Photographed by Alexis Kikoen
What are your duties as spa director at Colonial Williamsburg?
Colonial Williamsburg is a unique and amazing destination with one of the best full-service spas on the East Coast. I oversee all areas of the spa, but in a nutshell, it’s my duty to ensure that each guest has a positive, memorable experience. There is nothing greater than the power of touch to heal, calm and sooth the body, mind and spirit.
What are your future goals for the spa?
Immediate goals include enhancing the fitness center with new equipment, aesthetic upgrades
and more classes. Long-term goals include gaining recognition as a lifestyle destination spa and resort where guests can come to not only enjoy spa services, but also workshops and classes while still enjoying all that Colonial Williamsburg has to offer.
Why did you decide to become a massage therapist?
There were two reasons. In 1991, my son suffered a stroke at birth. He went through three years of physical therapy that included massage. I often gave him massages after I bathed him and noticed that he would sleep much better after having one. Several years later, as I went through a significant life change, I found myself wanting to change careers. I wanted to work in a less stressful environment. A colleague suggested I go to massage school.
What are the health benefits of massage?
Today, massage is one of the leading options for treating stress, anxiety and pain by physicians and consumers alike. Massage also helps promote better quality of sleep, as well as flushing toxins from the lymphatic system. Massage also increases the production of the hormone Oxytocin. Oxytocin is linked to compassion, empathy, maternal affection and social connection.
I hear you have some interesting hobbies including scuba diving and bee keeping. Tell us about them?
I spent my childhood at the beach, on my parents’ boat or in our pool. I love the water, and always had a fascination with the undersea world. I decided to take the scuba program about 30 years ago, and I’ve really enjoyed it. I love diving in the clear waters of the Caribbean.
At my previous job, we raised bees and utilized the honey in our treatments. I was invited to help the beekeeper one day. At first it was a little daunting, but I found it amazing to have hundreds of bees buzzing all over me. I could feel their energy and watching them was quite intriguing. Beekeeping is gaining popularity as the bee population is in danger. Most people do not realize that if we lose our bees, we will lose more than half of the produce in our grocery stores. I’d love to see a program for beekeeping at Colonial Williamsburg.
What do you do to stay in shape?
Although I enjoy a good workout in the gym, I love the outdoors: skiing, cycling, fishing, swimming, gardening, scuba diving; these are my passions.
How do you relax? What advice do you have for people for reducing stress?
For me, the perfect relaxation strategy would be a good workout to alleviate my stress followed by a soak in my outdoor hot tub under the stars. Today, most people don’t think to take time out for themselves. It doesn’t have to be in the form of a vacation, but even 20 minutes of silence, meditation, stretching and just reconnecting with oneself can help to reduce stress.
Our society is one of 12-15 hour work days, squeezing time in for life’s other necessities and making time for family. We rarely take time for ourselves, and when we do, most of us still carry our lifeline: a smartphone or tablet. Taking time away from our daily routine helps us to decompress and set aside those daily stressors that eventually affect our overall health.
