about ell

Welcome, my name is ell. I am a licensed massage therapist, musician, animist, and seeker of deep relationship with the world. I am also an artist, fantasy lover, dog parent, and auncle to two magical kiddos. My gender pronouns are they/them.

I grew up in the Pacific Northwest and have spent most of my adult life in st̓əč̓as (Steh-Chass) territory, so-called Olympia, WA. I feel strongly connected and indebted to this land.

Over the past several years I have explored many ways of putting my loves into practice, through bodywork, organizing community events, supporting others in earth-based ritual practice, making music, mutual aid projects, and other creative pursuits. My practice is always evolving, seeking new paths toward truth and connection.

formal education + training

  • SoMassage Essentials course at the Soma School of Structural Integration, June 2024

  • 1 year study of old Norse rune magic with Espen Artio

  • 2022 graduate of the 525 hour professional licensing program at Port Townsend School of Massage in Port Townsend, WA

  • 2020 graduate of four year study in earth-based magic and ritual leadership at the Blue Iris Mystery School under Colette Gardiner

  • 2 years supervised ritual leadership and TA work with Colette Gardiner

  • 4 years magical coaching and mentorship with Maeanna Welti

  • 1 year study of trance journey work with Joyce Netishen

  • 3 years study in sociology, language and community studies, wood and metalworking at the Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA

  • 1.5 years study in music performance and education at the University of Colorado at Boulder

  • 2014 graduate of crisis advocate training with the Crisis Clinic of Thurston and Mason Counties

  • 2011 graduate of 40 hour mediation training and 20 hour advanced family mediation training at the Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County

experiential background

  • 3 years’ experience in professional massage therapy, in private practice and spa settings.

  • 5 years’ experience as a Home Care Aide through DSHS, providing in-home support to adults with disabilities and chronic illness.

  • 3 decades of learning and making music

  • Many years of magical study and practice in community, in participant and leadership roles.

  • 10+ years learning how to be an animal from my dog familiars.

  • Personal experience navigating mental health disability, transphobia, and other challenges through therapy, ritual, recovery work, and creative practice

  • Several years’ experience in administrative and cooperative business work.

  • Ongoing mutual aid and justice work with various local community care projects.

  • Dance and movement practice

  • Years of work with my hands and body in many fields, including food service, construction, and childcare.

kind words from clients

(names excluded for privacy)

  • "Ell did massage work on me for several months during 2021-2022. They put a lot of care and intention into their work, and I noticed marked improvements in my chronic pain after each session. In addition to performing excellent body work, they were also very supportive emotionally during some challenging personal struggles I was going through at the time and felt comfortable to work with even when it was hard to be around people in general. I would highly recommend working with them!"

    -past client

  • "The several times I have received massage from Ell it has been exactly what I needed that day. Some days they have relieved my neck and shoulder pain and helped with relaxation and sleep. Other days they held a supportive and kind space while I cried on the table. I appreciate their professional but caring and completely non-judgmental presence."

    -past client

  • "Ell is an incredibly gifted healer. In both my massage sessions and ritual support, they have provided gentle, caring and poignant services. I truly trust Ell’s intuitive sense and connection to the spirits and ancestors and feel so seen, held and supported by them. I would highly recommend Ell’s offerings for anyone seeking guidance, support, inspiration and very healing touch and body work."

    -current client

other practitioners I like