Our Team
Nicole Budeau
OWNER, LMT, CPMT, IMI, REIKI MASTER, BIRTH DOULA (DONA)
she/her
Nicole Budeau is the owner of A Healer’s Hand + The Nest (AHH) and a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) with over 20 years of professional experience in therapeutic massage and continuing education. She holds multiple certifications, including:
- Certified Prenatal Massage Therapist (CPMT)
- Certified Infant Massage Instructor (IMI)
- Certified Reiki Master Practitioner
- Birth Doula (DONA)
Nicole specializes in therapeutic prenatal and postpartum massage, offering individualized, evidence-based care for every client. She is dedicated to improving the standard of prenatal and postpartum care through hands-on therapeutic treatment, professional education, and community outreach.
Her award-winning practice was recognized as the 2022 Silver Winner for Best Specialty Spa in Madison Magazine’s Best of Madison awards. In 2023, Nicole was honored as the Gold Winner for Best Massage Therapist, reflecting her excellence and dedication to the field.
A LEADER IN PRENATAL AND POSTPARTUM MASSAGE
Nicole specializes in therapeutic prenatal and postpartum massage, offering individualized care for each client. She also leads educational workshops for expecting parents and trains massage therapists in high-quality prenatal care techniques.
A MISSION ROOTED IN PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
Nicole’s journey into healing work began with the premature birth of her twins at just 25 weeks. After spending months in the NICU, she witnessed the transformative power of human touch, an experience that inspired her to dedicate her life to helping others through compassionate, therapeutic care.
She went on to study both Eastern and Western massage modalities, including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and has since specialized in prenatal and postpartum massage as well as natural labor stimulation massage.
EDUCATOR, ADVOCATE, AND COMMUNITY BUILDER
Beyond her hands-on practice, Nicole serves as Adjunct Faculty at East-West Healing Arts Institute, where she teaches and mentors future massage therapists. She is passionate about expanding access to high-quality perinatal care through continuing education, outreach, and advocacy. Her philosophy—touch others with compassion, for compassion can touch the world—guides every aspect of her work, from client care to professional training.
ABOUT A HEALER’S HAND + THE NEST
Under Nicole’s leadership, AHH offers a comprehensive range of integrative services, including:
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Advanced aesthetics skin treatments and waxing
Touch others with compassion for compassion can touch the world.
– nicole budeau
IN HER OWN WORDS
Nicole’s Story
A Lifelong Calling
For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a deep desire to make a meaningful difference in the world. My personal and professional journey has always been guided by compassion, connection, and a commitment to helping others heal.
After losing my brother and mother at a young age, I initially planned to become a professional counselor. I wanted to support others in navigating their own healing journeys. Even as a student, I created peer counseling and survivor programs in middle and high school. In college, I continued advocating for change—raising funds for causes like Greenpeace, Muscular Dystrophy Association, and universal health care reform.
A Life-Changing Experience
Eventually, I transferred to Chicago, where I worked with modeling agencies before transitioning into corporate America. I joined a startup, helping shape its brand and vision as it grew into a billion-dollar company.
But everything changed when I went into early labor—six months into my pregnancy.
At 25 weeks pregnant, I was rushed to the hospital for an emergency cesarean and delivered twins, each weighing just under two pounds. The months that followed were spent in the NICU, where I held my babies skin-to-skin, day and night. In those quiet, sacred moments, I witnessed the profound healing power of human touch. It was nothing short of miraculous.
Discovering My Purpose Through Touch
Watching my babies flourish and grow stronger with each day, I realized this incredible healing power was not just a gift but a deep honor. Inspired by a therapist who taught me how to continue that healing connection at home, I felt called to pursue a new path—one rooted in the power of nurturing touch.
I moved my family back to Madison, Wisconsin, and enrolled in massage therapy school. Studying Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), contemporary acupressure, and both Eastern and Western massage modalities, I developed a deep respect for the body’s ability to heal.
A Focus on Prenatal + Postpartum Care
Motivated by my experience with pregnancy and premature birth, I chose to specialize in prenatal and postpartum massage. Under the guidance of a skilled nurse-midwife and therapist, I became certified in prenatal massage and began working with people through every stage of the reproductive journey—from fertility through postpartum recovery.
Building Holistic Wellness Programs
Over the years, I’ve worked in a variety of settings: a fertility acupuncture center, a chronic pain clinic, and a spa where many clients experienced massage for the first time. I’ve also helped develop workplace wellness programs, bringing services like chair massage, acupuncture, nutrition counseling, yoga, and holistic care to local businesses.
I later earned my certification as a Reiki Master Practitioner—training that has deepened my capacity for presence and intuitive healing. Through this work, I strive to create safe, supportive, and inclusive spaces where every client feels seen, heard, and cared for.
Sharing the Gift of Touch
One of my greatest passions has been teaching others about the healing power of connection, touch, and trust. 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.
I’m also pursuing certification as a Continuing Education (CE) instructor to expand access to evidence-based maternal health education—helping reduce preterm labor symptoms, ease pregnancy-related pain, and improve care outcomes for birthing people.
A Mantra Guiding My Work
My personal mantra has always been, “Touch others with compassion, for compassion can touch the world.” I am profoundly grateful that I have been able to fulfill my life’s pursuit and am eager to continue sharing this knowledge with the community I love