Meet the Artist: Erika Lafever

By Amber FordThe Mountain Times

When one thinks about art and its various forms, the mind typically wanders to watercolors, photography, and acrylics. But art is fickle and unique and comes in all shapes, sizes, styles, and techniques. Perhaps one of the most unique variations includes the human body and all of its fabulous, strenuous, and miraculous movements, pains, and healings.

It takes a special kind of artist with specific skills to maneuver the body and that is exactly why local massage therapist Erika Lafever is considered an artist to the highest degree. A certified massage therapist in Oregon since January of 2023, Lafever finds her work to not only be therapeutic to the individuals she works on, but helpful to her own peace of mind. After attending the Costa Rica School of Massage, Lafever became addicted to helping others manage pain and progress within their own bodies.

After a nearly fatal car accident, Lafever was prescribed massage therapy as a means of healing her body and claims that experience guided her to where she is now. “Massage was paramount to my healing journey: it was an answer outside of big pharma and I feel that is one of the most important messages I could convey to others in pain,” Lafever said. “During the first massage I ever received, I just knew this was my calling,” Lafever added. “Call it a premonition, deja vu or fate, but I have never felt so sure about anything in my entire life,” Lafever said.

Although science and modern medicine play a role in the many techniques and skills it takes to become a massage therapist, Lafever acknowledges the valuable artistic methods touch can have on the body. “Touch in and of itself is unique. It cannot be imitated or recreated and no two sessions are the same. To me, it’s a complex dance of presence, trust, listening, movement, intuition, and the right techniques,” Lafever said. “I combine scientific knowledge in human anatomy and intuitive skill to provide a personalized therapeutic and transformative experience. By turning my massage table into a sound table, my clients get to experience sound therapy while receiving bodywork, making the massage itself a powerful and immersive experience,” Lafever added.

A resident of the Mt. Hood Villages since 2014, Lafever has spent time in other states and countries, but always manages to find her way back to the mountain, using her skills and art to work on different individuals with a variety of issues. “This mountain really paved my way into the sports medicine world,” Lafever said. Although she has many local clients in her practice in The Rendezvous Plaza, through her connections with work at Timberline Lodge, Lafever also has had the privilege of working on Olympic athletes. “Being located on Mt. Hood has opened the door to working with Olympians,” Lafever said. “I’ll be applying soon to work at the Olympic Training center in Colorado Springs with a goal of making the sports medicine team for the future olympics,” Lafever added. 

While the art of massage therapy is Lafever’s professional passion, she also finds time to practice other art forms. Creating music, acting, and painting are just a few of her hobbies, along with her favorite winter pastime, snowboarding. And while Lafever’s practice and client list continues to grow, she deeply respects and admires the community that helped pave her professional path. “I would never be able to run this business without the support of this incredible community. From the bottom of my heart I just want to say thank you to my incredible clients; to be successful in my endeavor as a licensed massage therapist truly takes a village,” Lafever said. 

For more information on Lafever’s practice or to schedule an appointment please visit www.VillagebodyworkLLC.com or email her at Villagebodyworkllc@gmail.com.