Staff Highlight: Allison Snell LMT

Allison Snell is the newest member of our massage department at Urban Sanctuary. Allison brings with her a wealth of interesting life and career experience as well as a real passion for massage.

People are raving about Allison. She is really fun to be with and clients thoroughly enjoy her massage work.

Allison has a background in Medical Massage which has proven useful in instances where people seek pain relief from their massages.NueromuscularTherapy, Myofacial Release, Deep Tissue and Reiki are some of her favorite modalities to incorporate into Medical Massage or stress reduction Massage.

Allison excels at Sports Massage. She was massage therapist for Georgia Southern University Swimming and Diving Teams at Collegiate Coastal Conference Championships! Not an honor that many licensed massage therapists are afforded. It speaks volumes about the quality of Allison's deep tissue, sports massage and therapeutic massage skills.

Background: Allison holds a B.A. in journalism from the University of Georgia.She's a graduate of the Georgia Career Institute  in Conyers. After completing their massage program, she studied Thai Massage and medical massage.

Experiences: Allison was a wild-land firefighter for the United States Forest Service in both Vermont and Colorado. She spent many years as an organic farmer in the western mountains of Maine and in Mansfield, Georgia.

Enjoys: Telemark skiing, mountain biking, hiking, organic farming and yoga.
Loves: Trail running with her English setter, belle. Loves bluegrass music and Thai food.

 

Staff Highlight: Jan Bush

Jan Bush joined our massage department over the winter holidays of 2014.She started by helping us out with Sunday massage shifts and quickly moved into a full time position. Jan is a very talented massage therapist with a lot of heart. A great fit for Urban Sanctuary.

Jan, tell me what your favorite clients services are at Urban Sanctuary. What do you love to do the most?
I really love to work on people's sinuses, sinus relief massage whether it's incorporated into a face and scalp massage, TMJ massage or another type of massage. It's really just so great for people. Relieving that pressure and pain, so people can breath and be head ache free...

Back, neck and shoulder massage is one of my favorites also. So many people need extra attention in those three areas. I really like our signature massage and prenatal as well. There are many modalities that I like to incorporate into the massages that I give.

How would you describe your massage style and your strengths as a massage therapist?
My massage is responsive and intuitive. I choreograph a different massage during each session a repeat client has with me rather than defaulting to a routine. It's an evolving and unfolding massage, where I incorporate different techniques and modalities to address what my clients are dealing with and their bodies.

My priority is to have the massage accomplish something on the road to better health, stress relief and pain relief for my clients.I really like to create a treatment plan with clients that involves repeat massage sessions, stretching and home care in between massages to alleviate pain and stress.

Have you done any specialized training, study or research related to well being, massage and healing modalities outside of your massage school training?
Yes. I've done extensive self study on muscular skeletal tissues, common stress patterns, stretching and trigger point therapy. Some lymphatic drainage, foot massage and sinus relief massage training.

Are there particular communities or groups of people the community that you would especially like to impact through your massage work at Urban Sanctuary and our community outreach work?
Yes! I have a special and deep affinity for the elderly population and I'd love to have the opportunity to work with people who have cancer. 

I was the primary caretaker for my parents for years. While I cared for them, my Step Dad had cancer and my Mom had Alzheimer's. I have a tremendous amount of respect and appreciation for the elderly and for people with cancer. That is especially so after having an up close look at what my parents were dealing with.

Tell us more about your family. I heard you say that you have four kids.That's a lot of kids! What are their names and where are they?
My youngest son, Malachi, is 19 and he is a freshman at UGA. That's what drew me closer to Athens. My other three are Zach, Macy and Madison. They are spread across the country. I also have two grand-kids named Max and Jack. I absolutely love to spoil them. My dog's name is Buddy.

My mother was a master gardener when I was growing up and my Dad was an avid sports fan. Loved football especially. 

Are you an animal person?
Yes. I am a dog person and I love horses.

I rode horses and raised horses as a young girl. I developed a life affirming bond with horses. My Father died when I was very young. The connection I had with horses and the time I spent with them really got me through some of the pain of  losing my Dad.

