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  • Hi, I’m Heather

    Hi, I’m Heather

    I’m Heather Mondier, a licensed massage therapist and the person behind Fount of Wellness.

    I’m also about to turn 40, which feels a little surreal to say. I’m married, I have three beautiful kids, and I grew up right here in Fort Smith. This community has been home for a long time, and I’m really grateful to be building something here.

    I’ve also been through some things.

    I’ve had major weight loss surgery. I’ve spent time in the hospital for my mental health. I’ve had seasons where life felt really hard and I wasn’t quite sure how to find my way back to myself.

    Why tell you that?

    Not because any of those things make me a better massage therapist. They don’t.

    I tell you because I’m a person, just like you. I know what it feels like to have a lot going on, to feel disconnected from yourself, and to need somewhere you can just be for a little while.

    That’s a big part of what I believe massage can offer.

    You don’t have to come to me with a perfect reason for being there. You don’t have to be a certain kind of person. You don’t have to have your life together.

    You can just show up as yourself.

    Everyone is welcome here.

    Massage is a vulnerable experience. You’re trusting someone with your body, your personal space, and often a little bit of your vulnerability too.

    Because of that, I want Fount of Wellness to be a place where you feel welcome regardless of your background, identity, age, body, or circumstances.

    If there’s something I can know that would help you feel more comfortable, please tell me. That might be the name you’d like me to use, your pronouns, how you’d like to be addressed, or simply something that would make your experience feel a little easier.

    You don’t owe me an explanation. Just tell me what you’d like me to know, and I’ll do my best to make you feel comfortable and respected.

    I’m also actively looking for ways to support my community through massage and make Fount of Wellness a place where more people feel like they belong.

    I don’t have everything figured out. I’m still learning, growing, and figuring things out just like everyone else.

    But I know this much:

    You are welcome here.

    Come as you are. I’ll meet you there.

  • The Overthinker’s Guide to Your First Massage

    The Overthinker’s Guide to Your First Massage

    If you’ve never had a massage before, you might have a few questions. What do I wear? Do I have to take everything off? Can I talk? Am I supposed to be quiet? What if I need to use the bathroom? What if I fall asleep?

    You’re not the only one wondering. So here’s everything you need to know before you walk through the door.

    Arrival

    You can arrive 5–10 minutes early for your appointment. Park in the private parking lot outside the building and enter Rejuvenate.

    There’s no need to dress up or wear anything special. Just come as you are.

    You also have the option to take your shoes off when you come in. Welcome in!

    I’ll show you to the treatment room and we’ll talk for a moment about your massage, how you’re feeling that day, and what you need.

    What if I don’t know what I need?

    That’s okay!

    You don’t have to walk in knowing exactly what kind of massage you want or be able to name every muscle that’s bothering you. We’ll talk about how you’re feeling that day, and I’ll help you figure out what makes sense.

    You don’t have to have all the answers before you arrive.

    Undressing

    You’ll be covered with a sheet and blanket throughout your massage. I only uncover the area I’m actively working on, and everything else stays covered.

    “Undress to your comfort level” simply means that you can leave your underwear on if you prefer. It’s about half and half what people choose to do, so there’s no right or wrong choice and you definitely don’t need to feel weird about it.

    If you’re wearing a bra, please remove it so I can have full access to your back.

    I will only uncover the area I’m working on and recover it when I’m finished. At no point will anyone “see you naked.”

    And your toes don’t have to be done. Your legs don’t have to be shaved. You don’t need to look a certain way or prepare yourself before you come in.

    Just come as you are.

    Is the table sturdy enough for me?

    Yes.

    My massage table has a weight capacity of 550 lbs. If you’ve ever worried about whether the table can accommodate you, you don’t need to.

    What happens once I’m ready?

    I have a little doorbell on one of the table legs. Once you’re ready for me to enter, simply press the button and I’ll come in.

    You’ll start facedown with your forehead resting on the headrest. I’ll apply some of my massage oil and begin the massage. We’ll focus on your back for the first 20 minutes or so.

    Can I talk? Can it be silent?

    Whatever you need that day, I’m here for it.

    If you’re looking for an hour of quiet, it’s simple. We’ll just do the massage and not talk. Silence in this setting is completely normal. You don’t have to keep a conversation going just because we’re in the same room.

    But if you’re feeling like socializing during your massage, by all means. I’m here for that too.

    You’re allowed to talk. You’re allowed to be quiet. You’re allowed to change your mind halfway through.

    What if something doesn’t feel right?

    Please say something.

    You can always ask for more pressure, less pressure, a different technique, a temperature adjustment, or a change in position. If something doesn’t feel comfortable, you don’t have to just put up with it.

    You never need to apologize for asking for what you need.

    What happens when I turn over?

    When it’s time to flip over and scoot down, I’ll let you know.

    I’ll secure the sheet and blanket around you so you can turn over without anything showing. You don’t have to figure out the logistics on your own. I’ll walk you through it.

    We’ll start at the head and neck and work our way down the body, again only uncovering the parts that I’m working on at the time.

    Once we reach the feet, I’ll grab some hot towels and wrap your feet in them. We’ll end the session with a relaxing foot massage.

    What if I need to use the bathroom?

    Just let me know!

    You can pause the massage and take care of whatever you need. There’s no need to try to hold it for the rest of the appointment.

    What if I fall asleep?

    Then you fell asleep. 😂

    That’s not a problem at all. In fact, I’ll probably take it as a compliment.

    When the massage is finished

    I’ll let you know the massage is finished and give you some privacy to get dressed.

    Once you’re ready, we’ll meet back in the front and you can take care of payment. I accept cash or card.

    And that’s it.

    There’s no test. No right way to receive a massage. No expectation that you’ll know exactly what to do.

    Just come as you are, tell me what you need, and let me take care of the rest.