Our Values

Our Mission

Through education, we honor the authenticity of natural therapeutics —empowering individuals with knowledge, fostering healing with heart, and inspiring lifelong growth."


Meet the Team


  • Founder

    Essie is a certified massage CE provider with the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. She holds a bachelor’s degree in social science from Washington State University and a master’s degree in public administration from Seattle University. She studied education at Uppsala University in Sweden and has over 25 years of experience in massage and natural therapeutics.

    Essie teaches massage, bodywork, and aromatherapy courses and is the owner and founder of Dreamspace Natural Therapeutics.

    She continues to work full time at her clinic in Yelm WA, and teaches courses over weekends or evenings.

    Lic# MA00012579

    NCBTMB#1001635


  • Tech Instructor

    Gabe Hicks has been a software developer for over 25 years and holds a BS in Computer Science from Evergreen State University. He has worked for startup and Fortune 500 companies in roles from senior architect developer to CTO and VP.

    Gabe teaches tech literacy to help you keep your edge in a world of ever-changing technological advances.


  • Equity in Health

    dr. sarahlloyd

    for the past three decades, dr. sarahlloyd has successfully led teams in k-20 education, social work, human services, workforce development, and public service.


    with this broad range of experiences, 

    there aren't many organizational challenges she hasn't faced...and overcome.


    as a systemically-marginalized human determined to 

    change the world, she has extensive lived-experience navigating the impact of inequitable structures first-hand. every single day. in nearly every way.


    with degrees in advertising, educational leadership & policy, and social justice leadership, she actively blends theoretical information with practical application. 


    this means that dr. sarahlloyd is uniquely positioned to provide support, advocacy, and thought partnership for leaders determined to do dope shit in their communities.


    it's a whole vibe. and so is she.

About the founder

  • About Essie Hicks, MPA, LMT, C-MLD

    Essie Hicks is an award-winning massage therapist and educator with over 25 years of experience in health and wellness. In 2025, she earned a Silver Medal in Sports Massage at the Pacific Northwest Massage Championship.

    She is a proud member of the American Massage Therapy Association and the International Association of Structural Integrators, and she serves as an elected board member of the Alliance for Massage Therapy Education. Essie is also an NCBTMB-approved provider and NY state-certified instructor, teaching since 2000 after completing her apprenticeship at the Alexandar School of Natural Therapeutics.

    Her teaching experience includes, pregnancy massage, clinical sports massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, spa modalities, and manual lymphatic drainage. She has also served on the Washington State Sports Massage Team, trained in martial arts, and volunteered teaching women’s self-defense.

    Beyond teaching, Essie has consulted for spas ranging from boutique to destination, supported nonprofits with retreats and trainings, and continues to specialize in treatment of neck, back, and sports injuries, including work with military personnel and accident recovery.

    With decades of hands-on practice, teaching, leadership, and consulting, Essie brings students a wealth of practical knowledge and inspiration.

    Read more about Essie’s community work in Thurston Talk.

  • Here’s a refined version of your teaching philosophy and classroom expectations. I’ve kept the warmth and inclusivity, but made it more concise, structured, and easy to read:

    My Teaching Approach

    Learning Together
    Information becomes knowledge through practice, discussion, and guidance. My goal is to create a learning environment where every student feels safe, supported, and encouraged to participate.

    Inclusive & Respectful Space

    • Everyone is welcome to show up as their authentic self.

    • I respect all learning styles and neurodiversity.

    • I use gender-neutral and appropriate pronouns, and I welcome feedback if I miss the mark.

    • Cultural sensitivity and kindness guide my teaching.

    Classroom Atmosphere

    • Small class sizes (10–12 students) for personalized attention.

    • Comfortable and flexible environment—you are free to move, fidget, or stand as long as others are not disturbed.

    • Conversations are lighthearted yet professional—I aim for an engaging, not boring, classroom.

    Participation & Consent

    • You are never required to speak; saying “pass” is always fine.

    • Being a body model is voluntary. I always ask for consent and check in during demonstrations. You can change your mind at any time.

    • Receiving bodywork is encouraged—experiencing techniques firsthand helps you grow as a practitioner.

    Teaching Style

    • Practical, evidence-based, and directly applicable to your massage practice.

    • Clear, everyday language—always within scope of massage therapy.

    • Questions are welcome; there are no “dumb” questions.

    • I provide references, research, and resources for the techniques I teach. If the topic is more esoteric, I’ll be transparent about that.

    • I tell stories to aid memory but do not rely on anecdotes as proof.

    Structure & Resources

    • Classes begin with introductions—just a brief way to connect with peers.

    • Group discussions are encouraged; the classroom is a “brain trust” where peers can learn from each other.

    • Workbooks, handouts, and updated video links are included for continued learning.

    • Minimal PowerPoint or board writing—I prioritize demonstrations, hands-on practice, and discussion.

    Your Experience Matters
    I want you to leave each class confident, equipped with skills you can use immediately, and supported by a community of peers. I’ll meet you where you are, and together we’ll make learning both meaningful and enjoyable.

    Would you like me to format this into a student-facing “Class Expectations” handout (something polished for your courses), or would you prefer it to stay as a teaching philosophy statement for your website?

    • ZenBodytherapy ® ZenTriggerpoint Anatomy ® ~ Structural Integration 10 session work, and TriggerPoint Myofascial Release

    • Craniosacral Therapy: Upledger | Biodynamic and Visionary

    • Clinical and Medical Massage | Orthopedic Massage

    • Lymphatic Drainage Massage and Manual Lymphatic Drainage

    • Neuromuscular Therapy

    • Advanced Clinical Sports Massage

    • Aromatherapy and AromaPoint®

    • Accupressure and Shiatsu

    • Hydrotherapy & Spa Modalities

    • Relaxation therapies including energy work, touch therapy and meditation

    • Forest and Nature Therapy

    • Akido, Yoga and Qi Gong

What massage therapists say:

  • Essie is very knowledgeable of the subject and explained techniqes in a simple way. I initially signed up for this course because I was not confident in side-lying massage. This class gave me a lot of confidence and I'm excited to tell my chiropractor to send the pregnant patients my way! Thank you!

    -Bodymechanics School of Myotherapy and Massage CE Student

  • I appreciate Essie's knowledge base and the lengths she's gone to research and create the course. Thanks Essie!

    -M.W

  • This class was great! Really easy to understand and absorb a lot of really good info. I feel much more confident than when I first arrived. Thank you so much!

    -K.R.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people are in your classes?

I keep classes small—usually 4–8, up to 12–16. Smaller groups allow me to prepare quality materials and give each student individual attention.

Do you travel?

Yes. I am nationally certified to teach massage by the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) and many of my classes are approved for New York State. If you have students enrolled and travel costs are reasonable, I can bring my courses to your location.

Do you mentor massage therapists?

Yes. I offer mentorship in a coaching-style relationship, either one-on-one or for small groups. Sessions are billed by time.

What are your classes like?

Before class, I send a detailed questionnaire to learn about your group’s learning styles and goals. I provide both digital and printed materials, which are included in your course fee.

  • Breaks follow NCBTMB guidelines

  • Lunch is not included in class hours

  • An 8-hour course means 8 hours of focused instruction

My teaching is engaging, clear, and designed so you can apply new skills right away. With over 20 years of experience teaching massage therapists, I use proven methods to keep classes dynamic and enjoyable—many students say the time flies by!

After class, you’re welcome to contact me with questions. I also welcome feedback and continually update my courses for the best learning experience.

Contact Us!