Kim Melkersen, CMT

Certified Medical Massage Therapist
Founder of The Healing Touch Wellness Spa
I have been a Certified Massage Therapist since 2003 and specialize in neck and back pain management as well as prenatal massage. After four years in the U.S. Navy and several years in defense contracting, I longed for a career in health care. I was familiar with the benefits of massage, for as a child my mother first introduced the therapy to me as a way to help relieve pain and stress. The great impact that massage had on my childhood and adolescent years is ultimately what led me later to reconnect with this wonderful modality and it soon became not only a career, but also my life's work. I attended the Cayce-Reilly School of Massotherapy where I learned much more about alternative medicine and natural healing. I am Nationally Certified and licensed with the Virginia Board of Nursing, as well as a member of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). In 2011 I obtained certifications in medical massage and Thai Yoga massage. This career has given me the opportunity to start my own business and help others find a path towards wellness. Having worked alongside chiropractors, physicians, athletes, accident victims, expectant mothers, children as well as the elderly, I have focused heavily on therapeutic massage because so many people experience chronic pain that often do not respond to traditional medical treatments, and who are, therefore, searching for an alternative solution. I specialize in alleviating long-term pain and discomfort. I founded The Healing Touch to address these types of issues and since opening in our new location in January of 2009, we have added other equally important services and amenities. We will continually strive to bring our clients the best in alternative medicine and customer service.

Ketissue (Mae) Mangiliman, Spa Director

Ketissue Mae Mangiliman (Mae) manages the front desk, as well as daily spa operations and marketing. A 2009 graduate of Johnson & Wales Culinary and Hospitality School, Mae has exceptional customer service and communication skills to help in assisting our clients. Mae goes above and beyond to meet each individual’s needs and to exceed everyone’s expectations. She has a friendly nature and welcoming personality that makes her a valuable member of our team. Mae volunteers much of her free time to our community and to helping others.  You will find her working with many small businesses and organizations throughout the Valley. Mae says, “By educating our society about new and innovative products and services, we enrich the lives of others and help to make the world a better place.”

Beth Morris, Reiki Practitioner

Beth, a local to the Shenandoah Valley, greatly compliments our team with her holistic approach to healing and a dedication to exceptional customer service. Beth is a certified practitioner in both Integrated Reflexology under Claire Marie Miller, and Reiki I & II under Lynn Boggess. She is working toward becoming certified in Thai Yoga Massage as well as Craniosacral I & II. Beth is currently finishing her tenure at Blue Ridge Community College to receive an Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts and will begin the Bachelor’s in Nursing program with Eastern Mennonite University in January 2012. Her passions include educating herself with alternative healing, gardening, as well as supporting local farmers markets and small businesses.

Renna Shaw, CMT

Renna Shaw graduated from the Virginia School of Massage in Charlottesville where she was exposed to a wide variety of massage modalities. Renna specializes in deep tissue massage, but is also certified in reflexology and prenatal massage. She has experience working in an intimate spa setting as well as working in a large resort. Whether it is a relaxing massage to help melt away the stress of the day, or therapeutic work to aid in relieving the tension in sore muscles, Renna's passion is to customize a session that will leave you feeling fabulous!

Ashley Adams, Licensed Esthetician & Makeup Artist

Ashley is a wonderful asset to our team. As a resident of downtown Harrisonburg since 2003, she is an avid supporter of local business, music, art, and food. Ashley graduated from the Virginia School of Massage in 2007, where she studied skin care, facial massage, and full body hair removal. She has worked in a variety of spas with history of many traditional treatments as well as hands-on experience in the medical spa setting. Due to her background, she is able to educate her clients beyond basic skincare while using a more natural approach. Ashley continues to study makeup artistry and is available for special events, weddings, and photography shoots. Her relaxing attitude comes through in all of her services. She thoroughly enjoys making her clients comfortable and at ease, whether they are receiving Brazilian wax, or a rejuvenating treatment-oriented facial.

Misty Yancey, CMT

Misty became a nationally certified massage therapist in 2006. As a graduate from the Virginia School of Massage, she is also currently enrolled at BRCC and plans to transfer to JMU to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in literature. She has vast experience working in a destination resort spa setting, offering a wide variety of massage and bodywork services, reflexology, as well as body treatments. Misty truly thrives in a more clinical atmosphere and specializes in deep tissue massage. She is working toward her certification in medical massage. Misty, a native of Virginia, loves spending time with her family, has a passion for music and the arts, and enjoys outdoor activities such as canoeing and hiking. No matter your specific needs, Misty can customize a session that will leave you feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and revitalized.

Vanessa Heatwole, Administrative Assistant

A native from Brazil, Vanessa brings a unique and fresh perspective on health & wellness. Since August 2009, Vanessa has been a part-time receptionist and with her exceptional customer service skills, she has become an integral member of our administrative team. She is currently attending James Madison University and is close to achieving a Bachelors of Science in Dietetics. Vanessa treats each client with special attention and instantly helps them to feel comfortable. In her spare time, Vanessa enjoys cooking, music and traveling. In the near future, she will become a Registered Dietitian, being able to provide Nutritional Counseling; a service the Spa is very excited to offer its clients! Vanessa looks to specialize in customized nutrition, weight management, and addictions while aspiring to provide clients with the basic tools to live a more healthy life style.

Apryl Donovan-Nails Naturally
Licensed Nail Technician, Independent Contractor

Apryl is a native of the Shenandoah Valley and has been offering natural nail care since 2007. She offers clients a personalized experience, taking into consideration individual preferences and health issues, so they can escape the pressures of everyday life. Her clients appreciate her professionalism along with her warm, friendly nature. As health and wellness are important to all of us, Apryl attends trainings while continuing education to enhance her skills and keep up with the latest trends in nail care and wellness. Aside from work, she is passionate about her hobby farming and organic foods. She is an avid cyclist, often riding tandem with her husband, David, and also enjoys hiking and spending time with her family and friends. Apryl welcomes your call at 540.246.3800 to discuss your nail care questions or to schedule an appointment for a spa manicure and pedicure that will leave you feeling pampered and refreshed.