From the late 1980's to 1996 Janice worked as an independent contractor for Gold's Gym in Portland Oregon. The business known as Motion Management which had offices in a number of gyms throughout the city offered services of massage therapy that focused on injury, rehab and sports massage. In addition she taught and lectured on fitness, nutrition, motivation and personal athletic training.

In 1996 Janice and her husband Mike Ehlen made Manzanita their home, since then Janice has had a successful private massage and wellness consulting practice. In the winter of 07-08 it is with great pride and passion that Janice presents Spa Manzanita - a full service day with emphasis on health, wellness and personalized services.

Education

• 1985 BS - Physical Education with minor studies in Exercise Physiology and Corporation Fitness Programs
• 1989 East West College of Healing Arts
• 1978 AA Nutrition (Santa Monica CC)

Additional Certifications and Studies

• Sports Massage
• PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation)
• Trigger Point and Deep Tissue Therapy

Athletic Accomplishments

• 2006 Body Building Champion
• 1989-90 USA National Cycling Team
• 1990 National Gold Medalist
• 1989 & 1990 World Cycling Team Member
• 1988 Olympic Cycling Team Member (Alternate)
• Professional Ski Alpine Ski Racer
• California Windsurfing Champion 1975

Judy is a well-grounded therapist with over 30 years of personal study in meditation, nature and healing. She received her massage training from the Oregon School of Massage and was licensed in 1997, focusing on traditional Chinese medicine, and is a Reiki II initiate. Judy says, "My goal in massage is to enhance the flow of ch'i (natural healing energy) through focused bodywork and energy balancing. I incorporate elements of Shiatsu, Polarity, Reiki and Acupressure into every massage."

In addition, Judy is a specialist in Acutonics - a system of sound healing that uses tuning forks and singing bowls to direct sound vibration into meridian points, trigger points and other points of pain. This treatment corrects the imbalances in the body's electrical/energetic system, producing profound results in treating a variety of physical and emotional conditions. This results in a body that is able to better heal itself and maintain health by allowing the body's natural healing energy to circulate freely.

Judy has been an Oregon resident since 1960 and a Manzanita resident since 2007. When not in the massage room, you will find her walking her dog on the beach or playing with her watercolors or a knitting project.

More info to come.

Ilse started her journey through life in Indonesia born on a Coffee/Rubber plantation in Java, Djakarta. At seven years old traveled to Holland with her family and waited to be accepted into the US. In 1960 Westminster Presbyterian Church sponsored her family to Portland, Oregon.

Ilse grew up speaking Dutch in her home but studied English in 3rd grade after school every day for an hour. Ilse studied Art and Psychology at PSU and massage at the Oregon School of Massage. After receiving her certifications and license in 1998 she worked in a variety of settings from hotels, medical offices, resorts and private practice. Ilse's massage style is as unique as she is, with her unusual background and experiences in life she brings to the massage table a style that one can only describe and flowing movements that create a feeling you might be in Indonesia having a massage. As owner of the spa I must say I thoroughly enjoy her work.

Ilse is now settled into a wonderful life here in Manzanita and has this to say about that:

I have decided to settle down and start preparing myself for that aging process here in Manzanita. As I grow older and wiser, my journey is to continually simplify my life, and have decided that art and massage/body work is my passion and will continue as I age, plus maintain a balanced, peaceful, Zen life style for myself.

Chris is a life long resident of the North Oregon Coast. Being a therapist has been part of Chris's journey in rebuilding himself and striving for his goal of being a physically and mentally balanced person. Chris came to spa manzanita the summer of 2010 and is looking forward to building his career in this coastal community.

Chris spends his free time staying active, indoors or out. Going hiking, mountain biking and exploring Northwest beaches are all favorites. When winter prevents outdoor plans, playing basketball keeps Chris active and motivated. Chris also enjoys traveling, whether it be camping in central Oregon or vacation trips to Hawaii.

He attended school at Everest Institute in Tigard , Oregon.

