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!

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.

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 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. Her guests love that they can enjoy a quiet session entirely focused on their 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.)

Kirstie  (she/her) is a licensed massage therapist who stepped into a spa leadership role as our Spa Director in 2023 (much to the sadness of her devoted clientele!)  After 3 years without seeing clients regularly, Kirstie realized that  her true calling is working with people 1:1 for their physical and mental wellness. Not only has she decided to return to massage therapy at our spa, she'll be adding 1:1 yoga sessions as she completes her 500-hour Yoga Teacher training this summer, and her big news: Kirstie will begin The University of Iowa's Master's in Social Work Program in Fall 2026. No worries: It's a 3-year program and she will continue seeing guests while in school. You can call to book with Kirstie until she's open for online booking in May 2026!

 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's favorite massages are those that focus on injuries and pain with active engagement and orthopedic massage techniques, though she's also a compassionate therapist who understands the value of allowing space for relaxation during a massage. Laura takes pride in helping people overcome injuries to stay active through massage therapy. 

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.

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.

Note: Vianey is on a medical leave with an anticipated return this summer. If you're accustomed to seeing Vianey, we think you'll love Kirstie, our Spa Director, who is covering massages for her. Hailey and Daijah are also great choices for firm pressure relaxation massage!

Because we aren't sure yet of her return date or schedule, her new bookings are paused, and we'll let guests know when she's back and open to book with!

Note: Cyerra is seeing limited guests before she takes a maternity leave starting any time now! Her 5th baby is due in May, her regulars can call to check her availability, but she's not open online currently.

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.  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 (baby 5 is coming May 2026!)  from elementary school through college and gets a sense of peace from making others smile. 

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 all 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, or using her years as an industry educator to mentor team members. 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 and a human person. Her husband and 3 grown kids bring her so much joy.

Lydia (she/her) was one of our earliest team members, caring for guests for 5 years in our first and second locations before moving west to work in resort spas in California and Nevada. After a decade, the Midwest called her home to be near family and to a slower pace of work where she can really get to know her guests and take great care of their waxing, skin, and nail care needs in a more customized way. Lydia is an expert in the Rhonda Allison line, loves assisting with make-up, and is a comfortable and fun person to chat with during waxing and nail care.  We were thrilled to welcome her back, and she is so happy to care for our incredible folks!

Hailey Schulmeister (she/her), is an esthetician and licensed massage therapist (IA) who graduated from Aveda school for esthetics in 2024, and the Body Wisdom Massage Therapy school in 2025. Hailey is great for people seeking a relaxing service with light to firm pressure, our Two Feet Deep Barefoot Bars massage, or a combination facial/massage service without getting off the table! Hailey is also a great waxer who can help guests feel quickly at ease, thanks to her years experience as a CNA in long term care, experience that helped to inform Hailey's desire to provide comfortable, caring touch to improve physical and mental wellbeing through massage and esthetics.

Daijah Robinson (she/her), is a licensed massage  therapist and also an esthetician with a passion for spreading positivity and promoting well-being. She strives to create a nurturing environment where guests feel truly listened to and cared for. Daijah's background in caregiving taught her the importance of understanding each person's unique needs, and she is committed to providing treatments that enhance and contribute to your overall health and wellness. Whether you prefer a medium to firm pressure or something lighter, she'll tailor each session to your individual preferences.

Daijah enjoys spending time in nature and has a passion for marine biology. Daijah is a great choice for people who want a flowing relaxation massage with a medium to firm pressure, pregnant guests, and anyone seeking skilled waxing services!

Soraya (she/her) is a licensed massage therapist (IA 122015) who graduated from Body Wisdom school, and became an esthetics apprentice in combination with a Department of Labor approved program through Atarashii and East Village Spa. Growing up in Las Vegas, Soraya fell in love with the robust spa scene and knew when 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 is so excited to continue her knowledge into skincare services to provide even more help and care to her guests. 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, she will be adding relaxation facials, limited waxing, and combination massage, body, and facial skincare services as part of her apprenticeship soon!

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. 

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!

Cassie (she/her) has been a licensed massage therapist since 2005 and a nail tech since 2026. She previously served on the Iowa Board of Massage Therapy to help the public enjoy safe, ethical massage, and dedicates a significant amount of time to massage advocacy and government relations. Cassie has a BA in Recreation Therapy from UNI and lucked into jobs in a brain injury therapy pool, a museum summer camp instructor, and nursing home activity director (which she really misses!) Her books aren't open for regularly scheduled clients, but she's often able to cover in a pinch if we have an illness or emergency. Her office is full of clothes and snacks that get her from presenting to large groups, massaging or pedicuring, even 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.

Denise (she/her) has served in accounting roles for most of her career. She and Cassie crossed paths when Denise became Spa Director of another business and they collaborated for years, Cassie educating Denise on the ins and outs of massage therapy and the spa profession, and Denise offering Cassie guidance on numbers and what Cassie would consider the "boring" parts of her job. Even after Denise left the spa world, she and Cassie continued to connect over their shared passion for community development, the arts, and local organizations doing good work for underserved folks in our community. Denise joined us in December, 2025, and oversees our behind-the-scenes activities, our charitable donations, and works shifts at our front desk so she has an opportunity to connect with the guests who make our spa such a special place. Outside of work she enjoys time with her adult children, service on community boards, supporting the arts and making meaningful connections in small business communities.

Cris (he/him) is simply a gem.  He has a history in customer service and building successful teams in the retail and service industry. He's quietly kind and very (VERY) good at his job. Cris has a knack for finding ways we can improve our guests' experiences and noticing details that matter.  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. He's an active member of the Historic East Village Neighborhood Association.  Cris formerly managed a plant store and because of his expertise, we are able to keep a cheerful assortment of plants alive and happy. He's the point person for groups and eager to help ensure our guests and team have what they need for a great experience at our spa!

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!

Melanie, (she/her) loves staying busy! She's happy to help advise our guests on services and retail, offer a Jane Iredale color match, and loves staying on top of trends. Outside of the spa, Melanie loves event work, especially with wedding and expo work. She's eager to continue getting to know our guests and we're excited to let her creativity and fresh ideas help inspire all of us!