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 practiced Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for years, loves snowboarding, and 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 massages. She especially loves focused neck and foot massage. Conny used her background in engineering to creating allergy-friendly recipes. She also teaches some occasional German and gluten free cooking classes in the nearby Cooking with Alessandra space!

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" and makes up half of the official "Welcome Committee" tasked with creating breakroom parties, welcoming new team members, and celebrating birthdays.

(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 medium moderately firm pressure. She's perfect for a meditative relaxation experience but not the best choice for someone looking for super aggressive work or specific orthopedic massage techniques. She loves hot stone massage, our seasonal features, body scrubs, and providing a quiet session entirely focused on her guests' needs.  Anna is the second half of the Welcome Committee, along with Klay, and has a *slight* addiction to baking to both the delight and detriment of her coworkers. 

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

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 singing, creating poetry and art. She's a perfect fit for people seeking a very relaxing light to firm pressure massage, pregnant women, active seniors, or people with medical concerns including cancer. Glo also has a passion for Thai-inspired massage and is our only barefoot bars massage therapist. Glo enjoys traveling the world, taking extended trips visiting relatives far and wide.

Vianey (she/her), pronounced "V.N.A." became a licensed massage therapist in 2023 (IA 118884). Vianey knew she wanted a physically active hands-on career helping people. She started as a Guest Service Associate on our team but we urged her to consider massage therapy as an option!  She graduated from Body Wisdom School early in 2023 and  immediately transitioned from front desk to the treatment room. She offers both relaxation and orthopedic massage techniques and is eager to learn new ways to help diverse health and physical needs. She's dedicated to her strength training workouts and is a great fit for active and athletic guests. Vianey is a great communicator and loves finding ways to modify sessions for folks with unique needs, and she enjoys working with people people experiencing health challenges including cancer and fibromyalgia. She loves sharing about the benefits of massage on social media and being active with her dog Ruth!

Soraya (she/her) is a licensed massage therapist (IA 122015) who graduated from Body Wisdom school. Growing up in Las Vegas, she fell in love with the robust spa scene and 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.  Soraya loves thrifting, Star Wars, fashion, and above all time with her family, and her sweet deaf pup Beanie.

Soraya does not offer heavy pressure or targeted therapy massage. 

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, he realized that massage therapy would be a path forward in healthcare that would better allow him to connect with people in a meaningful and less rushed way. Wade graduated from Body Wisdom school in 2021. One of his specialties is Thai-inspired massage, and he's incredible at developing customized treatments on the Thai mat for whatever his guests have going on. Wade is one of the kindest, most thoughtful souls and we are so lucky to have him on the team.

 Laura (she/her), is a 2024 graduate of the Body Wisdom School Massage Program. Laura loves experiencing new cultures and moved to the United States in 2022 from Cuba. She's fluent in English, Spanish, and French. She's a dog mom and her favorite holiday is Christmas, even though you'll hear her complain about Iowa's December weather. Laura is offering our relaxation and targeted therapy massages and will soon be offering Movement on the Mat Thai-Inspired Massage (her absolutely favorite.) Her favorite massages are those that focus on injuries and pain with active engagement and orthopedic massage techniques, and she takes great job in helping people overcome injuries and stay active through massage therapy. 

Kristin (she/her) is a licensed massage therapist (IA 119327) with a unique combination of passions in massage therapy. She loves deep tissue and working with really active clients, and working as a licensed massage therapist at ChildServe, helping children with significant health challenges including those on respirators and with limited mobility and communication, to experience more physical comfort. Kristin has such a nurturing and immediately familiar way about her that sometimes guests get as much benefit from her reassuring personality as they do from her skilled massages. Kristin is a retired children's librarian, loves spending time with her family and extended circle of friends. She's got strong Scandanavian roots and runs warm so jokingly refers to herself as "hot hands Helga the massage therapist." 

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. She loves incorporating tools like cupping or LED lights and specialty oils for relaxation and pain relief in her sessions. 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, attending classes at DMACC pursuing her dream of becoming a mental health counselor, and dabbling in pottery.

Paige Hughett (she/her), is a licensed massage  therapist (IA 123444) and also an esthetician. Paige splits her time between caring for our massage guests with a relaxing, nurturing treatments and caring for hospice massage clients. Paige is from Tennessee, where she left a career in the legal profession after massage therapy and beauty services helped her during an episode of post-partum depression. She realized these services literally can save lives. She realized that she too could make a difference in the lives of others and decided to study esthetics and massage. Paige is a great choice for someone looking to feel completely cared for during a relaxing service. Paige does not offer extremely heavy pressure or targeted therapy massage. Paige also offers body waxing services at Est Village Spa with her esthetics license.

Mindia (she/her) is a licensed massage therapist (IA 111058) and esthetician seeing clients part time for relaxation-oriented services. She has a heart for service and hospitality. Her massage specialty is a flowing light to medium pressure massage. Mindia also offers many of our facial services so is a great choice for someone looking to book a back-to-back hour massage and hour facial and stay on the table as she's our only provider able to do this. On occasion, you'll find her leading a sound bath meditation for special events at the spa! Mindia has explored many other facets of the beauty and wellness industry across her long career, as a Yoga instructor (200 hr), retired cosmetologist, and esthetics educator.   Mindia is a dog person (ask her about her dog Pickles!) and a human person. Her husband and 3 grown kids bring her so much joy.

