Meet our team

Justin (he/him) is our longest-practicing massage therapy mentor on our team. Licensed since 2007 (IA 004736), Justin is a great choice for athletes and people recovering from surgeries or facing chronic injuries and pain. He works with moderate to very firm pressure and may incorporate some stretching or massage tools if appropriate. He's also able to provide a great relaxation massage for people who want to zone out.  He has practiced Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for years, has a passion for cooking really involved dishes (and posting pics to make everyone jealous) and driving his co-workers crazy with puns.  (Justin does not offer body scrubs, prenatal massage, or foot reflexology)

Conny (she/her) is a native German who loves to hear about your European relatives and travel. It is always fun hearing guests practice their German with Conny! She has been licensed since early 2017  (IA 086019) and offers a combination of relaxation and focused work, using light to firm pressure, varying speed  and techniques. She  includes a bit of trigger point work and techniques like Craniosacral Therapy a into her work. She especially loves focused neck and foot massage. Conny used her background in engineering to creating allergy-friendly recipes. She owns an in-home bakery, Sunrose Bakery, and you can ask her to deliver your baked goods to you at the spa!

Klay (he/him) has been licensed since January 2018 (IA 094557) and works with more moderate to firm pressure. He loves helping people with neck pain and general relaxation.  Klay came to this field from social work. Massage blends two things he's passionate about: physical activity and helping people. Dogs make him smile, he loves tiny versions of things, and is a pretty good woodworker. We jokingly refer to Klay as the "spa handyman" though he's also a one man party planning committee, coming up with creative potlucks and events to keep the breakroom fun.

(Klay does not offer prenatal massage or reflexology)

Anna (she/her) became a massage therapist to help people's bodies feel better and help people feel better about their bodies. She has been licensed since 2016 (IA 082550) and is primarily a relaxation therapist, using slower, flowing massage techniques with light to moderately firm pressure. She's perfect for a meditative relaxation experience but not the best choice for someone looking for super aggressive work. She loves hot stone massage, our seasonal features, body scrubs, and providing a quiet session all about her guests.  She has a *slight* addiction to baking to both the delight and detriment of her coworkers. She's a plant parent and loves the arts in general.

(Anna does not offer Targeted  Sports Massage or super heavy pressure.)

Jamee (she/her) came to massage after 17 years in dementia care and a desire to seek alternatives to conventional Western medical treatments.  Licensed in 2015 (IA 077705) she is our Eastern massage specialist. She's taken a deep dive into studying techniques from Thailand and China like cupping, acupressure, and Shiatsu. Her focus is helping to remove mental, emotional, and physical blockages to facilitate the release of pain and discomfort. She offers a "custom Eastern massage" Jamee has lived and traveled extensively with the stories to go along with that! She's also a got a collection of "stray kids" whom she loves.

(She's not the best choice for someone looking for a light Swedish massage.)

Gloriose (she/her), or "Glo" is a licensed massage therapist (IA 112637)  Glo has lived in 4 countries and graduated from Roosevelt High School in Des Moines before attending Body Wisdom Massage Therapy School. Glo spent many years caring for aging adults as a certified Nursing Assistant and she has a passion for helping people, especially pregnant women, through massage therapy. Glo loves creating poetry and art. She's a perfect fit for people seeking a very relaxing light to firm pressure massage, pregnant women, seniors, or people who enjoy a bit of stretching with their service. Don't be surprised if you catch Glo performing Karaoke with her friend Thea, another spa LMT!

Vianey (she/her), pronounced "V.N.A." became a licensed massage therapist in 2023 (IA 118884). She looks familiar because she's been caring for our guests at the front desk since 2021! Vianey left a medical coding career to pursue a field that allowed her to work hands-on helping people. While originally considering a different healthcare career, Cassie and the spa LMTs asked Vianey to consider massage therapy as an option and immediately after visiting Body Wisdom Massage School, she leapt right into training! Vianey enjoys using medium to firmer pressure and loves incorporating a bit of reflexology into a massage. She'd love to see you for focused reflexology foot massage too! In her free time she loves on her dog Ruth and is committed to her gym routine.

Soraya (she/her) is a licensed massage therapist who graduated from Body Wisdom school. Growing up in Las Vegas, she fell in love with the robust spa scene. She knew when she moved to Iowa she wanted to be a part of it. Soraya chose massage as a career to help people give thanks to their bodies that work hard every day and feels people deserve to step away and "just be." She loves providing a quiet and relaxing light to medium pressure massage and incorporating hand and foot reflexology. She has trained in barefoot bars massage and will be adding that to her services along with prenatal and hot stone therapy soon! Soraya loves thrifting, Star Wars, fashion, and above all time with her family, including her  deaf puppy Beanie.

Soraya does not offer heavy pressure or targeted therapy massage. 

Holly (she/her) is a licensed massage therapist (IA 107908)  Holly approaches pain with the intention of "untying a knot" rather than digging in with hard pressure. She became a massage therapist because she knew she wanted to be in the medical field, but in a way she could help people feel their best. She fell in love with the massage program at Body Wisdom school. In addition to massage, Holly is a Reiki master. She feels she's best for people seeking relaxation.  Holly is a mom and understands the needs of busy parents. She is also an avid disc golfer who has competed in tournaments and in addition to massage, helps run our online retail shop!

