Meet Laila

I discovered a love for massage while completing my doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine at the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon. There, I focused my studies on physical medicine, nutrition, and integrative mental health, while working as a teacher’s assistant for bodywork, hydrotherapy, and nature cure classes. I started my first job at the height of the pandemic, and got to witness the healing power of touch to relieve pain and stress firsthand. After completing my naturopathic degree, I moved to Maine to experience life on the East coast and be closer to friends.

My style is a blend of Swedish and Shiatsu. I like to use gentle rocking techniques to help calm the nervous system before moving onto deeper, focused work. I am also a big self-care advocate, and am happy to give you customized therapeutic exercise recommendations to support your health and wellbeing.

When I’m not working with massage clients, you can find me teaching at Hustle & Flow Studio, in the kitchen cooking up something delicious and nourishing, or exploring nature with friends!

Mondays 9am-3pm

By appointment only

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 (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 (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)
  • Yin Yoga Teacher Training with Cathy Waselewski and Hannah Waselewski (2024)
  • Reusi Dat Ton Level III (October 2024)

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, talking about my beloved cat, Pete, or planning my next adventure.

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 two trainings in Yin Yoga and Meditation, first with Sagel Urlacher, and then in 2024 with Cathy and Hannah Waselewski, and I teach a weekly Yin Yoga class on Sundays at 4pm at Hustle and Flow in Portland.

Ask me about private Yin Yoga and Mindful Movement sessions!