THE STABLE SPA
MEET THE TEAM
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Melisa Austin
Over the years Melisa has been blessed to share her skills with specialty need populations in an AIDS Alternative Healthcare Clinic, a Midwifery Collective, a Massage Clinic for Chronic Pain, that included Active Seniors, as well as Clients with Autoimmune, Cancer and Neurological issues.
Melisa loves the beauty and soothing environment of a Spa. She values genuine heart based connections and feels like her Massage Therapy practice has been a healing ministry, an intimate and intuitive way to serve others.
Melisa has been a Massage Therapist and Natural Therapeutic Specialist for 30 years. Her passions and skills include Quantum CranialSacral, Reflexology, Cupping, Herbology, Energetic Anatomy, Vibrational Remedies, Essential Oil Therapy, Dowsing, Diagnostic Pulse, Ancient Astrology and Wise Woman Traditions.
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Jessa Devendorf
Jessa discovered the healing powers of massage at the age of 12. She had previously suffered from childhood C-PTSD and realized the modality that always helped her get back into her body and in a state of peace was massage therapy. During her years in the military, she was always led back to massage for healing. She strives to help lead people back into their bodies and in a state of tranquility through massage and energy work.
Jessa has worked with energetic frequencies for over 10 years before being initiated into Reiki healing. Working on herself since 2018 she also started using tarot, astrology and human design for self guidance. As she surrendered to the art of many healing modalities she wanted to share all that she had learned with others, which has brought her to surrender into the world of massage therapy.
Her specialties include Myofascial Release, Deep Tissue, Trigger Point Therapy, Reflexology, Nueromuscular Therapy, Prenatal Massage, Swedish, Hot Stones, Tarot, Astrology & Intuitive Energy Therapy.
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Brett McKinnon
Born & raised in Southern California, Brett graduated from massage school in 2018. In the fall of 2023 Brett, his wife , and four boys migrated to Western North Carolina where they now call the blue ridge mountains home.
As a student of Jiu Jitsu and a bare foot trail runner, Brett understands the importance of rest & recovery.
His career as a massage therapist is a way for him to honor his belief that massage and a healthy active lifestyle is an integral aspect of keeping oneβs life force strong and steady.
Brett believes living in alignment with nature is a surefire path to living with oneβs mind, body, and soul in harmony.
Brett specializes in Swedish, Deep Tissue, Myofasical Release, Trigger Point, Sports Massage, Prenatal Massage, Lomi Lomi, Hot Stone, Chair Massage
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Krista Rickards
Krista is a WNC native and graduate of the Center for Massage and Natural Health in downtown Asheville. While attending school to receive a Bachelorβs of Psychology, she recognized the power of the psychosomatic connection and found massage to be an incredibly helpful tool in maintaining overall well-being.
Krista has trained in Thai massage and Ayurveda, and enjoys implementing elements from these modalities into her massages.
In her free time, Krista enjoys spending time with her dog Ollie, taking her to local rivers and waterfalls.
Specialities Include: Massage Therapy, Thai & Ayurveda
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Tyler Mayo
With a passion for healing and relaxation, Tyler graduated from Asheville School of Massage and Yoga in 2017. His favorite modalities are Swedish, deep tissue and trigger point. When not soothing muscles and easing tension, Tyler can be found whitewater kayaking, exploring Pisgah National Forest or enjoying quality time with his beloved dogs and girlfriend. Tyler blends dedication, compassion, and a love for nature into every massage session, ensuring a truly rejuvenating experience for clients.
Specialties include: Massage Therapy, Sports Massage
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Karine Richardson
With over 20 years as a massage therapist I love uncovering the body's imbalances and correcting them. I specialize in identifying and resolving root causes of chronic pain. If you've been suffering from neck, shoulder or back pains and haven't found a resolution, schedule an appointment and letβs get to the root cause.
Karine holds certifications in the following:
- TMJ Disfunction
- Neuromuscular Trigger Point Release
- Prenatal
- Deep Tissue
- Myofascial Release
- Reflexology
- Medical Cupping
- Reiki
- Sports Massage -
Dan Watson
Dan has been offering integrative bodywork for over 30 years. In addition to helping clients live a more pain-free lifestyle through deep therapeutic bodywork and learning about self-treatment, he has a passion for helping individuals along their path of personal transformational work, facilitating and nurturing physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.
