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AN AVEDA SPA & SALON
Beth Brown has been a licensed nail technician/esthetician for more than 30 years and currently holds licenses in three states as well as a degree in Fashion Merchandising. It is safe to say beauty and fashion are certainly her passion!
You may notice Ocean Wellness carries the fun, beautiful Conch Collection of Be a Betty nail polishes! Beth founded Be a Betty in 2020 fulfilling her dreams of naming nail polish and building a beauty lifestyle brand from her many years of experience. Having been a nail care, skin care and makeup “junkie” since she was old enough to shop, Beth has been able translate that into helping clients find the best products and services to fit their lifestyle.
It’s hard not to love her nail polishes! Check out the Conch Fritter, Key West Pinks, Zombie, or Tutus on Tuesday polishes!
Beth is a hot commodity with two primary workplaces. She can be found taking care of her clients’ nail and skincare needs here in Key West when she is not in her hometown in Pennsylvania.
As a cutting and styling Purefessional for Aveda, Amanda Lewis truly believes that learning never ends! She loves inspiring others to find confidence and their passion for hair. Amanda will take any opportunity to express her creativity and share techniques from her extensive background.
Originally a graduate of the Aveda Institute in Saint Petersburg, Florida, she also attended the extended Masters Program to advance her craft and has been involved with advanced education in the Aveda Network for over 13 years. She was the first recipient of the Edwin Neill Full Potential award as a stylist. Her work has been featured in Modern Salon Magazine and Behind The Chair publications. She has supported backstage at Miami Jams and with the Global Artistic Team for hair shows, events, editorial events, and education workshops. She brings her business, marketing, and architecture background into the salon world where she has worked as a cutting specialist, a generalist, and a full-time educator for The Salon People Distribution and at Truu Aveda Salon in Hollywood, Florida.
Hair has always been the medium to allow other avenues for artistry and she has remained behind the chair servicing her guests for their hair and lifestyle needs. Amanda has committed her life to education and advancing her craft – the whole look is what really defines her work. Amanda specializes in corrections, makeovers, styling, and texture because everyone is unique and they deserve a unique look. The mission and wellness are a very big part of her everyday, creative life. Amanda truly believes that “true leadership is delivered with passion and by example”.
I was born and raised in a small town in Romania. I moved to the United States in 2010, right after completing college with a BA in Business Administration. Funny enough, I developed a passion for waxing many, many years ago, that led to a career in esthetics which I absolutely love. I began my career at a medical spa in Naples, Florida where I worked with cutting-edge skin care services. My evolution as an esthetician continued by working in more traditional spas. My motto is “Go for whatever makes you happy!” And I did! I love Key West and have lived here for almost 7 years now. I love to travel with my husband and have visited over 20 countries. I get inspired by new skin care routines and techniques that I have experienced around the world.
I’m a firm believer that you treat your skin from the inside out, so I take care of my body by spinning, kayaking, and living an overall healthy lifestyle.
Life is beautiful so don’t forget to love the skin you’re in! 🙂
Although I am a native to South Florida, I started my journey with massage in Portland, Oregon and had the opportunity to study at the East West College of the Healing Arts. My inspiration is to heal and ease pain for people as massage had a large part in my own healing journey. My passion is working with injuries, specific pain and stressed muscles. I use a blend of deep tissue, myofacial release, trigger point, and structural integration to sooth body imbalances. During my time off, I’m using enjoying the ocean, biking, or long walks with my dog. I love living in Key West and enjoy all the keys have to offer.
Born in Hawaii, but raised in Key West most of my life. Started at Ocean Wellness since opening and has since moved a couple times, but always finds her way back. Licensed cosmetologist for over ten years. When I’m not working, I love to hang out with family, friends, try new restaurants and love getting spa
treatments myself. I’ll also never say no to coffee. One of my favorite things about working at Ocean Wellness is getting to know so many different people from all over the country and the world and also love our locals that keep the island going.
I was raised in Upstate NY, but I am happy to be a part of Key West during the winters. I love amazing food, day drinking with friends, outdoor activities, and I’m an avid cyclist. And I love art! I’m also a professional portrait photographer. When it comes to my practice with massage therapy… what can I say? I love it! Every day blows my mind in some way. I’m a nerd for biomechanics and I actually really love working on body misalignments and getting to puzzle-piece the body back into alignment/health. I like to tone down the ‘sciencey’ brain with a specialty in sound therapy, tuning into the softer side of healing.
