Raised among the pine curtain of a small East Texas town, Ruthie grew up with a deep appreciation for curiosity and adventure. Her desire for new experiences led her to North Texas, where she earned an audio engineering degree and traveled the world before eventually settling in Austin. Seeking a more meaningful path, she pursued massage therapy and became licensed in 2017.
Ruthie’s analytical understanding of anatomy and physiology, paired with her intuitive, presence, allows her to form genuine connections while supporting clients in wellness. She has continued expanding her skill set by earning her yoga certification, becoming Reiki I certified, and training as a meditation facilitator. Her practice has been shaped by experience working under a chiropractor as well as in a variety of spa settings, building a diverse foundation of modalities.
Captivated by the grounding beauty of the San Juans, she decided to make Pagosa Springs her permanent home in 2022 and opened You Deserve This Massage + Wellness in 2023. Ruthie is now pursuing a degree in psychology at the University of New Mexico, with the goal of providing professional mental-health counseling to her community in the Four Corners region.
If you’re seeking a thoughtful listener who tailors each session to your physical and emotional needs—with presence, care, and intuitive insight—you’ve come to the right place.
Hi I’m Ruthie!
Hi I’m Burkie!
With a robust career spanning well over a decade, Sarah Burkhalter has been a dedicated full-time massage therapist since 2010, cultivating a deep expertise in holistic wellness practices. Her specialization lies in both Ayurvedic and lymphatic massage, two distinct yet complementary modalities that promote detoxification and balance within the body.
Her approach to bodywork is greatly informed by her extensive 14-year tenure at Mireval, a holistic health and wellness destination.
In 2024, she embarked on a new chapter, bringing her highly refined skills to Pagosa Springs, Colorado. When not in the treatment room helping clients achieve a state of relaxation in wellness, she fully embraces the abundant outdoor lifestyle that Pagosa Springs offers. She can often be found soaking in the town's mineral-rich hot springs, a perfect way to unwind and recharge. An avid adventurer, she also enjoys exploring trails with her pups and seeking thrills white water rafting with her husband.