How long have you been a member of the Black Health Network, and what drew you to CBHN?

I became a member of the California Black Health Network in 2026. I was drawn to CBHN because of its commitment to advancing health equity and creating opportunities for Black health professionals to connect, collaborate, and advocate for healthier communities throughout California.

What is your current profession?

I am a Medical Massage Therapist, Educator, and Founder of Aligned Healing, a wellness practice focused on helping individuals better understand and care for their bodies through therapeutic massage, movement education, and self-care strategies.

From your perspective, what barriers exist in achieving health equity for Black Californians?

One of the greatest barriers is access. Not only access to healthcare services, but access to education about preventative care and wellness practices. Many people seek care only after pain, stress, or illness has become severe. I also believe there is a gap in awareness around therapeutic services such as massage therapy and nervous system regulation, which can play an important role in reducing stress, improving physical health, and supporting overall well-being. 

Health equity requires creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and empowered with the knowledge and resources necessary to participate in their own healing.

Both in your work and with CBHN, how have you been able to prioritize the health of Black Californians?

Through my work, I advocate for massage therapy and body-based wellness practices as valuable tools for health maintenance rather than simply luxury services. I regularly educate clients about the relationship between stress, pain, movement, and long-term health outcomes.

In the future, I hope to expand this work through community workshops and educational programs that help Black Californians better understand their bodies, reduce preventable pain, and develop sustainable self-care practices. 

What inspires you to keep doing the work you do?

What inspires me most is witnessing healing happen on multiple levels. While many people think of massage therapy as work that only affects muscles and the body, I have seen firsthand how healing can influence the nervous system, mindset, and overall quality of life.

The human body is incredibly complex, and I am continually inspired by the connection between physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Being able to support people through evidence-based healing modalities and help them reconnect with themselves is deeply meaningful to me.

What’s the bravest thing you’ve ever done?

The bravest thing I have ever done was leaving my job in April 2026 to fully commit to building and operating my own business.

Entrepreneurship requires faith, resilience, and a willingness to step into uncertainty. Choosing to trust my vision and dedicate myself fully to the work I believe in was both the most challenging and the most rewarding decision I have made.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

“The blueprint lives within you. You just have to let the world become quiet enough for it to reveal itself.”

That advice reminds me to trust my intuition, remain grounded, and create space for reflection. Some of our greatest answers come when we slow down enough to listen.

What does healing mean to you?

Healing, to me, is the process of returning to yourself. It is not simply the absence of pain or illness, but the restoration of balance between the body, mind, and spirit. True healing happens when we create the conditions for growth, awareness, and connection within ourselves and our communities.

How can people learn more about your work and mission?

Healing doesn’t stop when a massage session ends. My mission is to help people better understand the relationship between the body, mind, and overall well-being through education and therapeutic care. Those interested in learning more can follow my work through Aligned Healing, where I share wellness education, self-care practices, and resources designed to help people take a more active role in their healing journey.