Shannon Preto
Shannon Preto (he/him) is a uniquely skilled Ikigai Life Coach, Occupational Therapist and movement professional who brings over 20 years of experience in the arts and 8 years in occupational therapy across pediatric and adult settings. He holds dual Master’s degrees in Occupational Therapy and Fine Arts in Dance, blending clinical expertise with creative expression to support meaningful growth and transformation.
Shannon is a certified Ikigai Life Coach and DIRFloortime® Advanced Practitioner, dedicated to developmental, relationship-based care. He has also trained in Body-Mind Centering® with Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen, deepening his understanding of how internal systems inform self-expression and presence.
While honoring Ikigai as a rich Japanese cultural practice, Shannon as your “Ikigai Life Coach” (ee-ke-guy) will help you discover what drives your engagement in life and in work. We will dive deep into your strengths, needs, desires, and values, and help you uncover the motivation to take meaningful steps forward into a balanced, purposeful life. A life full of vitality.
Whether working one-on-one or with groups, Shannon fosters deep collaboration—helping individuals reconnect with themselves and the world around them through purposeful, embodied engagement.
Before his work in therapy, Shannon enjoyed a vibrant career as a dancer, choreographer, and arts educator in the San Francisco Bay Area. Outside of work, you can find him hiking mountain trails or watching birds glide across the sky during sunset at the beach.
Testimonials:
“Shannon’s coaching helped me see many things in my life more clearly and in an organized, easy-to-understand way. He asked insightful questions and listened deeply to what I said, helping create a sense of trust and authenticity. I appreciated that he did not talk “at me”, or spend a lot of time explaining his thoughts, but rather asked the right questions and guided me in my own reflection. When he did share his insights with me, I could tell there was deep wisdom and that he really listened to me during the session.”
– Nathan, Carrboro, NC
“He talked with me as a family member versus a patient.” – Mark P.
See what people are saying about us
“As a traditionally-trained physician, I have been underwhelmed with
available treatments for my autoimmune arthritis. I have been seeing Mary Justus
for nearly a decade now, and her treatments are by far the single factor
responsible for improving my quality of life. Her energy is finely tuned as a
compassionate, caring and deeply soothing presence. Mary is truly an
angel.”
Oren
The massage 100% lived up to the name of the practice and I will definitely be scheduling again soon! Laura Lee’s intuition with specific areas in need (because of the unique requirements of my job) was unprecedented and left me reminded of what it feels like to not have neck pain. Thank you for your skill and sensitivity!
Brad M
I recently had an amazing session with Jo. She was beyond lovely, knowledgeable, and welcoming. I felt entirely comfortable with her and am amazed by the results of our session. I highly recommend her and her healing touch.
Stephanie
Courtney gave what is almost certainly the best massage I’ve ever had. She relieved some horrible pain in my back and neck that had been interrupting my sleep. Then she did a nifty relaxation number on my neck and scalp. Pressure was deep but not painful. She’s a hero 🙂
Scott
Emily Madara is amazing—skilled, kind, and wise in her approach to balancing the body.
Lara
Restoring Balance is a TREMENDOUS GIFT to the community. From my very first interaction with the team to my regular massages with Kathy, Restoring Balance is simply the best. Highly recommend!
Alexis
Let’s start with this – the result of the treatment at Restoring Balance was that the next morning I was moving about with far less difficulty and stiffness. I realize now that I was so used to the pain that I’d forgotten what it was like to not have it. Jenn was very attentive and easy to be with. It was clear she had really listened to me explain my problems and was really trying to help me – it was not treatment by rote steps. So I am looking forward to getting back there again soon.
L.R.
I have been receiving massages from Kathy for the past month. I reached out to her for postpartum care and I am so glad I found her. As an individual, she is gentle and kind and as a massage therapist, she is the best of the best. As a massage therapist, she is incredible. I have felt relief in pains that were even present before pregnancy. She nailed my sciatica pain and gave me so much relief that I hadn’t experienced in Months. I recommend her one hundred percent. You are in safe hands if you work with Kathy!
Sugandh G
Kathy is kind and generous and her Thai yoga massage is transformational. I’ve had many massages in the past but none get the knots out like her Thai massage.
Lauren B.
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