Thea (she/her) is a licensed massage therapist (IA 11975). She graduated from Body Wisdom school where she studied with several of our popular therapists as classmates. Her style blends Myofascial release, relaxation and deep tissue or stretching techniques. Thea listens to what her guests tell her and what their bodies need. Thea feels massage is an important tool for mental wellness and to quiet intrusive thoughts. She is honored to create a safe space for people experiencing mental or emotional strain or who have a history of trauma. Thea is perfect for people seeking a light to firm pressure, quiet, slow massage. Outside of the spa, you'll find her enjoying karaoke, writing, and dabbling in pottery.

Wade (he/him), is a licensed massage therapist  (IA 111049) specializing in orthopedic and Thai massage. Wade worked as a CNA starting as a teenager, with the intent of becoming a nurse. After working as a traveling nurses' aide in short-staffed care centers during the pandemic, Wade realized that massage therapy would be a path forward in healthcare that would give him a better opportunity to help and connect with people in a meaningful way. Wade attended Body Wisdom School in 2021 and has been providing exceptional care as a therapist ever since! We lucky he chose to bring his skills in massage and his background in caring for people with diverse health needs to our team in 2023!

Anna K (she/her), is a licensed massage therapist  (IA 119058) seeing clients currently Wednesday evenings and every other Saturday at the spa. Anna grew up with chronic pain from arthritis. In her 20's a yoga class unlocked a new world of understanding her body. As her yoga practice deepend, she became a certified yoga teacher. Massage therapy is a continuation of that love of creating space for people to find a connection with their own bodies. In addition to massage therapy, Anna works a full time desk job so knows the toll that takes on the mind and body. She's a great fit for people with chronic pain, active lifestyles, or office jobs. You might run into her on the bike trails, at yoga studios, or thrifting!

If you hear contagious laughter in the spa, it's Cyerra (she/her)! She's been a licensed esthetician and nail tech since 2015 and leads our skin and nail care department. She trains our estheticians and nail technicians as an expert in Hydrafacial, Farmhouse Fresh, and Rhonda Allison skincare. Our "newer" nail techs have learned from this expert so their guests can expect her level of sanitation and care.  Nervous about a Brazilian wax? Just get her laughing and you'll see why people actually look forward to wax appointments to catch up with her. You will not regret booking a facial or Hydrafacial with Cyerra! She's a mom to 4 kids from elementary school through college and gets a sense of peace from making others smile.

Blaire (she/her) is a licensed esthetician who is known for very relaxing yet effective facials. Blaire loves treating acne prone or congested skin. She also adores brow shaping and body waxing. She's fast, respectful, and thorough at waxing and has quickly become a favorite for Brazilian and other body wax services. We joke that she's our "old soul" and is great for anyone who is anxious about trying skincare or waxing and she instantly puts guests at ease. Blaire is always our go-to when we have questions about trendy new skincare ingredients or services. Blaire loves travel and spending time with her rescue cat! 

Kanika is a licensed cosmetologist and esthetician. Her guests always tell us they feel the "good energy" flow when enjoying a service with her. Kanika is a reiki master and fertility and post partum doula. Kanika seems to know everyone in town, so it is always fun hearing the conversations  with her nail guests. Kanika's family has a long history in cosmetology. Her mother and grandmother were both cosmetologists! Kanika's nail and brow wax guests love visiting with her, it seems she knows everyone in town! She was a massage therapist for years so she's a great choice for back facials and body scrubs too!

Allie (she/her) is a licensed esthetician. She offers waxing and facial services at the spa. Allie has a calm, nurturing treatment style. She graduated from the Aveda esthetics program in 2021. She has worked in esthetics since graduation. Allie will complete her massage therapy training at Body Wisdom school in 2023 and looks forward to being able to provide both massage and esthetics services to our guests soon! 

Cassandra (she/her) is a super experienced esthetician and nail technician who has been licensed since 2006 and on our team since 2013. Cassandra's schedule is fairly limited as she also indulges in a second career  she's passionate about: animal care! You'll find her pet-sitting for Auntie Abbie's Pet Sitting and working at Jett and Monkey's Dog Shoppe.  Because she works just 1-2 shifts a week these days, she might not be good fit for guests seeking a new regular provider due to scheduling. When she's not nurturing humans or pets she's paddle boarding or dreaming of her next warm beach escape!

Dee (she/her) is a  full time Licensed Nail Technician who provides skilled natural manicures and pedicures to our guests. After studying Equine Sciences and caring for horses (how cool!) Dee attended LaJames to become a licensed Nail Technician and care for humans. Her foot massages are phenomenal. She danced for 18 years and now channels her creativity spirit into beautiful nail art. Dee loves chatting about anything and everything and has a contagious laugh.  She truly is as sweet as can be. You can follow her on Instagram and see her creations at deeznails2022. Iowa fans beware, Dee is a die hard Iowa State fan!