Dan has a background in Deep Tissue, Myofascial Release, Trigger Point Therapy, Neuromuscular Therapy, Energy Healing, and Structural Balancing. He is also available as a two-therapist team with his wife, Mariana, gracefully complementing each others talents for a rare and unique four-handed massage experience of profound bliss and balance.
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Jan McKinney
Jan has been practicing massage since 2008 and continues to love her work. She incorporates her specialty training into a unique massage experience for each client.
Jan has specialty training in oncology, Thai Yoga massage, pregnancy, cranial sacral and reflexology massage, the Bellanina Facelift Massage which uses all natural products and focuses on lifting and toning the muscles of the face.
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Melissa Gelineau
Melissa Gelineau, LMBT is a 2018 graduate from Asheville School of Massage and Yoga. Having been a registered nurse for nearly 25 years, her nurturing, empathy, and her genuine love for people is palpable. This passion for helping others moved her to pursue a life- long dream of being a massage therapist. Having trained and raced triathlons, mountain bikes and endurance running, along with the extensive study of anatomy and physiology, massage and yoga training.
Melissa will be offering Medi-cupping, deep tissue massage, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy at The Stable Spa to nurture the mind, body and spirit.
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Amber Moon
Amber received her RYT 200hr with The Kula Collective after years of cultivating a connection with Yoga, both on and off the mat. Seeking relief from her own suffering from many years of back pain and stress led her to begin this journey to assist in relieving the suffering of others through Yoga. She enjoys practicing and sharing Vinyasa, Gentle Yoga, Pranayama and Meditation though her greatest passion is Yin.
Amber was led to the path of healing through her unique life journey and graduated from the Florida College of Natural Health in 2012 with an A.S. Degree in Natural Health and a certificate in Advanced Therapeutic Massage. The path beckoned her deeper to become a certified Reiki Master.
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Linda Fernandez
Linda Fernandez is an intuitive hypnotherapist and life coach who specializes in empowering clients to embrace their joy, wisdom and magic throughout all phases of life. Through the use of modern hypnotherapy and sacred ceremony, she teaches her clients how to step into their power and change their lives by opening their hearts, rewiring their brains and re-patterning their thoughts.
Prior to becoming a hypnotherapist, she worked for many years as a clinical sexologist specializing in sex therapy, helping clients transform their intimate relationships by overcoming sexual shame, guilt and trauma. She also studied and apprenticed on the shamanic path as a medicine woman. She weaves these skills into her current role supporting clients throughout their journey in life.
Services:
- Innerdance
- SoulKeyβ’ Therapy
- Zenzero
- Cacao Ceremony
- Hypnosis for Stress-Free Living -
Rachel Kelley
Rachel Kelley is honored to offer the healing gift of sound, supporting restoration, grounded serenity and creative inspiration. Rachel grew up in all standard forms of dance and continued her studies at Montclair State University and The American Musical and Dramatic Academy, NY. Rachel performed on Broadway with Broadway Cares, then moved into the Holistic Healing Arts. She received certifications in Nia Dance-Fitness, Spring Forest Qi Gong, Qi Revolution, The Earth Priestess Temple Arts, The Four Winds Society, and Kai Somatic Dance. She furthered her studies through Ayurveda, Authentic Relating and Non Violent Communication, Trauma Informed Yoga Training and Kids Yoga, Authentic Movement, Contact Improvisation and Ecstatic Dance.
Rachel mentored with multi-instrumentalist and linguistic sound therapist Zooey Seraphine, offering double practitioner sound healing baths, in support of science for non profit retreat centers. Rachel deepens her embodiment through the practice of Yoga, Mindfulness Meditation, Qi Gong, Tantra, and Shamanic healing. Rachel is a Moon Dancer, holding sacred containers for transformation.
Rachel serves as a Womenβs Embodiment Guide, Sound Healing & Energy Medicine Practitioner, Vocal Embodiment Mentor, Somatic Movement Facilitator, and a Teaching Artist of Social Emotional Learning. Rachel is devoted in guiding people back home into the sacred connection with the earth, their body and soul.
