Meet Megan Valdez

We had the good fortune of connecting with Megan Valdez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Megan, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The success of Aligned has been shaped by a combination of purpose, support, and lived experience. My vision was to create a space where people could reconnect with their bodies and access deep, restorative healing. That mission became even clearer after my sister was diagnosed with lymphoma at just 22 and went on to beat it. Watching her go through that sparked something in me—it showed me how essential preventative care, especially lymphatic health, can be. It gave me the motivation to build something rooted in intention, not just reaction.
Along the way, I’ve faced my own challenges—seasons of disconnection, substance and self abuse, and the lasting effects of surviving sexual assaults. These experiences gave me a profound understanding of how trauma can live in the body, and how powerful it can be to release it in a safe, supported space. Aligned became a response to that—an offering of the kind of care I once needed, but had to learn to find and create for myself.
The steady love and support of my husband, family, and closest friends, along with God’s constant guidance, have been the heart behind it all. Their belief in me—especially during the moments I doubted myself—has carried me through. My pain has become part of my purpose, and it’s now the foundation of a space that helps others find their way back to themselves, too.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What sets me apart from many massage therapists is that I’ve let go of the cookie-cutter approach. I have created a space where each client’s needs are honored in the moment. My sessions are more than muscle work—they’re about nervous system regulation and addressing the deeper patterns our bodies hold onto. Our bodies hold on to trauma, and through my own past experiences, I’m a living witness to how pain can store in the body and impact our health and wellbeing.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy—it’s been a path of perseverance, faith, and leaning on God’s guidance. There have been moments where self-doubt crept in, but I’ve learned to trust my gut, stand up for myself, and to never ignore a passion that keeps calling to me. My journey has taught me that even when your past is messy, you can still become the person you’ve always dreamed of being.

Aligned is more than just a business—it’s a way of living. It’s ever-flowing, always evolving, and shaped by a deep understanding that healing can take many forms. I want the world to know that your story doesn’t have to be perfect for you to make an impact. My path has been far from perfect, but it’s full of growth, restoration, and a purpose that keeps expanding in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1 – San Luis Obispo Flavor & Finds
Start the morning at Field Day Coffee, a sunny, garage-turned-café with specialty coffee, natural wines, and fresh pastries. Wander downtown to Len Collective for handmade jewelry, apothecary goods, and curated homewares, then pop into HumanKind Fair Trade for ethically made clothing, decor, and artisan goods from around the world. For lunch, enjoy fresh, flavorful fare at Todo Bueno, then head to the Hotel SLO rooftop for small bites and drinks with sweeping views. End the day with dinner at Ember in Arroyo Grande, where wood-fired comfort food meets farm-fresh ingredients.

Day 2 – Coastal Escape to Cayucos & Cambria
Head north to Cayucos for breakfast at The Hidden Kitchen, known for its vibrant blue corn waffles and smoothies. Spend the late morning strolling the quaint streets and pier before continuing to Moonstone Beach in Cambria for a scenic coastal walk. Check in at the White Water Inn, a stylish boutique stay right across from the ocean. Enjoy a cozy dinner at Robin’s Restaurant in Cambria, where global flavors meet fresh, local produce in a romantic garden setting.

Day 3 – Coastal Adventure & Farmers Market Feels
Spend the morning hiking Avila Ridge or Pismo Preserve, soaking in panoramic ocean views before cooling off with a paddle boarding session in the ocean. Afterward, unwind at Sycamore Hot Springs in a private hillside tub. In the afternoon, explore the Village of Arroyo Grande with small shops including Hive a women-owned boutique with local goodies and clothing. Walk through the farmers’ market, tasting seasonal produce and artisanal treats, then pack a picnic—complete with green juice from Virt Juice—to enjoy on the beach as the sun dips low.

Day 4 – Los Alamos & Los Olivos Charm
Grab your morning coffee at Nova Coffee in Arroyo Grande before heading south to the quaint town of Los Alamos. Stroll its charming streets, savor smoky flavors at Priedite BBQ, and enjoy a glass of wine at Bodega. Later, make your way to Los Olivos for an unforgettable dinner—either at the historic, rustic Mattie’s Tavern or the elevated, coastal-French Bar Le Côte—all set against the backdrop of vineyard-dotted hills.

Day 5 – Slow Coastal Farewell
Start your last day with a beach walk and a coffee from Deltina Coffee, letting the ocean set a peaceful tone. In the evening, fire up a backyard BBQ with fresh produce from Halcyon Farms, play a few rounds of cornhole, and soak up the easygoing magic of the Central Coast one last time before heading home.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I had the pleasure of starting my career halfway through massage school at a holistic chiropractor’s office under the mentorship of Dr. Troy Smith. For three years, I had one-on-one training with him, working with clients before their adjustments and learning how the mind, body, and spirit are all connected in the healing process. He taught me the ins and outs of myofascial release, scar tissue and fascia scraping, abdominal work, and many other valuable modalities. More importantly, he showed me how to approach the body with a wider perspective – looking beyond just muscle release to understand the entire musculoskeletal system and its patterns.

Another pivotal influence was The Book of Lymph by Lisa Levitt Gainsley. My mom gifted it to my sisters and me in 2019 after my sister was diagnosed with – and beat- lymphoma. That book gave me a completely new lens on what health from within can look like and why our lymphatic system is one of our bodies foundations of health. It’s a big part of why lymphatic work is now such a core focus in my practice.

Of course, my family, husband, and close friends deserve endless credit for their support. They’ve been there through every stage, encouraging me and listening patiently as I talk (probably way too much) about my dreams, ideas, and aspirations. Having that kind of grounding support system has made all the difference in helping me grow my business and stay aligned with my purpose.

Website: https://koskymegan.wixsite.com/aligned

Instagram: @aligned.bodywork

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/aligned-bodywork-and-lymphatic-drainage-grover-beach-3

Image Credits
Melissa Morrow Photography @Melissa.morrowphotography