HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY TO US

 WE’RE TURNING 2!  This October 5th marks 2 years of Gatesville Wellness Collective!

A NOTE FROM LIZ

To tell my story, let's take it back, shall we? I grew up in very humble circumstances in the Hampton Roads area in the 90's and was raised by my Mother, Grandparents, secondhand smoke, and way too much wood paneling (lol). I filled my days with cartoons, music I shouldn't have listened to, stayed out way too late, went way too far, and often wondered where the heck my big ole cheekbones came from (turns out, my Dad has Apache on his side, lol). My husband and I met at 16 and started our family young. For many years we worked hard simply to keep the bills paid. Eventually, I built a career at NNSY, working my way up from a mechanic apprentice. I was proud of what I accomplished, but deep down, I always felt like I was meant for something different.

After we moved to Gates County in 2016, my health took a major turn. I dealt with several health issues and complications that left my body and my life in a very difficult place. I was out of work and essentially in limbo for quite some time. Then one night while scrolling, I saw an advertisement for a massage therapy program. Something about it spoke to me. At the time, I had recently experienced chiropractic care and had become fascinated by bodywork. The program was only about a year, part-time, and I thought massage could help me both physically and personally. I applied, and within two weeks I was starting school. There were plenty of obstacles along the way, including a car accident, but I kept going. Around that same time, I was offered remote work. I used that as an opportunity to build a space where I could offer more than massage, somewhere people could come to feel cared for, listened to, and supported. That space eventually became Gatesville Wellness Collective.

Since opening, I’ve polished my therapeutic technique, which offers a more clinical approach. I specialize in deep-tissue/myofascial techniques and stretches, all with a relaxing flair. I've also earned my esthetician license and now work full-time at the spa while homeschooling my son. I’ve also decided to go back to school to pursue my goal of becoming an osteopathic physician (DO, a more holistic physician who can do manual manipulations as part of treatment).

Looking back, I can see blessings and lessons in even the hardest seasons of my life. I found my faith again, discovered my passion, and learned that I can survive difficult seasons without losing my sense of humor, warmth, or hope. I want people to feel heard, to take their concerns seriously, and to hold space for people without judgment—regardless of their beliefs, background, appearance, or circumstances. I know what it feels like to need help, encounter gaps in care, and not be listened to. Perhaps most importantly, I want to remind people that you are worthy of taking care of yourself and to never give up.

ONE MORE EXCITING UPDATE

I’m officially in the Optum system and ready to accept VA clients! If you’re a local veteran interested in bodywork, let your physician/the VA know you’d like to explore massage as part of your care. Use your benefits; you’ve earned them. Not a vet? In the past, you can use HSA funds/reimbursement for massage!

Please read our wonderful staff bios under the MEET US tab! We have our own unique style and specialties, and we’d love for you to experience them all. Thanks for supporting us through these first 2 years. Whether you’ve booked once, become a regular, referred a friend, shared a post, or simply cheered us on, we appreciate you more than you know. Here’s to year 3!

With love, Liz