My name is Becky, I am a Wisconsin native. I moved to Key West in 2009 for six months. By February of 2011 I decided to move back and make Key West my permanent home. I worked as a veterinary technician for many years, but in 2018 I decided it was time for a change. I completed my esthetics training at the Aveda Institute in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. I still love animals and spend much of my free time hanging out with my dogs. I also enjoy boat days, bike rides, rollerblading, watching sunsets, eating delicious food, traveling and of course spa treatments. Come to Ocean Wellness Spa and book your facial, eye brow or last tint, body wrap or scrub, and waxing services with me. I look forward to meeting you.
I was born and raised in Italy. As a military spouse I moved to United States and became an American in 1995. I have always been passionate for well- being, healthy lifestyles, and holistic remedies. After a long career in teaching yoga and personal training, practiced in Italy, United States, and Japan, I moved to Hawaii in 2010, where I became a massage therapist. I fell in love with the Hawaian massage Lomi lomi, and decided that I would incorporate that style in my massage practice. I am a Graston practioner and an actual student for a Ayurvedic remedies and lifestyle. Massaging is pure joy, the most gratifying way to share who I am and my gift to the world!! Namaste
My name is Scott Shambaugh. I was born and raised in south Florida, and have been living in Key West on and off for the past 17 years. I have always been fascinated and curious about the connections between our minds, bodies, emotions, and spirit. This curiosity began with a love for theatre and dance, mainly ballet and modern throughout high school and college. In 2004 I took the steps to formalize that curiosity by attending the CORE Institute for Massage Therapy and Bodywork in Tallahassee Florida. As my experience deepened, so did my curiosity about where exactly does discomfort and dis-ease come from? I asked this question in regards to my clients, but also for my own well-being. This led me to attend the Barbara Brennan School for Healing Science in Miami. This 4-year program is dedicated to intense personal process work, and how to hold loving and transformative space for others. This was a magical time for me of deep personal growth.
Now, I’m excited to share my experience and talents with my clients in Key West! It is my intention to forever deepen the experience of “Home” in this body, and in this lifetime, for myself, and those who grace my table. As Ram Dass once said, “we are all just walking each other home…”
Petra Ross was born in Brno, Czech Republic. She decided to make Key West her home in 1997 and lived here until 2005 when she moved to Boston, MA in order to attend the Salter School of Massage Therapy. Upon completion of her school, she returned to Key West and earned her license both nationally and in Florida. She loves helping our clients with their muscular problems. She specializes in sports, deep tissue massage, lymphatic drainage massage, clinical sports performance, and neuro-muscular therapy.
Petra came to the Keys over 26 years ago on vacation and fell in love. Her passion for helping people and the peacefulness of the island made this a perfect fit. “I love the people” said Petra, “and I believe in natural healing.” her true passion is in the opportunity to “bond” with her clients and create an environment that will maximize their body’s balance.
Toby is our visiting Master Stylist from London, England. Toby started his career in South Africa where he qualified as a stylist and owned his own salon,
before moving to London in 2002. Over time, Toby has built up a great following of guests travelling from all over to see him in the London neighborhood
of Kensington where he is the principal stylist and salon brand owner of Hairspace.
Toby celebrated 25 years in the hairdressing industry in 2022 and was awarded Master Stylist title in 2023, the highest accolade for hairdressing in the
United Kingdom. Toby specialises is classical cutting and styling, coloring, blondening techniques, hair loss advice and transformations.
As one happy Ocean Wellness guest included in her 5 star Tripadvisor review, “Toby is awesome…his international background in hair care is a definite
plus!”
“I am currently gone traveling! Return date TBA. See you soon!”
Jocelyn Burdick is a licensed massage therapist and graduate of the Lane Community College massage therapy program in Eugene, Oregon. She has worked with a diverse clientele, including professional athletes, musicians, adults with disabilities, cancer patients, and the elderly. Jocelyn is passionate about her work and truly connects with
each of her clients as they move forward in their healing process.
