THE STORY BEHIND
SŌMATHECARY™
Hi, I’m Violette Gibbs, founder of SŌMATHECARY™. I am a kinesiology researcher and educator, licensed massage therapist, certified sports nutritionist, therapeutic yoga and Yoga Nidra teacher—and someone who lives with persistent pain.
My work exists at the intersection of science, movement, and the lived experience of pain. After being struck by a vehicle while running, I experienced a permanent injury that changed not only how I moved, but how I understood the body. That experience led me deeper into pain science, the nervous system, Yoga Nidra, pain education, acceptance, awareness, and meaningful movement.
I created SŌMATHECARY™ to translate that knowledge into practical, compassionate experiences that help people reconnect with their bodies, move toward what matters, and support their well-being.
This is evidence-informed wellness, heart-led, and grounded in both science and lived experience.
VIOLETTE GIBBS, PhD(c), CISSN, LMT, E-RYT
WHAT’S IN THE NAME?
The name SŌMATHECARY™ is a portmanteau born from the Greek soma, meaning 'body,' and the traditional apothecary. While a historical apothecary provided curated remedies for ailments, we provide curated tools for the lived experience of moving through the world. It represents a transition from seeking solutions outside of oneself to finding healing within the wisdom of our own physiology.
It is our philosophy that the body is the ultimate laboratory. By blending evidence-informed kinesiology with the art of mindful awareness, SŌMATHECARY™ serves as a modern sanctuary for those navigating persistent pain and seeking a deeper, more compassionate connection to their physical self.
A MULTIDISCIPLINARY FOUNDATION
Where science, movement, therapeutic touch, and nourishment come together.
E-RYT YOGA TEACHER & YACEP
Registered with Yoga Alliance and teaching yoga for 15 years. A Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider (YACEP), qualified to offer continuing education to yoga teachers. Advanced training in meditation, Yoga Nidra, therapeutic yoga approaches, and sound healing.
PhD CANDIDATE IN KINESIOLOGY
PhD candidate at the University of Central Florida, with a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in kinesiology. Her chronic pain research explores pain processing, movement, Yoga Nidra, and whole-person approaches. Her goal is to help people return to activities they love and move toward what matters to them.
LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPIST
Florida Licensed Massage Therapist #36405 with more than 16 years of experience. Advanced training in neuromuscular therapy, lymphatic drainage, reflexology, and therapeutic cupping. Certified Cupping Therapist.
CERTIFIED SPORTS NUTRITIONIST
Certified Sports Nutritionist through the International Society of Sports Nutrition (CISSN). Her interests include evidence-informed nutrition for physical performance, recovery, and pre- and postoperative support.