My mission is to look below the surface, find problems, and promote healing. Through my diverse professional tapestry, that is the connecting thread. I want to understand, so that I can protect natural systems.

As a kid, I peeked under logs to catch critters. As a geologist, I read the layers of rocks to understand their history and protect the Earth’s natural systems. As an environmental scientist, I tested water and soil to treat contamination and protect public health. As a landscape designer, I analyzed each site to find the most ecologically sound way to enhance its beauty as a human habitat supporting wildlife. As an ecological restoration designer, I analyzed failing streams and wetlands to rebuild stable, healthy stream, wetland, and forest habitats.

At age 40, I felt called to leap into massage therapy—a different field entirely—but my mission was my anchor. Look below the surface, protect what’s working well, find the source of problems, promote healing, and support healthy living.

As a massage therapist, I look deeply at each person’s body to understand problematic patterns, and help the body heal itself. I identify problems like pain, weakness, limited range of motion, injuries, and scar tissue. Then I treat the body’s soft tissues to address the source of the problem, reduce discomfort and improve quality of life.

Licensed massage therapists like Anna Best earn the right to practice in Virginia by completing a 500-hour educational program from an approved school, passing the standardized national exam called MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination,) passing a criminal history background check, and applying for and maintaining licensure with the Virginia Board of Nursing. Anna Best completed her education at Lotus Professional College in Richmond, Virginia, passed the MBLEx, passed her background check (of course), and received licensure in May 2025. Her license number is 0019020312.