More about Jan: Jan has inherited some of her mother's love of gardening. She loves to grow herbs in pots, rosemary being a favorite.And as for her Dad's influence, Jan is a sports trivia buff! Her father taught her tons about football and sports trivia when she was just tiny.

Jan has enjoyed several interesting career paths prior to becoming a licensed massage therapist. Being motorcycle sales person for over ten years has been a highlight. She was the marketing director for Harley Davidson Atlanta. Wow .

Jan is at Urban Sanctuary 4-5 days a week including Sundays and evening shifts. If you have not had a massage with her yet, mention this blog post and receive $5 off your first session. Call 706-613-3947 to book your appointment at Urban Sanctuary.

Browse our menu of services, scalp massage, foot massage, specialty massage and prices.
Be kind to yourself. Unwind at Urban Sanctuary...

Staff Highlight: Ian Guthrie

Ian Guthrie is Assistant Spa Manager at
Urban Sanctuary. He assists in managing the front desk, oversees the scheduling and  flow of spa services, attends to clients' needs and looks after the well-being of the overall house. Ian is indispensable, and his personality is such that he's won the love and favor of many staff and Urban Sanctuary clients. We are very fortunate to have him with us.

One of Ian's favorite aspects of his job is researching and vetting new product lines and merchandise to carry in the store. He is really talented at it! In the past few years, Ian has successfully introduced stylishly aromatic bath and body lines. Level Naturals is one and Herbivore Botanicals is another. Ian looks for quality eco-friendly household items as well. Soap and Paper Factory is one of Ian's best finds.

Most of the merchandise in our online store has been uploaded by Ian. He edits and compiles the blog and community books that you'll find in our waiting lounges. Ian records our community donations and sponsorships. And he even cuts and arranges flowers from our garden in all of the spa rooms, restrooms and waiting rooms. He keeps Urban Sanctuary happy and beautiful.

Ian has been with Urban Sanctuary for less than three years, but he's lived in Athens forever.
Below, we share some fun facts about him.


Favorite Athens Hang-Outs:
Hi-Lo, Old Pal, Normal Bar, Go Bar and Broad River

Favorite Places To Shop:
Hobby Lobby, Athena Jewelers and Urban Sanctuary

Best Restaurant:
Last Resort

Things To Love About Athens:
Halloween, summers, the Ginkgo on Prince Avenue in the fall, the Broad River and all of the activities within walking and biking distance.

Favorite Holiday:
You guessed it! Halloween...

TV Shows:
Walking Dead, American Horror Story, anything with Rupaul and Six Feet Under

Movies:
Death Becomes Her and The Craft

Creative Outlets and Hobbies:
Ian has a knack for fantasy makeup and costumes. He loves baking, cooking, drawing, painting and container gardening.

Family:
Ian comes from a family of artists and musicians. He and his sister, Sarah, are five years apart in age almost to the day. She works as a family counselor. Ian's two nieces visit Urban Sanctuary frequently to get their nails done with special designs. They are nine and five years old...how cute!

Ian's mom, Tina Guthrie, was an art teacher for 13-plus years. She has a Masters in Drawing and Painting and has dabbled in welding. She's currently the program director at Georgia Conflict Center, specializing in non-violent communication. 

Ian's dad toured Europe extensively as a drummer in a band with his brother. They played in the band together for 40 years. Mr. Guthrie traveled to Uganda several times to do humanitarian work.

What an amazing family!

Pets:
Ian has a hairless Chihuahua: Ouija has lots of little doggy sweaters which he loves wearing. 

If you are planning a spa party or spa day for a special occasion, or just simply need to unwind, Ian will help you. Call (706) 613-3947, and Ian or one of our other fabulous hosts will advise you, mixing and matching our services to your heart's delight!  

 

Staff Highlight: Dina LaFera

Dina has joined us on staff at Urban Sanctuary with 18 years of success in the field of esthetics under her belt. To name a few of Dina's gifts, she has a wonderful passion for skincare, a nice sense of community and a great love for people. We are thrilled to have Dina with us.