Cammie (she/her) joined our team in 2014. She's cared for our guests while raising her growing family. Cammie works just a few hours a month now to continue facial and nail care primaily for her long time guests as she also works in a chiropractic clinic. If you regularly book with Cammie for nails and can't find  shift that fits your needs, Denisse is the  perfect fit for your future appointments as she's both gentle and thorough with manicures and pedicures. Blaire is the closest style match for waxing. Cyerra, Kanika, and Blaire are happy to see Cammie's facial guests if they can't get onto her schedule.  

Delaney (she/her) is a licensed nail technician though nails is just the start of her career in the beauty industry. She will begin cosmetology school in October, so her schedule will change to one day a week offering nails around her new school schedule. She grew up in a farming family and always practiced pedicures on her father, a farmer. She tells anyone who asks her if she's grossed out by feet that if she's comfortable caring for hard-working farm feet, her clients' feet are nothing to be embarrassed by! Delaney is a cat-mom and  who grew up in Fairfield. Whether you want to chat about true crime, small town living,  or just zone out during your service, you'll love booking with Delaney. See her portfolio on Instagram at nailsbymondia. East Village Spa only offers natural nail manicures.

Denisse (she/her) is a licensed nail technician providing both relaxing and artistic services for our guests. Denisse is a great choice for people seeking to relax quietly during their nail service. Denisse is bilingual in Spanish and English! She takes a gentle yet thorough approach to nail shaping and cuticle care, so she's perfect for more sensitive guests. She adores her two senior dogs and loves hearing about your pets! Denisse is channels her creative gift into beautiful nail art.  She's a great choice for a Work of Art Shellac manicure, classic or creative French tips, and more! Check out her portfolio on Instagram at Kirakira_nailsbydenisse East Village Spa only offers natural nail manicures. 

Cassie (she/her) has been a licensed massage therapist since 2005, valuing high professional standards. Cassie was honored to serve on the Iowa Board of Massage Therapy working to help the public enjoy safe, ethical massage. You can be sure that she only works with therapists who share her high standards. Cassie has a BA in Recreation Therapy from UNI and worked in  brain injury aquatic therapy and as a care center activity director for years before starting her massage career. She opened the spa in 2008 because she couldn't find a work culture that suited her personality. Her office is full of clothes and snacks that get her from presenting to large groups to jumping into a massage or cleaning out a gunked up washing machine hose. Her husband is her favorite human (don't tell him she knows how to clean a washer hose), and she loves behaviorally challenged hound dogs.

Kirstie  (she/her) is a licensed massage therapist who stepped into a spa leadership role in 2023. Kirstie has a business degree from Iowa State and worked in corporate events before attending massage therapy school. After years as a massage therapist specializing in orthopedic and deep tissue massage, Kirstie is transitioning into a role helping to ensure the spa is running smoothly for both guests and providers. She will be coordinating events and new community outreach and partnerships for our spa. Kirstie will also be coordinating educational opportunities for our providers and planning exciting service features and menu updates. Kirstie doesn't accept regular appointments, but is on call with Cassie to help cover as many massages as we can if our therapists need to miss work! Kirstie is a cat mom and loves traveling.

Maddie (she/her) is a gem. Early in her career she took a spa receptionist position with another local salon spa to see if she wanted to go to school to learn a trade like cosmetology. She quickly learned that her passion was leading the front-of-house aspects of a spa to create a welcoming and unique guest experience. Maddie is perfectly suited to coordinate our front desk team and her high standards of communication and customer care show through in all aspects of our spa. She hires and mentors our Front Desk Associates, coordinates charitable giving, and is constantly seeking guest feedback for ways we can continue to exceed expectations. Maddie has the best sense of humor, which serves her as a leader in the service industry. Outside of work, Maddie is the cool aunt. You might find her at the skate park with her girlfriend, or enjoying a creative endeavor.

Jess has a background in lab work, which translates surprisingly well to the level of detail required to wrangle 30 employee schedules, 15 treatment rooms plus equipment, and help find the most efficient and comfortable way for our guests to schedule enjoy their spa visits. When not trying to trick our technology into cooperating or hiding in boxes to scare our team members, Jess is one of the friendly folks answering your calls and texts. 

Shekendra (they them), not only provides great service and booking suggestions, they also help organize and manage all the retail coming into and going out of the spa. They can make a mean spreadsheet. Shekendra is a local performer. They were honored to be named to the 2023 One Iowa LGBTQ Leadership Academy. A transplant from South Dakota, Shekendra is always adding to their list of our guests' recommendations for cool things to do in Des Moines.

Almost daily, someone walks into the spa, sees Abbie (she/her), and asks "Are you a Cooney?" Aside from knowing everyone in town, Abbie is an exceptional front desk associate and licensed esthetician. She can advise guests and shoppers on the best products for their skin, and help them find the right shade in Jane Iredale make-up. Soon, you'll be able to schedule a color match or short make-up application with Abbie! She's also going to be able to fill-in as an on-call Esthetician for us soon, giving us more options to ensure guests can stay on a good facial schedule if we have an esthetician who is  unable to work.