Passionate about compassionate and connected health care, Megan Eyvazzadeh and Julie Spencer co-founded The Restoration Space in Bethlehem. Read on to learn about their decision to launch the business, their wellness journeys, specializations and more.
How did your wellness journey begin?
ME: It probably began early on, living with parents who valued athletics and playing outside. It continued on sports teams and expanded in counseling in college, where I worked on loving and developing the person I am and in spaces where you’re encouraged to understand yourself, like yoga classes and silent meditation retreats.
JS: I think physical wellness has always been a part of my life. My parents met as athletes at the grade school level and were always active, so my earliest memories are being in a gym or on a volleyball court as my parents played or coached. My sister and I played sports from early on and, to this day, being active and moving my body fuels me. Then about 10–15 years ago when I found an exercise program called intenSati, an affirmation-based cardio program, I was introduced to the amazing benefits of a healthy mind.
Tell us about your decision to launch The Restoration Space.
ME: The Restoration Space represents our belief that health care should and can still be personal, deeply nuanced and holistic. The belief that there is time for the whole story and time to work out the complexities of who a person is, how they came to need care and how best to support them in their healing. Our focus is the person, not what type of care generates the best payment.
JS: Basically, I was in a place of frustration that the way the health care system was treating the patient was so boxed in, so limiting. It was frustrating to see all of these possibilities to help patients but not be able to even attempt to carry them through because of red tape. We all deserve better than that. The Restoration Space was our answer to this. To at least be able to try to work through ideas and possibilities and create a new model that puts the patient at the center.
What makes someone a good candidate for The Restoration Space?
ME: Anyone who wants to feel better. Even and especially the people who don’t feel great getting care in a bigger space with lots of other people in the same room where providers change depending on the day and care feels depersonalized.
JS: Anyone who feels like they have tried PT or counseling or Pilates, etc., before and it has not worked may benefit from trying it in a more integrative manner. Anyone who feels their pain has been ignored or continuously passed over. Anyone who feels like they were told their pain is “in their head.” Anyone who feels like they want to be proactive about their health and wellness.
What do you specialize in?
ME: Pain, loss of mobility, fear of movement, integrating the mind/body, craniosacral therapy, orthopedic care and running analysis.
JS: Pelvic floor disorders, pelvic girdle dysfunction (including SIJ dysfunction) and pelvic pain, pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Describe your morning routine. Is there anything you simply can’t start your day without?
ME: I cannot start my day without coffee—the coffee itself and the ritual my husband and I have around making the coffee. I also can’t go far before walking the dog, which is when I try to get morning light in my eyes and get clear about what is and isn’t important that day.
JS: Every day I wake up and drink an eight-ounce glass of water, followed by another eight ounces with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and teaspoon of cinnamon mixed in. It sounds gross but I actually look forward to it. Then I start on my coffee… always hot, never iced. It is the experience of holding the mug, inhaling the smell and savoring the taste just as much as it is the caffeine that I crave.
How about your nighttime routine?
ME: Reading before bed! I really should do skin care, but I am struggling to convince myself on this one. The contacts are out of the eyes and I'm tired.
JS: I am laughing at Meg’s response. I actually do have a skin care routine, and it feels amazing. A small act of self-care and it takes barely 5–10 minutes but it is a great way to tell my body it is time to wind down.
What is your preferred exercise?
ME: I am a runner, but lately have been focused on Zone 2 running which I ignored for too long. Runs used to be more of a chore, but running in Zone 2 brings me true joy!
JS: My favorite place to work out in the Lehigh Valley is Barre3. The ladies there are phenomenal, their playlists are on point, the energy is contagious and the vibe just feels good. I always leave feeling strong and motivated and balanced.
What’s your favorite meal to make at home?
ME: At home, we eat a lot of meals from Laura Lea Balanced. We have a lot of favorites, but lately 30-minute sweet potato and lentil curry.
JS: I make a mean enchilada dish, and we make a taco bar relatively regularly at our house.
What are your favorite eateries and restaurants to visit in the Lehigh Valley for a good meal? What do you order?
ME: I just tried Thyme for the first time—it stood up to the hype! I got the vegan steak.
JS: Limon in Hellertown. I love their appetizer platter.
What’s something that you love to indulge in?
ME: I love coffee, podcasts and books.
JS: Yes to the coffee! I also love to read, and if I can sit with a book poolside or on a beach, you can leave me there for days and I would be thrilled.
How do you relieve stress?
ME: The best remedy for my stress is just an evening with close friends, talking it out or taking a walk around one of our neighborhoods. My goal is to make that more of a priority.
JS: Exercise certainly helps. I see a counselor regularly and she is my saving grace. I am working on the mindfulness aspect as well as creating a more regular routine rooted in my faith. When I am able to do that, a sense of calm washes over me almost immediately.
How do you stay motivated?
ME: For me, the company I keep and what material I am consuming sets the tone for how motivated I am on things that I don’t want to do naturally. That is where a lot of the podcasts come in—I try to listen to people who are working towards similar goals. And I try to spend time with people who are also putting in the work.
JS: Give me a goal, whether it is a date of a half marathon or a number to hit, and I will work my tail off to make that happen. I love a gold star! I will say I have the best support system. My husband, our parents and my kids are my biggest cheerleaders. And if I am having a day, or a moment, I call my sister or my girlfriends, and they know exactly what to say to lift me back up.
406 Delaware Ave., Bethlehem | 484.241.4220 | therestorationspace.com
Published as “Living Well With” in the October 2024 edition of Lehigh Valley Style magazine.