Dina gives facials, facial peels, waxing and microdermabrasion treatments at Urban Sanctuary during the week and weekends. Call us at 706-613-3947 to find out which available appointments suit your schedule and book yourself in for a great spa service.

Dina, tell us about your career background and your skincare philosophy.
I have come full circle with my skincare philosophy. I began working in esthetics 18 years ago at Natural Body in Buckhead and later grew into medical esthetics for a while.

I believe in balance. You must feed your skin, the largest organ in your body, the same as you would feed your body. Use whole and organic ingredients as much as possible and save the pharmaceuticals only for occasional use.

Where are you from and what brought you to Athens? 
I was born in Kingston, New York. I later moved to Athens from Atlanta to simplify my life with my children and escape Atlanta traffic. I am blessed with two angels, my daughter Gabrielle and my son Sasha.

How long have you lived here?  
7 years

Tell us what you love about Athens.  
There's an amazing sense of community here! I used to love WOW boot camp at 5:30 with my sister Andrea. (Andrea owns A LaFera salon here in town). I also really loved watching my son, Sasha (a musician), find his happiness with the help of Nuci's Space. Nuci's Space is amazing. Also, I've had the best clients in the world here! I have bonded differently with my clients in Athens than I have in any other city where I've worked. The relationships have been stronger.

What do you put your energy into when you're not at work?
I love cooking with my fiance, Martin, and cooking for friends. I love gardening and specialize in growing herbs and flowers. Fresh flowers in my house are a must!

You come from a big Italian family, right?
Yes, I am one of seven siblings. I love American Italian classic music and anything that reminds me of my family.

Anything else that you'd like to share?
I love people and food from all over the world. My dream would be to be able to speak every language and experience all cultures in my lifetime.

What a beautiful dream, the product of a lovely human being's imagination...

Read about the many services you can book with Dina and the other talented estheticians at Urban Sanctuary on our facials, facial ad-ons and microdermabrasion website pages. Microdermabrasion benefits, pumpkin and cherry facial benefits are listed on our blog, as well as the general benefits of getting facials regularly.

Urban Sanctuary is open seven days a week. Pick a day and come by for an hour. Smell the delicious soaps, try on a hot neck pillow and sample our vast array of eco-friendly, organic skincare products and gifts for the home. Some of our products can be viewed online. Gift certificates can be purchased online.

Staff Highlight: Nathan Hale

 Urban Sanctuary has been voted Athens' Favorite Day Spa 3 times and Athens' Best Day Spa 5 times.

  
Nathan Hale came on staff at Urban Sanctuary during our couples massage rush week in February, this year. He brings many years of experience and professional training to the table. Nathan has worked in Athens as a massage therapist for over 6 years and has enjoyed great success in a medical massage practice as well as another busy spa in town. Nathan is trained in Thai Massage, Sports Massage, Deep Tissue, Swedish Massage, Hot Stones, Reflexology, Shiatsu, Medical Massage and Body Scrubs. In the  time that he's been with us, several clients have shared with glee at the front desk, "That's the BEST massage I've ever had in my life!"

We love it when clients are absolutely blissed out after a  massage with us. It looks like Nathan has a lot of very happy clients. There is nothing in this world quite like a really good massage. Learn more about Nathan here or on the "Staff" page of our website, where our staff profiles are listed...


Nathan, where are you from and how did you end up in Athens?

I'm originally from New Holland, Pennsylvania, in Lancaster County. I wound up in Athens because one of my high school drum teachers had moved to Athens with his band and he loved it here. When visiting family in Pennsylvania, he came to check out my band and convinced us that we'd do really well in Athens. We visited in June 1994 and moved here in August that same year.

Tell us what you love about Athens.

I love the Athens community. There really is no place like it. While I was drawn to Athens because of its music scene, there are lots of other things that make Athens very appealing to me. Places like Wuxtry Records, Cozy Yum Yum and Daily Groceries give Athens an atmosphere that I haven't found anywhere else. 

What did you do in town for work before you went to Atlanta School of Massage?