Jocelyn’s practiced modalities include Swedish, therapeutic, and deep tissue. She also integrates trigger point, Thai, and Craniosacral techniques into her treatment sessions. She has experience with passive stretching, sports massage, and muscle strengthening with therapeutic exercises. She has studied Reiki, Thai, Craniosacral, Tui-Na (Chinese massage), and Japanese facial massage.
Jocelyn offers a gentle, healing touch with the utmost professionalism and care. Each session is uniquely tailored to the individual client, including special needs, injuries, physical limitations and pain management. She hopes you will invite her along on your healing journey!
John Hooker was raised in Wisconsin. After graduating high school, he attended THE Aveda Institute in Minneapolis, MN. After graduation at the Aveda Institute in 1998, he had the opportunity to further his education by working as an apprentice to the famous hair stylist, Jon English. John Hooker has been in Key West since 2000. He is all for his fancy sense of style (check out his shoes or cool new bag next time you see him for your hair appointment!). He loves his job as Lead Hair Stylist and loves making people feel great about themselves! He specializes in total transformations; you will appreciate his attention to detail and skill. When John is not in the salon, you can find him traveling, checking out a new destination, or enjoying some needlepoint.
Hillary grew up in Saunderstown, Rhode Island, a little place known for the Gilbert Stuart Birthplace Museum and the alewife fish that spawn every year in its fresh water ways. When she was a child, she watched a PBS special on acupuncture and massage which sparked a lifelong love of massage therapy and alternative healing modalities. She earned my Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Anthropology in 1995 from the University of Rhode Island. In 1999, Hillary graduated from the Bancroft School for Massage Therapy in Worcester, MA. After many years of private practice in Rhode Island, she moved to Key West in 2016 and joined the Ocean Wellness team!
Hillary loves helping people feel better and enjoys being a part of their journey to wellness. Her massage specialties include: therapeutic work (usually a custom blend of Swedish with medium to deep tissue, sports, and myofascial), focused neck work for stubborn knots, prenatal, hot stone, and manual lymphatic drainage.
Hillary’s energy work specialties include Reflexology and Reiki (she is Reiki Level 2).
When she is not massaging, she enjoys meditation with crystals, reading, gardening, and cooking (usually accompanied by her cat, Zeppelin).
Meet our Lead Massage Therapist, Marc. In 2019, Marc was voted as Best Massage Therapist in Key West! He is originally from Buffalo, New York where he attended the New York Institute of Massage. Over the past 20 plus years, Marc has worked in high end, full-service day spas and wellness centers in Atlanta, Georgia, Boston, Massachusetts, Charlotte, North Carolina and finally landing here in Key West, Florida. He specializes in table Thai, prenatal, Swedish, therapeutic, deep tissue, hot stone, and reflexology treatments. When he is not here at Ocean Wellness, Marc is either hanging out with his dog, Sadie, or sitting at Tower Bar enjoying the view and a few Bloody Mary’s!
Enjoy a casual interview with Richard Light, the Delight, one of our Senior Massage Therapists here at Ocean Wellness Spa & Salon…
Where were you raised?
Panama, then Michigan, then Iowa, then Canada. Then I graduated high school.
What are your hobbies?
I LOVE old cars. And traveling. And I love continuing the never-ending search for the perfect burger, pizza, and steak.
What is your specialty?
Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy, also known as Neuromuscular Therapy.
How would you describe your massage style?
Deliberate and accurate. Slowest massage south of Atlanta. I’m an anatomy nerd somewhere between evil genius and idiot savant. That pretty much sums it up.
What did you do before you became a massage therapist?
Many things. I was a trucker, an inspector, a server, a chauffeur, a banker, a machinist and many more. I’ve worked for Amnesty International, FedEx, Club Med, Exxon/Mobil, FEMA, USPS, Marriott and many others.
What was your inspiration to become a Massage Therapist?
My previous careers were stressful.
Do you enjoy what you do?
Definitely. I get to help people every day. I can have a rapid and profound effect on people’s health without drugs.
What is your favorite part of what you do?
I sell relaxation in paradise. Beat that at a cocktail party!
What is your motto?
Live freely and let the chips fall where they may.
How long have you lived in Key West?
Sailed down here 15 years ago. It’s my favorite city in America.
