Founders

Joe Thompson

Owner
Hometown: Winston-Salem, NC

A native of North Carolina, hometown of Winston-Salem, Joe met his wife Tami at University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, discovered the Outer Banks, and never looked back. He moved to Hatteras Island on his bicycle and after four days and 450 miles, Joe was home. He has spent over 15 years as a builder and developer for his company Lands End. His company has built hundreds of homes as well as businesses including; The Cape Hatteras Life Saving Station, which is home to Health East and the Villas of Spa Koru. Joe’s time is mainly devoted to the Life Saving Station, Frisco Sandwich Co., Spa Koru, and the renowned event destination, The Love Boat. When Joe is not working, you can find him with his family, standup paddle boarding, kiteboarding, or boating. He is proud to be a part of Spa Koru and the wellness campus at the Life Saving Station. “It’s all about doing better!”

Tami Thompson

Chief Financial Advisor, Yoga Director
Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA

Tami not only won Joe’s heart, but has worked her way into so many of our hearts here at Spa Koru. Born in Virginia, Tami came to the Outer Banks when she was 12 years old, and has loved living on Hatteras Island. Tami graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with a BA in Education, and is a trained certified Yoga instructor with Yoga Alliance. She is a Yoga Instructor and enthusiast here at Spa Koru. She also is the behind the scenes Financial Genius, and Mother Extraordinaire. She enjoys walking the beach, listening to her son Elijah play music, or just spending time at Frisco Pier with her family.

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Directors

Grace Souter

Director
Hometown Tannersville, PA

Grace grew up the in mountains in Pennsylvania, and went on her first Outer Banks vacation when she was just five weeks old. By the age of seven she knew it was where she wanted to call home someday. Grace was recruited by Columbia University where she was member of the Varsity Diving Team, and in 2005 she graduated with a BA in Archaeology (insert your Indiana Jones reference here). She then moved to the British Virgin Islands with her now husband, Justin, where she taught kiteboarding, sailed, and generally lived without a care in the world except her overexposure to UV rays. She loves coming to work every day and creating a campus people are excited to be a part of. When Grace is not working, you can find her surfing, training for marathons, spending time with Justin, or being dragged around Avon by her giant lab, Wyatt.

Melissa Ardery

Marketing Director
Hometown: Traverse City, MI

Eager for an adventure in the Outer Banks, Melissa found herself preparing for what happened to be the summer that changed her life. As a marketing intern, who was just hoping to become a better kiteboarder, Melissa fell in love with Cape Hatteras, and made it her sole mission to live here. As a new graduate from Michigan State University with a BA in Communication Studies, Melissa believes her new home (even among Tar Heels fans) is a true blessing, and working for Spa Koru is just icing on the cake. Melissa enjoys running, yoga, kiting, gardening, traveling, and spending time with close friends or family. She is beyond grateful to be a part of the health and wellness campus of Spa Koru, and can sleep easy knowing she is promoting a positive, organic lifestyle that betters the lives of so many individuals who walk through our doors.

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Concierge

Danielle Strausbaugh

Front Desk Manager; Wedding Concierge
Hometown: Meadville, PA

Danielle is originally from Meadville, PA., and just recently graduated from Slippery Rock University in December 2008 with a degree in Elementary and Special Education. Danielle has a truly contagious smile that is known to brighten everyone’s day at Spa Koru. Her kindness and friendly interactions with members and guests make Danielle an amazing Desk Manager. She enjoys going to the beach, swimming in the ocean, working out at Spa Koru, and spending time with her boyfriend Jared.

Ellisa Thompson

Front Desk Concierge
Hometown: Frisco, NC

A Hatteras Island native, Elissa has been a part of Spa Koru from the beginning. A new graduate from Cape Hatteras High School, Elissa looks forward to starting her college career this fall at East Carolina University while participating in the Walter & Marie leadership Program. She is majoring in Hospitality Management with a minor in Business Administration, and hopes to gain the skills needed to further her career in the Spa industry. Elissa enjoys standup paddle boarding in the Ocean, being with friends, and spending time with her family. We look forward to seeing Elissa come home on college breaks, and wish her the best of luck at ECU!

Kathy Herzing

Front Desk Concierge
Hometown: Pasadena, MD

Originally from Pasadena, MD, Kathy is one of our amazing front desk concierges who believes her everyday interaction with customers is very important, not only for business but on a personal level. The regulars at Spa Koru are certainly apart of her social circle! Prior to making Hatteras her home, it was tradition to spend every Fourth of July here with her in-laws. She enjoys fishing, gardening, listening to the ocean in the early morning hours, and cooking. Ask her about new and healthy recipes she is trying out! She has been known to even impress herself!

Paulette Boyden

Front Desk Concierge
Hometown: Frisco, NC

Paulette moved to the Outer Banks full time in 1996 to raise her two boys T.J and Daniel, and ended up finding her true love! Paulette loves being at the beach, gardening, surf photography, yoga, and anything that involves dancing! Paulette thinks of Spa Koru as her big, loving family, and enjoys extending that feeling to all of our guests. She makes sure that anyone who walks through our doors knows that the campus of Spa Koru has everything one could want!

Sarah Cashman

Front Desk Concierge
Hometown: Frisco, NC

A Cape Hatteras native, Sarah is usually the friendly voice on the phone booking your appointments. She is currently attending East Carolina University, and striving for her BA in Hospitality Management. We look forward to seeing Sarah when she comes home to Hatteras Island, and wish her luck as she starts her sophomore year! Her outside interests are family, friends, going to the beach, and playing sports.

Tracy Burns

Front Desk Concierge
Hometown: Bucks County, PA

Tracy is known to be a true encourager to everyone in our fitness center, being quite the regular gym go-er herself. Tracy is the leader of the local Weight Watchers meetings, and a full believer in anything being possible if you work hard enough for it! Tracy has lived in the Outer Banks for 9 years and loves trying new things every day. You can find Tracy at the gym early in the morning running or weight training, or catch her in the evening at the front desk; her specialty is service with a smile!

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Therapists

Angela Cothren

Massage Therapist
Hometown: Ashville, NC

Not too far from her hometown Ashville, NC, Angela loves living in the Outer Banks. Angela is one of our experienced massage therapists, and trained for certification at Center for Massage and Natural Health in Weaverville, NC. Her specialties include Cranio-Social Therapy, Thai Yoga Massage, Deep Tissue Massage and Myofacial. Angela is an adventure and life enthusiast! She enjoys kayaking, tae-kwon-do, hiking, mountain biking, and camping.

Chantony Francis

Esthetician
Hometown: Kitty Hawk, NC

Chantony is certainly experiencing an amazing adventure as she has lived in Hawaii now for 7 years and will be graduating from BYU Hawaii with a BA in Social Work this coming December. Coming home in the summer and spending time with her HUGE family is very important to her, as well as her specialty in Cosmetic Blending (making skin care products). Chantony enjoys all water sports, fishing, kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, basketball, yoga, traveling, and reading a good book.

Haley Nash

Massage Therapist
Hometown: Outer Banks, NC

Haley trained at the Atlanta School of Massage & Esthetics, but is originally from the Outer Banks. She specializes in Facials, Body Treatments, and Waxing. Haley, like most of us, enjoys the amazing beaches of Hatteras Island, and can usually be found spending time with her beautiful daughter, and family.

Jamie Pitetti

Massage Therapist
Hometown: Hatteras Island, NC

Jamie is a native of Hatteras Island, and takes pride in the fact she was born and raised in the Outer Banks. Jamie is one of our year-round massage therapists, and specializes in Swedish, deep tissue, and body treatments such as scrubs or wraps. When she is not helping clients with much needed relaxation, Jamie can be found drawing, painting, writing, fishing, spending time at the beach, or hanging out with friends and family.

Joshua Christ

Massage Therapist
Hometown: Buxton, NC

Joshua is a graduate of the Hawaiian Islands School of Medical Massage and Bodywork Therapy in Kealakekua, Hawaii. He has been living, working, and surfing in the Outer Banks for 13 years. His specialties include Pohaku Wella therapy, Swedish massage, Deep Tissue, and Hot Stones. When he is not at Spa Koru he is busy being the best father and friend to his family. Joshua enjoys; music, coaching youth league soccer, traveling, cooking, fishing, and woodworking. Joshua certainly leads by example through promoting a healthy lifestyle, and always thinking positively!

Laramie Francis

Massage Therapist
Hometown: Kitty Hawk, NC

Laramie loves the fact that he is a native of the Outer Banks. Just like his sister Chantony, Laramie gained his experience and training in Hawaii at the Hawaii Healing Arts College. His specialties include deep tissue, and sports massage. When he is not working out clients kinks, he can be found at the beach, spending time with family, listening to music, practicing yoga, or out with his dog.

Meredith Dills

Esthetician
Hometown: Gloucester Point, VA

Meredith has been coming and going to the Outer Banks for 20 years, and believes there is certainly something special about this Island that finds a way into one’s heart. Meredith received her Esthetician license after training at the Carolina Academy of Cosmetic Art and Science in Gastonia, NC. Her specialties include diagnosing, and treating all types of skin, helping clients understand maintenance of healthy skin, and providing effective, relaxing treatments. She enjoys spending time at the beach, fishing, being with family or friends, and helping her husband Brian run his local concrete and design business.

Stacy Gursky

Massage Therapist; Yoga Instructor
Hometown: High Bridge, NJ

Coming to the Outer Banks from High Bridge, NJ, Stacy has loved living in Cape Hatteras for 5 years. If Stacy is not teaching Yoga or giving massages, you can most likely find her out catching the surf. Stacy specializes in therapeutic massage, combing deep tissue, joint release, Swedish strokes, and a conscious touch to balance the mind, body, and spirit. She enjoys assisting others to release stress and improve their quality of life through the art and science of Yoga. She also loves to camp, eat Indian food, or travel anywhere she can absorb that good ocean energy.

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Stylists

Amanda Reichel

Hair Stylist; Nail Technician
Hometown: Norwalk, OH

Originally from Norwalk, OH, this Midwest girl has lived in the Outer Banks for nearly two years. Amanda trained Tiffin Academy and Hair Design. Her Specialties are with Schwarzkopf color product lines. She attended Fashion Focus, IBS, and Midwest Show. Amanda’s other interests are; traveling, running, working out, reading, going to the beach, and spending time with friends.

Chloe Sapecki

Hair Stylist; Nail Technician

Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe has lived in on beautiful Cape Hatteras Island for three and a half years. Chloe is another one of our extremely talented hair stylists, who brightens up Spa Koru with her fun, energetic personality. Chloe trained at Nationwide Beauty Academy, and her specialties include hair color, as well as working with Brides for the big day! When Chloe is not in the Salon you can bet she is spending time with her family. She loves the beach, and is always ready for a travel adventure!

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Fitness Instructors

Diane Horan

Fitness Instructor
Hometown: Pensacola, FL then moved to VA Beach/ Norfolk for 20 years

Diane earned her BA and MS from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA. She has been a practicing Physical Therapist for 28 years. She is an IFTA certified personal trainer, as well as certified Pilates Instructor. Also currently teaches classes at the Fessenden Center. At Spa Koru Diane is known to get your heart rate going with Cardio Varieties, Sculpt, Pilates, Step N Low, and ABC’s (Abs, Buns, Core). When she is not pushing others to get in great shape, she is pushing herself to become the best athlete she can in Kiteboarding, Wind Surfing, and Snowboarding.

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Personal Trainers

Suzette Caldeira

Suzette is one of our highly experienced fitness instructors and personal trainers here at Spa Koru.  Her high energy workout class, Body Core, is designed to improve body strength while toning the core.  She may be tiny but she will push you to reach your fitness goals, and have you feeling your best!  Suzette is a great asset to Krew Koru and her incredible personality definitely keeps us all motivated!

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