Training & Experience

Gina Saka, LMT – Licensed Massage Therapist Since 1999 - Trauma Informed

Professional Education & Certifications

Massage Therapy – The Chicago School of Massage Therapy (CSMT), 1999

• Graduate, Class 45, December 1999

• Extensive training: Anatomy, Physiology, Clinical Massage Therapy, Therapeutic Movement, Stretching, Sports Massage, Pre/Post Event Massage, Kinesiology, Acupressure, Musculoskeletal Pathology, Seated Chair Massage, Career Development, First Aid & CPR

• Student clinic: 30 hours/week each semester

Shiatsu & Thai Massage – The Ohashi Institute / Zen Shiatsu

OhashiShiatsu-Thai Massage - Combined 600+hours continuing education

• Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Shiatsu Levels 1 & 2

• TCM, Moxibustion, Hara & Face Diagnosis, Masunaga Extensions, Flying Shiatsu, Cupping Therapy 1 & 2

• Thai Massage (Northern & Southern Style), Teacher’s Assistant for Southern Thai workshops

• Adjusted senior teacher’s yoga classes

Manual Lymphatic Drainage

• Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist (Vodder Method)

• Certifeid MLD,- Jones Spa Training Academy

• post-surgical lymphatic support-post chemotherapy support

• head & neck lymph drainage

• lymphatic work for immune and recovery support

Other Certifications & Training

• Decolonization workshops within trauma-informed training and individual self-study of anti-racism and social justice training

• Integrative Healthcare Studies: Stress Reduction, Cancer Care, Anxiety Management, Digestive & Endocrine Systems and Trauma

• Reflexology, Acupressure, Shoshin Shiatsu, Chinese Medicine, Aromatherapy, Indian Head Massage, Zero Balance Therapy, Polarity Therapy

• Professional Training in Trauma-Informed Care Healing Sexual Trauma,

• Professional Training in Trauma-Informed Yoga and Meditation for Sexual Assault Survivors

  
  

Yoga, Somatic Movement, Wellness & Fitness Training

• Temple of Kriya Yoga – 200-hour Teacher Training, 2007 (Alignment, Restorative & Yin Yoga)

• Yogaview – 200-hour Teacher Training, 2008

• Taught yoga, meditation, and bodywork workshops at: Namaskar Yoga Studio, Yogaview, Yogaview WP, Shri Yoga Center, One Key Yoga, Spring Wellness, Equinox Gold Coast & Lincoln Park

• Lululemon Ambassador – 2011

• Group Fitness & Yoga Instructor – Chicago Athletic Clubs, Lincoln Square, Lakeview Lincoln Park, , Bucktown, and Webster Place, Equinox Lincoln Park & Gold Coast.

• Yoga in the Park for Lulu, Chicago and Free in store yoga class at Lulu– circa 2010

• Taught guided breath work and Meditation class-designed to help students tap into breath work to regulate

  nervous system.

• Styles of yoga taught: Vinyasa Flow, Asthanga Power Flow, Yoga for

  Runners, Hatha, Hatha Flow, Yoga Basics/Beginner and Advanced, Yin yoga, Pranayama

  (guided breath work), Restorative Yoga and Meditation.

• Certified Personal Trainer -circa 1998. Not practicing.

Workshops & Teaching Highlights-Thai Massage & Bodywork Workshops

• July 2008 – Yogaview: “Thai Massage for the Table” for massage therapists

• July 2008 – Chi-Town Shakti: “Thai Massage for the Table” for massage therapists

• January 2010 – Yogaview: “Intro to Thai Bodywork” for all levels

• January 2010 – Chi-Town Shakti: “Intro to Thai Bodywork” for all levels

• July 2010 – DePaul University: Thai Massage Workshop

Additional Studies

• Intuitive & Energy Development Trainings – Trainings were 6 months each-10 years of study on Female Empowerment & Agency 

• Reiki I & II Certifications

• My background also includes studies in intuitive and spiritual development, which have deepened my ability to listen, hold space, and support clients with presence and care.