Hi, I’m Abby Lopac (LMT, CMLD).
hootenanny!, hoot·en·an·ny, /ˈho͞otnˌanē/
An informal gathering with music and sometimes dancing.
My late mother, Marie grew up in the rural mountains of northern Idaho and often spoke fondly of something called a hootenanny. Everyone would gather together with their handmade instruments and play music together. It was always described as a time of connectedness and joy that she longed for after moving to Boise, ID. She always found ways to bring that spirit into our lives. This brand is deeply personal, as it is defined by her tenacity and stubborn determination to not take life too seriously.
I believe that healing is much more than “doing the work”. Healing means feeling safe in our bodies, experiencing curiosity, having excitement for life, feeling joy, engaging in play, and connecting to safe community. How beautiful it is that we have the opportunity to befriend our nervous systems and LIVE again. This is the beating heart of hootenanny. A joyful approach to healing.
My Credentials
I graduated from the Milan Institute in 2020 with the title Licensed Massage Therapist. In November I will be nationally certified in Manual Lymphatic Drainage.
My certifications include: NASM Corrective Exercise, Trauma Informed Care, Strategies for Somatic Embodiment, Basic Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Fascial Stretching, and Cupping Therapy.
My mission
implement community care
Healing is political because politics decides who has access to time, space, permission, protection, and resources. I believe that we have the power to create real change in our communities. Through hootenanny I offer affordable massage therapy, host free community events, and provide accessible education.
bring people together
We’ve been misconceived into believing that healing happens solely on the individual level. Something groups can achieve that no amount of therapy or self help books can - is safety in belonging. Because we are social creatures, our nervous systems rely on each other to reach homeostasis. There is no reason we should be carrying this all on our own.
instil empowerment via self trust
Much of the wellness industry relies on mistrust and disconnection from ourselves. When we do not know how to listen and respond to our bodies cues, we rely on external sources to tell us what we need. Something I know to be true is that there is no replacement for the wisdom your body already holds. It’s time to slow down, listen, and attune to your needs.