Hi, I’m Jess the founder of
Root to Heal,
Healing rooted in nature, nervous system support, lived experience, and genuine human connection.
Rooted in Nature
Since I was a little girl, I’ve always felt most at home in nature.
I spent my childhood building fairy houses beneath bushes, collecting flowers and herbs, wandering through forests and fields, and completely immersing myself in imagination and the natural world.
I was fascinated by folklore, healing, magic, and nature-based stories — from Flower Fairies and The Faraway Tree to Practical Magic and tarot cards. That sense of wonder never truly left me.
I was raised by my grandparents from birth, my nana encouraged my creativity and curiosity, while my grandad taught me practical skills, resilience and a deep appreciation for learning. Together, they shaped both the nurturing and grounded sides of who I am today.
The Beginning of My Healing Journey
When I was 20, my grandad was diagnosed with motor neurone disease. I moved back home to help care for him as his condition progressed.
Supporting someone you love through such a devastating illness changes you deeply. During that time, I discovered how powerful touch, comfort, and human connection can be.
I began researching massage and the ways it could help support people living with neurological conditions — easing cramps, supporting circulation, reducing stress, and simply helping someone feel cared for.
I started studying anatomy and physiology before qualifying as a massage therapist shortly after my grandad passed away.
His experience continues to inspire the compassionate and supportive approach I bring to every client today.
Understanding Trauma & the Body
After years of suppressing grief and emotional stress, I unexpectedly began experiencing neurological symptoms myself, including numbness, weakness, and loss of sensation in parts of my body.
Multiple scans and tests failed to provide clear answers, and the experience left me frightened and emotionally exhausted.
Over time, I slowly recovered — and later came to understand how deeply emotional trauma, chronic stress, and unresolved grief can affect the nervous system and physical body.
That experience completely changed the direction of my work.
I became deeply fascinated by the connection between emotional wellbeing, stored trauma, the nervous system, and physical symptoms. This led me to further training in somatic therapy, myofascial release, nervous system regulation, trauma-informed healing approaches, and body-based therapies.
Healing With Compassion
Having personally experienced grief, trauma, anxiety, burnout, and emotionally difficult periods in life, I understand how overwhelming it can feel to become disconnected from yourself.
My work is rooted in creating safe, supportive spaces where people can slow down, reconnect with their bodies, release tension, and begin healing gently and without judgement.
I’m especially passionate about supporting people navigating stress, emotional overwhelm, trauma, nervous system dysregulation, and long-term tension held within the body.
Life in the Forest
Today, I live surrounded by nature with my dog and continue to deepen my knowledge of herbalism, nervous system healing, bodywork, and holistic wellbeing.
Root to Heal combines everything that has shaped my journey — nature, compassion, practical healing, nervous system support, massage, herbal wisdom, and emotional wellbeing.
My goal is simple: to help people feel safe, supported, calmer, and more connected to themselves.
Qualifications
Anatomy & Physiology, Pathology, Swedish Massage, Reiki Master, Sports Massage, Myo-Fascia Release, Trigger Point Therapy, Lymphatic drainage, Kinesiology taping, pregnancy or pre-natal massage, Herbalist, Somatic Integration, Somatic Processing, Somatic Meditation, Trauma informed weight loss, Nutritional Weight Loss, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Obtained over 18 years of learning and growing.