How My Journey Began
In 1992, while attending the Conservatory of Music at the University of Oregon, Melinda discovered modern dance, Bodymind Centering, Laban/Bartenief Movement Analysis, and Contact Improvisation. While embracing a change from music to dance, she was also recovering from a back injury. This was when the power of hands-on bodywork and the Pilates method was added into an already potent combination of healing modalities, which enabled her to fully move-on from pain.
These experiences became the blueprint for her future; thus began her passion for the world of Somatics.
After working as a dance teacher, Certified Personal Trainer (NASM), and Pilates Instructor (PMA-CPT), she returned to school in 2003 to study Dynamic Embodiment with Martha Eddy. This eventually led her to become a Registered Somatic Movement Educator and Therapist (ISMETA), Moving For Life instructor, and a Certified Massage Therapist as Somatic Educator. Yet her education didn’t stop there; as she went on to earn certifications in Yoga, Yoga Tune-Up™, Franklin Method®, and Holistic Life Coaching.
Other teacher-influencers that Melinda has studied with directly include Peggy Hackney, Bonnie Cohen, MaryLou Seeriter, Lenore Grubinger, Anna Halprin, Caryn McCose, Andrea Olson, Jamie McHugh, Mercy Sidbury, Marghe Mills-Thysen, Suzanne Martin, Tom McCook, Teresa Maldonado-Marchok, Susan Bauer, and Dean Juhan.
In 2004 Melinda created The Smart Body™, as she felt the need for holistic movement classes that emphasize body/mind (or somatic) education. Melinda’s distinctive and diverse training is centered on learning how to apply holistic body-mind principles to support the transformational process of embodying optimal health and well-being. Through The Smart Body™, located in Lafayette, east of San Francisco, Melinda joyfully works with a wide range of people recovering from illness, trauma and abuse, injury, childbirth, and orthopedic challenges. Through integrating many somatic and body-mind modalities, she empowers her students with the body skills to make their own smart choices in well-being, movement, and life.
Other teacher-influencers that Melinda has studied with directly include Peggy Hackney, Bonnie Cohen, MaryLou Seeriter, Lenore Grubinger, Anna Halprin, Caryn McCose, Andrea Olson, Jamie McHugh, Mercy Sidbury, Marghe Mills-Thysen, Suzanne Martin, Tom McCook, Teresa Maldonado-Marchok, Susan Bauer, and Dean Juhan.
In 2004 Melinda created The Smart Body™, as she felt the need for holistic movement classes that emphasize body/mind (or somatic) education. Melinda’s distinctive and diverse training is centered on learning how to apply holistic body-mind principles to support the transformational process of embodying optimal health and well-being. Through The Smart Body™, located in Lafayette, east of San Francisco, Melinda joyfully works with a wide range of people recovering from illness, trauma and abuse, injury, childbirth, and orthopedic challenges. Through integrating many somatic and body-mind modalities, she empowers her students with the body skills to make their own smart choices in well-being, movement, and life.
What People Are Saying About
The Smart Body
“Our primary focus has been on developing core strength, but Melinda has also incorporated stretching techniques and massage therapy to promote healing of my athletic injuries.”
— Joel E.
“I think your classes are great and I am moving parts of my body I haven’t moved in years!”
— Susan K.
“I trust Melinda. I have issues with my back and I know I won’t get hurt in her class.”
— Helen M.
“I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1998. The core strength, movement, and joy I've acquired in Melinda's courses have been a key to controlling the progression of my disease.”
— Jerry B.
