Meet Our Staff

Anita Yoder

Spa Owner, Master Esthetician

Anita is the owner of the Beauty Spa, Master Esthetician, Massage Therapist, and Nail Tech.  Anita received a certificate of training in Beauty Therapy in 1986 from the European Facial Center for Aesthetics and Natural Therapies in Alexandria, VA. She practiced her skill in skin and nail care at Panache Salon in Harrisonburg, VA from 1987 -1990.  After earning a certification in massage therapy from the Virginia School of Massage, Charlottesville, VA in 1990, Anita opened the Beauty Spa in 1990.

Anita recommends:

1. The Green Science Facial.  This facial is part of the line of Aveda skin care created for mature skin or any skin that is in need of firming and rejuvination.   Deep cleansing massage and gentle exfoliation adds relaxation to this clinically proven plant based, skin renewal treatment.   

2. Regular Spa Visits.  Making spa therapy a part of your life benefits overall wellness of the body and soul.  Schedule weekly or monthly visits to The Beauty Spa and experience comfort, nourishment and delight. 

 

Shannon Lafy

Licensed Esthetician

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Shannon has been working at The Beauty Spa since 2000. She is a  Licensed Esthetician.  She has been trained in all of The Beauty Spa's skin care by the professionals at the Aveda Institute. 

Shannon recommends:

1.  Customized Eyebrow Design:  Through professional waxing techniques and brow tinting, she will create an eyebrow shape that is a perfect compliment to your natural beauty.    

2.  The Enbrightenment Facial:  By blending Aveda's finely balanced skin care with lymphatic drainage techniques, this facial rejuvinates your skin and relaxes your body.  Over time, the Enbrightenment Skin Care line will reduce dark spots caused by aging and sundamage. 

 

Tracey Brown

Massage Therapist, Wax Tech, Nail Tech, Makeup Artist

Tracey 

Tracey comes to the Beauty Spa after several years in the field of social work and administration. She graduated from the Shenandoah School of Therapeutic Massage in 2007 and began working at the Spa in spring 2008.  Tracey has continued her training toward multiple licenses in spa services and has been trained in makeup artistry by the professionals at Aveda Institute.

Tracey recommends:

1. Express services.  Regularly scheduled, Express (30 minute) Spa Treatments, are a way to nourish your body without putting a huge dent in your wallet.

2. Foot Reflexology along with your facial, massage or pedicure. It combines comfort and relaxation with the ancient health benefits of pressure point treatment of the foot.

 

Rosemary Hess

Nail Therapist

Rosemary grew up in Israel and has traveled extensively throughout Europe, the Middle East and Kenya. Having settled in Virginia she assists her husband in pastoral counseling.  Rosemary started working for The Beauty Spa in November of 2006 as a part-time receptionist and completed training at the Virginia Nail School in May 2007.  She completed her Esthetician training at Blackthorn Academy in Summer 2011. She enjoys spending time with her three grown children, flower gardening, walking, biking and gourmet cooking.

Rosemary recommends:

1). Caribbean Therapy Pedicure. It is very indulging, relaxing, and incorporates the aromas of nurturing plants and herbs of the Caribbean Islands. The fragrances are delightful and the products rich in moisture and nutrition.

2). Paraffin dip can be added on to any nail service. It locks in moisture from the massage and leaves hands or feet feeling softened and rejuvenated.

Jennifer Shigo

Massage Therapist

Jennifer is originally from central Pennsylvania. She was schooled in Pennsylvania and has been working at The Beauty Spa since 2008.  She truly loves the work she does and enjoys helping people achieve their goals.  She became a Certified Prenatal Massage Therapist in 2011 and hopes to continue providing enjoyable and beneficial services for many years to come.
 
Jennifer recommends:
 
1. Prenatal massage in all stages of pregnancy. Through experiance she has found it to be one of the most beneficial things a mother can do for herself during pregnancy.  It helps ease sore muscles, relieves the extra stress on her body and assists the circulatory and lymphatic systems. 
It can also be beneficial in preparing the body for delivery. 
 
2. The Spa Glow.  The Spa Glow is a full body brushing and scrub exfoliation followed by hot towels and rich Aveda moisturizers.  It feels amazing, helps you relax and improves the look and feel of your skin.
 
 
 

Michael Gwin

Esthetician, Massage Therapist

Michael D. Gwin, PhD, CMT, LE has worked in the field of healing and relaxation and the holistic arts since 1990. Michael is a Certified Massage Therapist, an Energy Practitioner/Healer, a Holistic Educator, a Spiritual/Intuitive Advisor, a Licensed Esthetician (Skin Care) and a Minister of Metaphysics.

He has studied many forms of Holistic Healing and bodywork and he holds a PhD in Metaphysical Theology from the Midwest Institute of Metaphysical Theology. Michael has his Certification in Massage Therapy from the Virginia School of Massage and has studied skin care with the Aveda Institute.

Michael has released his own meditation CD, “The Journey Within” and his first book, “The Three Big Questions and how they define your life”.

Sonya Rexrode-Ricke

Nail Therapist

Sonya and her husband moved from Virginia Beach eight years ago to be closer to her parents. The first time she entered the spa she remembers being captivated by the delightful aroma. She has worked at the Beauty Spa since 2004 as a Nail Therapist and enjoys pampering clients and making them feel relaxed.

Sonya recommends:

1. Aromatherapy Pedicure: Our pedicures are "The BEST". Sonya takes a lot of pride in pampering her clientele’s feet and making them look and feel their very best. Our pedicures make you want to dance the night away.

2. Aromatherapy Manicure: This treatment is so calming. "The whip" (a mix of hydrating Aveda products) leaves hands feeling soft like a baby's bottom.

Lisa Holland

Esthetician, Massage Therapist, Nail Therapist

Lisa has been working with the Beauty Spa and a licensed massage therapist since 2005. She has had continued education in massage therapy, esthetician, and nail technician. She is available to her clients for many spa treatments and massage therapies, which includes: hot stone, deep tissue and Swedish massage.

Taryn Luppo

Massage Therapist

Taryn attended the Shenandoah Valley School of Therapeutic Massage and enjoyed the holistic, heart-centered approach to the practice of massage therapy taught there. Upon receiving her certification in 2007, Taryn relocated to Augusta Georgia where she honed her skills in many different avenues of massage including Deep Tissue, Myofascial, Sports Massage, Reflexology, Rossiter, and Prenatal along with other specialized services.

Taryn recommends:

1. The deep tissue massage as the spa therapy of choice. Deep tissue acts as a detoxifier to the muscles and extends the relaxing benefits of any massage. Deep Tissue should not hurt, but should stretch the muscles to each individual's hedonic level.

 

Emily Smith

Spa Coordinator

Emily has been the spa coordinator since in February 2008.

Emily recommends:

1). Aromatherapy Scalp Treatment: This treatment is so relaxing, yet stimulating to the senses. For some clients it helps to open breathing passages and improve scalp health.

2). Deep Tissue Massage: The therapist is able to relax stressed, tight muscles. 

 

Ashley Mohr

Receptionist

Ashley was raised in Roanoke, Virginia.  She is a biology major at James Madison University and has worked at The Beauty Spa since 2009. 

Ashley recommends:

Aveda's Outer Peace Skin Care.  It is great for youthful skin, that may be prone to breakout.  It will keep your face clear and radiant.