Testimonials: 

1. I had a lovely massage with Molly right after taking her yoga class and was impressed with her deep knowledge and nurturing in both.  Molly is highly attuned to her clients' experience and needs, making adjustments as necessary, and communicating fully throughout the massage.  Her talented hands left an impression on my muscles that lasted for several days.  I look forward to tapping her services again soon.
--c.r. 04/09

2. Molly is great at finding the spots that really need work, and she has an excellent sense for how much pressure you can take. An hour on her table left me feeling tremendously relaxed - I'll definitely be back.
--j.s. 04/09

3. Molly brings new meaning to the term "the perfect massage". She offers a variety of modalities (Thai, deep tissue, Swedish, injury treatment, pregnancy massage...), and is absolutely the Finest Bay Area hands in each style. She gives just the right amount of pressure, and is sort of empathic in the sense that she knows just what you need when you need it.

Every time I finish receiving a massage from Molly I feel refreshed, rejuvenated, and basically fantastic all over. Her anatomy knowledge is excellent, which gives her the ability to understand how different aches and injuries occur throughout the body and how they should be treated. I recommend the 90 minute massage option, as it's totally worth it. Once you're there on the massage table being massaged like royalty, you won't want it to be over!

Molly is also a kickin'  yoga teacher and you can schedule a massage before or after yoga on some days and the get the Super Duper Double Vitality Special and really take care of your body.
--j.p. 05/09

4. I've got three words for you:

Heated.  
Massage.
Table.

That's just part of the fantasticness that is a massage from Molly.  I've received bodywork from plenty of folks, and Molly's touch is excellent. She's very intuitive, warm and friendly. She integrates different techniques and pressure levels very smoothly, and was very responsive to my request that she treat my neck gently.

Molly's a rockstar in my book!
--a.b. 05/09

5. I've been meaning to give a hearty endorsement of our dear Molly ever since I got a massage from her a few weeks ago.  Friends, this is a very powerful healer we have in our midst!  She does not [mess] around!  She is calming and caring while still staying professional, focused, and rigorous.  Her knowledge of anatomy is impressive to say the least, and you can feel her wisdom in her practice.  I get sore and out-of-wack from playing viola, but I have had so much less pain and better range of motion after getting one (one!) massage from Molly.  No joke. 
--s.h. 05/09

6. Molly is attentive, firm, and gentle all at once.  A great experience that leaves me feeling revitalized every time.  I only wish she was closer to my house.  Highly recommended.
--m.p. 05/09

7. Molly is an amazing massage therapist, hands down! I just had my first massage with her and was so pleasantly surprised. I have had some massages in which it seemed like the therapist was not really present- kind of checked out. Not so with Molly! She really pays attention the whole time she is working on you. It really felt like the massage was created specifically for my body, paying attention to my own unique issues. She has great energy and really offers a healing space.
--s.s. 06/09

8. Receiving bodywork from Molly was a truly enlivening experience.  It was one of those stressful times in life when I was really hoping for a gentle rub that was relaxing and soothing.   Molly gave me the most delicious relaxing all over body rub!   At the same time Molly intuited my current injuries, communicated with me clearly regarding the anatomy that was creating my discomfort and was able to release & relieve some severe pain in my shoulder from a repetitive stress yoga injury.  It was the first time in years I felt relief in my shoulder!  After this experience I realized how important this self-care treatment is for an athletic body and I hope to go back to her for many more healing sessions in the future.  I highly recommend this kind, strong and empathic healer!!
--k.r. 08/09

From Psoas Reviews, a former employer:

9. I came in feeling super stressed and when I emerged an hour later, I was in a sincere state of bliss. Not just that "oh I just pampered myself and it was nice"-type of bliss. No sir (or ma'am). This was the "WOW. WOW. WOW."-type of bliss. Not only did my body feel amazing, but my whole mental state felt vastly improved. It was like a cloud had been lifted. The best part? The effect was lasting. That is a true accomplishment.
--j.k. 08/07

10. My massage was with Molly, who was awesome.  She very smart, answered all my questions like...what muscles is that? what does it do? It was relaxing and she used this sensational stuff on my neck for the end of the massage. I was totally relaxed and felt rejuvenated and at the same time she had really worked on the areas where I was experiencing problems.  She even gave me some homework...to help out with my should issue.   When I was done, I walked out to the office and there way my bike waiting for me.