I've always enjoyed the downtown area. Before I began working as a massage therapist, I worked in many different restaurants and clubs downtown, while also playing music in various bands. My longest stint was at the Grit. I also worked at the 40 Watt Club and the old Georgia Theater.

How did you become interested in being a massage therapist?

I first got interested in massage in high school when I received a massage after a wrestling tournament. I was really impressed with the benefits I got from it. It relieved both old injuries and new injuries. That's also how I became interested in physical therapy. Currently, I'm pursuing a BA in Exercise Science at UGA.

Tell us about your wife and your family.

My wife, Jessica, is in the Anthropology doctorate program at UGA. She is an underwater archeologist with an MS in Geology. We are both certified scuba divers. We have a daughter who is 2 1/2 years old and I have an 11 year old step-son. We may not have much free time, but we certainly have a full life!

And your music life?

I stay active in playing music, although my band SVA with whom I moved to Athens, is no longer performing. I play drums for Cosmic Charlie and have been part of that project since its inception in 1999. I used to be an active member of an Athens Haitian folkloric drum and dance group called Dance Dambala. I've studied Haitian music in Manhattan, Brooklyn and briefly in Haiti. I'm fascinated with world music; especially Afro-Cuban and Afro-Haitian folkloric drum and dance.

Mention this blog post and enjoy $5 off your first massage with Nathan. He works on Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at Urban Sanctuary. Nathan has a special interest in providing massage to people with cancer and in recovery from cancer. View our entire menu of services and our prices online. Call 706-613-3947 to book yourself a service. People love to unwind at Urban Sanctuary...

Urban Sanctuary won a Historic Preservation Award in 2010 and a Beautiful Business Award in 2012 and 2013.

Staff Highlight: Terra Johnson

A rose petal foot bath and pedicure top off a Queen for a Day Spa Day at Urban Sanctuary.

Terra Johnson does manicures and pedicures at Urban Sanctuary .   She specializes in the Asian Foot Massage Pedicure and gives an amazing foot massage. We are really happy to have her with us. Thanks to Terra, you now have many more options to choose from in the evenings and on the weekends when scheduling your manicures and pedicures at Urban Sanctuary. These additional options include Sundays from 1:00-6:00. Hooray!

Terra's favorite services are the Asian Foot Massage Pedicure, the Urban Pedicure and the Urban Manicure. She gives a great hand and foot massage and is truly a good listener. Have a service with Terra and you'll have an opportunity to talk about your day, decompress and just completely unwind....


Terra, what got you interested in studying cosmetology and doing nails?

I have been painting other peoples' nails since I was seven years old. I used to love watching my mom do her make-up and hair. I have always been a "girly" girl, myself. I just love it all. Nail polish, make up, accessories--you name it! I think it's fun!

Tell us about your family.

I've been married for seven years and have two great step kids. Elizabeth is 12 (not at all into my nail polish and make up!) and Sloan is 17. We have two very spoiled dogs.

Tell us about life in your hometown.

Elberton is where I grew up and I still live there. It's about 45 minutes outside of Athens. In Elberton, you mostly have granite companies. I have worked for two of them. Once in a granite slab house and another time working with people designing custom kitchen counters. Everybody knows everybody in Elberton.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love planting flowers and doing yard work. I take great pride in my yard and really enjoy finding rare and unusual plants to display. I get that from my father. I also like cooking, entertaining friends and family, and listening to music. Our favorite restaurant is called Moogy's. It's in Tacoa.

Any favorite movies or TV shows?

I'm completely addicted to all of the Housewives shows! Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Real Housewives of Atlanta, Orange County, New York and the list goes on. I'm a junky. I also love the Food Network. Pretty Woman is my all time favorite movie!

Terra is really fun. Whether you just love dishing about reality television or not, you'll find her company to be delightful. Book a manicure or pedicure with Terra today by calling 706-613-3947. View our entire menu of spa services online at Urban Sanctuary Spa.

Photo taken during a little girls' spa party at Urban Sanctuary.

