About Monica

In her late 20s, with a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Brandeis University, Monica was living in Boston and working on ending discrimination in credit granting in the banking industry. Having such a stressful job with little personal time, Monica found herself overweight and out of shape, uncomfortable in her body and her life. 

Looking for a way to change how she felt, she tried muscular therapy. The impact it had on her body and mind impressed her, so she decided to take an introductory workshop. A year of more intensive exploration, reading and personal change followed. She began to understand that all of us have the power to alter how we feel, how we look, and how we live. This enlightenment became a goal and a standard for future work. 

In the process of this learning and change, Monica discovered a passion. She attended graduate school at Yale University, receiving a Master’s degree in Public Health, and completed the three-year program at the Muscular Therapy Institute in Cambridge, where she studied with Ben Benjamin and continued as a faculty member for seven years after graduating. Moving to New York in 1983, Monica launched a part-time private practice. Six months later it was full-time. 

Monica’s growth continued, both as a student and as an educator. She studied the St. John Method of Neuromuscular Therapy for myofascial release and the treatment of pain. Monica trained in energy medicine and holistic health care with Roger Gilchrist, founder of the Wellness Institute, where she became certified in Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy and Polarity Therapy. She completed additional training in the Feldenkrais Method, and has explored integrated manual therapy in classes with Tom Myers. She has taken classes at the Swedish Institute and the Omega Center, along with attending national conferences. 

This breadth of learning, combined with three decades of hands-on work, has inspired Monica to develop a unique method of individualized care and healing, as well as the firm belief that, with the right inspiration and attention, anyone can change, grow, and heal. “The key is to find a way in,” Monica says. “To figure out what will fit each person’s body, mind, and energy in the healing process.” The first step is to establish trust. “It’s important that people feel listened to, comfortable, and taken care of.” Every step of the work is then tailored specifically for each individual. 

“You should never give up on your body, or how you can feel,” Monica says. “What I do is to facilitate healing, to help your body do what it does naturally. I want to impact people’s resignation, to help them experience new energy and vitality. You can talk about improving circulation, releasing tension, treating injuries, lowering cortisol levels, but the holistic impact is to restore your body to its full potential. To be better — in every way.”