Ra Amin

Metropole

Ra Amin, is an Integrative Holistic Practioner who has over 20 years of experience. He is a Licensed Massage Therapist and Certified Reflexologist. A teacher of Yoga, Taiji Qigong and Meditation. In his practice, Ra effectively combines nutrition, herbs, detoxification therapies, yoga therapy, therapeutic bodywork, and energetic balancing to help restore the body's natural balance. Ra is also a Reiki Master/Teacher, Certified Spinning Instructor and Fitness Consultant/Instructor. He is a graduate of University of Maryland, College Park and The New Seminary, New York.

Sioux Barry

Sioux Barry has been practicing massage for over 17 years both in the USA and internationally. Sioux joined the VIDA Fitness/Aura Spa team upon return to the DC area in July 2009. Sioux has 300+ hours of Traditional Thai Massage & Herbal Medicine study which has led to her specializing in and teaching Traditional Thai Massage, which is a blend of compression, trigger point work, joint mobilization and stretching. Thai massage is sometimes referred to as "lazy man's yoga" for its deep stretching aspects and it is amazing for increasing flexibility. It complements perfectly with a regular workout routine. In addition to Thai Massage, a treatment with Sioux may include reflexology, orthopedic testing/functional assessment, deep tissue, trigger point work, thai, shiatsu, Swedish, aromatherapy or Reiki to bring about a true sense of well being and rehabilitation from injury or just life's everyday stress and tension.

Jeremy Braverman

Jeremy has been practicing massage therapy for 9 years. He graduated from the Finger Lakes School of Massage in Ithaca, New York. Jeremy specializes in Deep Tissue, Injury Recovery, and Myofacial Release. My massages are detail oriented and Intuitive. I enjoy working with my clients to find both the source of the injury and their unique holding patterns. I am currently working on a Masters Degree in acupuncture to further my understanding of health and wellness. I hope to pass on this acquired knowledge for the benefit of my clients.

Raymond Tarber

Ray is a graduate of the Potomac Massage Training Institute in Washington, D.C. The modalities that he employs are Swedish, Deep Tissue, Hot Stone and Hot Towel Massage. He is also skilled at Reiki and Active Isolated Stretching. Ray is looking forward to increasing his knowledge in the healing arts. He really enjoys working as a massage therapist. He has had the pleasure of working for Dr. Deborah L. Bernal, Doctor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Dr. Rashida Cohen, chiropractor and Dr. Peter Bernard, Neurology Services. He has also worked at Natural Body Spa and Shoppe in Washington, D.C. He currently works at his own home practice, Ray's Hands. He describes himself as a people person. "Think positive and breathe" is his philosophy. His aspiration is to have his own health center.

Jamilah Chambers

Jamilah is a graduate of the Potomac Massage Training Institute. She is nationally certified and is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association. She is trained in both Swedish and deep tissue massage and utilizes these techniques to create client -centered sessions. Jamilah believes that massage benefits the mind, body, and soul.

Kenya Roberts

Kenya attended Steiner Skin Care Institute in Lithicum, Maryland and graduated in May 2011. Kenya has an esthetic license in Maryland and Washington, D.C. Kenya has also been working as a massage therapist in Maryland for the last 4 years. As an esthetician my goal is to educate people on the importance of preventative care as well as preserving and maintaining the health of their skin.

Annette Fekete

A health educator, Annette Fekete has been licensed to practice therapeutic massage since 2007. A graduate of the Potomac Massage Training Institute of Washington, DC, Annette has had additional training in deep tissue, hot stones, hydrotherapy, Assisted Isolated Stretching, Japanese Zen Facial massage, and facelift massage, all of which she likes to incorporate in her client-centered massage sessions. A believer in the power of touch, Annette is adept at addressing and relieving the somatic effects of anxiety, grief, extreme stress, intense physical training and general overdoing.

