Meet the Staff of Lotus Spa

• Michelle Facer

  Business Owner

  Dr. Michelle Facer is a board certified Otolaryngologist and Facial Plastic Surgeon. 

  She completed 5 years of extensive surgical training at the prestigious Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.  Dr. Facer has always had a keen eye for aesthetics and she and her husband opened Lotus Spa in January 2007 in order to provide a local sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation.  Her goal is to provide an exceptional spa experience utilizing the best techniques and products available.  She believes in constant introspection and ongoing training to maintain the high standard achieved at Lotus Spa.

• Jenna Barnes

  Creative Director

  Jenna began her career at Lotus Spa in 2013 and quickly learned that it was her home. Her primary focus is to work alongside Dr. Facer to ensure the highest quality of employees, services and products. She utilizes her degree in Fine Arts to create the graphic design, marketing and advertising for the business. 
  She is honored to be a part of the Lotus Spa family and looks forward to continued success with this locally owned company founded on integrity and service. 

  Education

  • Bachelor of Fine Arts, University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire

massage therapists4

• Andrea Christenson

  Massage Therapist

  In addition to Massage Therapy, Andrea brings 25 years of working as a Registered Nurse to her role at Lotus Spa. She has cared for patients in many different healthcare settings. Andrea uses this knowledge to enhance her client's overall massage experience. She believes every client is unique, and integrates a variety of massage techniques to meet her client's needs. Andrea's mission is to provide compassionate care and a healing touch to bring relaxation to those who are experiencing the stressors of life. When Andrea isn't providing massage for clients at Lotus Spa, she is at another location utilizing her Nursing skills as a Foot Care Specialist, providing foot care to those who are unable to adequately provide it for themselves. In her free time, Andrea finds joy in spending time with her husband, their family and pets, as well as trying to fit in a craft project or two.

  CERTIFICATIONS AND SPECIALIZATION:

  • Therapeutic Massage
  • Lymphatic Massage
  • Aromatherapy
  • First Aid/ CPR
  • Member of Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals

  EDUCATION AND LICENSING:

  • Wisconsin Licensed Massage Therapist
  • Healing Touch Spa School of Massage
  • Wisconsin Licensed Registered Nurse
  • ADN, Cardinal Stritch University, Milwaukee
  • Foot Care for Nurses, UW-Eau Claire

• Sarah Johnson

  Massage Therapist

  Sarah Johnson has been a nationally certified and licensed massage therapist since 2000. She enjoys seeing the benefits that massage can provide her clients from improved range of motion to overall feelings of well-being. Sarah specializes in Myofascial Release and Oncology Massage Therapy. She is also a massage educator at a local academy. Services offered by Sarah includeTherapeutic, Deep Tissue, Hot & Cold Stone therapies, Pregnancy massage, Oncology Massage Therapy and Myofascial Release

  Certifications and Specialization:

  • Myofascial Release
  • Massage for Veterans
  • Aroma Touch Technique
  • First Aid/ CPR
  • Oncology Massage Therapy; Caring for Clients with Cancer

  Education and Licensing:

  • Wisconsin Licensed Massage Therapist
  • Minneapolis School of Massage & Bodywork
  • BA, Mass Communications, Taylor University
  • Adjunct Instructor, PHD Academy

• Vanessa Kirby

  Massage Therapist

  Vanessa Kirby joined the Lotus team in 2015 because she was drawn to the relaxing environment and learning opportunities available. Vanessa quickly learned  she was meant for a career in massage therapy and pursued that passion by attending PHD Academy in Eau Claire. Vanessa seeks to share the benefits of massage therapy with her valued clients and show them a healthy lifestyle promoted by massage. She works tirelessly to prove that massage is beneficial for every"body" and that Lotus Spa provides the opportunity to bring a bit of spa home with them after each visit.

  CERTIFICATIONS & SPECIALIZATIONS

  • Cupping
  • Eminence Organic Skincare

  EDUCATION & LICENSING

  • Licensed Massage Therapist
  • PHD Academy
  • CPR

• Ashley Kuprin

  Massage Therapist

  Ashley Kuprin is grateful for the opportunity to be your Licensed Massage Therapist. She joined the Lotus Spa team in February 2017. Massage Therapy is a natural fit for Ashley, who believes in the healing power of touch. Ashley’s background is working with survivors of trauma. She is empathetic, values each person, and will support you in identifying and meeting your massage therapy goals. Ashley enjoys running, yoga, cooking, and spending time with her family and golden retriever, Leo.

  Loving Lotus since February 1, 2017

  Certifications & Specializations

  • Cupping
  • Mental Health First Aid, QPR
  • Intermediate Russian language
  • ABMP member

  Education & Licensing

  • Nationally Certified and Wisconsin Licensed Massage Therapist
  • Serenity Now School of Massage
  • BS in Sociology from UW- La Crosse, WI

• Stacey Langness

  Massage Therapist

  The touch of a healing hand is Stacey’s motivation as a massage therapist. She aims to help her clients achieve their goals for massage. Stacey has been doing massage therapy for 12 years. During that time, she has learned that every single massage is different. People are always changing, so she focuses on listening and observing her clients to help them to the best of her ability. Not only does Stacey enjoy leaning from her clients, she loves learning different modalities of massage. Continuing education is a focus of hers to encourage growth within her career as a Massage Therapist.