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Julien Elizabeth
Julien Elizabeth, a dedicated yoga teacher and astrologer, guides students through transformative experiences both on and off the mat. Recognized for her grounded, calm presence and insightful instruction, Julienβs classes are designed to empower students of all levels to explore their potential through thoughtful facilitation and a focus on deep personal connection,
Julien leads a variety of classes, workshops, and retreats around the world, each designed to foster alignment, profound presence, and a greater sense of embodiment. Whether through flowing sequences or the stillness of meditation and Yoga Nidra, she is dedicated to helping others find balance and transformation through yoga.
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Candace Britton
My journey began in 2003, after my first yoga class, I knew I had found something that was going to transform my life. I fell in love with Yoga and how it improves so many aspects of life; from mental to physical and spiritual. I truly love the feeling of openness and the beautiful connection of the mind, body and spirit. I continue to further my studies and expand my knowledge so that I can deepen my own practice as well as offer my clients as much as possible for their own practice and wellness journey. I am also a certified Life Coach and Qualified Reiki Practitioner. My philosophy is that no matter how much we think we know, there is always more to learn. We should always be trying to be the best versions of ourselves and not hold onto any guilt about releasing our old self to embrace a journey of transformation.
I love helping people reconnect, feel better and find their true bliss. The feedback from my clients and being part of their own transformation has been the most rewarding part of my teaching and coaching journey. My other passions and interests include travel, dance, listening to music, playing guitar, animals, photography, minimalism, sustainable living, being in nature and spending time with my husband, fur-kids, family and friends. I look forward to connecting with you.
Specialties Include: Yoga RYT 300h | Retreat Leader | Sound Practitioner | Life Coach | Reiki Practitioner
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Oana Lansman
Recently relocated to North Carolina from Northern California, Oana was born and raised in Romania where she completed her studies before pursuing a finance career in North America. In 2010 her life was transformed after she committed to a daily Ashtanga Yoga practice. Soon after she found a strong desire to share the experience of physical, mental and spiritual well-being that had come to light on her yoga mat.
Oana is the founder of Make Time Precious a platform for yoga movement, stillness, and wellbeing. She is a dedicated practitioner and student of Yoga, Meditation, and Ayurveda. Throughout the years she has taught in Canada, the Bay Area, the East Coast, and in Europe.
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Vivek Chugh
Meet Vivek, a passionate sound healing facilitator who studied the ancient art of sound healing in Nepal under various teachers. Using Himalayan singing bowls, he explores the deep and profound world of sound therapy.
From a very young age, Vivek has been captivated by the transformative power of sound. It became more than just entertainment; it became his sanctuary for self-healing, emotional balance, and a deeper connection to himself. Sound healing has brought Vivek a profound sense of well-being, and heβs enthusiastic about sharing its benefits with others.Whether itβs mental and physical relaxation, or addressing issues like anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia, high blood pressure, pain, or even spiritual growth, Vivek believes in the power of sound to heal. Through his sound baths, Vivek empowers individuals to harness the healing potential of sound and facilitate their own well-being journeys.
LOU SNYDER
SPA ENTHUSIAST
After toiling in the film and travel industries, I set my sights on establishing a career in a beautiful place, helping people enjoy it as much as I do. I have found it here in the mountains of North Carolina and in particular, at The Horse Shoe Farm.
My sweet pup Frieda is thrilled that I enjoy my job so much, and that I am balanced and happy with a place that encourages it. The only roots Iβm showing now are my southern ones.
Nicole Massengale
SPA MANAGER
First of all I am a soul here for this human experience, and I love my life. I have been called to many things over the past twenty five or so years; Mother of three, Massage & Bodywork therapist, Certified Nutritional Coach, Yoga instructor, Business owner, Master Reiki practitioner, and Human Design Guide. My heart has been called to this land for my own healing and now to be of support to others.
I came to be at The Horse Shoe Farm from a serendipitous meeting. I love the magic that is here on The Farm and the community of people that enhance the wonder that lives here. I have learned that my true joy comes from guiding others in returning to their authentic soul essence. My intent at the Spa is to bring authenticity and intention in everything that is offered so that all who enter this space feel something, something that is needed in their lives that will help them feel empowered, inspired and supported in whatever they are moving through.
Nicole is a Licensed Massage Therapist and still practices Human Design, Intuitive Energy Therapy, and Cranial Sacral Therapy among other modalities.