A note from Janice Gaines: I am particularly pleased and happy to have Chris as part of the spa family. He exhibits natural talent and we are working together to further develop his skills in sports and deep tissue massage modalities.

Theron graduated from the Boulder College Of Massage Therapy in June of 1995 and has been practicing as a Massage Therapist for much of the last 16 years. In school he was trained in Zen Shiatsu, Swedish massage, Neuromuscular Therapy, Trigger Point Therapy, Myofacial Release and Integrated Therapy. He has attended workshops on how to treat Thoracic Outlet and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome's, along with assisting in teaching a workshop on the Assessment and Treatment of all stages of whiplash. If all this wasn't enough Theron has studied Dr. Vodder's Lymphatic Drainage Techniques and the basic principles of Polarity and Cranial Sacral Therapies.

Theron describes his signature massage as a slow deep Swedish with rehabilitating muscle work, but feels the best massages are the ones combining everything he has learned to fit the client's needs. When asked what he likes most about his job, Theron will tell you “I like changing people's lives for the better. Whether it is simply allowing them to relax and get away from it all for an hour, relieving chronic pain and restoring range of motion, or providing a safe supportive environment to release those stored up emotions. It all gives my life a sense of purpose and allows me to feel like I am fulfilling God's plan."


As owner of spa manzanita I must say something about Theron and his work. "I feel very fortunate that Theron found us and is now part of the team. Theron is a very talented and knowledgeable in his work and a delight to work with."
   --Janice B Gaines

Suzy, (Susan) has been a professional massage therapist since 2005 and has lived and practiced in Washington, California, and Oregon. She has experience with many different modalities: Swedish, Deep Tissue, Hot-Stone, Pre-Natal, Rehabilitative & Injury Techniques, Aromatherapy, MFR, and Trigger Point. Suzy has her own unique style that she customizes to each client based on their needs and wishes. She feels that massage is her calling and she loves to leave each person she works on with that massage "glow."

In her spare time she loves to run on the beach with her dog Domino, a black & white border-collie mix, and experiencing life whenever and wherever she can.

Her creed:
"This Too, Shall Pass."

Janice's note: I am very pleased to have Susan back for the summer. She worked for us before the actual spa opened in our little space next door. She is a joy and pleasure to work with and does superb body work.

Suzy is from Vancouver, WA. A retired school teacher, she received her B.S. in Elementary Education from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA. Married to husband John, an avid fisherman, they have vacationed in Manzanita for 17 years and look forward to the day when they both will call Manzanita home. They have 3 grown children and a Golden Retriever named Gumbaux. You may already have seen him frolicking on the beach!

Suzy is licensed to practice massage in both Oregon and Washington, having received her training at East West College of the Healing Arts, Portland, OR. She is also a Certified Spiritual Director and Certified Healing Touch Practitioner. She has extensive experience in pastoral care, hospice and working with the elderly. As a massage therapist, she is a good listener, attentive to the individual needs of each client, and makes every effort to honor the confidence placed upon her abilities.

Quote from Suzy: "My life has meaning when I am helping others to feel better about who they are, how they feel, and how they interact with their world."

Suzy's favorite quote: "I come to the sea to breathe." Mary Anne Radmacher

Kerry, a new member of our family, hails from Australia and is well acquainted with the Pacific and is familiar with living in different cultures and countries, having being raised in Australia, lived in England for three years - where she completed her training and has lived in the USA for over 12 years. First in Schererville Indiana and then moving to Salem, Oregon.

Kerry completed her Esthetician's training in England in 1989 and comes to us with over 20 years experience in this industry. She completed C.I.D.E.S.C.O (the highest standard in Europe ) while attending the West of England College of Beauty Therapy. CIDESCO is becoming a more familiar standard here in states. She is excited to be joining the team at Spa Manzanita and being able to care for our clients. The thought of coastal life is exciting to her as well. She arrives in Manzanita 50 years young, single and with her "girls" Grace and Mercy(Kitty Cats)

Kerry's experience covers many areas, having completed additional training with a variety of skin care companies and make up education as well. Giving wonderful and result orientated facials is a passion of Kerrys. She is an expert at waxing - an industry that she has seen grow significantly over the past 12 years since arriving in the states. From the brow, leg and the full monty - she is the "girl" to see for your waxing needs.