Jacob Gough

Spa Manager Metropole

Jacob Gough graduated from Miller Motte College in Wilmington, NC with Honors and over 800hours in 2009. Jacob's deep tissue massage and sports massage is ideal for athletes and anyone with tension that is looking for a deep release in chronic tension areas. Jacob also accommodates stretching sessions which helps to reset the muscle allowing full relaxation. Every session is always custom fit for my client's needs. " My clients always leave walking taller."

Jennifer Glunt

Jennifer has been part of the Aura spa team since 2009. As a licensed Esthetician and member of the Association of Skin Care Professionals Jennifer believes that it's her duty to not only educate clients on their skin care needs, but to help them look and feel their best in their own skin. Her goals are to assist you in finding that right balance of skin care products that work best on your skin, treat your skin with customized treatments that are made for YOU, and provide you with a therapeutic and relaxing occasion in the spa. Constantly continuing her education, Jennifer keeps up with the changes and innovations in the skin care industry. She believes strongly that a great esthetician listens to the client and understands their needs and concerns, giving them the best treatment possible. Jennifer offers Professional Make-Up Application, in addition to facials, gentle waxing, body scrubs and wraps

Jennifer is a licensed Esthetician in Virginia and Washington, D.C.; Professional Make-Up Artistry Certification from Joe Blasco Make-Up School in Hollywood, CA.

Andrew Ramirez

Andrew began his career in massage therapy in 2005 in Seattle, WA where he graduated with honors from a thousand hour program at Everest College in Massage Therapy and Spa Services. Since then, he has worked with some of the leaders in the spa industry and was chosen by his managers to become their featured massage therapist, as an acknowledgement of his five star level of service and skill. He later took on the role as a Massage Department Lead managing a team of therapists to ensure impeccable guest service and provided training for enhancing technical skill. Andrew emphasizes the importance of maintaining health and wellness with all of his guests and has a genuine interest in encouraging his guests to incorporate massage therapy as a part of their lifestyle. Andrew is committed to excellence and takes pride in listening to his guests' needs while delivering the most personalized of services. Andrew specializes in offering a wide range of therapies and incorporates them into his sessions including Swedish massage, Deep Tissue, Trigger Point Therapy, LomiLomi, Hot Stone massage and Reflexology.

Damion Joyner

Best Modality: Deep Tissue on Neck, Shoulders, & Lower Back

In every session I do my very best to divulge a deluxe mind & body connection, as well as produce physiological shifts in muscle texture that ultimatley recalibrates homeostasis within the body. After several motorcycle injuries and several months of self rehab, patience has been soundly integrated into my intuitively systematic approach to soft tissue manipulation.

Jean Leconte

Jean graduated from Rising Spirit Institute of Natural Health in 2004 and is a professional Member of the American Massage Therapy Association and is Nationally certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork and licensed by the DC Health Professional Licensing Board . Jean's personality is subtle and non-interfering, and with his many years of experience and education as a basis for his practice, he is able to bring personal healing and pain relief to many of his clients. He brings a deep sense of well-being and relaxation to each individual session, and is deeply attuned with the body's sources of tension and points of pain relief.

Dina Sip

Licensed esthetician, member of ASCP. Dina has a passion for wellness and understanding of the skin. She firmly believes that anyone can have healthy beautiful skin regardless age, genes and condition. Trained in relaxation,shiatsu, aryuvedic and Chinese rejuvenation facial massage;techniques that she uses to detox, restore, rejuvenate and bring back the glow of healthy skin. To further develop her understanding of the skin and how the external/internal conditions affect the skin Dina is constantly training, researching and studying nutrition and beauty in the wellness industry here in the US and overseas to share this important information with all her clients.

Zellie Senhatu

Zellie is licensed and certified massage therapist and an active member of A.M.T.A. Completed her professional training at the Potomac Massage Training Institute in August 2009. Dedicated to providing effective deep tissue and Swedish massage to decrease pain and discomfort from stress and/ or muscular skeletal conditions, sports massage, acupressure, prenatal/postpartum/pregnancy massage, and hot stone massage. Her caring approach and hands on experience allows her to provide beneficial treatments in a relaxed and comfortable environment. Her goal is to create a safe, relaxed, for self-healing through positive touch.

