Our Team
2023 Gold Winner | Best Massage Therapist
Nicole Budeau
LMT, CPMT, CIMI
Nicole Budeau is the owner of A Healer’s Hand + The Nest (AHH), a licensed massage therapist (LMT), certified prenatal massage therapist (CPMT), certified infant massage instructor (CIMI), certified Reiki Master Practictioner, and continuing education instructor with over 20 years of experience and a profound dedication to improving the standard of prenatal and postpartum care.
Specializing in therapeutic massage for pregnant and postpartum people, Nicole educates students, leads workshops for expecting parents, and trains massage therapy providers — including those within her practice — to ensure the highest level of prenatal care available. Her thriving practice — the 2022 Silver Winner for Best Specialty Spa — offers a broad spectrum of wellness services, from therapeutic massage and physical therapy to advanced aesthetics and educational workshops.
Touch others with compassion for compassion can touch the world.
– nicole budeau
behind the ahh team
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 new and great opportunities for fulfilling my purpose — I went into early labor at just six months, or 25 weeks, pregnant.
Rushed to the hospital, I had an emergency cesarean (c-section) and delivered 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. It was as if I had been witness to 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 — providing prenatal and labor support massage education to pregnant couples and expecting parents.
In addition to the couples 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 maternal 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.
What Clients Are Saying
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
Nicole and her staff at A Healer’s Hand do an incredible job making you feel welcome as soon as you walk in. The massages are absolutely amazing. They’re relaxing and therapeutic [and] they listen to your needs.
– Sinéad
100 STARS! As first time client coming in to the place 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 “Healer’s Hand” because they definitely have Healer Hands! I came in for a prenatal massage for my very first time ever out of all my other 4 pregnancies, complaining of round ligament pain for quite a while now, never did I knew there was a solution for getting that healed, but let me tell you after 75 minutes of an amazing, phenomenal massage the very minute I stood up from that massage bed I felt a 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
I have been going to A Healers Hand since I was pregnant with my first baby almost 5 years ago. It is hands down the best massage I’ve found anywhere and if you are pregnant helps so much with headaches, back and hip pain and just general well being. Since opening back up with COVID I’ve felt very comfortable going in, it’s a small one on one experience and I know they are taking all necessary precautions to prevent the spread.
You will not find a better facial or prenatal massage anywhere in the world. The practitioners at 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 The Nest enough. Passion is their name of their game. It shows.
– Aimee