Who we are
Mission Statement
Our mission is to make wellness approachable and effective—wherever you are on your journey. At Mount Hood Wellness, we are committed to improving access to traditional medicine practices in rural communities. Through massage, yoga, and holistic practices that maximize health and wellness, we offer personalized, approachable care that supports balance, healing, and long-term vitality.
Vision Statement
We envision a future where the rural community of Mt. Hood Village has easy and financial accessibility to compassionate, high-quality traditional medicine practices. Through movement education and holistic care, we are dedicated to fostering vibrant health and well-being—empowering individuals to live balanced, connected, and thriving lives.
Meet the Team
cassandra cantu
Originally from Texas, Cassandra has always been drawn to nature, movement, and community. Her journey into healing began in Colorado, where she graduated from massage therapy school in Crested Butte and opened her first practice. Three years later, she relocated to Glacier, Washington, to continue her studies in holistic medicine while also volunteering with the local Fire/EMT department—a role that deepened her commitment to hands-on community care.
After earning her master’s degree in Biology, Cassandra made her home in the Mount Hood community, where she is now in her third year of doctoral studies in Naturopathic and Chinese Medicine at the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM).
With over a decade of experience spanning massage therapy, holistic medicine, and community service, Cassandra brings both skill and heart to her practice. Her approach combines a grounded knowledge of anatomy/biochemistry with an intuitive sense of care, creating personalized sessions that support balance, healing, and long-term vitality.
Trainings & Certifications
Traditional Aryuvedic Massage Training
750H- License Massage Therapy Program, Crested Butte CO
200H Transformational Neuromuscular Therapy, w/ Craig McLaughlin
100H -Tuina w/ Dr. Yan Lu
Jinjing Qi Gong Linage w/ Dr. Heiner Fruehauf, Bill Morgan, and Dr. Laurie Regan
Internal Organ Massage and Balancing
100H Musculoskeletal Biomechanics, w/ Anna Peterson, ND and Thomas Walton, CD
kate brauner
The only place Kate has ever called home is Mount Hood—a landscape that continues to shape her heart’s mission: to create safe, healing, and inclusive spaces for her local community to gather and grow.
Kate’s journey into wellness began in her late teens through the practice of yoga. What started as personal exploration soon blossomed into a multi-year mentorship under Brenda Taylor, DC and 1000RYT, leading Kate to begin teaching yoga at just 19.
Her dedication to holistic healing led her to earn a bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences from Portland State University, followed by a master’s in Agriculture—a path that deepened her understanding of the vital connection between human and environmental health. This knowledge also informed her leadership as Executive Director of the Hoodland Farmers Market, where she champions local food systems and community resilience.
Trainings & Certifications
Integrative Movement Therapy
Forrest Yoga
Arm Balance & Inversions w/ Rachel Brathen (Yoga Girl)
Birth Doula Certification
Traditional Chinese Medicine for Cancer Care
Chiropractic Assistant Training
Chado (Japanese Tea Ceremony)
Each of these modalities contributes to a unique, artfully curated approach to her teaching—grounded in science, enriched by tradition, and centered in care.
our core principals
honesty
We believe in transparent communication and genuine care, building trust through integrity in every interaction.
safety
Your well-being is our top priority. We create a secure environment where healing and growth happen with care and respect.
due diligence
We commit to thoughtful, evidence-informed practices—ensuring every treatment and recommendation is carefully considered and personalized for you.