2020 was a difficult year for most of us, and Momma Moon Massage and Doula Services was not an exception. By State Mandate we closed in mid-March, and were unable to reopen until August. When we did reopen, it was with limited clients and limited hours, and my fabulous work partner, Suzannah Lake of Go to Health was experiencing her own health crisis during the Pandemic, and hasn’t been able to reopen yet. Then, on October 1st I was exposed to Covid-19, and had to close for another two weeks (fortunately, none of my clients were exposed).
At the onset of the Pandemic, virologists predicted a resurgence of Covid in the Fall/Winter (likely due to weather forcing people back indoors, and people missing vital social interaction), so I was keeping a close eye on our local numbers. Monroe County’s Covid Cases steadily climbed in November to number 10x what we saw in March when the Governor issued a State wide shut down for Public Health. After careful consideration and in light of my Landlord terminating my lease, I permanently closed our South Avenue office on 12/9/2020.
I moved Suzannah’s office equipment, took down our waiting room sign, and packed my office and home. Before the Pandemic was a thing, my friend Heidi and I had thought of making a treatment room at her women’s retreat, New Moon Fox. The Spring of 2021 was looking ideal. The initial plan was to remain closed through December and watch our local numbers, but as the Pandemic moved forward my income was lost, there was uncertainty where and if I would be able to resume my practice, to the point of not being able to pay my bills. Heidi offered me, and others, sanctuary instead.
I took the remainder of December to reflect on the previous year and my coming future. Some of my lost income was replaced by Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, enough to support me and my son, with a lot of help from friends and family. I’m privileged to have a village of people who brought me food, including meat for my pets, lent me cars, and gave me rides. I lost my income, but I realized just how vast and amazing my support network has become over the past few years.
The limited run of PUA was enough for me to survive on, but there are many in our community who this was not the case for, and many sole proprietors and micro business owners are still in danger of losing their businesses. I’m grateful to say, I am not one of them. I have moved my practice to Byron, NY and will begin taking clients in office when I feel comfortable with the Covid numbers in Monroe and Genesee Counties. In the meantime, I have decided to re-open my House-Call Practice, which I think is the safest way for me to help provide massage therapy during the Covid crisis. House call services will remain available after Covid has been resolved.
Thank you all so much for supporting me during 2020. Clients who paid for massages they have not YET received, friends, family and clients who texted, messaged or called randomly to see how I was doing, and if there was ANYTHING they could do to help MADE A HUGE DIFFERENCE in my mental health during the early Pandemic isolation.
If you’d like a massage in your home or if you’d like to learn more, my House Call Policies are as follows:
HOUSE-CALL POLICIES - COVID EDITION
House calls can be booked on Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays.
Minimum of 90 minutes of treatment for one house call, with no maximum. Once I’m in the home I can work on anyone who resides within your household (Partner, Children, Roommates). (Example: a house of 1 receiving a 90 minute massage; a house of 3 each receiving a 60 minute massage; etc.)
Single 60 minute sessions available if booked 2x/month
I bring fully a sanitized massage table, face cradle and bolster(s),
freshly laundered and sanitized linens for each person scheduled for massage, individual containers of lotion, as well as my own hand sanitizer, and disinfectant. You keep any left over massage lotion for future sessions. Empty containers can be exchanged for new containers at future appointments.
The massage equipment will be sanitized upon set up, and after each use, before being used again or loaded into my vehicle.
I wear a mask from the moment I enter your home, until I am back in my vehicle.
I take your temperature and the temperature of anyone receiving massage upon my arrival. I take my own temperature upon waking and before leaving for your massage.
All massage sessions will be pre-paid. If we are unable to hold your massage due to COVID, COVID symptoms, or your being ill, the massage is non-refundable, but I will credit 50% of your session to a future massage. If we are unable to hold your massage due to MY being unwell or having symptoms, 100% of your payment will be credited to a future massage.
I will continue to not accept tips, and at this time I will waive the TRAVEL FEE for your first in home session!
All House-Call appointments must be booked directly with Tree Marino, via text or phone call at (585)441-0945 (Not through Facebook or my website)
When COVID numbers decline (to my satisfaction) I will add a 2nd household to my MWF routine. If you are uncomfortable being a SECOND appointment in a day, please inform me of that at the time of your booking and I will schedule you as the FIRST appointment of the day. I change my clothing in between sessions to lessen the likelihood of any germ spread via my clothing.
For those of you seeking regular in home massage and not wanting to pay a TRAVEL FEE I offer the following options:
You purchase a massage table and accessories. (Decent used tables can be found on FB and I am happy to advise in appropriate price point based on table brand, age and features. If you wish to purchase a NEW table, I can advise on best table for your height, weight, build, and price point as well as storage considerations.)
You purchase 500 or greater thread count linens and a blanket (twin size).
You purchase a heating pad for your table is you so desire.
OR
1. You rent a complete in home table package from me (based on availability) $200 deposit (yes we can work out a payment plan for the deposit):
a. Foldable Massage Table
b. Linens and Blanket (you are responsible for washing according to instructions)
c. Heating Pad
d. Appropriate Bolster's Pillows
Rental option is not available if you have pets.
Travel Fee is based on my actual travel time and costs.
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