I’m beyond grateful for the series of life events that brought Melody to Austin Lymphatic. Her journey in health and wellness began during her undergraduate years at Kansas State University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. It was there that she first recognized her passion for helping others and she became obsessed with the body’s incredible ability to heal. She then pursued a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, MO, where she refined her skills in patient-centered care, tailoring treatment plans to suit each individual’s unique needs and aspirations.

Her passion for the lymphatic system was ignited during her work as an OT specializing in Cancer Rehabilitation. Helping breast cancer patients manage chronic edema through Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) was a transformative experience, inspiring her to become a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT). Working with breast cancer patients, who often experienced chronic edema as a result of various treatments such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, gave her a deep understanding of how lymphatic therapy could improve lives. Witnessing the transformative impact of MLD through alleviating pain, improving range of motion, and fostering overall well-being was truly inspiring.

Driven by a desire to deepen her understanding and expertise in lymphedema management, she made the decision to pursue certification as a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT). This specialized training provided her with advanced knowledge and skills necessary for effectively managing chronic lymphedema, further supporting her ability to provide comprehensive care to her clients.

But she quickly recognized these techniques could be applied towards so many other cases of extreme edema and make a huge difference in the recovery process. One particularly memorable case involved a patient struggling with post-surgical swelling after having a total knee replacement—after a single session with Melody, he regained more range of motion than he had in months. That ability to make a real difference in someone’s healing is what drives her every day.

Melody eventually found herself working at an outpatient lymphedema clinic in Austin, where she managed some of the most extreme cases in the field. However, the constraints of the insurance model left her feeling limited in how she could truly serve her patients and she knew there had to be a better way to provide the level of care she believed in. She joined Austin Lymphatic seeking a setting where she could bring her full expertise and compassion to her work—and we couldn’t be luckier to have her.

From day one, Melody needed almost no oversight. She’s one of those rare practitioners who just gets it—she took off running and has been delivering phenomenal results ever since. She is often the practitioner that other team members send their most challenging cases to.

Melody’s professionalism, expertise, and calm demeanor set her apart. She doesn’t hesitate to think outside the box, always drawing from her deep well of knowledge and creativity. Her resourcefulness ensures that every client receives thoughtful, tailored care designed specifically for their needs.

Whether she’s helping a patient recover from major surgery, managing Lipedema or Lymphedema, working with chronic conditions like chronic venous insufficiency, or helping clients regain mobility after orthopedic procedures, Melody’s commitment and compassion for those she serves are undeniable. Her background in Occupational Therapy combined with her mastery of lymphatic work makes her one of the most well-rounded and effective practitioners I know.

Melody, we all adore you and are so lucky to have you on our team—your presence makes a difference every day, and we’re endlessly grateful for all that you bring to the Austin Lymphatic family.

I’m beyond grateful for the series of life events that brought Melody to Austin Lymphatic. Her jo... Read More

It’s hard not to get overwhelmed with emotion when I think about how incredibly lucky we are to have Dr. Heather Ubiles on our team. She’s not only an exceptional critical (and practical) thinker but also has a natural curiosity and hunger for understanding the underlying cause of why things are the way they are. She has a deep-rooted desire to get to the heart of an issue and fix it at the source. In addition, she has a unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life and instantly put them at ease. Heather’s clients consistently rave about how “seen/heard” and understood she makes them feel—I think this is such a rare and special trait.

Shortly after Heather started working with us, I asked her to spearhead Austin Pelvic Floor Therapy. My own experience at another pelvic floor clinic had left me feeling discouraged (to put it mildly), and I knew there had to be a better, safer space for clients to address these deeply personal issues. Heather was the perfect person to take on this role. She has a way of blending her warmth, insight, and no-nonsense approach to create a safe, welcoming environment for even the most vulnerable conversations. The complexities of the human body just seem to click for her, and she navigates every case with confidence, insight, and grace.

