Stratton Massage
Denise grew up in Michigan on an inland lake that began her addiction to fun and adventure. Her family was very active in outdoor activities, which she still considers among her passions today. While in High School she competed in downhill skiing and distance running. Her competitive running took her to California for her first two years of college. Then missing snow she finished her BS degree in Physical Education and Health at Northern Michigan University. From there she switched sports to competing in cross-country skiing, and for the next 10 years, worked to get herself in the best shape of her life. In 1980 she raced in the pre- Olympics which were held in Lake Placid. She traveled and raced in Europe one winter competing in the longest and most prestigious cross-country ski races the world has to offer. The races were varying in length from 32-56 miles long, doing one in 8 different countries over three months in 1981.
Some of her work adventures include, teaching sailing, canoeing, swimming, first aid and CPR for the American Red Cross, fire fighter and youth camp coordinator for the US Forest Service, ski instructor, Bike repair shops, Recreation Specialist for the Town of West Haven, CT. Ski School Director and Instructor for Mountain Meadows Touring Center in VT. Meter reader and journeyman level lineworker for an electric company in CT, which lead her to buying a vacation home in VT!
Her challenges, beginning in 1996, have been about beating Lyme disease. She had related co-infections which took over 5 years to diagnose. We need our rebel MDs who think outside the box. Should you have any questions about experimental treatments, she has been a guinea pig for quite a few. She has been involved in research studies: Lyme protests and various Lyme disease fund raising efforts and now facilitates the Windham County Lyme Disease Support Group in VT. She feels empathy not just sympathy for those living with a chronic illness.
Massage entered her life in 1994 when she was given huge relief from a pinched nerve in a muscle that wasn’t helped by PT, Chiropractic, or drugs. While in a nursing home his final years her father was given great comfort by massage. In 1996 Denise graduated from the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy, obtained National Certification and has been practicing on and off as her Lyme Disease permits. She continues her education in a variety of massage modalities to help others reach their full wellness potential.
Denise is also a Tour Rep for a British Student Travel Corporation where she leads students and teachers on ski adventures in the US and Canada. She volunteers for Grace Cottage Hospital fund raising activities, and is serving as Health Officer for the town of Wardsboro. She recently adopted a dog she named Chili from the humane society. Chili and Denise are learning skijoring together this winter. She can entertain herself on the guitar, piano, and sometimes harmonica. Her favorite book is the Book of Positive Quotes, and her favorite music is by Spencer Lewis, a Vermont artist whose work is mainly acoustic guitar and violin. It touches her soul as she does much of her work to his easy rolling style. I’ve learned a great deal about detoxification since 1996 and really want to encourage you to consider adding it to your current health plan. “Hope I get to meet you, help you with your health and hear about your adventures!”