Help Bring Trauma-informed Care to Orcas Island and Beyond

Hello Friends, Family, and Orcas Island Community!

My name is Ashley Berger and I am a full-time Orcas resident, artist, plant person, and bodyworker. I am reaching out today because I am respectfully seeking financial support in order to become a licensed massage therapist, and to be able to offer this service to the Orcas community and beyond.

For the past few years I have been studying the gentle healing art of biodynamic craniosacral therapy. As someone who has navigated life with chronic illness and recovery from a traumatic brain injury, I have been profoundly moved by the simplicity, healing potential, and relief that craniosacral offers. The style of craniosacral therapy that I study is trauma-informed and non-hierarchical. The practitioner and client gently unwind holding patterns of imbalance and support the regulation of the nervous system through deep listening, safe touch, and co-regulation.

Becoming licensed in Washington State is the next step I need to take in order to offer this form of therapy to our community. Completing a program and fulfilling the legal requirements will give me the tools I need to be able to reach more people, accept insurance, and provide a way for me to support myself and keep living on this island I call home. My hope is to provide therapeutic bodywork with sliding scale options, as well as scholarship opportunities to make this healing art available to all.

It has been my longtime goal to attend the Trauma Informed Massage Therapy Training Program at The Pacific Center for Bodywork and Awareness on Kauai, HI. This program directly builds upon the style of bodywork I have been studying, and is the best fit for the type of healing work I want to practice.

I have put so much heart and thought into this decision and I humbly ask for your help and support to make this dream a reality. As someone who has dealt with ongoing health issues, I have a heightened sensitivity to helping others in the same position. It is also why I am asking for some additional help to get me over the finish line.

I deeply understand the significance and value of your donation in these times, and no amount is too small! Here are a few ways you can help support me in this endeavor…

* Financial: Donations can be made here to help cover tuition, supplies, and help with living costs and travel expenses. If you prefer to donate directly, you can venmo @bergerashley with “Massage School” in the notes.

* Connections: Any connections you may have regarding housing on Kauai, vehicle lending, etc.

* Share: Sharing this GofundMe with any and all who may be able/willing to contribute.

* Travel: Donating flight miles

I sincerely thank you for your time and consideration, and for your generosity in contributing not only to my path forward in life, but to bringing this valuable healing modality to our community.

With huge gratitude,

Ashley