- Biography

You can go just about anywhere to get a massage in Santa Fe; if you want a treatment that will really advance your health, come to me. Listening to your body is what I am most passionate about and most skillful at.

A teacher once said to me: "My dear, someday, you will look back on your life and all the pieces that don't seem to fit right now, will look like the most beautiful Victorian patchwork quilt." What I see in this moment, is that as a seven year old, I attempted to create a vegetable cookie. It was truly awful, but I have since studied Whole Foods Nutrition, and am currently developing fresh canine treats as preventative medicine as well as special snacks for arthritic and hypoglycemic dogs . . . Puppy Jack fully approves of all my canine cuisine.

Long before I learned that my cooking was tolerable only to dogs, I studied philosophy at St. John's College in Santa Fe, where I learned from Plato, among other things, to meet people where they are. Thinking that academics was my forte, I went on to the University of Chicago, building an M.A. program in social science, attempting to understand how we experience space as a result of computer technology. It was there, in an unholy cerebral frenzy, that I began the study of Tai Chi, TriYoga, and Vipassana, in attempt to save myself from anxiety overload, and realized that I could only finish the M.A. when I had a deeper understanding of what it meant to be in my own body! Off to Heartwood Institute, where I taught yoga and studied bodywork for a year. It changed everything. Yet, at the end, I had no plans and no money. On a boat from an interview on Catalina Island, where I had a job offer and housing, my hands fell into a mudra which is about surrendering to the universe. Admitting that I did not know what to do next, I got off the boat, I took a left in L.A., and arrived in Santa Fe just in time for thunderstorm season.

Another good piece of advice I received early on, was to accept whatever challenges and possibilities came my way. I do. And this is how the pieces begin to come together.

"Her movements are absolutely seamless!"
- Marlene, St. John's College Santa Fe

TriYoga® Basics
Experience your own flow.
Transform your bodymind with
this gentle, restorative yoga
for all levels. Emphasizes
natural alignment and raising
energy up the spine; integrates
body, breath, and spirit to feel
the deep pulse of your own rhythm.


Wild Orchid TriYoga classes are limited in size so that each student receives personalized instruction, allowing you to progress safely and at your own pace. Whether you choose private sessions, or invite a few friends, you will work closely with me, developing a practice that meets your individual needs.

"...but I'm not interested in just a massage; I need Melanie."" Ayelet, San Diego Psychologist

As part of creating a wholesome space for clients, Wild Orchid only uses
organic and unrefined base oils, essential oils, salves, and beeswax.

Sessions are 1-3 hours, depending on your needs. My work is a blend of the forms described below. In special sessions, you may also request a migraine or cold and flu treatment.

Deep Tissue
Deep palpation at your comfort level. Relieves muscular tension and chronic pain. Integrative, intuitive flow.

Connective Tissue
Works on fascia, the network of tissue that wraps every muscle and connects to every cell in your body. Helps correct structural misalignments.

Zen Shiatsu
Pure relaxation and indulgence. Balances internal organ systems and can relieve many common complaints such as sinus, cold and flu, migraines etc. Clothed massage.

Reiki
Channel universal light energy. Healing touch with the heart. Because the Reiki is always in my hands, I usually integrate this work with other modalities.