Hi, I’m Lindsay Voorhees!

I help people with chronic health issues partner with their right-now bodies and find a sustainable, kinder way of being.

I can help you meet your body where it is and learn new ways to cope and adapt, so you can get back to the activities that make you come alive.

I am a licensed occupational therapist, wellness coach, and certified Kripalu yoga teacher.

I worked for years in clinical, hospital-based settings and currently am on faculty with the Occupational Therapy Doctorate program at Duke University.

I consider myself a lifelong learner and integrative practitioner. Here are the important ways I’ve trained and prepared for serving my clients holistically:

CREDENTIALS & TRAINING

  • Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy, UNC Chapel Hill

  • Dance/Movement Therapy graduate courses, Lesley University

  • Dance for PD® Teacher Training, Mark Morris Dance Group

  • Sensory-Enhanced Yoga for Self-Regulation & Trauma Healing

  • 200-Hour Teacher Training, Kripalu School of Yoga

  • Rest & Renew Restorative Yoga Training with Judith Lasater

My Story

I was lucky to spend a lot of time with my grandmother when I was growing up. One of our favorite activities was going on walks together in the neighborhood. I would hold her hand, always cool even in the heat of Southern California – and then I’d let go to investigate and collect things that captured my interest.

(Her pockets quickly became laden with pebbles, flowers and such, until she wisely began bringing along a bag, particularly for the pinecones!) 

In some ways, I am still that little girl, exploring the world around her, discovering treasures, and sharing them with others. One of my greatest joys is to continually learn and offer different approaches to clients as they navigate life with chronic and complex health issues.

I grew up knowing that curiosity and connection were good things.

Even though I always loved reading and was a self-proclaimed nerd in school (yes, I was the one who asked for extra homework!), I learned early on how to explore the world around me – and my own internal world – in embodied ways as well.

From the rhythmic laps of swim team practice to the melodies of after-school choir rehearsals,  I had the opportunity (and the privilege) to try different things, to experience being in my body in a variety of ways. 

And then I found dance. 

By age 13, I was dancing everywhere I could: at the ballet studio 4-5 times a week; in school dance concerts; with a group at church; and anywhere I could find room at home (despite my mom’s concern that my enthusiastic jumps might break the couch). Though the ballet world can be fraught, especially in terms of messaging about body image, I loved it and the technique I gained there opened up many avenues to deepening my dance practice with more freedom down the road.

Dance has always been much more than exercise or sport for me – it is a homecoming. 

When I’m dancing, I am completely focused on the present moment. If I am showing up that week/day/hour with big feelings, they can find a channel of expression through the movement, through my body. I feel most myself when I’m dancing because I don’t have to explain myself, make sense of everything, or figure out the next plan for my life. There is only the next move, the next breath.

And this is what I’m honored to offer my clients, even if our time together doesn’t center movement practices: the tools, space, and support to navigate the challenges of your health issues with creativity, curiosity, and compassion.

My Core Values
(as a Helping Professional and Human)

  • Authenticity

    It matters to me that my actions align with my deeply-held values, including advocating for what is right and helping people flourish. I appreciate the relationships and spaces that allow me to show up just as I am — and this is what I hope to create for my clients.

  • Self-Compassion

    Being a human is hard. As poet Nayyirrah Waheed writes, “be easy // take your time // you are coming home to yourself.” You don’t have to have it all figured out (none of us do). I think the important question is: How can you stay present to your experience with kindness?

  • Connection

    We are not made to go it alone. The journey is much more manageable (and even joyful!) when we have others to encourage us and celebrate the wins with, no matter how big or small. I enjoy intentionally bringing people together and seeing the magic that can happen.

  • Rest

    As a recovering perfectionist, I am an eternal student of what I teach: Your worth is not defined by your productivity. I love when somebody tells me they heard my voice saying, “It’s okay to slow down, to listen to your body and rest.” (No hustle, grind or bootcamp vibes here!)

  • Creativity

    I think creativity is a way of life (and it’s not just for artists). Thinking and moving outside the box can bring new insights, which is why I love integrating different approaches and modalities. It’s not about finding all the right answers. It’s about getting messy and improvising as you go!

  • Balance

    To me, balance looks like having time and energy for the activities and people that matter most. (It also means sometimes having a big quinoa kale salad followed by a big scoop of cookie dough ice cream!) I think it’s important to honor the different seasons of our lives.

You’ll find I do things a bit differently…

My unique blend of (neuro) occupational therapy experience and movement training means I can offer my clients a deep, nuanced understanding of human health and a holistic toolkit for navigating life with chronic conditions. My approach is both evidence-based and intuitive, an integration of science and the healing arts.

Another thing that might feel different is that I invite you to slow down and tune in. Our work together is not about quick fixes that inevitably fall apart when your condition changes or other big life transitions come along. We’ll start from wherever you are and I’ll help you move gently towards your goals and live in your right-now body. 

I also care deeply about the power of community. I see breaking down isolation as an incredibly important piece of overall well-being – sadly, one that is often not prioritized in traditional healthcare. So I am committed to creating opportunities for connection, mutual support, and encouragement.

I have seen firsthand how limited, frustrating, and disabling our healthcare system is, especially for people living with chronic or progressive conditions. In stepping outside that system, I am able to offer care that is holistic, creative, and deeply responsive to your unique needs.

I believe that living well and living with a health condition aren’t mutually exclusive.

I think we need a wider, more expansive understanding of wellness, one that allows for and even embraces our messy, beautiful humanity. 

What if wellness isn’t the opposite of illness?

What if it looks like feeling aligned with your values, being present in your relationships, and thriving in the life you have?

Kind Words from Clients

  • “Lindsay helped me prioritize calming my nervous system and strategize how to make my life less stressful. I appreciate that Lindsay is kind, pragmatic and really catered to my specific needs and goals. She is definitely practicing healing arts by combining her rich knowledge of a variety of traditions.

    I’ve discovered how to give myself permission to relax and take time for my body to unwind and I continue to use what I learned from her daily.”

    — Erika U.

  • “Lindsay has increased my confidence in my ability to manage this journey. One of the things Lindsay helped me do is to build my confidence in my ability both through the skills she has given me, but also just the reassurance that I can do it.

    I don’t think in any other health care situation I’ve ever felt like I was the only one working with you. You always come with ideas and you’re always listening… Your adaptability, your agility is remarkable.”

    — Scott M.

  • “Root to Rise found me at a very challenging time in my life. I had been trying to navigate the newness of chronic illness being thrust upon me and among all the other things I was lacking, people who 'got it' was high on the list.

    I looked forward to getting to spend time with a lovely group of individuals in similar circumstances, weekly. And having Lindsay as a facilitator made for a really safe environment as she is very empathetic and a great listener.”

    — Janet H.

  • “Lindsay is a kind, compassionate person who helps you where you are today. I often hear her voice in my head reminding me to breathe when I get tense, and telling me that doing what I am able to do today is enough.

    She encourages me to listen to my body and to be gentle with it. I encourage anyone who is thinking about starting on their own wellness journey to reach out to Lindsay. Her support has been tremendous!”

    — Karen R.

If you want to find a more easeful, compassionate way forward, learn more about how we can work together: