Summer Dunford

About Summer

Pronouns: She/Her

  • Training: 750hrs
  • School: Avenue 5 Institute
  • Licensed since: 2023
  • With Myo since: 2025
  • Continuing Education: Erik Dalton’s Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques, cupping
  • Areas of expertise: Swedish, Myo
 Summer Dunford has been in practice since 2023 and has a passion for making relief from pain and discomfort accessible through a mindful mix of relaxing and therapeutic techniques, implemented in a safe space.  She is a graduate from the advanced program at Avenue 5 Institute, and has received additional training for treating various conditions of chronic pain through Eric Dalton’s Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques. Her massage style could be described as deep, intentional, and mindful.  Being transgender, neurodiverse, and a survivor of CPTSD, Summer is a highly empathetic practitioner who brings a lived understanding of what it means to seek care that truly honors who you are.
How long have you been a licensed massage therapist?

Since 2023

How many hours of training do you have?

750, 18 CE hours

Why did you choose massage therapy as your career?

I have always felt deep fulfillment from helping people feel safe and comfortable.  Over time I found embodiment to be a huge component of that pursuit and have seen massage therapy be a wonderful tool for accomplishing that feeling of safety and comfort.

Where did you go to school for massage?

Avenue 5 Institute

How do you describe your massage/work to others?

I would describe my work as deep, intentional, and mindful.  I enjoy mixing relaxing and therapeutic techniques to make therapeutic work a bit more accessible to those who may be more sensitive or intimidated by that process.

What are some examples of Continuing Education you are interested in and why?

I would like to continue more training in Eric Dalton’s myoskeletal techniques, I found his approach gives some very creative insights to various issues.  I also am wanting to get into lymphatic drainage to serve post-op clients, especially in the transgender community.

How has receiving massage affected you personally?

I am a big believer of incorporating embodiment and mindfulness in managing overall health, and I feel massage is a very powerful tool for both of those.  In a world that is becoming ever more stressful, I feel having such a tool in your catalog of self-care is practically life saving in the long term.

What do you do to stay healthy?

I have a 5 year old son that keeps me pretty active, and I am an avid enthusiast of kites, which gets me outside and detangles the mind.

What do you like about working at Myo Massage?

I appreciate the pretty clear focus on not only getting clients the best possible care, but also making sure the therapists themselves are well equipped, and able to thrive and improve in their practice.  The space allows for a wonderful spectrum of people and range in creativity.  It truly feels like a safe space where you can reconnect with yourself.