Meet Kate

I have been practicing massage for over ten years, but I have always worn many hats (sometimes many at once!), including: assistant to a literary agent, bartender, server, property manager, and even a lift operator in Tahoe, CA, for one memorable winter. Now, I am the sole practitioner, owner, and operator of Saltwater Wellness. You can usually find me trying new recipes and restaurants, out for a walk in the woods, cuddling my cat, Pete, or contemplating what path to tread next!

Ever-curious about the ways in which we connect with the world around us and to ourselves, my passion is finding the places where joy and wellness intersect, and guiding my patients to let go and discover their innate wholeness and health through mindbody awareness, breath, and movement, tailored to the individual.

I recently completed training in Yin Yoga with Sagel Urlacher, and I am currently diving deep into the practice of Tao Yin, an ancient Taoist movement and meditation practice from which Yin Yoga and Qi Gong evolved. Ask me about private Yin Yoga and Mindful Movement classes!

Education, Credentials, and Trainings:

  • B.A. in Humanities, Asian Religions, and Environment from McGill University, QC, Canada (2008)

  • 600-hr Holistic Massage Therapy, Namasté Institute, Rockland, ME (2011)

  • Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals Member (since 2010)

  • Licensed Massage Therapist, State of Maine, Lic. # MT4676 (since 2011)

  • Foundations of Thai Bodywork with Jessica Dafni of The Iron Bird Way (2016)

  • Thai Medical Theory for Bodyworkers with Nephyr Jacobsen of the Naga Center (2016)

  • Thai Therapeutics: Advanced Techniques with Nephyr Jacobsen of the Naga Center (2017)

  • Thai Cupping and Scraping with Jessica Dafni of The Iron Bird Way (2017)

  • Various Thai Bodywork Trainings in the Lanna Tradition, US and Thailand (ongoing)

  • Comprehensive Cupping Massage with Mary Henderson (2018)

  • Spiritual Sen - Intuitive Thai Bodywork Training with Pamela Herrick (2018)

  • Thai Medicine and Massage Gathering (2019)

  • Reusi Dat Ton Level I with Reusi Tevijjo Yogi and Damion Bond (2019)

  • Bodywork for Women’s Health: The Female Pelvis with Leslie Stager (2021)

  • Bodywork for Women’s Health: The Belly with Leslie Stager (2021)

  • Orthopedic Procedures and Post-Surgical Precautions for Massage Therapists with Matthew Gavzy (2021)

  • Reusi Dat Ton Level II with Reusi Tevijjo Yogi and Damion Bond (2022)

  • Yin Yoga and Meditation with Sagel Urlacher (2023)

  • Anatomy Trains in Structure and Function with Meredith Stephens and Shannon Fallon (2023)

  • Tao Yin with Lee Holden (in progress)


Find Us

602 Brighton Ave, Suite 4
Portland, ME 04102

Parking is behind the building, off of Hastings St. If the lot is full, you should find plenty of on-street parking on Hastings St.

Please plan to arrive a few minutes early, so we may start your session at the appointed time.

We are located on the 2nd floor. If this is not accessible for you, please contact me directly and we can discuss the possibility of a home session.

Email
kate@saltwaterwellnessme.com

Phone
(207) 619-0980

FAQs

What is your cancellation policy?

We ask that you please provide 24-hour notice of all cancellations and reschedules. If you are unable to give sufficient notice, a fee of 50% of the treatment cost will be billed to you, to be paid before the time of your next scheduled appointment. We will waive this fee in certain cases of illness or dangerous driving conditions. Cancellations within 2 hours of your appointment time as well as no-shows are charged 100% of the service fee.

If you are arriving late to your appointment, please let us know with a quick call or a text and travel safely. We will provide you with as much time on the table as possible with the time remaining, but you will be responsible for the full payment of the original treatment time booked.

Do I have to wear a mask for my treatment?

No. Masks are no longer required at this time. However, your provider is happy to wear a mask if you prefer. Additionally, if you would prefer to wear a mask while on the table, I can provide a hanging pillowcase to create a protective barrier for when you are facedown in the face cradle that will allow you to remove your mask for that portion of the treatment.

Which type of treatment should I get?

The main difference you will notice is that Thai Massage is performed on a soft floor mat, and you will remain fully clothed. This allows for some very deep work, stretching, and range of motion which can be intense, but is highly effective at breaking up adhesions and increasing flexibility. Warm herbal compresses, cupping and scraping therapies, point work, and the application of therapeutic balms and liniments may also be included, when indicated.

Table massage involves the application of massage oil rubbed into the skin using a variety of Swedish-style massage techniques as well as trigger point therapy, neuromuscular therapy, compressions, stretching, and passive and active release techniques. Cupping and scraping therapies as well as balms and liniments may also be incorporated when indicated.

Feel free to call me at 207-619-0980 to discuss what treatment might be best for you at this time.

What should I wear to my massage appointment?

If you are booked for Thai Bodywork treatment, we recommend wearing (or bringing with you) loose, comfortable clothing that will allow you to move your joints through their full range of motion. Shirts with wide collars are preferred, and sweatpants, yoga pants, or sleepwear are all acceptable, though activewear that is especially silky or slippery are not recommended. Dressing in layers is suggested, as you may become cooler or warner throughout the session depending on the work being done. Occasionally skin will need to be exposed for treatment and if so, appropriate draping methods will be used. Please be aware that some balms and liniments that may be used in your treatment can stain clothing.

For therapeutic table massage treatments, you will undress to your comfort level and be covered completely under a sheet and blanket except when the skin is exposed for localized treatment. Some clients prefer to leave underwear on, and some do not. It is up to you, though we generally suggest that bras be removed for better access to the back for treatment there, when appropriate. Your modesty will always be respected at all times. It is not necessary to wear anything in particular to your treatment, though depending on areas of treatment, we may ask that jewelry be removed.

Is the office accessible for wheelchairs or will I have to climb stairs?

Though there is a ramp to access the building, our office is located on the second floor, so unfortunately, in our current location, clients must be able to climb one flight of stairs. We apologize for the inconvenience and would be happy to help find you a suitable massage therapist who can see clients using wheelchairs or those who may have other mobility limitations that our facility cannot accommodate at this time.

I am pregnant. Is it safe to receive treatment?

Congratulations on your pregnancy! Massage can be performed safely throughout the course of pregnancy. Please just let us know on your intake form how far along you are and if there is anything you would like me to know before your appointment time.

How should I pay for my treatment?

Cash, check, Venmo, or PayPal are preferred to avoid credit card fees. However, we do accept all major credit cards as well as HSA cards. We do not accept Apple Pay at this time.

Should I tip my massage therapist?

Gratuity is never expected. However, if you have the means, and you wish you leave something extra, we are grateful for your generosity. Extra gratuity is used throughout the year to provide access to massage for those who cannot otherwise afford it, or to subsidize clients in need.

Do you bill to insurance?

We offer direct billing to Meritain Health (An Aetna Company) plans through the City of Portland benefit program only. Please provide your insurance information in advance of your appointment so that we may confirm your benefits are active and billable. A copay will be due at the time of treatment. Any payments not paid out by the insurance company will be owed by the client.

We can also provide an itemized receipt to be used to submit insurance claims to your particular insurance company for reimbursement. In these cases, payment is due in full at the time of treatment.

Can I receive massage therapy when I’m sick?

Massage therapy causes increased circulation of blood in the body. If you are on the verge of a sickness, massage can sometimes encourage symptoms to manifest. Please stay home if you are feeling unwell or think you might be coming down with something! We will always waive the cancellation fee in cases of illness. Please just try to offer as much notice as is possible for you. Thanks!