Testimonials

Here, with much gratitude on my part, is a selection of testimonials from people who have supported me on my aquatic journey, from fellow students to clients to mentors:

I was a student with Sara at the School of Shiatsu and Massage [1998-2000]. She was one of the brilliant ones, picking up the technique easily and even being asked to assist Harold [Dull, creator of Watsu] in a class. She has not only learned the technique but taken it beyond technique to shamanic presence and compassion in the water. Inika Spence, Healing Dance Practitioner and Instructor (1.16.2010)

I have known Sara, as both friend and water therapist, for some 10 years. Her work is at the very forefront of water based therapy, starting with Watsu and moving on to her own synthesis of new and existing approaches. She works with the utmost sensitivity and skill - always both a delight and deeply effective. Nick Hart-Williams, Film-maker and Director of BeTheChange, UK (12.19.2008)

Sara and I worked together at the same time at The Bath House at the Royal Crescent Hotel in Bath [1998-2000]. I was first employed as an Holistic therapist and it was Sara who gave me the position of Supervisor. During my time with Sara it was apparent that her knowledge of alternative and holistic practices was of the highest standard and far beyond what is usually found in a spa. She introduced me to her chosen therapy, Watsu and I followed that path myself.... Sara created a peaceful calm environment for us all to work in and a beautifully tranquil spa for others to enjoy. Jem Tayle, Holistic Spa Manager, Von Essen, UK (1.18.2010) 

Sara worked with me weekly for several years [2003-7] and it was an extraordinary experience. She created a comfortable, serene, creative and strong environment for both our workout (yoga/Pilates style) and for our water massage sessions. I learned a lot about my body and how to listen to, move and use it. She designed every session to be different and interesting -- and exactly what I needed. She listened carefully to me and my needs -- and remembered details about what I'd said and what we'd done in previous sessions. She's an amazing and gifted professional, extremely personable, and unbelievably competent. These glowing terms apply across the board: in how she runs her business, in the physical place (clean, beautiful, inspiring, simple), in her communications, and in her own skills and expertise. Denslow Brown, local client at Aquaest Retreat, MO (9.8.2009)

I first met Sara as an aquatic bodyworker [2007], but have since grown to appreciate her as a special friend with a unique skill set. As a hands-on practitioner of watsu, Sara brings a deep awareness not only of physiological process, but also the capacity of her work to affect psychological change, and a rich understanding of the spiritual implications of those changes. In addition, she has worked as the manager of a large spa with international clientele; owned, operated and promoted her own successful spa business; and incorporated a genuine ecological ethic into her understanding of water-based spa therapy. Joe Landwehr, MO (12.9.2008)

Sara is clearly outstanding in her profession and exemplifies the best in service, research, teaching, and administration. She has written definitive articles for the Aquatic Therapy & Rehab Institute’s newsletter and website. She has delivered lectures and pool workshops on her specialties. She was excellent in both regards. You will be more than satisfied with her work ethic, the quantity and quality of her work, her quickness in understanding parameters, her planning and foresight, her organizational skills, and her dependability and stability. Ruth Sova, President ATRI (1.21.2010)

Water is the element of unconditional love, of positive self regard, and of pure emotional understanding.  Sulis

Sara is a brilliant and artistic writer. A synthesizer of the empirical, intellectual and the creative aspects of Watsu and other forms of aquatic physical therapy and bodywork, she uses clear, precise analysis. She is able to translate the controversial (and perhaps even immeasurable !?) results of the modalities aquatic physical therapists and aquatic bodyworkers utilize into a cohesive understanding. While questioning and incorporating new paradigms of thinking about what it is we do, she also validates and discusses standard current ways of measuring. Yet she asks us to stretch our minds into envisioning other systems and pathways to 'measuring' the changes and healing we so readily observe-- and so often are unable to categorize in our patients and clients. She has helped me to become more clear in the conceptualization of my work while supporting me as colleague. She is a knowledgeable and caring guide with sharp and excellent tools. I highly recommend her! Kathryne E. 'Keo" Opton-Fox, Watsu Practitioner (2.10. 2010)