Early in her career, Maddie (she/her) started working in administrative roles in spas to see if she wanted pursue a career as a service provider, and if so, which license she wanted to pursue.  After years of witnessing the positive impact massage therapy could make for others, she enrolled in a year-long massage program at Body Wisdom school and is now serving our guests as a licensed massage therapist. She is passionate about providing customized services that are focused on the needs of each guest, giving them quiet space to tune into their bodies while they relax. She currently offers relaxation massages, hot stones, and  prenatal massage. Her pressure can range from light to moderate firm.

Logan (he/him) is a licensed massage therapist. He moved to Des Moines in 2019 to join his wife as a dancer with Ballet Des Moines. Logan graduated from Body Wisdom's massage therapy program in 2023, attending classes as his ballet schedule allowed. His hours are very limited during the fall and winter, and increase during the summers. Logan's background in a physically demanding profession helps him empathize with athletic guests and people frustrated by pain or injuries that limit their daily activities. Logan appreciates his guests' flexibility with his schedule during peak performance seasons. He is a great choice for both targeted therapy and relaxation massages!

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.

Kanika is a licensed cosmetologist and esthetician. She's a 3rd generation cosmetologist, following in the footsteps of her grandmother and mother.  If you're curious about our Jane Iredale make-up, Kanika is an excellent person to help you find your perfect colors and learn to apply it!  Kanika seems to know everyone in town, so it is always fun hearing her figure out the "small world" connections with her guests. She loves community service work through her Elks lodge. In addition to her work at the spa, Kanika is a reiki master and fertility and post partum doula. Her guests always tell us they feel the "good energy" flow when enjoying a service with her.

Cassandra (she/her) is a super experienced esthetician and nail technician who has been licensed since 2006 and on our team since 2013. She's not only a great choice for caring for your skin and nails, she is passionate about animal care! You'll find her pet-sitting and working at Jett and Monkey's Dog Shoppe.  When she's not nurturing humans or pets she's paddle boarding or dreaming of her next warm beach escape! If you're getting your nails done for a beach vacation, she'd love to hear all about it. 

Desiree (she/her) is a dual licensed cosmetologist and esthetician with many years of experience in skin and nail care, and a special passion for caring for each guest as a PERSON first, then their skin and nails. She is a truly compassionate and empathetic listener and builds strong relationships with her guests. Desiree loves Rhonda Allison skincare, especially the more corrective products. She also enjoys that Dazzle Dry nail polish allows her to do a healthy nail service, not just a beauty service.  Desiree is a great fit body waxing and facial waxing too.

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!

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. 

Ella (she/her) is a licensed nail technician  with a passion for natural nails and who loves our Dazzle Dry polish line. After school, she knew she wanted to work at East Village Spa because of our focus on natural nails and the spa's culture. Ella has gotten rave reviews for the hand and foot massages in her services, and she's a very detailed polisher! 

Cassie (she/her) has been a licensed massage therapist since 2005. Cassie served on the Iowa Board of Massage Therapy to help the public enjoy safe, ethical massage, now she dedicates a significant amount of time to massage and small business professional advocacy and government relations. Cassie has a BA in Recreation Therapy from UNI. After years in cool jobs like brain injury aquatic rehab , summer camp instructor, and nursing home activity director, she still has "Big  Bingo Energy" and can make-up and lead a big group activity on a moment's notice. She doesn't accept scheduled massage clients, but fills in on occasion. Her office is full of clothes and snacks that get her from presenting to large groups to massaging a guest 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 transitioned into the Spa Director role to manage day-to-day operations for our team of over 30.  She is also the point person for any group booking requests. Kirstie doesn't accept regular appointments, but is on call with Cassie to help cover as many massages as we can if our therapists have an emergency! Kirstie is a cat mom, a wannabe gardener, and is wrapping up her 200 hour Yoga Instructor course in Spring 2025 before continuing to her 500 hour RYT training! She also serves on the board for the Queer Youth Resource Center. 

Almost daily, someone walks into the spa, sees Abbie (she/her), and asks "Are you a Cooney?" Aside from knowing everyone in town, Abbie leads our retail operations and is an exceptional Guest Services  Associate and licensed esthetician. She can advise guests on products, educate on ingredients, and help everyone find the right shade in Jane Iredale make-up.  Abbie has loyal regular facial guests and has a passion for staying current on emerging strategies to assist folks who are transitioning to feel their best, whatever their changing skin and beauty needs are. Whenever we ask Abbie if she's heard of something new, we realize that it's not "new" and she's already researched it and has some thoughts about it, making her THE source for trends-both good and bad. Look for Abbie in the treatment room a few days a month and frequently at the front desk where she is eager to anser your product questions!

Olivia  (she/her) is a Guest Services Associate on our team and leads our charitible giving initiatives, coordinating our donation requests. She has a degree in gender studies and art. She's an artist specializing in ceramics and photography. Olivia also enjoys volunteering at ceramics classes at her old high school. Olivia loves checking out local restaurants with her friends and she always love seeing your cat pictures! 

Cris (he/him) is simply a gem.  We all instantly loved Cris the moment we met him. He has a a history in customer service and building successful teams. He's quietly kind and very good at his job. He loves learning what's new in Des Moines and has an interest in the development of our city so if you have the scoop on any new business openings or hot downtown development gossip, he wants to know. Thanks to his green thumb, Cris brought many spa plants back from the brink of death and has allowed us to continue to add to new plant life to the spa decor!

Elise (they/them) joined our Guest Service Associate team in 2025 and brings years of customer service experience, a hard work ethic, a gift for art, AND the ability to hang things on walls so they are level and don't fall down:  You'd be amazed how handy this is for a spa our size!