East Village Spa's team has specialists in sports and deep tissue massage, Shiatsu, hot stone massage, prenatal massage and more. Because our therapists have built a loyal clientele and space out their services to ensure their guests receive their full attention, some have limited availability. We suggest finding 2-3 therapists you enjoy to increase your scheduling opportunities.
Our licensed estheticians and nail care providers are experienced, safe, and skilled. They offer customized Rhonda Allison and Farmhouse Fresh facials, CBD facials, Hydrafacial, waxing, and natural manicures and pedicures. Their focus is on the health of your skin and nails. They are happy to customize a skincare routine that best fits your lifestyle and skincare goals.
This is the crew that answers your calls, e-mails, texts and greets you at the spa. They've got a yummy beverage to start your visit and chocolate to send you back into the world. Please show them photos of your pets, talk about podcasts, and don't judge them if they're snacking on the job.
L-R: Jess, Shekendra (they/them), Cassie (she/her) Maddie (she/her), Vianey (she/her)
We have a diverse team of providers and welcome all genders on our team. If you have a specific provider you wish to book with or a specific gender preference, you must indicate this at booking as logistically we cannot make provider or gender changes upon arrival.
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 posing 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. She has been licensed since early 2017 (IA 086019). She offers a combination of relaxation and focused work, using light to fairly 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 into creating allergy-friendly recipes. She owns an in-home bakery, Sunrose Bakery, and you can purchase some of her gluten/egg/dairy free breakfast cookies at the spa!
Klay (he/him) has been licensed since January 2018 (IA 094557) and works with more moderate to moderate-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 who has custom built things for many co-workers! We jokingly refer to Klay as the "spa handyman"
(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.)
Trevor (he/him) has been licensed since January 2019 (IA 095153) and during school he developed a passion for Thai style massage. Clients love his positive energy and genuinely kind nature. He's a great fit for people looking to relax, with a diverse and evolving set of techniques from assisted gentle stretches, acupressure holds, flowing relaxation work and deep tissue techniques. Trevor says he often wakes up in the morning feeling so happy that he's doing what he loves, ESPECIALLY on days he has barefoot bars massages on his schedule! He is a true professional and incredibly respectful of all who schedule with him.
(Trevor does not do targeted therapy massage or super deep pressure unless you book the Two Feet Deep)
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" (call to book) in addition to being able to provide every massage we offer. She's not the best choice for someone looking for a light Swedish 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..
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 20123 (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. Cassie and the spa LMTs asked Vianey to consider massage therapy as an option and immediately after visiting Body Wisdom Massage School, 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.
Brandie Sperry (she/her), LMT, IA-077419, is a Body Wisdom graduate, licensed as a massage therapist since 2015. Brandie’s massage style is targeted and thorough. She loves orthopedic and sports massage, using deep tissue, cupping, and hot stones to address pain. She’s great for people with neck, shoulder, low back and hip pain. Brandie feels that this career is worthwhile because she can see people on different life journeys leave her treatment room feeling happier and pain free. Our regular guests looking for a new “troubleshooting“ therapist LOVE Brandie. Brandie has a 10 year old ragdoll cat, Trixie, and loves to cook and bake. Chat her up about Gluten Free recipes!
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.
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!
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 technician since 2015 and is a member of the spa's leadership team. Her facials are equal parts relaxing and results-oriented and she's our go-to for amazing artistic Shellac manicures. We even have a special service just for her nail art! Check out examples of her work on our Instagram account and follow her at @allnails_by_cyerra on Instagram. She's a great fit for people nervous about their first Brazilian wax because she keeps them distracted through the service...just get her laughing. She's a mom to 4 awesome kids and a spoiled dog, experience that has helped her be a natural leader for our team. She finds peace and happiness making other smile.
Cassandra (she/her) is a super experienced esthetician and nail technician who has been licensed since 2006 and on our team since 2013. She is an excellent choice for guests who have specific concerns with their skin, including acne or rosacea. Cassandra's nail care guests appreciate her safe and thorough services, like Shellac manicures. When she's not paddle boarding or at her second job at Jett and Monkey's Dog Shoppe. She and her husband are parents to several rescued cats and dogs and she'd love to visit with you about your fur kids and warm-destination vacations!
(Cassandra doesn't offer most body waxing.)
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 loves our back facial and body scrub services too. Blaire loves travel and spending time with her rescue cat!
Desiree (she/her) is a licensed cosmetologist and esthetician. Desiree offers nail, waxing, and facial services at the spa. Waxing and corrective facials are her absolute favorite services and she loves the Rhonda Allison product line because she's personally had great results from it. She originally joined our team in 2019. Her guests appreciate her thoughtful and respectful nature and can tell that she truly cares about them. Outside of work, you'll find Desiree cooking and reading. She loves to chat about dog, the latest TV shows and great restaurants with her waxing and nail guests.
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 in beautiful nail art. You can follow her on Instagram and see her creations at deeznails2022. Iowa fans beware, Dee is a die hard Iowa State fan!
Kanika is a licensed cosmetologist, esthetician, and massage therapist. Kanika's 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 Kanika chat with her nail guests. While Kanika no longer offers massage therapy, you can feel the natural healing come through in all of the services she does offer.
(Kanika does not offer body waxing services)
Cammie (she/her) joined our team in 2014. Cammie works part time around her busy family schedule so might not be the best fit for someone seeking a new regular provider. She offers every type of nail care, waxing, and skincare service we offer at the spa and is also a licensed massage therapist! Cammie's facials are both relaxing and she especially enjoys working with people who feel they have sensitive skin. She's known for very gentle nail care and loves our tension headache relief massages. As the mom of three children, she understands fluctuating hormones and learning to love your changing body, as well as stresses of parenting. Her experience as a gestational surrogate gives her a unique understanding of the painful and often silent struggles of creating a family.
Delaney (she/her) is a licensed nail technician who aspires to continue her training to become a cosmetologist. Delaney is a talented artist, regularly arriving to the spa with a jaw-dropping manicure on her own nails that she did herself. 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 quiet but fun to chat with. She's a cat-mom and new to living in Des Moines area after growing up in Fairfield. Whether you want to chat about true crime or just zone out during your service, you'll love booking with Delaney.
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 and she didn't enjoy working alone. These days, she only does massage if there's an emergency. Her office is full of clothes that get her from presenting to large groups to cleaning out a washing machine hose. Her husband is her favorite human (don't tell him she knows how to clean a washer hose), and she loves her 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 is only seeing regular guests on limited basis during this transition, and after 2023, will serve as a fill-in therapist only, like Cassie does. Kirstie is a cat mom and travels in her free time. Her favorite vacation spot was Paris.
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. Shekendra is a local performer, and the assistant show director of No Shame Theater, a local monthly variety show. A transplant from South Dakota, Shekendra is always compiling a list of our guests'recommendations for cool things to do in Des Moines.
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