Jill Brecht, LMT, CPT
Owner | Founder
Welcome! I spent over 20 years as a PT assistant in various orthopedic outpatient clinics. Peers and clients have told me I bring a unique personal touch that cannot be taught. ”Healer", "gifted" and someone they "trust", are just several descriptions.
While I served in the USAF, as a PT assistant, I sustained severe injuries that ended my tour of active duty. After breaking many bones in my lower legs and feet, I reluctantly yielded to a life of chronic pain and loss of recreational activities. I endured multiple surgeries, but the relentless pain continued . Many health professionals did not seem to understand or acknowledge the chronic pain, limited mobility and depression that sets in when you lose your autonomy. I was told to live with it, to rely on prescription medication, and eventually, face surgery again.
Fifteen years after the accident, I met my mentor, Rich Pike, a Physical Therapist of 42 years who specializes in the management of chronic pain. Rich studied and co-treated with John Barnes, the father of MFR. With his techniques, experience and education, I no longer needed to use a cane! Guess what? For the first time in 15 years, my pain was no longer the first thing on my mind! I’m not 100%, but I’m 90 % better! That's when I knew I needed to change my focus to helping people manage their chronic pain. I could no longer accept my clients having to hear, from other medical professionals, "you just have to live with it" .
Another aspect of chronic pain that is not addressed enough in the medical community is the negative influence of scars and fascial adhesions in your body.
Scars from accidents and surgeries can change your alignment, limit your function and prolong chronic pain. As an LMT, I’m able to integrate these techniques into massage as appropriate.
Originally from Evansville, IN, I've lived in Spokane for a total of 17 years. I’m also a graduate of Purdue University with a Bachelor’s degree in business. Later, through the USAF, I received my Associates in PT. I’m now an LMT, specializing in caring for people.
As a Certified Personal Trainer, I can teach you how to functionally use your core throughout your daily activities. Learning how to effectively use your core can help prevent falls, maintain proper alignment , and improve strength as we age.
Nora Comito, LMT
I found massage therapy after training as a yoga instructor in Bali. This month -long training gave me a taste of holistic wellness, inspiring me to further my education by becoming a massage therapist. Utilizing my background in yoga, I focus on bringing a peaceful and meditative atmosphere for my massage clients .
My emphasis on the whole person approach fuels my desire for continuing education. I have a passion for this field and realize the opportunities to learn and enhance my abilities to help others are endless!
Carla Eagleburger, LMT, COTA/L
Glad you’re here! My name is Carla and I was brought to bodywork through my role at an outpatient pediatric clinic as an occupational therapy assistant. The techniques we used focus on the brain and body connection. I wanted to learn more, so I enrolled in Therapeutic Connections Massage School to further my knowledge and increase my ability to treat across the lifespan.
I’ve treated individuals from 6 months to 96 years of age with varying goals and diagnoses. I'm so happy to be part of your self-care journey and I look forward to meeting you.
Bailee Smith LMT, LPN
Hello friends! Good to have you here. I became licensed as a massage therapist about two and half years ago, graduated May of 2019, after my husband and I got stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base here in Spokane. I had known for a very long time that I always wanted to be a nurse, but massage therapy came into my life and brought so many blessings and friends! It ended up being the crucial first step to my entering the healthcare world that brought so many necessary lessons and preparations for what lie ahead. It changed the way I see the body, mind, and soul as one and how I always want to give care to the whole person.
With having gained so much knowledge through my massage therapy program, I did continue on to pursuing nursing as well. Working as a massage therapist during my entire nursing program. I graduated with my Practical Nursing certificate from North Idaho College in July of 2020 during the pandemic (that was a wild ride) and have been practicing as both a massage therapist and nurse since then!
I believe so strongly in the need for both functional, holistic medicine and modern medicine to each have their place at a certain time and for different circumstance. When able to be utilized together I have seen it be the best of both worlds!
I look forward to taking care of you in any way I can here at Yaya’s whether it be foot massage and reflexology, full body relaxation massage, or even prenatal massage. Let’s heal and stay well together.
Yaya
Originally named Tala, she morphed into Yaya!