Spa

Katherine has always had a deep intuitive sense that she was a healer, although it wasn't until she discovered Shiatsu and massage therapy that she really knew what this meant for her. She enjoys the depth and connection of the one-on-one interaction in bodywork therapy, and feels deeply honored to be able to share in her client's healing journey.  Katherine completed her LMT and Shiatsu certification at Zen Shiatsu in Chicago, IL in 2015. Prior to living in Chicago, her path led her to live and study in South America, the UK and India, as well as teach in Spain and travel throughout. She holds a BA in History and Sociology from the University of Michigan, as well an MSc in Contemporary Urbanism from the London School of Economics. Katherine grew up in the Detroit area, and now feels complete having returned home to Michigan in 2022. Always ready for more adventure, she now calls Northern Michigan her home. Her interests include Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, yoga, aromatherapy, reading, getting outside, exploring on her bike, drinking tea and delving deeper into holistic health. 

Born and raised in Petoskey, Michigan, Kristine discovered yoga as a way of healing and finding confidence, quickly falling in love with the accepting environment. Looking to deepen her practice, she completed her 200 hr YTT and Reiki level one certification in 2017. She enjoys discovering the many ways yoga and self care can strengthen the mind, body and spirit. 

In 2023 she completed her massage therapy certification becoming a LMT through Willoway and Traverse City Studio Pro massage school. She is eager to pursue a new level of healing through massage therapy and giving back to her community. In her spare time she enjoys being a new mom and getting outside for hikes, reading and photography.

Benjamin Cheney is a performer and designer from Northern Michigan. He is the founder and Artistic Director of The Croft Residency, a dance residency in Horton Bay, MI. His personal movement practice centers on moving meditation, with a focus on somatic, intentional, and

metaphoric improvisational movement. He uses the tools of Body Mind Centering (BMC) and the Tamalpa Life Art Process (TLAP) as lenses and languages to engage in his explorations and facilitations. He is a level 2 Graduate from Tamalpa and has completed the BMC SME (Somatic Movement Educator) courses. BMC is a large influence in his hands-on practice. Ben

graduated from Willoway/TC Studio Pro’s massage training program in 2023.

 Ashley Evans holds licenses in both massage therapy and esthetics. Originally from Alpena, MI she has recently settled in Petoskey to be near her family. In 2010 she obtained her massage therapy license from the Naturopathic Institute of Therapies and Education. After spending 13 years as a massage therapist, Ashley decided it was time to expand her offerings so she attended Douglas J Aveda Institute and received her Esthetics license in 2023. Both schools aligned nicely with her "keep it natural" philosophy. She is excited to be offering a wide range of healing services at Willoway Spa and Wellness. When Ashley isn't busy at the spa She enjoys camping, hiking and snuggling her cat Bugherra. 

Ellie Esford was born and raised in Northern Michigan. She spent her younger years studying dance which allowed her to move away from home at the young age of 15 to train in various Citys. 

 Upon returning to Northern Michigan, she was given the opportunity to 

apprentice for her Esthetics license in 2017. Her career began in the medical esthetics industry where she learned 

a wide range of services including Hydra Facial, Dermaplaning, Micro needling and more. It was also during this time she had the opportunity to learn directly from Celebrity brow artist, Joey Healey, who helped her understand how to create and maintain a naturally structured brow. 

  In 2019 Ellie took a break from the world of Esthetics to study Yoga and completed her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training in 2020. During this time she 

fell in love with the art of Sound Healing, using crystal and Tibetan Singing bowls amongst an array of healing instruments to heal the mind, body and soul. 

She was able to explore this passion and learn directly from skilled sound healing practitioners. In 2021 She began to miss her Esthetics practice and that is when She wandered into Willoway. It wasn't until she found Willoway that she was able to fully explore her love of wholistic and healing esthetic practices. Since Joining Willoway she has continued to grow her service menu and now holds certifications in Buccal (intraoral massage), Gua Sha, Facial Cupping, Full Body Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Geneo Facials, Qi Beauty, and Cryo Skin. She has loved every second of expanding her knowledge of natural self-care, and is thrilled to say she has helped so many of her clients reconnect to themselves through the act of self care. Her biggest joy in life is helping others connect to their highest self through finding gratitude and 

love for themselves exactly as they are as she truly believes there is no need to fix, change, or correct any part of ourselves because we are all already perfectly imperfect.

Jennifer Michael-Sikora grew up in Grand Ledge, attended college in Grand Rapids, receiving her bachelor’s in education and traveled to Ireland where she lived and studied Interior Design. Since her family vacationed in Boyne City over the years, Jennifer knew that was where she wanted to raise her family. She met her husband, Keith while working in Petoskey for an engineering firm. Jennifer has two children, Eliana and Noah. She has been in the skincare industry for over ten years and is excited to expand her knowledge in Esthetics. Jennifer completed Willoway's Apprenticeship Program under Ellie and is excited to offer her services. She enjoys spending time with her family, vacationing, listening to music, reading, cooking, biking, surrounding herself in nature and animals. 

Zoë Basta has lived in Petoskey, Michigan the majority of her life. She grew up surrounded by the beauty industry and was always drawn toward it. Growing up she loved to experiment with makeup and skin care, and was passionate about her own skin. After trying out college and realizing she didn’t want to pursue the major she had started, she decided to go to Esthetician school, where she gained a true passion for esthetics. She always knew whatever she ended up doing that she wanted to help people in a way. She realized she wanted to help heal, relax, and make people feel beautiful in their skin. Zoë is eager to continue her education and knowledge in esthetics, and is looking forward to what the future brings for her here at Willoway. In her free time, she enjoys hiking with her dog, spending time with her family and friends, and traveling. 

Lexie started Spray Tans by Lexie because she saw a need for a botanically based spray tan. Lexie searched for the best naturally based products on the market and got her training and certification from many experts in the spray tan industry. Lexie has been in the fashion and health industry for over 25 years. Her passion is sharing what your spray tan experience will be like from beginning to end. Communication goes above and beyond with consistent consultation and follow up. Her goal is help everyone feel comfortable, while giving them a flawless spray tan. Her joy is watching her guests walk out of her spray tan area radiating confidence. Lexie and her husband have lived in Petoskey most of their lives. They enjoy bicycling and spending time with family. You might see Lexie at one of our classes or enjoying one of our services. She also loves to connect people to their true passions. We are excited to have Lexies energy here at Willoway Spa and Wellness.