I come from a long line of true Virginians. I was born and raised in the Tidewater area. Living on the water gave me a true appreciation of nature and God's gifts around us. My family owned Circle Lanes Bowling Alley in Hampton, Virginia and the school bus would drop me and my brother off at the front door each day. This unique experience of literally growing up behind the counter furnished me with a strong desire to be helpful towards everyone I met.

I attended local parochial schools and thrived on being around others. After completing my Associate Degree in Travel and Hospitality, I met the man of my dreams, Kenneth R, Morris. We were married on October 1, 1988. We relocated with his job and moved to a new house we built in Caroline County, Virginia. This was the start of our wonderful journey. I was working in Human Resource at Paramount’s Kings Dominion as we started our family. In May of 1990, we had our first daughter, Lindsay, followed by her sister, Reed, in August of 1993.

In May of 1994, we moved to Monument Avenue in Richmond, Virginia. Moving to the city was very beneficial to our family. We loved the country but, with small children, it was nice to be within walking distance of the necessities. The move also opened up several doors for me. While my children were young, I was fortunate to have jobs that allowed me to stay home with them. I worked at the preschool they attended and watched several of their classmates during the afternoon, after school had ended. Later, I worked at Crestview Elementary where both girls attended school. I was a teacher’s assistant then became the School Clinic Attendant. Have you noticed my career pattern of caring for people in any way possible?

I received a phone call one day from a dear friend who needed help with her husband who was suffering from Alzheimer’s. My girls were older so I left my job at the school and assisted my friend with caring for her beloved husband until he succumbed to this dreaded disease. Being with them during the entire death process has helped me value life in such a big way.

After this life-changing experience I went to work at Virginia T’s, Inc., a wholesale distribution company in Petersburg, Virginia. I worked in several departments and came to appreciate the corporate world.

In January of 2009, with the economy sliding, I was laid off. This was one of the most trying times in my life. Losing my job was the straw that broke the camel’s back. However, once I turned my outlook around, this horrific reality became the very best thing that has happened to me. I took advantage of my time off and went back to school to become a massage therapist, a desire of mine for years. Now, having a career in bodywork affords me the opportunity to help people in the healing process, both physically and mentally. For me, helping people help themselves heal is extremely rewarding.

In July of 2009, my husband’s brother succumbed to cancer, dying six short weeks after his initial diagnosis. Through his death, our family grew closer and began appreciating what we each have.

In December of 2009, I was yet again called to help an ailing friend. This time it was my own beautiful ninety year old grandmother. My mother and I spent the last ten days of her life at her side. Having three generations in one hospital room for ten straight days was a very powerful time for us all. We were able to have some beautiful and deep conversations and the moments spent together proved to be a healing time for us all. I truly believe my grandmother had this planned all the way to the end.

In addition to the treatment for my eating disorders, massage schooling with its strict anatomy requirements has provided me with a new and profound fondness for the wonderful body we each have. This was not always true. For a long time, through the overpowering influences of my eating disorders, I disassociated my head from my body and treated the two as totally separate and distinct parts. I now have come to love not only my body but myself.

During my training I did a class project comparing the effects of a massage on women suffering from eating disorders and body image issues. I was interested in learning whether a massage could make them feel better about themselves. Attached at the bottom are a few journal entries from these amazing women. Helping a person become reacquainted with their amazing body is a dream come true. My assistance is not limited to eating issues. I have had people tell me they have ugly feet or they need to get in shape before they get a massage. It is my goal to help everyone feel comfortable with the body they were given and to allow me to help facilitate them taking wonderful care of their own temple.

I put my personal guarantee on the fact that you will never be judged and I will give you the needed support to nurture yourself. Please remember, I have walked in those shoes and want to help you feel the amazing bliss of listening and trusting the wisdom of your own body!

One more personal note, my supportive husband, beautiful family and close friends keep me grounded. I enjoy spending time with them hiking, running, cycling, swimming, kayaking, boating, and generally being outside and active.

I will see you soon! Be well, Karen