Wonderful. I'm looking forward to my next one.  Warning: you will want to go again.  Be prepared.
--s.s. 04/07

11. I often have back issues, stemming from a college injury, compounded by horrible posture and computer use at least 8-12 hours/weekday.  When I'm tired and my back starts to ache, I'll often call them up and book an appointment.  Although I've never had anything but a great experience here, Molly has been the most helpful.  Not only do I walk out of there with my back pains all gone, everytime I go, she gives me exercises (call it homework) so I avoid reoccurences.  I almost feel bad doing them cuz that just means I go back less frequently (though I still go back).  She definitely listens to your needs- I would highly recommend her. 
--r.g. 04/07

12. I ran the SF marathon a week before my massage...My masseuse Molly was fantastic - she was very knowledgeable and explained the possible causes of some aches and pains - and best of all gave me some suggestions of ways to prevent and/or alleviate future issues.
--c.e. 08/07

From SF Gate Reviews:

13. Fantastic hands!

I love Molly's energy. I was having back problems and she was sensitive to my "spots". I have gone to her three times and would recommend her 100%.

--c.d. 05/09

14. Professional, knowledgeable and very effective

I've been going to Vitality for several years, and I have tremendous respect for Molly. She works diligently to expand her expertise by regularly taking classes in new techniques. Her study pays off for me; I find that she combines the techniques skillfully, finding new ways to repair my cranky muscles and tendons. She's also a genuinely sweet, respectful person, which makes the experience that much better. Highly recommended.

--j.c. 04/09

Background & Education:

A little bit about me and my massage practice:  My career in massage began in 2002 when I attended a 1000 hour licensing program at the Brian Utting School of Massage in Seattle, WA.  After graduation, I have actively pursued over 300 hours of continuing education in massage techniques and yoga, including studying advanced techniques in deep muscle therapy in Seattle, as well as spending a month in Northern Thailand studying the ancient art of Thai Yoga Massage.  Over the years it has been my pleasure to work in such distinguished establishments as the Washington Athletic Club Spa in Seattle, and Psoas Massage and Bodywork in San Francisco.  Currently, I am enjoying running my private practice; Vitality Bodywork in the El Cerrito.  One of the greatest things about having a career in bodywork is the never-ending opportunities to learn more, and I embrace the chance to be a perpetual student of the healing arts.

In February of 2009 I spent a month in southern Brazil studying Vinyasa Yoga with David Lurey of Find Balance Yoga.  I completed a 200 hour Yoga teacher certification course under David and in the company of 25 amazing students from around the globe.  It was an incredible experience and an exciting next step on my path as a yoga practitioner.  In the mid-90s I began practicing Bikram-style hot yoga, and have since studied a variety of hatha yoga styles, including Astanga yoga and Anusara-inspired yoga.  I have had the pleasure of learning under many wonderful teachers including Troy Lucero in Seattle, and David Schlussel in Berkeley. 

Teaching yoga brings me great joy, and I am eternally grateful to my students as they teach me so much every day.  I try to keep my classes interesting and challenging for all levels and abilities, and hopefully spreading the joy of yoga to those I teach.  Currently, I teach 3 daytime classes at Bridges Rock Gym in El Cerrito.  Classes are only $10 and you do not need to be a member to attend yoga classes there.  Bridges is a great place with tall bouldering walls, slack-lining, and yoga.  There is a great cafe upstairs and they even offer childcare!  I am available for private yoga instruction, as well, at my home studio in El Cerrito.

I am continually fascinated and inspired by the human body's potential for healing and change.  I consider it both a joy and a privilege to assist others in relieving pain and reaching their fitness goals through massage and exercise.  I utilize a combination of techniques to provide a customized treatment session for each individual client thus providing the maximum benefit for his or her specific needs.

When I'm not practicing bodywork I enjoy long hikes outside, riding my bike, dancing, and practicing yoga.  I also enjoy learning and sharing knowledge about nutrition, cooking, and eating local, organic food.  My other career passion is green building and ecological design.  I relish living in Northern California, where there is so much happening right now in the world of natural building, sustainable design, and permaculture.