Staff Highlight: Kela Griffith

Kela Griffith

     Kela Griffith was the very first person to do a pedicure at Urban Sanctuary in the summer of 2010, when we first opened the nail department at our new Boulevard location. We were a little worried that the hustle and bustle of nail services might compromise our otherwise serene spa atmosphere, but Kela set the tone perfectly from the start. Her clients get to enjoy the most peaceful, pampering and relaxing manicures and pedicures you could imagine. She is extraordinary! We've struck gold...

Here's a little Q&A so you can find out even more about Kela!

Kela, where did you grow up?

     Green County

How long have you been here?
     10 years

Is there anything you want to share about yourself?
     My Dad taught my brother and I how to lay a foundation, literally! Our family owned a restaurant and night club when we were growing up, and we actually built it from the ground up. My Dad had his own construction company, too. Dad also used to have a pair of alligator shoes in each and every color! He was very debonaire... He has always been a very sharp dresser and still is.    

What do you do in your free time?

Kela's Dad

     I write poetry and spoken word, and I workout.

Do you like music?
     I like blues, jazz, R&B, some hip-hop and oldies

Do you have any favorite movies?
     Yes, The Green Mile and Book of Eli

What are your favorite TV shows?
     Family Feud is my favorite game show, and I like to watch cooking shows, game shows and reality television.


Kela is a gem and a real breath of fresh air... She has a little boy and a girl and she's an all around positive person! We are still trying to to figure out how she finds the time to workout with two young children and a dog at home!

Book a pedicure or a manicure with Kela soon at Urban Sanctuary. You will love it!
To schedule call 706-613-3047.

Staff Highlight: Elizabeth Sheppard

Elizabeth Sheppard has worked as a massage therapist at Urban Sanctuary for over six years. She came on staff as extra help during our Valentine's Day rush in February 2009, and we have loved her ever since...  One of the reasons we love Elizabeth is her personality -- she is really up-beat and easy to talk to. Her comforting touch makes her massage absolutely magical!

Where are you from? 
 Snellville, Georgia 

Why did you move to Athens?
 For school

How long have you lived here?
 10 years

What are some of your favorite things about living in Athens?
The sense of community, great food and great shopping options (Co-op!),  and the music.

Favorite hang-outs?
 My front porch swing.

Favorite places to shop?
Trader Joe’s and Native American Gallery

Favorite places to eat?
Trapeze and The Grit

Do you garden?
I love to garden – veggies, flowers, and a variety of herbs...

Do you speak any foreign  languages?
Hola  and Bonjour!

TV? 
True Blood and The Walking Dead

Do you have any pets? 
A giant husky/retriever mix named Benny

Elizabeth is passionate about herbal medicine. She loves giving mud and seaweed wraps. Interested in a spa service with Elizabeth? She is available on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Try a massage scrub combo, a mud wrap, seaweed wrap or a deep tissue massage with her! To schedule a massage with Elizabeth call 706-613-3947.

Staff Highlight: Jennifer Bridges

            Jennifer Bridges has been at Urban Sanctuary for almost 4 years. She loves speed waxing and is probably the fastest at Urban Sanctuary. Jennifer also loves microdermabrasion and the Naturopathica facial peels. Jennifer gives results producing  and deeply cleansing facials.

Do you have any pets?

I have a beagle named Jake, and I am fostering a sweet puppy named Sophie.

What music do you enjoy?
  
I enjoy all genres of music, but I like country the most because the lyrics tell a meaningful story. Some of my favorite artists include Lady Antebellum, Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw, Jason Aldean, and Luke Bryan.

What movies do you like?  

The Notebook, and everything from comedy to chick flicks to drama and war movies.

What about TV shows?  

Dexter and One Tree Hill

Do you have any hobbies?

Cooking is a passion I learned from my mom and granddad, and I love trying out new recipes or coming up with different concoctions on my own! I love shopping, scrapbooking, road trips, and hiking.

Jennifer is an esthetician, make-up artist, and speed waxer. Some of her favorite Urban Services are Brazilian and  Bikini Waxing, Urban Facial, Clarifying Facial, and Pumpkin Enzyme Peel. To book a session with Jennifer, contact us at 706-613-3947 or info@urbansanctuaryspa.com