Heather’s path to physical therapy is a reflection of her natural curiosity and love for learning. Growing up, she was an avid soccer player, but frequent injuries sidelined her before college. Those setbacks planted the seeds for her fascination with healing and recovery. After a particularly serious ankle injury led her to physical therapy, she discovered a passion for the mind-body connection and the science of healing. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from The University of Texas at Austin, where she cultivated her love for neuroscience and neuroplasticity—the brain’s incredible ability to rewire and heal itself. For Heather, the idea of combining neuroscience with movement, problem-solving, and human connection was irresistible. It wasn’t long before she completed her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Texas State University and embarked on her career.

During a clinical rotation in Wound Care and Lymphedema CDT at St. David’s, Heather found her true niche in the lymphatic system. She was captivated by its physiology and the profound role it plays in healing and recovery. Recognizing how lymphatic challenges delayed healing for her patients, she pursued certification in Manual Lymphatic Drainage, determined to help her clients feel better and heal faster. Heather brings this same passion for discovery and dedication to every session, empowering her clients to take charge of their health and return to the activities they love most.

Heather’s ideal clients include those dealing with pelvic pain, infertility issues, postpartum discomfort, Lipedema/Lipoedema, breast and pelvic oncological and surgical recovery, or orthopedic physical therapy needs. She loves working with patients post-breast reduction, mastectomy, DIEP flap, bladder lift, hysterectomy, endometrial tissue excision, and more. Her dedication to addressing pelvic health is a defining aspect of her work, but her expertise and passion extend far beyond, and she loves taking on new challenges.

Heather doesn’t just treat the body; she listens, connects, and creates space for her clients to feel genuinely cared for. Since joining Austin Lymphatic, she has built a loyal client base and become a trusted expert in our field. Heather, we are endlessly grateful for you… you have no idea. Your warmth, compassion, and dedication make all of us—and our clients—better every day. We’re so proud to have you here with us.

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At Austin Lymphatic, we pride ourselves on building a team of practitioners who are not only skilled but genuinely dedicated to their clients’ well-being. Leslie embodies just that.

When I first met her, I was immediately struck by her warmth and authenticity. There’s an ease about her that makes people feel comfortable right away—like you’re reconnecting with an old friend.

Before joining the world of lymphatic therapy, she spent over 12 years in the hospitality industry—a background that has given her a remarkable ability to connect with people from all walks of life. That natural sense of care makes her an instant comfort to those around her. After years in the fast-paced world of hospitality, she felt drawn to a career that offered a slower, more intentional pace—one where she could still make a meaningful impact in people’s lives.

Becoming a Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) therapist has proven to be the perfect fit. For her, this work is more than just a career—it’s a calling. She finds immense fulfillment in helping clients manage chronic pain, recover from injuries, and reclaim their sense of balance. Whether someone is seeking relief, relaxation, or just a space to breathe, she offers her clients exactly what they need in the moment. Seeing clients leave her table feeling lighter, calmer, and more at ease fuels her passion for this work every day.

Her technique is thoughtful and intentional, combining gentle, rhythmic strokes with precise, targeted work when needed. Her intuitive care and steady focus allow clients to trust her completely.

She’s especially skilled at supporting clients who are recovering from surgery, using her advanced knowledge of post-operative care to reduce swelling, ease discomfort, and promote faster healing. For those who need a little deeper work, she has a unique ability to provide effective relief without overwhelming the body—always balancing her strength with a keen sensitivity to her client’s comfort.

She also specializes in scar tissue release, body sculpting, and ongoing maintenance for conditions like Lipedema and Lymphedema. Her thoughtful approach allows her to tailor each session to her client’s unique needs, ensuring they receive exactly the care they require to feel their best.

Born and raised in California, Leslie brings a wealth of life experience with her. Having lived in vibrant cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, and even Dubai before settling in Austin, she’s developed a deep appreciation for connection, culture, and community. Her adventurous spirit has taken her to 13 countries (and counting!).

If you’re lucky enough to book a session with her, you’ll be met with compassion, skill, and a genuine desire to help you feel your very best. I’m truly grateful to have her on board. I can’t wait for you to experience her incredible work for yourself!