Elaine Perhach

Director of Aura spa

Elaine has been nationally certified and licensed as a massage therapist since 2007 when she joined the VIDA team. In 2008 with the opening of Aura Spa, Elaine headed up the department to oversee the operations and development of the spa. "Aura Spa is a boutique, therapeutic day spa, where guests come to achieve a more balanced lifestyle, through customized massage therapy and skin care for each individual's needs." With the grand opening of VIDA Fitness and the flagship Aura Spa at the Renaissance Hotel, Elaine is the General Manager & Spa Director. She actively works in the spa providing therapeutic treatments, and ensures that clients receive the best quality of service and amenities.

Kirsten Peterson

Kirsten has been working at Aura Spa as the Lead esthetician since September of 2008. As a licensed esthetician and member of the Association of Skin Care Professionals and Aesthetics International Association, Kirsten works with highly individualized professional formulas to treat the skin, target complexion concerns, and discourage skin aging. She strives to provide clients with complete and relaxing services that include recommendations for home care. She is experienced in all types of waxing, including eyebrow design and women's Brazilian bikinis.

Strother Gaines

Strother graduated at the top of his class from the Northern Virginia School of Therapeutic Massage. Before his massage licensing, Strother graduated from Centre College with a BA in Dramatic Arts with a minor is Sociology. He specializes in deep tissue, trigger point, sports and Swedish massage. Strother believes in creating a unique experience for every client. Each body presents a different experience and challenge and Strother strives to create a transformative experience for each individual he has the pleasure of working with. Each of Strother's massages have their own unique flow and this allows for a total body sense of relaxation and repair with a strong sense of connectedness and completion.

Kelly Reed

Kelly is nationally Certified and Licensed in Washington, D.C. Kelly has been with VIDA Fitness/Aura spa for the past three years. Kelly specializes in Deep Tissue, Warm Stone and Pregnancy massage after the first trimester. Kelly focuses with on-going treatment of her clients to keep them in tip top shape for training and everyday stresses of life.

Juliane Sommer

Juliane started her career as a massage therapist in 2000 after graduating from Potomac Massage Training Institute of Washington DC. Prior to massage school, she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Human Services with a Fitness concentration from Kent State University. She has worked with a diverse population in the massage field including professional athletes, car accident victims and terminally ill cancer patients. Her work history ranges from being employed by several high end spas in the DC area to working as a staff therapist for the Washington Wizards as well as running her own practice within a chiropractor's office for over 3 years. Juliane offers a wide variety of modalities including but not limited to Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports, Active Isolated Stretching, Hot Stone and Reiki.

Sunday Vincent-Griffin

Sunday is a licensed Massage Therapist, and graduate of Potomac Massage Training Institute in February 2006 and a member of the AMTA. I believe that although massage and body treatments are non- invasive, the results are tremendously powerful. These various techniques help promote healthy minds and bodies. I have had the opportunity to work in a Spa setting as well as alongside Occupational and Physical Therapists, which allowed me to become familiar and assist with modalities that promote healing after physical trauma. I also believe that massage is a client-centered profession, meaning their comfort and well-being is my highest priority.

Leslie Mayo

Spa Manager

Leslie Mayo is a native Washingtonian. She has over 25 years of experience in the spa and hospitality industry, working as a licensed esthetician, nail technician and salon manager. Leslie has over 13 years of experience as a day spa owner, and co-owner of her own body care products. Earlier in her career she worked as a educator with CND, teaching nail technicians advance technique in nail applications, nail art, and designs.

Leslie has offered pageant coaching and make-up artistry, with two national Miss America winners. She used that same knowledge in the bridal industry working with countless brides over the years. Leslie has collaborated with local fashion designers to create make-up looks and has led teams of artist for their fashion shows. A member of the international Spa Association, National Cosmetologist Association, and Business Women Strategy and Networking Group.