BODYWORK BY SILVIJA
My name is Silvija (they/them). I am a queer, licensed massage therapist who strives to offer sessions that center my clients’ safety and story.
My journey into bodywork began as a client at 19 years old. I was dealing with pain, depression, and an overwhelmed nervous system. I found relief on the table of skilled bodyworkers, feeling a deeper connection to my body, improvements in my mental and emotional state, as well as finding relief from chronic symptoms of pain and numbness.
I was deeply moved by the work I received and my fascination with bodywork began.
I studied with mentors one-on-one for years and finally at 35 I was able to change careers and go to massage school. During my first week of school, I got a severe case of Covid, my symptoms lasted for years. Finding myself chronically ill during the beginning of this career change was humbling, but has led me to an interest in complex, chronic illnesses and how they impact my clients and their bodies.
As a queer, larger bodied person, I have found it difficult at times to find space in the bodywork world, both as a client and a practitioner. My aim is to create a welcoming space for all bodies.
I approach bodywork with questions and curiosity, as well as compassion for my clients and their lived experience. My goal is to provide client-centered, body-neutral work, honoring your relationship with your body and the way it feels at the present moment you find yourself on my table.
I love what I do, bodywork is steeped in connection and creativity. I find holding space for others and helping with someone’s care to be deeply fulfilling. I am endlessly fascinated by the body, I love learning new skills and taking classes. I am an absolute anatomy nerd and enjoy sharing this knowledge with my clients. I believe community care and knowledge is an empowering elixir, especially in the times we are living through.
I am honored to be a part of this field and to offer my work to the community!
“Touch is a dialogue and we are listening to a sacred story”- Michael McMahon
My craniosacral therapy and myofascial release teacher
Silvija is a third generation Oberlin resident and Oberlin College alum. Their interests outside of bodywork include making jewelry for their business Three Lines Studio, building queer community, playing guitar, painting and collage, and nature walks.
MY TRAINING
I love being a student of the body! I have studied with many mentors one-on-one and in small classroom settings throughout the past 11 years. I’ve completed over 100 hours of training in advanced Myofascial Release and 30 hours of Craniosacral Therapy through Moving Mountain Institute in Portland, Oregon, and 750 hours of Massage Therapy training at Sacred Roots Massage School of Montana.
Advanced Myofascial Release Core & Lower Body - May 2026 - June 2026, Moving Mountain Institute, 39.5 hours
Advanced Myofascial Release Back, Shoulders, Arms, and Neck - September 2025 - November 2025, Moving Mountain Institute, 43.5 hours
The Nerve Tour with Gil Hedley - July 2024, 5 hours
Craniosacral Therapy Foundations - January 2024 – April 2024,, Moving Mountain Institute, 30 hours
Introductory Myofascial Release - January 2024 – April 2024, Moving Mountain Institute, 18 hours
Mentorship with Jen Aliz Lokajickova - January 2024 – April 2024, Medicine of the Feminine
Anatomy & Physiology and Ethics - January – May 2023, Cuyahoga Community College, 96 hours
Massage Therapy School - September 2021 – June 2022, Sacred Roots Massage School of Montana, 750 hours
Medicine Carrier Praxis - January 2021 – December 2022, live online cohorts, with Muse, Jen Aliz Lokajickova of Medicine of the Feminine, studied Traditional Chinese Medicine and Nervous System Regulation, 72 hours
Alchemy for the Root - September 2020 – December 2020, live online cohort with Muse, Jen Aliz Lokajickova of Medicine of the Feminine, studied menstruation cycles and abdominal massage, 27 hours
Alchemy for the Root: Touch as Medicine - September 2019, in-person practitioner workshop, 24 hours
Mentorship with Jill Blake – 2015, local Oberlin bodyworker and energy worker, 9 months