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.

Top ↑

Directors

Ashley Gayle

Director of Programming and Fitness
Hometown: Gloucester, VA

Ashley grew up in Gloucester, Virginia but has been visiting the Outer Banks regularly her entire life. She finished her M.A. in American History from Virginia Commonwealth University in May 2009, and immediately flew to Todos Santos Mexico, where she completed her 200hour yoga teacher certification, an experience she has deemed the best of her life thus far. Ashley feels very fortunate to be able to come to work every day and share her passion for yoga and healthy living with the people of Spa Koru. In her down time Ashley enjoys practicing yoga, going to the beach, and spending time with friends and family.

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.

Top ↑

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!

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!

Top ↑

Therapists

Angela Cothren

Massage Therapist
Hometown: Ashville, NC

Not too far from her hometown Asheville, NC, Angela loves living in the Outer Banks. Angela is one of our experienced massage therapists, and nationally certified 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 received extended training in myofacial release at BTI, level 1 Thai Yoga, and recent certification through Upledger Institute in Craniosacral Therapy 1. Angela is an adventure and life enthusiast! She enjoys kayaking, tae-kwon-do, hiking, mountain biking, and camping.

Emili Harmon

Hometown: Raleigh NC

Emili did her massage training at the Body Therapy Institue in Siler City, NC. She also has a B.S. in Theatre from Portland State University Emili holds a Permaculture Design Certification and is currently studying Sustainable Agricultue through Central Carolina Community College in Pittsboro, NC. Emili is new to Cape Hatteras and has gained past experience at Massage Envy in Cary, NC for two years. Her approach to massage is holistic and integrative. I take my clients goals seriously and design a session to meet clients individual needs. In addition to working individual muscles and soft tissues I also work to release fascial binding and break up connective tissue to increase overall space and movement in the body. I’m available for advanced body work sessions as well as deep relaxation. I specialize in swedish, myofascial, sports, prenatal, reflexology and energy work. Emili also enjoys holisitic health care, permaculture design, community and urban gardening, medicine making, kundilini yoga, boardsports, kayaking, and hiking.

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!

Kristin Swanson

Hometown: Mount Morris, NY

Kristin has trained in massage therapy at Onondaga School of Therapeutic Massage in Rochester, NY. She has trained in esthetics at the Continental School of Beauty in Rochester, as well as received her B.S. in Health Promotion and Sports Medicine at Coastal Carolina University. Kristin specializes in advanced training work with Eminence Organic Skin Care line, waxing, body treatments, integrating Thai massage, reflexology, and connective tissue work with Swedish massage techniques. Upon a trip to the Outer Banks one summer Kristin realized it would be a great place she would love to come and live! She enjoys reading, cooking, running, biking, fitness classes, and her German Sheppard, Jessie. She loves helping others achieve wellness, and with duel licenses and great positive energy Kristin is a great addition to the Krew!

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.

Top ↑

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!

Top ↑

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.

Top ↑

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!

Top ↑