  Certifications and Specialization:

  • CPR
  • Lymph Drainage
  • Cold Migraine
  • Therapy Massage for Veterans
  • Facial Firming Massage

  Education and Licensing:

  • Wisconsin Licensed Massage Therapist
  • AAS: Massage Therapy, Woodbury, MN
  • Personal Training & Physical Therapy

• Shelly Strum

  Massage Therapist

  Shelly joined the Lotus family in 2018 while completing her Massage Therapy program in Eau Claire. She is passionate about bodywork and helping clients see the incredible benefits of massage therapy. Shelly currently offers therapeutic, deep tissue, maternity, hot stone, and Lotus Journey massages. She can also add cupping to your treatment to alleviate pain and inflammation, and to increase blood flow, relaxation and well-being.
  She has been a patron of Lotus Spa for over ten years and couldn't be more excited to begin her career here. In her free time, Shelly enjoys spending time with her daughter, exploring the outdoors, yoga, and expanding her knowledge of massage modalities to bring to her clients. 

  CERTIFICATIONS AND SPECIALIZATION:

  
  

  • Aroma Touch Technique
  • First Aid/ CPR

  EDUCATION

  • Professional Hair Design Academy - Eau Claire

• Heather Thom

  Massage Therapist

  With her educational background and personal interests, Heather has provided exceptional massage care to clients in all stages of life. She has continued her educational work with certifications and specialized training in Bodywork for the Childbearing Year (a pregnancy massage specialty), Hot Stone Massage, Manual Lymphatic Drainage techniques, Massage for Veterans, and a number of other modalities. Heather’s years of massage experience have given her a breadth of knowledge with specific orthopedic conditions, deep tissue work and individualizing treatments for her clients. Her love lies in helping people who are seeking pain relief with deep tissue massage. Heather’s philosophy is one of service to her clients, co-workers, students, and community. She helps to create an environment which promotes a healthy life and positive results for all who she comes in contact with.

  Education and Licensing:

  • Wisconsin Licensed Massage Therapist
  • DC, Northwestern Health Sciences University
  • BS Human Anatomy, Northwestern Health Sciences University
  • BS Biological Sciences
  • University of Wisconsin Parkside CMT
  • Wisconsin Institute of Natural Wellness
  • Massage Program Director & Educator, PHD Academy

  Certifications and Specialization:

  • CPR, First Aid
  • Bodywork for the Childbearing Years
  • Lymph Drainage
  • Massage for Veterans

aestheticians

• Melissa Blake

  Aesthetician

  Melissa has been with Lotus Spa since 2013. During that time, she has continuously worked to expand her knowledge with personal research as well as attending numerous advanced education classes and training conferences. Melissa maintains a high degree of professionalism when working with her valued clients and wants to ensure they are relaxed and comfortable throughout every treatment. When evaluating a client’s concerns, Melissa consistently keeps their long-term goals in mind and has an honest, straight forward approach about how to achieve skincare goals. She uses her advanced knowledge of skincare products and procedures to help clients reach these goals. Some of Melissa’s favorite specialties include eyelash extensions, chemical exfoliation, microdermabrasion, and Nufree hair removal.

  Certifications and Specialization:

  • Oncology Esthetics-USA Training
  • National Coalition of Estheticians, Manufacturers/Distributors & Associations
  • Member of the Associated Skin Care Professionals
  • Eminence Skin Care: Advanced product knowledge & facial techniques
  • Eminence Master Class
  • Nufree Certified
  • IPL, LED
  • Skin Pen II
  • Reiki Level 1
  • Dermaplaning
  • Microdermabrasion
  • Chemical Exfoliation - Universal Peel
  • Borboleta Lash Extension Certified

  Education and Licensing:

  • Wisconsin Licensed Aesthetician – Academy of Advanced Esthetics
  • Bachelor of Science in Retail Merchandising and Management -University of Wisconsin-Stout

• Nikki Kuehn

  Aesthetician

  Nikki is highly educated in the importance of skincare due to her experience as a Licensed Aesthetician. She enjoys interacting with clients and having the chance to share her knowledge in skincare to suggest appropriate products for at-home use. Lotus Spa's medical spa atmosphere gives her the perfect environment to learn, share and grow her passion for wellness. 

