My name is Alison Hayn and I grew up in western Massachusetts in a small mountain town called Peru. I grew up watching my mom, who works in nuclear cardiology, take such amazing care of her patients. I believe it’s a gift being able to take what could be a stressful experience and turn it into something enjoyable when you are in the right hands. During high school, I worked as nursing assistant at the local hospital. Following graduation, I went to college for nursing. Remembering how my mom handled her patients, I took extra time and care with my own. After the patient’s baths I would apply lotion on their hands and feet and just talk and massage them. That was the most relaxed they were all day. It reiterated how important the power of touch can really be.
I quit nursing and, after getting married, I enrolled in a massage therapy program. I graduated in 2011 with the academic achievement award. My daughter was born a few months later. While still working fulltime in clinical healthcare, I opened my own business in my house and really enjoyed working for myself and making my own schedule. A couple of years later, we decided to go on an adventure and move to a new place. In 2014, my husband found a job in Greenville, NC and we’ve been here ever since!
After working in the laboratory for a few years, an opportunity arose at the Wellness Center. That is where I fell in love with CrossFit, nutrition, the staff, and the overall importance of being healthy. When it shutdown due to Covid, I saw that as my chance to finally go back to what I love. I joined CrossFit Tier 1, resigned from my position at the wellness center and started studying for the state boards. In the meantime, I worked with the CrossFit staff and established a great relationship. I passed my boards in July and started my own business at the Tier1 facility.
Why “The Dragonfly”
The dragonfly is a symbol of going past self-created illusions that limit our growth and ability to change. They symbolize wisdom, change, transformation, light and adaptability in life. The dragonfly shows up in our lives to remind us that we need to bring a lightness and joy to our life.
My Story
In September of 2016, I was admitted to the hospital, extremely sick, with an unknown diagnosis. This event took an enormous mental and physical toll on me. Finally, after being discharged, I began to heal. It took months for my body to recover and for me regain my strength. With patience and love from family, friends, and a new kitten, I slowly started to recover. Notwithstanding, I was stuck in a state of fear and anxiety wondering if it would return.
Eight months later I went on a camping trip with my family. My favorite song was playing and we all danced together. After the song was over, I walked down to the pond. I started to realize how much stronger and happier I was from the previous year. While I was sitting there, a dragonfly flew towards me. I opened my hand and it landed in my palm. It rested there for a minute then slowly flew away. It was a small moment in my life, but one that has stayed with me ever since. Upon learning the symbolism, I know that dragonfly was meant for me at that moment in my life.
It reminded me that no matter how scared I was of returning to that hospital bed, I needed to enjoy what I have in front of me and to accept what had happened in the past in order to move on. I will never be the same person I was before I was sick, and I’m grateful for that knowledge and growth.
My Mission
With skillful practice, I will work to aid the body in the ability to heal itself, and increase the health and well-being of my clients so they may live a more balanced life.
North Carolina Board of Massage & Bodywork Therapy License #19848
Insured with The American Massage Therapy Association
TheDragonflyMBT LLC