Michelle Rivera was born and raised on the beautiful island of Key West (she is a proud, 4th generation Conch)! She has been a nail technician since 1997. Making her guests look and feel good about themselves is what inspired her to pursue being a nail tech. She loves meeting people from all over the world and she loves the time spent with her guests during their nail services with her. Hearing their excitement and generosity after each service keeps her inspired to be there for her guests. She will knock you out of the park with the hand and foot massage that she gives during her services – it’s quite a treat! She believes that positive energy and a smile is contagious! Spread the love! Her goal is to work hard and always to be willing to improve herself, her work team, and her family. “If you believe, you can achieve!” – That’s the motto Michelle will leave you with! In her free time, you can find her fishing, boating, and just relaxing on the sandbar.
As a cutting and styling Purefessional for Aveda, Amanda Lewis truly believes that learning never ends! She loves inspiring others to find confidence and their passion for hair. Amanda will take any opportunity to express her creativity and share techniques from her extensive background.
Originally a graduate of the Aveda Institute in Saint Petersburg, Florida, she also attended the extended Masters Program to advance her craft and has been involved with advanced education in the Aveda Network for over 13 years. She was the first recipient of the Edwin Neill Full Potential award as a stylist. Her work has been featured in Modern Salon Magazine and Behind The Chair publications. She has supported backstage at Miami Jams and with the Global Artistic Team for hair shows, events, editorial events, and education workshops. She brings her business, marketing, and architecture background into the salon world where she has worked as a cutting specialist, a generalist, and a full-time educator for The Salon People Distribution and at Truu Aveda Salon in Hollywood, Florida.
Hair has always been the medium to allow other avenues for artistry and she has remained behind the chair servicing her guests for their hair and lifestyle needs. Amanda has committed her life to education and advancing her craft – the whole look is what really defines her work. Amanda specializes in corrections, makeovers, styling, and texture because everyone is unique and they deserve a unique look. The mission and wellness are a very big part of her everyday, creative life. Amanda truly believes that “true leadership is delivered with passion and by example”.
Dr. Michelle M. Wischmeyer is a 4th generation native Key West “Conch”. She brings extensive and diverse knowledge of massage, esthetics, acupuncture, and Chinese Medicine to the table, creating thorough, custom treatments for her clients.
Michelle is a NCCAOM Board Certified Acupuncture Physician and a NCTMB Board Certified Licensed Massage Therapist. She received her Associate of Science in Natural Health degree in Therapeutic Massage and Skin Care and her Associate of Science in Natural Health in Advanced Therapeutic Massage from Florida College of Natural Health, Altamonte Springs, Florida in December of 2003.
Michelle graduated in April of 2014 from East West College of Natural Medicine with her Bachelors of Professional Health Science and her Masters in Oriental Medicine. She has completed 32 hours of training and is Certified by The Institute of Structural Energetic Therapy in Cranial/Structural Therapy for Headaches, she is also a Skin Care Specialist, specializing in Meridian Massage to “bring the best of Massage and Acupuncture together”.
Being the studious professional that she is, Michelle is always seeking to learn. When she is not working, it is likely that you can find her reading, crocheting, or spending time in her garden.
Andrea has been with Ocean Wellness Spa & Salon since the spa opened and she loves Key West! She was born and raised in Budapest, Hungary where she started her massage and esthetic trainings at a very young age. She moved to the United States twenty years ago, but she has traveled the world and has continuously practiced and explored techniques in the spa world. She was part of an expedition crossing the Gobi Desert in Mongolia, where she offered therapeutic treatments to her teammates during their journey across the desert together.
While traveling, she discovered and studied many different massage techniques and facial rituals. She also had the opportunity to work for ESI medical institute in Fort Lauderdale, where they offered trainings for esthetic procedures all over the country. Her guests list includes Gene Hackman, Justin Long, and Kevin Millar.
She is also a yoga teacher herself, practicing yoga since she was six years old. Andrea had the opportunity to practice yoga for a year in India, as well as several months in Nepal, Thailand, and in Indonesia.
It’s no surprise that today Andrea is one of our most requested technicians! When she is not working, you can find her spending time with her two little boys and her husband. And, as always, she continues to love soaking in the sun and, enjoying yoga, and traveling.