  CERTIFICATIONS AND SPECIALIZATION:

  
  

  • Nufree Hair Removal
  • Chemical Exfoliation
  • Glo Minerals Makeup
  • Eminence Organic Skincare Training
  • Chemical Exfoliation - Universal Peel

  EDUCATION

  • Minnesota Licensed Aesthetician - Nova Academy of Cosmetology
  • Wisconsin Licensed Aesthetician

• Lauren Martinez

  Aesthetician

  Lauren is excited to be part of the Lotus Spa family! She is a Wisconsin and California Licensed Aesthetician with a range of experience in skin types and concerns and is trained in both Classic and Volume Lash Extensions. Her passion for aesthetics and finding effective skin care regimens for her clients is inspired by her deep personal interest in enhancing natural beauty. Lauren offers a judgement-free environment for her clients to enjoy relaxation and rejuvenation; leaving with refreshed confidence in their beauty and sense of wellness. Each service is highly customized to her clients' concerns and wellness goals.  

  CERTIFICATIONS AND SPECIALIZATION:

  
  

  • Nufree Hair Removal
  • Chemical Exfoliation
  • Glo Minerals Makeup
  • Eyelash Extensions

  EDUCATION

  • California Licensed Aesthetician
  • Wisconsin Licensed Aesthetician

cosmetologists3

• Britany Nelson

  Cosmetologist

  As a creative individual with five years of experience working in the beauty industry, Britany is focused on health and wellness as it relates to beauty. She has been a Licensed Cosmetologist for over a year and is excited to enter the clinical and relaxation oriented sides of cosmetology. Britany's is looking forward to sharing her passion for this industry by educating others.   

  CERTIFICATIONS AND SPECIALIZATION:

  • Nu-free Hair Removal
  • Glo Minerals Makeup
  • Eminence Organic Skincare
  • Lash Lifting

  EDUCATION AND LICENSING:

  • Wisconsin Licensed Cosmetologist

  • Art Institute Minneapolis - Web Design
  • WITC Rice Lake - Cosmetology
  • Aveda Trained
  • Texas Licensed Cosmetologist

• Jenel Olson

  Cosmetologist

  Jenel is a Cosmetologist, trained locally at PHD Academy. Her passion for health, beauty and creativity brought her into the field of Cosmetology. She especially enjoys and is highly trained in makeup artistry, body waxing, relaxation facials and brow shaping. Her background in customer service has afforded her many skills to work comfortably with clients, giving them the best spa experience possible. 

  CERTIFICATIONS AND SPECIALIZATION:

  • Eminence Organic Skincare
  • Glo Minerals Makeup
  • Nu-free Hair Removal

  EDUCATION AND LICENSING:

  • Wisconsin Licensed Cosmetologist
  • PHD Academy, Eau Claire, WI

• Brianna West

  Cosmetologist

  Brianna began working at Lotus Spa in 2015 after graduating from the Salon Professional Academy in Eau Claire. With a background in healthcare, Brianna provides a caring, comforting, and judgment-free environment for every client. Brianna aspires to advance in all areas of her licensure including Nufree hair removal, eyelash extensions, relaxation facials, body treatments, and nail services. She is always eager to learn new techniques to satisfy the goals of her clients in eyelash extensions, skincare, body care, hair removal, and nail design.
  Brianna is an ADVANCED PROVIDER at Lotus Spa. She has over 4,000 hours of professional experience at our facility alone. She provides an exceptional level of service, possesses phenomenal communication skills, is a senior level employee at our facility, acts as a mentor to other clinicians, and has a high level of demand for time on her schedule. Brianna offers superior service for a minimal price increase.

  Certifications and Specialization:

  • Borboleta Lash Extension Certified
  • CNA
  • CPR/ First Aid Certified

  Education and Licensing:

  • Wisconsin Licensed Cosmetologist
  • Salon Professional Academy
  • Pre-Business and Marketing at UWEC

concierge

• Gabby Knauer

  Concierge

  Gabby is a current undergraduate student at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire seeking a degree in Organizational Communication. She loves getting the chance to work with customers and ensuring that they have a pleasant spa experience from beginning to end. She enjoys helping others learn more about wellness and self-care while expanding her own interests about products and services at Lotus Spa.

  EDUCATION

  • University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
  • University of Stellenbosch - South Africa

• Kao Lee Lor

  Concierge

  Kao Lee is currently an undergraduate student at University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire as a linguistics major.  She loves working with people and helping others.  In her spare time, she enjoys DIY projects, music, and reading.  She has a great interest in all things skincare and looks forward to learning more about it and sharing what she learns with others.

  EDUCATION

  • University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire

  • Korea University

  • University of Wisconsin – Marathon County

• Lauren Milkie

  Concierge

  Lauren is a free spirited individual who is passionate about helping others. Lauren was drawn to Lotus Spa because of the relaxing environment and the focus on self-care and beauty. She plans to study massage therapy in the near future and is eager to grow and learn. Her past work experience in customer service and her interest in massage therapy makes Lotus Spa a career fit. In her spare time, Lauren enjoys kayaking, music and playing tennis.

  EDUCATION

  • University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire - General Studies
  • Chippewa Valley Technical College - Entrepeneurship

• Lauren Zuelke

  Concierge

  Lauren is a current undergraduate student at the University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire seeking a degree in Integrated Strategic Communication Advertising. She loves anything health and beauty which is why Lotus Spa is a wonderful fit for her.

  EDUCATION

  • University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire