Our Team

Nicole Budeau

LMT, CPMT, CIMI (she/her)

 

Owner, Licensed Massage Therapist, Reiki Master

About Nicole

The owner of A Healer’s Hand + The Nest with over 20 years of experience, Nicole initially graduated from East-West Healing Arts Institute specializing in Chinese therapeutic massage (Tui Na). She is trained in various Western modalities, including Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and myofascial release.

Nicole is dedicated to creating a welcoming environment and safe healing space for clients and staff alike. She works closely with each of her clients to better understand their unique concerns and provide individualized healing and treatment for conditions such as low back pain, sciatica, migraines, and headaches.

Nicole is a certified infant massage instructor and obtained her certification in prenatal and postpartum massage from Northern Prairie School of Massage, a program providing advanced training for pregnancy, labor, and postpartum bodywork. 

In addition to being a licensed massage therapist, Nicole complements her practice further as a certified Reiki Master — an Eastern, energy-based healing approach used to enhance relaxation and promote harmony among the mind, body, and spirit.

One of Nicole’s greatest joys is sharing her knowledge and expertise in natural healing with others. She is passionate about teaching prenatal massage techniques to massage students and leads workshops for expecting parents. Through education and thought leadership, Nicole seeks to empower individuals and couples to take control of their own health, helping promote pain-free pregnancy and an improved birthing experience.

When she is not at A Healer’s Hand + The Nest or working on her instruction materials, Nicole enjoys spending time with her two sons, cooking, and connecting with friends and family.

Touch others with compassion for compassion can touch the world.

Nicole’s story

For as long as I can remember, I have had a huge heart for people and a deep passion for making a difference in this world. I have spent my entire personal and professional life in perpetual pursuit of this goal.

After losing my brother and mother at a young age, I planned on becoming a professional counselor so I could assist others in their own healing journeys. With this in mind, I created peer counseling and survivor programs at both my middle and high schools. In college, I participated in fundraising efforts for Greenpeace, Muscular Dystrophy Association, and universal health reform.

I transferred to Chicago where I worked with modeling agencies and made my way into corporate America as part of an early start-up — developing brand guiding principles and an overall vision as it expanded into a billion-dollar company.

And then life changed forever — paving a path toward the greatest opportunities for fulfilling my purpose. I went into early labor at just six months pregnant (25 weeks).

I had an emergency cesarean (c-section), delivering twins that weighed just under two pounds each. For the first six months following their birth, I spent day and night in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), holding my babies close, and letting their skin touch my skin. Through this experience, I discovered the profound healing difference of human touch — a miracle in the making.

After watching my boys flourish and grow stronger with each day, I knew this healing power was not just a gift but a deep honor. Shortly after being released from the NICU, I was inspired by an infant massage therapist to continue touch therapy at home — planting the seed for my journey toward A Healer’s Hand.

I moved my family back to Madison, Wisconsin, and immersed myself in massage therapy education. Studying Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and contemporary acupressure therapy under a renowned doctor and acupuncturist, I became certified in both Eastern and Western massage modalities — learning even more about the miraculous power of touch. Because of my life-altering pregnancy experience, I also knew that I wanted to work with and help pregnant women. I studied under an amazing registered nurse, midwife, and therapist, ultimately becoming certified in prenatal and postpartum massage.

After my training, I went on to work in an acupuncture fertility center for several years providing fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum massage. I worked at a pain management clinic dedicated to improving the lives of individuals struggling with chronic pain, as well as a spa where I introduced many clients to the wonderful world of massage for the very first time.

Bridging the gap between corporate America and holistic healing, I also worked with local businesses to develop and implement employee wellness programs, providing staff access to chair massage, acupuncture, nutrition counseling, yoga, and TCM.

Committed to continuous personal and professional growth, I obtained my certification as a certified Reiki Master practitioner. This extraordinary training has deepened my ability to be present and compassionate with everyone I physically touch. With each day, I feel further empowered to provide a safe, loving, and healing experience through my intuition, words, and hands.

One of my greatest joys has been teaching others about the value of connection, intimacy, and healing, and how to achieve these through massage. After teaching students for several years, I am incredibly excited to start the next chapter of my professional journey and expand prenatal and labor support massage education to pregnant couples and expecting parents. In addition to these seminars and workshops, I am working on becoming a certified Continuing Education (CE) instructor so that I can continue expanding my reach and raising awareness in the areas of reproductive health — minimizing pre-term labor symptoms, reducing pregnancy pain, and improving patient outcomes both locally and nationally.

My personal mantra has always been, “Touch others with compassion, for compassion can touch the world.” I am so grateful that I have been able to fulfill my life’s pursuit and continue sharing this knowledge with the rest of the world. And the best part? I know this is just the beginning.

Empowering women.

Elevating pregnancy care.

Enhancing postpartum success.

Client Reviews + Testimonials

I had an AMAZING postpartum massage with Nicole. I cannot recommend her enough — not only is she incredibly talented, but she is extremely thoughtful, intentional, and beautifully passionate about her practice. Thank you, Nicole!

Maison Engel

Client, Google Reviewer

You will not find a better facial or prenatal massage anywhere in the world. The practitioners at [A Healer’s Hand +] The Nest are the most passionate and educated in their fields.

I just had a prenatal massage with Nicole and it was the best massage of my life. I have had other prenatal massages that did not compare to this. Every move she made was purposeful and with intention. Very therapeutic, yet relaxing to the max.

I cannot recommend [A Healer’s Hand and] The Nest enough. Passion is the name of their game. It shows.

Aimee Kieler Mastrangelo

Client, Google Reviewer

100 STARS! As a first-time client…I was very pleased and happy walking out with the services I received. I strongly agree even when it comes to the name of the place “A Healer’s Hand” because they definitely have healing hands! I came in for a prenatal massage for my very first time ever (out of all my other four pregnancies), complaining of round ligament pain…after 75 minutes of an amazing, phenomenal massage, the very minute I stood up I felt complete relief…stress-free and so light lifted. I came in walking like a penguin side to side and came out feeling so new again! I recommend this place 100% and will definitely be coming back to check out more of their services!

Susana Lopez

Client, Google Reviewer

Nicole is a miracle worker. Her knowledge of the body, and in particular the effects of pregnancy on the body, is remarkable. Thanks to her, my pregnancy was a pain-free experience. She became even more helpful to me postpartum, relieving pain that doctors would have taken much longer or used much more invasive, unnatural strategies to resolve. I have an infinite amount of trust and faith in her abilities. While I always enjoyed the occasional massage for relaxation, seeing Nicole has shown me that a massage performed by someone with her level of expertise is profoundly healing. I will continue to see Nicole as long as I am able. I know that if I ever receive a massage from anyone else, it will be very disappointing in comparison. Seeing Nicole has been so immensely beneficial for my mind and body. I am so fortunate that I was referred to her. Even though she came so highly recommended, I could have never believed just how gifted and capable she is until I was able to experience it myself. In addition to the level of skill and knowledge she brings to her profession, she is also an extremely warm and caring person who genuinely wants to help people and make them feel fantastic. I can’t think of anyone better suited for their profession than she is!

Diane

Client