Embedded Files
I received my Massage Therapy Certificate from New Mexico Academy of Healing Arts in January, 2015. Since the beginning, my training, study, passion, and practice have been focused on technical bodywork methods aimed at efficacy in pain relief and mobility, teaching the basic frameworks of bodywork and self-care to clients, and translating the various languages of the body and of bodywork's many effective arts to both plain English and to a technical understanding.
Technical Info
Technical Info
Some of my favorite bodywork tools include:
Manual neurovascular decompression techniques under study with Steven Di Marino (student of the late Mark Bookhout, PT) at Musculoskeletal Specialists in Los Alamos, NM since October 2024
Referral to other providers as needed for nutritional counseling, naprapathy or chiropractic, manual lymphatic drainage, etc.
Readiness to collaborate with my clients' healthcare team
Assessment of posture and movement patterns
Structural load and tension balancing strategies (in the vein of Rolfing/Structural Integration)
Active and passive stretching, including positional release/blocking, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, and active engagement techniques.
Myofascial release, deep tissue, motor point activation, craniosacral therapy (limited study so far), and unwinding techniques
Identification of myofascial pain referral patterns, with trigger point, deep tissue, and other fascia-focused modalities to release them--work based on "The Red Bibles"--Travell and Simons' Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction, The Trigger Point Manual
Conflicts of Interest
Conflicts of Interest
I have no conflicts of interest to disclose.
Curriculum Vitae
Curriculum Vitae
I am preparing for Board Certification in Patient Advocacy; as required, my up-to-date CV listing all related credentials is available, below.
Sarah Amelia Johnson
sarah@lightspiritstudio.com | 505-310-0662 | 2019 Galisteo Street, Suite G4, Santa Fe, NM 87505
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Light Spirit Studio, L.L.C.
Massage Therapist, Patient Advocate, Owner Feb 2021 – present
Aid clients in easing the nervous system and reducing pain via myofascial release, neurovascular decompression, and somatic listening principles: 1) trim perpetuating factors, 2) build constructive habits 3) teach self-awareness, analysis, and pattern-correction, 4) strategize maintenance. Screen for signs of unaddressed complex illness & hypermobility among clients with chronic pain or health issues; refer out.
Advocate for clients seeking care for Golden Pentad conditions, MCAS. Draw out the story of their health and healthcare. Spotlight important details. Organize summaries. Show clients how and where to find specialists, information, and other resources. Hear well. Support clients in bypassing barriers. Collaborate and share observations with healthcare providers, SSDI teams, and family if/as requested.
Study – investigate, experiment, master manual care techniques and applications in hypermobility, pain, migraine, head/neck injury. Understand relevance of somatic experiencing, trauma-informed care.
Santa Fe Hypermobility Resource Group – an EDS Society Global Alliance Member
Founder, Organizer, Group Leader Oct 2023 – present
Organize a local interdisciplinary meetup and journal club with a PT colleague. Grow the network of capable care for EDS and other underserved conditions. Invite & facilitate trainings. Connect local providers to our growing, active multidisciplinary referral network, information, and opportunities.
Teach and/or facilitate public, donation-based/affordable classes in collaboration with local specialists: Promote hypermobility awareness. Teach tailored pain care strategies. Navigate migraine, pain, MCAS, etc. Live bodywork demos on Twitch. Numerous articles underway for Substack; books in progress.
Envision local school and birth center programs to assess mobility spectrum traits, screen for early immune signals. Goals: increase awareness, teach basic self-care & contextual observation, prevent harm from systematic diagnostic deficits. Seeking collaborators with the skills and credentials to aid progress.
Gather our 60+ membership in sharing referrals, navigation advice, and camaraderie. Monthly meetings, occasional classes. Build a locally oriented online social and information-sharing space.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Patient Advocate Certification Board expected certification Oct 2026
International Society for Mast Cell Activation Syndrome CE "Chats" Coordinator; Member since Oct 2025
Northern NM Interdisciplinary Provider Meetup & Journal Club founding member, co-leader; forming behind the scenes since May 2024
The Patient Revolution course participant & promoter since Jun 2024
Hennepin Healthcare Systems Integrative Pain Care ECHO regular participant since Dec 2024
EDS ECHO regular participant since Mar 2024
The Ehlers-Danlos Society's EDS & HSD Global Alliance affiliated group representative since Oct 2023
UNM ECHO Programs participant since Oct 2018
State of New Mexico Licensed Massage Therapist #8145 Jan 2015 – Present
EDUCATION
Institute of Advanced Bodywork and Movement – ongoing study and mentorship Oct 2024 – present
The Ehlers-Danlos Society – EDS & HSD Health Advocate training Feb 2025
University of New Mexico – Honors Chemistry, Chemistry Lab, Psychology Aug 2018 – May 2019
St. John’s College, Santa Fe – Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts May 2013
OUTSIDE SKILLS & INTERESTS
functional & sustainable design • indoor rock climbing • biodynamic gardening
science writing for kids • comparative language study
Other foundational training has included inestimable time up a tree, on a mountain, or otherwise investing life in this hypermobile, sensitive body
Other foundational training has included inestimable time up a tree, on a mountain, or otherwise investing life in this hypermobile, sensitive body
— which thankfully usually responds superbly to kind care, quality food, paced athletics, and free exploration, thereby teaching me questions and ideas useful to share with others.
— which thankfully usually responds superbly to kind care, quality food, paced athletics, and free exploration, thereby teaching me questions and ideas useful to share with others.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse