Meet The Team
Megan Kingsbury
Owner, MT
I grew up in a very progressive family surrounded by strong women interested in health, helping others and with a fascination for the earth. Most of our summer holidays were spent in the forest and that's where I feel most comfortable, with my feet on the ground.
Growing up, my discovery of natural health led me to create teas, soaps and other herbal crafts for myself, friends and family. I began fasting at about 19 and have been following a similar protocol twice a year ever since. I enjoy listening to my body, giving it the space, nutrition or exercise it needs in order to keep me healthy.
Stepping into a world of holistic health can be quite daunting as there is plenty of information and many methods, it can seem overwhelming choosing a path, and so as a business owner, I wanted to break it down, being as accessible as possible for my community and clients.
I believe that there is no pain we should have to accept as a lifelong partner and no injury that should last forever. When building our new spa, my husband and I wanted to incorporate a range of therapies so that our reach could extend to meet our clients whoever they may be in their healing process.
As a bodyworker, we touch the mind, body and spirit. As business owners, we wanted our therapies backed by science, proving that a 60 minute float can be just as effective (or more so) in treating issues we all struggle with daily such as anxiety, unease and depression, as a trip to a counselor. We’ve also been successful in helping our staff and clients maintain health during this trying year (2020) with regular Ozone and Infrared treatments.
As we’ve grown, it’s been incredible to be part of, and watch the journeys of self discovery and wellness that many of our clients trust us with and the level of gratitude I feel in being an instrument of progress is profound.
It’s not often that we find our true calling and have the courage to jump in headfirst, embracing whatever gifts we were blessed with. I consider myself very lucky to have found a partner who fully supports me and has helped me actualize my dreams and a fantastic team of healers to work alongside me.
If you ever find yourself in my hometown of Grand Junction Colorado, I invite you to stop by for a personalized tour or to just chat about the awesome potential of natural health.
With Love and Gratitude,
Megan Kingsbury, Owner and LMT at Body Therapeutics
Brett Kingsbury
Owner, MT
Brett grew up in various parts of the country, from Dallas, to Chicago. He attended college in Austin, where he was a fine arts major and from there, grew his skills in Redondo Beach, CA where he successfully ran his own raw juice business while studying the benefits of fasting and clean dieting.
Brett has been practicing massage for five years and brings a style that pulls from Tui Na, Shiatsu and deep tissue.
He incorporates Gua Sha (IASTM) into many of his sessions, bringing lasting relief from major and chronic injury. His skills as a fine arts major have been profound in adding to the design and function of our spa.
Colleen Gallagher, MT
Hi I am Colleen Gallagher!
I have been a massage therapist since October 11, 2011. I moved to Grand Junction to be closer to family and have practiced massage in Golden CO, Sedona AZ and Tucson AZ. I graduated from ASIS Massage School in Clarkdale, Az. I have worked in day spas, a chiropractic office and a hotel resort spa. I love doing massage and bringing peace to the mind and body. I specialize in Swedish massage, Aromatherapy, Prenatal, Massage Cupping, Lymphatic, Myofascial. I am licensed in Arizona and Colorado, and I am board certified. I specialize in Swedish, light touch, working with the nervous system, cupping massage and prenatal.
My Approach:
The more massages I do, and the more I learn about the body, I see a great the need for lymphatic massage and education on the lymphatic system.
I believe that the lymphatic system is the key to maintaining a healthy body. By maintaining the lymphatic system with lymphatic massage you can help maintain your digestive system, the circulatory system, reproductive system, nervous system ect. (there are 14 systems in the body). Most people don't learn about the lymphatic system, or talk about it until after a diagnosis or a surgery. If it is so important for healing why is it not more important in maintaining good health?
Leah Schloss, MT
Laura Jolley, MT, LE
Laura has been practicing massage and esthetics for 24 years. It all began when she graduated from high school at the end of her junior year. Her passion was to further her education in a number of disciplines in the wellness industry. In 1997 she received her first license as an esthetician in Colorado and in 2001 the coveted CIDESCO license that enables her to practice esthetics throughout the world. In 2002 she graduated from Canterbury College of Natural Medicine with a certificate in massage therapy and advanced sports massage techniques. In 2006 she graduated from Colorado Mountain College with an Associates in Graphic Design with in emphasis on print design. In 2019 she received a certification as a NASM certified personal trainer and a TRX instructor. In 2020 she became a certified health and wellness coach by the Mayo Clinic.
Over the years, Laura has trained and assisted in yoga workshops with the famed Donna Farhi. She also has studied Sivananda yoga, Iyengar yoga, Anusara, ParaYoga, Blue Throat Yoga, and Rajanaka Yoga. Yoga can find her teaching yoga next door at Yoga V.
With her training and background, she can apply a mixture of deep tissue, myofascial techniques, cranial sacral therapy, Thai massage, and trigger point therapy to create a sense of ease in the body.
Laura and her husband Bryan along with their boxer Sophie moved to Grand Junction about 4 years ago. She enjoys rafting, hiking, gardening, and whipping her mom in backgammon.
Leah grew up in Boulder Colorado and went to the Boulder College of Massage therapy. She graduated in 2002, and went on to get extra certifications in Sports and Orthopedic massage. Helping people through injury and pain management is where she thrives. She enjoys seeking out new ways to give relief. But don’t worry she knows how to give a relaxing massage.
Leah moved to Grand Junction in 2018 from Missoula Montana with her twins born that same year. When she’s not wrangling kiddos she enjoys hiking, many outdoor activities, knitting, wine or a good craft beer.
Elizabeth "Bibba" Payson, MT
Hi. My name is Bibba Payson. I’m originally from Long Island, NY, but moved to Colorado in 1995 and never left. After getting my Associates Degree in Boulder, I attended The Boulder College of Massage Therapy where I graduated in 2003. I spent my first five years as a massage therapist practicing in Boulder, then I moved to Aspen where I worked for over 12 years, and now I’m enjoying my new town, Grand Junction, where I moved a little over a year ago. My path to becoming a massage therapist started with my own personal need to help with low back pain I had experienced from playing sports when I was younger. I received my first massage when I was 13 years old and immediately understood the value and benefit it had for me. My style provides deep relaxation and treatment-oriented work by incorporating neuromuscular techniques, stretching, muscle energy techniques, sports massage, deep tissue, and Swedish. I customize each massage to meet the individual needs of my clients. When I’m not working, I enjoy hiking, reading, and hanging out with my 2 sweet pitbulls, Ellie and Edie.
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Abbie Hoffman, MT
Natural health and healing have always been dear to my heart and an integral part of my life. From my childhood, being raised in a Waldorf community in Northern California, to developing a cooperative preschool, studying herbalism, aromatherapy and yoga, and always growing my own herbs and vegetables. I believe in making things around me beautiful and leaving things better than I found them. I believe in treating the body, mind, spirit and world around us, with respect and kindness for its own innate wisdom.
Working as a teacher while raising my son was a beautiful, enriching life. When he finished high school, I was ready for a new phase of my journey, and delightedly pursued my passion for massage; a modality I had used for most of my life. I feel incredibly blessed to be able to do this work, and quite honored to be part of each clients healing journey.
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Bryan Jolley, MT
I have worked as a massage therapist since moving to Colorado in 2000. I was based out of Vail but mostly traveled working privately with a family and their guests at their vacation properties. 2017 brought my wife and I here to the Grand Valley. I miss the in town snowboarding but the river access here is nice.
Eric Bryant, MT
Hi, My Name is Eric Bryant. I am a recent graduate from Intellitec Massage Therapy Program,my graduation date was February 16 2022. I was born right here in Grand Junction at ST Mary’shospital and went to school in a small K-12 school up in Collbran ( 50 miles east of GJ). Aftergraduating high school, I joined the Army where I spent 3 formative years in the infantry. Laterafter 911 I rejoined the military but this time in the Air Force as an electronics technician whereI spent another 4 years. I moved back to the valley about 6 yrs ago; after many years out ofstate. I really love this area and its beauty, I still am in awe of the world in general and themysteries of the universe. I enjoy learning yet sometime doubt my level of understanding.Boiled down I am just an average guy who loves life and all its twists and turns.
Hi to all of you! I am Janet Copelle’ and I am new to the Grand Junction area as well as the Body team. I moved here in May 2019 to become a director of a local massage therapy program. I am excited to continue my 20 year massage career here at Body Therapeutics. I have a bachelor degree in education and a master degree in human movement. I have always been in wonder how the body works and in search of how best to correct muscle imbalances. I liken body work to being a private eye of the body since I am always trying to determine the original cause to peoples’ pain and movement dysfunctions. My foundation has been in Swedish massage with adding to it the concepts of neuromuscular therapies as well as joint mobilizations. I look forward to working with you and helping you get your pain free movements back so you can enjoy all that Colorado’s great outdoors has to offer.
Hi to all of you! I am Janet Copelle’ and I am new to the Grand Junction area as well as the Body team. I moved here in May 2019 to become a director of a local massage therapy program. I am excited to continue my 20 year massage career here at Body Therapeutics. I have a bachelor degree in education and a master degree in human movement. I have always been in wonder how the body works and in search of how best to correct muscle imbalances. I liken body work to being a private eye of the body since I am always trying to determine the original cause to peoples’ pain and movement dysfunctions. My foundation has been in Swedish massage with adding to it the concepts of neuromuscular therapies as well as joint mobilizations. I look forward to working with you and helping you get your pain free movements back so you can enjoy all that Colorado’s great outdoors has to offer.
Heather Miller, MT
Heather grew up in Hotchkiss, Colorado and graduated in 2002 from the Utah College of Massage Therapy in Salt Lake City, Utah and began working in the spa/ salon industry immediately after.
Born out of her passion to help people feel better, relax and reduce pain and anxiety, Heather has been practicing for over 20 years.
She is a great addition to the Body Team!!
Faye Rogers, MT
Faye is originally from Arkansas and moved to Grand Junction with her husband in 2020. She is a registered nurse in the intensive care unit and recently took time off to pursue her sidelined dream of becoming a massage therapist. She is fascinated by how the body works and the interplay between spiritual, emotional, and physical health. As a massage therapist she practices trigger point therapy, reflexology, and deep pressure techniques and is excited to continue adding to her bodywork repertoire. Faye fills her time with trail running, climbing, painting, and cooking in the company of her husband and their sweet cats and dog.
Stephanie Brauns, MT, LE
Stephanie graduated from the Aveda Institute Denver in December of 2015 from the Esthetics program. It was during that program that she fell in love with caring and connecting with guests as well as the art of massage. She continued her education at the Aveda Institute for massage and graduated as Valedictorian of her class. Throughout the years, Stephanie has had the pleasure of working for many luxury spas including the Four Seasons Resort & Hotels in Denver and Vail.
Specializing in deep tissue, relaxing Swedish and facial massage, she has a wide variety of modalities in her repertoire and looks forward to customizing your experience for you.
Khristal Cardenas, Concierge
Hi!
I’m Khristal! I just moved to beautiful Grand Junction from Southern California. Where I worked in the medical field for 10 years as an Ultrasound Technician. During those ten years I discovered that I had stage 4 cancer. I’m a survivor, enjoying life. Holistic healing has truly helped me along my path, now I want to help others. I’m happy my journey has lead me to Body Therapeutics. I’m excited to be apart of our incredible team. You can catch me at the front desk to answer any of your questions.
Can’t wait to meet you :)
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Michelle Williams, MT
Kinley Mittan,
Spa Attendant
I was born in South Dakota but raised here in Grand Junction. I’m in school working to be in the medical field. I love working with people and helping them. I also love being by the ocean, in the mountains, or skiing, really anywhere in nature. I grew up going to Disney World, which has made me a big Disney fan. My family and I are very close and spend a lot of time together outdoors with our two giant gold dogs. I’m happy to be working at Body Therapeutics, in a good environment with good people!
ShannaYoder,
Concierge
I grew up in Grand Junction and love everything this town has to offer! I enjoy spending my time outdoors hunting, hiking, skiing, and much more. I’m a CMU student planning on going into the medical field. I like helping people reach their health goals, which is why I enjoy working at Body Therapeutics!
Kurtis_Presley,
Spa Attendant
Hi there! I discovered massage therapy while earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing. My evidence-based education in Western medicine remains rich soil as I grow as a therapist. My associate’s degree in massage therapy was completed in 2013, I was certified in Manual Lymphatic Drainage by the Academy of Lymphatic Studies that same year. Nine years later, I am skilled at identifying causes of pain and guiding the body to enhanced functionality.
I like using trees as an illustration for how I practice. Similar to the human body, trees require a degree of flexibility, strength, and balance. They are flexible enough not to snap with every wind gust. Their strength supports their growth skyward and their branches spread out for balance. And finally, trees pour back into their environment with oxygen, habitats for wildlife, and feed us. In the same way, massage therapy should enable you to be more active in your world---whatever that world looks like. I’m excited to work with you whether you’re rehabilitating from injury, looking for increased sport performance, or yearning for a future without headaches.
When I’m not working with you, I love exploring trails with my son, gardening, or foodie adventures with my husband. We’re also excited to explore The Grand Valley since moving here in June.
"What shape waits
in the seed of you
to grow and
spread its branches
against a future sky?"
David Whyte
Grateful to be a part of the 5 star Body team, I am a strong advocate for the body's innate ability to heal itself. Serving the clients of Body brings me joy as our standards of excellence and care moves each person in the direction of healing and full potential.
I've passionately pursued whole body, mind, & soul wellness for the last 25+ years while home educating my three children, all now young adults. Professionally, I previously managed small public libraries, a vital part of any community and democracy. My heart is fullest when I'm with my children, family, and/or close friends in the outdoors, hiking, camping, and exploring new places in our vast and amazing creation. Peace & be well!
I grew up in Michigan, and moved to Grand Junction in 2022. As a lifelong athlete I was always interested in improving my performance. I also struggled with some autoimmune symptoms as a kid. This led me to discover my passion for holistic health in my late teens. I feel the best when I'm doing something involving movement or athleticism; whether it be exercising, hiking, swimming, or dancing. My goal is to continue to learn, grow, and share my love for health and wellness. I'm grateful to be able to work for Body Therapeutics and excited to be apart of your wellness journey!
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Alexandria Navarro, LE/ Concierge
Alexis Darcy,
Spa Attendant
Tonya Lecce, MT
My family and I moved to Montrose, Colorado when I was 9 years old and relocated to Grand Junction about 5 years ago. I recently graduated as a Master Esthetician from Aveda Institute Provo in June 2022 still consider myself a student as I continue to learn and grow. Attending Aveda, I have found my purpose as an esthetician. I have always been enthusiastic and passionate about the beauty industry since my teenage years. Throughout the years I have struggled with acne and began to do research on how to treat it. I became obsessed and wanted to dive more in depth on skin.
Achieving your skin goals requires consistency, making healthy skin habits, and lifestyle choices. Everyone’s journey, including my own, is unique and it has its ups and downs, but it is definitely achievable. As an esthetician, I like to put good energy and intentions into the skincare treatments I provide. The power of touch is very healing and can do so much for the mind, body, and soul. It brings me fulfillment when my guests see themselves in their own bare skin glowing from the inside out. And yes it is certainly okay to fall asleep during your facial, it’s quite a compliment in my book!
This is also a new health and self care journey for me and Body has introduced me to new ways of wellness. I am extremely thankful for the opportunity Body Therapeutics has given me in taking these steps in pursuing my career as an esthetician. I look forward to meeting you as one of the first faces you see when walking in to Body, as well as helping you achieve your skin goals in the treatment room and feel your absolute best inside and out.
Hello there!
Hi! I’m Alexis! Fun fact, I was adopted and moved to the states from Hawaii with my adoptive family and so many doors have opened for me since!
I became part of the Body team because I was in a bad horse accident where I injured my neck. Massage was the key to getting me back to a place where I could do the things I loved again. I was limited so much by the pain, I couldn’t enjoy life with the person I love and now I can!
With that said…I wanted to give back, not only to the practice of massage, but to the people who have provided me with such healing and comfort. Come see the spa and book with our incredible massage therapists!
Tonya has spent most of her life on the east coast. She graduated from the Center of Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy in Albany, NY and soon after began practice as a massage therapist in Pennsylvania. She became certified through The Yoga Collective Yoga Teacher Training to further her mind-body practice, and to assist her massage clients in meditative stretching and deep breathing exercises to continue the healing process anywhere. Her focus is greatly toward therapeutic massage through modalities, such as, Shiatsu, fascial therapy, trigger point, Swedish, and energy work. All of which aid in chronic pain, finding the mind-body connection, and paving the way for stabilization. She enjoys learning new techniques, and will continue to expand her knowledge of natural healing.
Tonya moved to Grand Junction in 2021, and has thus far enjoyed soaking up the sun, feeling more grounded, and exploring! She will always do her best to help you feel grounded, too!
Krissie Anderson, MT
Clara Lindahl,
Spa Attendant
Krissie is adept at really listening to what the client wants while intuitively addressing what they need. She has much experience in focused work to help overcome pain and holding patterns with things like TMJ, rotator cuff (shoulder), low back, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, and many other problems people may be facing. Krissie loves providing support to those who desire relief from stress, anxiety, or just want to relax and is experienced at Swedish, Trigger Point, Myofascial, Deep Tissue, Prenatal, Salt Stone, and Sports massage.
I’m Clara! I grew up in Windsor, Colorado and am currently studying Exercise Science at Colorado Mesa University. I was on a competitive clogging team for over 10 years until I came here for school, and through that I developed my high interest in Health and Wellness. I love to do anything to stay active such as: going to the gym, dancing, hiking, climbing, snowboarding, and wake surfing. I love helping people in any way possible, especially when it involves their health goals. I am excited to be welcomed into the Body Therapeutics family!
Tonya moved to Grand Junction in 2021, and has thus far enjoyed soaking up the sun, feeling more grounded, and exploring! She will always do her best to help you feel grounded, too!