If you learn how to build your own support network through working with me, I did my job.
If you’re feeling the impulse to want to be held or hold someone, that’s a big sign that your body is screaming at you that you need something you’re not getting—connection. Through sessions, I give you just that. Once that void starts to be filled, many of my clients are able to build connections and communities that fulfill them on their own.
Sam’s Story
Before cuddling, I was a construction engineer that was very good at hustling and grinding at the job… until one day my productivity was the pace of a tortoise. Things I loved doing suddenly weren’t enjoyable to me.
I’ll be honest here: I got into cuddling because I was struggling to make ends meet even in my advanced career (#studentloandebt). I started working part time as a cuddle therapist for an agency in 2015, and I quickly realized what I could bring to this work: deep and meaningful connection with other people. This side job of mine wasn’t just a happy accident—it was a calling that found me. I wasn’t just using my body to cuddle people. I was connecting with others in the most profound ways, and I actually left my engineering job in 2017 to pursue this work full-time.
As I worked with more and more people, I got better at building healthy relationships in all areas of my life. I now take this same sentiment and infuse it into all of the work I do with clients.
When we have healthier relationships with others, we don’t overextend ourselves constantly and we can have the space and energy to show up in more meaningful ways for the people around us.
A little about me personally: I’m a connosieur of in person and online courses— I tend to take 3-5 different ones a year. Sometimes my fiance joins me for them, like when we took an intro to hip hop class together. (Very important for our wedding dance planning!) At home I watch far more anime than I care to admit while working with my most demanding client at home: Kissa, my Jack-Russel/Italian Greyhound mix, who doesn’t understand why hoomans can’t just cuddle all day.
What I value
QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING BACKGROUND
CUDDLE-SPECIFIC
Cuddlist Certified (o.g 2018, renewed in 2024)
Cuddle Sanctuary Group Event Leader Certified (2023)
Previous one of the top cuddlers through the now-defunct agency, Snuggle Buddies (2016-17)
Completed Like a Pro intensive training with Dr. Betty Martin (2022)
Learned from both Dr. Susan Kaye and other surrogate partner therapists on how to ethically implement the triadic model with clients and counselors (2018-)
Co-collaborator for the International Standard Code of Ethics of Professional Cuddlers (2018)
Mentored tens of cuddlers through my own program, Snuggle School (2018-)
Continually learning somatic skills from colleagues to best help clients (1990-)
NOT CUDDLE-SPECIFIC
Authored and self-published “Happy While Hermitting Handbook: A Guide for Your Isolation”
Completed through The Connection Institute:
Level 1 Relational Inquiry facilitator certification
Circling for Healers
Untriggered
Actively practicing Authentic Relating skills in and out of sessions
Active member in GrowthDay community and Accountability Success Circle
Graduated from Avalon Institute of coaching’s 6-month life coach training program
Continually learning to better self as a healer through the Flow and Grow Collective
Ex-engineer (WPI ‘13 graduate!) born and raised in Massachusetts that understands the unique stress that high-stakes jobs can put on the body— and when a little bit of humor is needed to lighten the load
Want to work with me?
