today.

       Kirstin's approach is grounded and holistic. She values meeting her clients where they are at, listening attentively to their specific needs, and providing a treatment that feels both therapeutic and deeply relaxing. She has taken care in learning about trauma informed communication, honouring the innate vulnerability involved with allowing a practitioner into your physical space. She hopes to create a space for her clients to slow down, be heard and feel taken care of.

       Kirstin has training in General Swedish Massage, trigger point therapy, craniosacral therapy and myofascial release. She enjoys treating chronic headaches and migraines, scar tissue, frozen shoulder, chronic muscle strains and stress. Over the years she has discovered that she finds a deep fulfilment in working with individuals who are processing grief, emotional burn-out, and PTSD. Kirstin has found a great benefit to the brain and body connection in her personal life and is happy to help others on a similar path. She has been told that her presence feels safe and non-judgmental, which allows the body to trust and lean into the emotional benefits of massage. 

       In her down time Kirstin enjoys film photography, illustration, baking bread and going on neighborhood walks to smell the flowers and visit the local cats. She values her community and enjoys going to local shows and events. She aspires to become an expert at processing her film negatives at home, she's currently in the "mistake making" phase. Kirstin is excited to be a part of the team at Eleven Arrows and looks forward to serving her community.