Iris Waterlin

Licensed Massage Therapist (she/her)

Personality: Compassionate, intense, curious and playful

Certifications: Licensed massage therapist (LMT) with State of Oregon Board of Massage Therapists, Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals, Kinesiology Taping Practitioner FMT Basic (Rocktape), Manual Lymph Drainage Vodder Technique (Academy of Lymphatic Studies), Functional Movement Screen FMS 1 (Functional Movement Systems), Cupping and Gua Sha (All One Acupunture)

Education: East West College of the Healing Arts, California Healing Arts College

About me

I have been working as a licensed massage therapist since 1994, and full-time since 2012. What a joy and honor it is to be a hands-on part of so many folk’s journey with their bodies! Before 2012, massage was a part-time job, and I worked in both clinical and administrative positions in women’s health and oncology.

I have always been a biology, anatomy, and physiology nerd, and I love bringing that to the table with my clients. Being curious and getting to the source of the movement patterns that make up the shape and function of our bodies is what really makes me tick. I work actively with my clients—asking questions and offering guidance and insight—so we can get to the source of the patterns causing discomfort or keeping us from moving optimally through our full ranges of motion.

I use a range of techniques, from compression and decompression to passive and active range of motion, along with a mix of good old-fashioned myofascial recovery and relaxation techniques. I incorporate breathwork into my sessions because, just like in your workouts, if you’re not breathing well and managing internal pressure in your body, compensatory bracing patterns will form.

Having the opportunity to work at Hyatt Strength + Wellness is a dream come true because true integration and change are possible only when the work we do on the table together is put into practice with active movement! Having a coach who knows you, tracks your progress, and encourages you to reach the next level means the work we do together will have a lasting and profound impact.

I adore working with clients long-term: getting to know them, making a map together, tracking their progress, and celebrating their achievements and milestones.

My own health journey and love of staying in motion has helped me manage hypermobility and aging while working a physically demanding job. Working one-on-one with coaches and personal trainers over the years has helped me more than any single medical professional. I attribute this to the long-term relationship, quality, and commitment of these partnerships.

I’ve dabbled in a wide range of fun ways to maintain strength and fitness. I played basketball and volleyball in high school. I have done some long-distance cycling; completing the Seattle to Portland (STP) ride was a proud accomplishment. I’ve run two marathons and many shorter-distance races, rowed crew, and been on a dragon boat team. I’ve trained in Olympic weightlifting, hiked, and taken kiteboarding lessons. I’m not an accomplished athlete in any of these activities, but they have made my life infinitely better and richer. My current loves are outdoor swimming, paddleboarding, and dance. I’ll never say no to lifting heavy with friends—unless it’s at the beginning of my workday, because I need my strength to serve my clients!