Michelle has a passion for meeting new people and helping them search for their own unique link between physical health, inner happiness, and outer beauty.

She believes the ocean has healing powers reaching well-beyond the boundaries of traditional medicine, which is what draws her to Manzanita.

In her spare time you'll find her having fun in the outdoors either playing in the waves, or playing with her dog "Biggie" on the beach. Surfing is a year-round passion as is traveling the world to find interesting waves in interesting places.

Michelle has a BA in Marketing from Plymouth State University in New Hampshire and a graduate degree in esthetics from the Euro Institute in Portland, Oregon.

Trish has lived in Texas, Hawaii, Oregon, California and Washington. Retiring from the transportation industry in 2004, after the birth of her daughter KiLee. Trish and her family moved to the Oregon Coast to live a more wholesome and grounded lifestyle. Trish has two daughters Alexandria, 13 {below) and KiLee, 5 (left). There is no other place Trish would rather call home than Oregon's North Coast.

Trish has studied self hypnosis, nutrition, body building and alternative healing techniques. Believing in respect for all things, Trish and her family are loving their life on the coast. Keepin' it green! Grateful to be part of such a wonderful community.

Trish has thirty one years professional experience in purchasing, sales, accounting, transportation, operations and administration.

"It took me so many years to move to the beach - and I'm not leaving"

Christie and her husband Lee moved around the country for business and now they're "living the dream" on the Oregon Coast.

After a career in the banking and accounting arena, Christie brings a great deal of talent and knowledge to the spa manzanita, we are lucky to have her on board. She enjoys interacting with the clients by making appointments for them and discussing spa products that will help them look and feel better.

Christie spends her free time hiking, biking, and kayaking, knitting and volunteer work. "I am very lucky to be apart of a coastal community in such and exciting and magical place!"

Alex has moved all around the west coast with her mother, Trish, finally settling down on the Oregon coast in 2004. Currently, Alex lives with her mom, dad, and younger sister, Ki Lee in beautiful Manzanita.

Now a freshman at Neah-Kah-Nie High School, Alex has received many academic honors, such as Freshman Class President, as well as several athletic accomplishments including lettering in track, volleyball and basketball. Someday, she aspires to attend the University of Oregon to pursuit a career in public relations.

In her spare time, Alex enjoys surfing, writing, running, dancing and spending time with the ones she loves. Alex is very fortunate in many aspects and believes strongly in reciprocating her blessings and spreading positivity in ways big and small.

Alex is more than honored to be surrounded by the wonderful people composing the Spa Manzanita staff.

Amy Chacon was born in Riverside , California . She and her mother, Toniann, moved back and forth between California and Oregon , finding a permanent home in Oregon when she was five. Soon Amy's family of two became a family of five, when Guy Naylor married Toniann, and his two kids became Amy's new older siblings, Brett and Sierra. Later Amy's family was privileged with the lives of Kayla, Dominic, and Joseph.

Amy now lives in Rockaway Beach , Oregon with her younger siblings and parents. She attends Neah-Kah-Nie high school and is a cheerleader for the local football team. She has received many academic rewards including the Principal's Award and the President's Award.

She enjoys working at Spa Manzanita with the kind and loving staff.

For the past 17 years Gul has operated a private practice in Eugene Oregon.

Gul has spent years studying and working in the Physical Therapy aspect of soft tissue work. She specializes in Deep Tissue, Sports Massage, Injury Management and Chronic Pain Assessment.

In addition to her work with people she is a Licensed Equestrian Therapist.


Gul is Janice's dear friend of many years.