TheStory

The cove

Founder + Massage Therapist

Janessa Winder

I started The Cove because I believe everyone deserves a moment to feel cared for and connected to her well-being. It’s my passion to create a calming sanctuary where your mind and body can find balance.

Through my journey as The Cove's founder, I’ve dedicated myself to offering personalized massage therapy and healing in Spokane Valley. Let’s create a moment of peace together.

Ready to take the next step in your self-care journey?

Janessa Massage Therapist

My Story

Family The Cove

My Story

I’m a farm girl at heart, raised in the open fields of central Washington, where I learned the value of hard work, connection, and community. That deep-rooted bond with the land, the work, and the people I care about has shaped who I am today.

Caring for others has always come naturally to me. From tending to small animals to supporting friends and family, I’ve always felt drawn to nurturing. This instinct led me to become a massage therapist and create The Cove.

Athletics have been a big part of my life too, teaching me the importance of movement to strengthen both body and mind. That belief drives my approach to bodywork: helping clients release tension, improve mobility, and feel empowered in their bodies.

Happy Journey The Cove

When I’m not with clients, I love working with my hands—whether it’s woodworking, home renovations, or working in my yard. Creating something beautiful, functional, or simply joyful is another way I express my passion for connection and healing.

I’m dedicated to creating a peaceful, supportive space for anyone seeking renewal. Whether you’re navigating physical pain, emotional stress, or trauma, my goal is to guide you toward a sense of balance and strength—just as I’ve done in my own journey.

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My Journey to The Cove

Early Health Challenges


2000-2012

In 2000, I survived a sexual assault, marking the beginning of debilitating pain and severe menstrual issues.

From 2001-2004, I played varsity sports, developing a deep connection to movement and the strength of the body. Since high school, I have remained committed to lifting weights and staying active.

By 2008, I was diagnosed with endometriosis and PCOS, enduring years of chronic pain and medical uncertainty.

In 2010 and 2011, I welcomed my two children—an incredible gift despite the challenges of these conditions.

At 27, I underwent a partial hysterectomy in 2012, hoping to find relief from the relentless pain caused by endometriosis and PCOS.

A Turning Point


2020

Receiving a diagnosis of complex PTSD (CPTSD) brought long-overdue clarity to years of emotional and physical pain.

That same year, I discovered The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, deepening my understanding of the body-mind connection and how trauma manifests physically.

Advocacy & Healing


2021

Wanting to give back, I became a crisis response advocate, completing 40 hours of training with a local organization in Spokane, WA.

I started exploring trauma-informed practices and experienced the profound impact of somatic bodywork on my own healing journey.

Pursuing a New Path


2022

Enrolling in massage therapy school was a turning point—allowing me to merge my passion for trauma healing with hands-on techniques.

I committed fully to building a career centered on helping others heal through bodywork, emotional support, and education.

Founding The Cove


2023-2024

Graduating from massage school with a focus on somatic bodywork, lymphatic drainage, and relaxation techniques solidified my purpose.

With a clear mission, I founded The Cove—a space where clients can reconnect with their bodies, release trauma, and find peace.

Celebrated 20 years of marriage with my best friend—renewing our vows, laughing through the memories, and embracing the next wild adventure together!

Helping Others Heal


Today

Every day, I support those seeking relief from trauma, chronic pain, and stress, guiding them toward greater well-being.


Through personalized care and a nurturing environment, I empower clients to feel safe, seen, and supported in their healing journeys.

Meet James

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At theCove

James is more than just a client—he’s a father, a man who has endured profound loss, and someone who understands the deep connection between emotional pain and the body. When he first came to The Cove, he was carrying not only physical tension but also the weight of grief after losing his wife in 2023. He knew that unprocessed pain could take a toll, and he sought support not just for his body, but for his entire well-being.

Through massage therapy, breathwork, and intentional bodywork, we created a space where James could begin to release stored tension, process his emotions, and find relief in both body and mind. But beyond the sessions themselves, what mattered most was the space—one where he felt heard, supported, and met exactly where he was.


"I'm telling you what, you guys couldn't go to a better place and have a better person to guide your healing journey. Her services, her friendship, and her care are part of the reason I am where I am today."

– James


James’ journey is a testament to the power of safe, intentional healing. As a loving father of two girls, he continues to show up for himself and his family—carrying strength, resilience, and a deeper connection to his own well-being. At The Cove, it’s not just about massage—it’s about healing in all forms, in a space where you don’t have to do it alone.

start to
heal today

At The Cove, I believe in the sacredness of touch, harnessing its power to guide you through grief, pain, and emotional instability. Towards a place of calm, peace, and acceptance.

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•     embrace your self-care era
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•     embrace your self-care era
•     embrace your self-care era