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Natalie came to Austin Lymphatic from the medical massage world, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a passion for helping others. Her time in an outpatient hospital setting gave her the chance to work on a wide variety of cases, but it also came at a cost. Deep tissue massage was beginning to take a toll on her wrists, and she knew she needed to pivot to a more sustainable path. Around that same time, she discovered the incredible benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and saw firsthand how transformative it could be for her clients.

I’ll never forget watching Natalie during her initial training sessions. You could see her connecting the dots, lightbulbs going off again and again as she fully embraced this technique. Natalie doesn’t just do lymphatic work—she feels it. She has this intuitive ability to sense exactly what a client’s body needs, and her unique approach is profoundly effective. She even has a signature technique where her front hand feels and her back hand takes action—it’s a joy to watch and even more impressive to experience.

Natalie is a powerhouse in every sense of the word. I have no idea where she gets her energy—maybe it’s her “vegan power”—but she moves lymph like nobody’s business. She’s also incredibly educational with her clients, taking the time to explain what they can expect after their sessions and empowering them to take charge of their own wellness. Her clients adore her, and it’s easy to see why so many of them become lifelong regulars.

On a personal level, Natalie is one of the kindest, most compassionate people I’ve ever met. She has a heart of gold and a sense of humor that keeps us all laughing—she’s the office clown in the best possible way. But she’s also someone I can count on for honest advice and camaraderie. Natalie is a true team player, and her presence brightens our clinic every day.

Natalie excels at working with clients recovering from plastic surgery or dealing with post-surgical fibrosis. She’s been doing this work with us for years and has thousands of sessions under her belt. When deeper work is needed, her Ashiatsu skills are a game-changer—it’s a client favorite for good reason. She’s also deeply passionate about oncology massage, combining her certifications and lymphatic expertise to create truly healing and restorative sessions. Beyond that, Natalie has a gift for pre- and postnatal massage and face sculpting, making her a true jack of all trades.

Natalie, you are a treasure, and we’re so lucky to have you on our team and I’m forever grateful that we have crossed paths. Your dedication, talent, and humor make Austin Lymphatic a better place every single day.

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When I think about Steph, I’m reminded of her drive, determination, and passion for learning. From day one, Steph was a go-getter—when she decides to do something, she’s all in. When I met her, she had just completed her intensive Lymphedema Certification, an accomplishment that’s rare among massage therapists and more common in the world of PTs and OTs. But Steph was determined to master all things lymph, and she has never stopped impressing me with her dedication.

Steph’s critical thinking and analytical skills are exemplary, making her particularly adept at tackling tricky cases. She’s not afraid to experiment with different tools, seek outside opinions, or develop tailored solutions to meet her clients’ unique needs. Her list of die-hard clients often talk about her calming and thoughtful nature—she’s always following up to see how a session treated them and continuously refining her approach to achieve the best results.

Steph’s expertise shines brightest in working with post-surgical cases with significant fibrotic tissue, clients with lymphedema, and those who struggle with fluid retention (body-sculpting). She’s also an incredible resource for individuals with Lipedema/Lipoedema. In addition, Steph’s Ashiatsu (barefoot back-walking) skills are top-notch. You can tell that she is profoundly present and intentional with every stroke and it allows you to truly let-go, relax, and melt into the table. Her gentle, calm, and straightforward demeanor makes her an excellent fit for clients seeking both therapeutic and deeply relaxing sessions.

Steph has also developed a love for working on faces. Whether it’s helping clients recover from facelifts, addressing sinus drainage issues, or easing TMJ discomfort, she brings the same level of care and expertise to this work. Her intraoral techniques have proven to be highly beneficial and relaxing for her clients, offering a specialized approach that truly makes a difference.

Steph has brought so much to Austin Lymphatic over the last several years. She’s always thinking of not just how she can do better, but how WE can do better and pushing us to do so. Her presence elevates our practice, and we are truly fortunate to have her on our team.

When I think about Steph, I’m reminded of her drive, determination, and passion for learning. Fro... Read More