Beauty and Skin Care Experts
As with all our staff, we take special care to hire only estheticians that meet our rigorous training and skills standards.
Melissa
Esthetics Department Manager, WI Licensed Esthetician
Hello, my name is Melissa. I have been with Kneaded Relief since 2000. I graduated from Martin’s College of Cosmetology in 1999, earning a License of Esthetics. I started working as an esthetician in my hometown of Green Bay, Wisconsin. Then I decided it was time to step outside of my hometown and experience Madison. Kneaded Relief has been the only spa I have worked at since I moved here. You may ask yourself, why? The reason is Kneaded Relief has a great team and a welcoming atmosphere.
Throughout the years, I have expanded my knowledge by taking classes at the Conservatory of Esthetics, now known as, the Bioelements Learning Center and by studying and discovering new information and techniques in my field of practice. In every treatment I provide, my goal is to teach the importance of skin care and to customize an everyday regimen for each individual’s specific needs. I also would like to help each individual relax, by finding their inner peace so they can leave the stress of everyday life behind them. I look forward to seeing you soon!
“When I turned 40 I decided to get more serious about taking care of my skin. Kneaded Relief was close to my house so I wanted to give it a try. I was randomly matched to Melissa and am forever grateful. From my first facial appointment I could tell she would teach me a lot about caring for my skin. She made a point to share what she noticed, positive and negative, and gave me simple and practical advise to continue with home care. I look forward to returning every six to eight weeks to experience her professional care. Thank you Melissa for helping me have a more positive relationship with my skin. It was a long time coming.”
Melissa has the distinct honor of being voted Madison’s Best Esthetician for 3 years running!
Mel
WI Licensed Esthetician and Make-up Artist
Hello there! My name is Mel and I am an Esthetician here at Kneaded Relief.
My journey into esthetics started with my love of makeup artistry. Makeup artistry has been a passion of mine since I was a little girl. I remember going to family gatherings and I would be the only person my age, around 10 years old, wearing red lipstick and blush. As I got older, my passion for makeup artistry only grew stronger and I knew it was what I wanted to pursue as my career (aside from singing, dancing and being famous).
After graduating high school in 2002, I spent time working in an assisted living home and as a bartender/server. As soon as the opportunity presented itself, I took a position in a makeup/skincare department at a local department store. That is when I fell in love with skincare! For a few years, I managed a makeup and skincare line, but decided I wanted to try a spa setting. After doing that for a few years, I knew I needed to go back to school to acquire my license in esthetics, but going back to school was very scary! In 2012, I decided it was finally time—no more waiting!!! I attended the VICI Aveda Institute in Milwaukee, WI and graduated in December of 2012.
The world of esthetics is my life. I would not be happy doing anything else. I love coming to work and feeling like its not actually work, simply because I love what I do! I truly enjoy helping people, in any capacity, and that is why I am here. I’m here to help guide you to where you want to be with your skincare. I am a very compassionate person and I care deeply about each of my clients. When my clients are happy, I’m happy!
If you have any questions, please ask! I am here to help and will do everything I can to ensure you leave very happy! Welcome to Kneaded Relief! I can’t wait to meet your smiling face!
“Treatments with Mel are always the best! Her attention to every detail and my experience is always so appreciated. She keeps me coming back for more!”
Mae
WI Licensed Esthetician
Hello, my name is Mae and I am an Esthetician at Kneaded Relief. I was born in Tucson, Arizona and moved to Madison when I was five.
My journey into esthetics began when I was very young. From the time I was in elementary school I loved mixing my own masks in the kitchen, giving my friends facials, or doing their makeup. In 2019 I graduated from Aveda Institute with my Esthetician license. From there I worked at a waxing studio, specializing in all things brows. Since Aveda I have expanded my knowledge in eyebrow artistry by taking classes with world renowned artist Claudia Odey of Co Brow Couture.
After the waxing studio, I decided to join Kneaded Relief to expand my knowledge of facials. Whether preforming brow services, waxing, or facials, what I love is helping others build confidence. We all have our insecurities, but I want every client to know I fully accept them and think they are beautiful exactly the way they are. I aim to create an inclusive space so everyone I work with will leave feeling informed, empowered, and relaxed.
Welcome to Kneaded Relief, I can’t wait to meet you!
“Wonderful experience. Just the escape I was hoping for.”
“It was beyond wonderful! Mae was professional, thoughtful and knowledgeable. I booked another appointment before leaving.”
Nini
WI Licensed Esthetician
Greetings! My name is Nini and I am an Esthetician here at Kneaded Relief Day Spa and Wellness.
My path to this wonderful place started after I achieved my bachelor’s in Retail and Consumer Sciences at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. After thinking about what I wanted to do with my degree and future aspirations, and whatever it was, I decided that I wanted to be in the beauty industry.
Growing up, I saw how my mom struggled to be able to take care of her skin and how much that affected her sense of self-confidence. That ignited my passion for skincare and being able to help others feel confident and beautiful in their own skin. I went back to school and got licensed through the Aveda Institute of Beauty and Wellness. I am so grateful to be working with such an amazing team here at Kneaded Relief.
A little about me: I am a full-time dog mom, and love to spend down-time going on spontaneous adventures and music festivals with my loved ones.
I look forward to working with you to achieve your skincare goals!
“Professional, friendly and gentle.”
“A great Facial by a caring person.”
Nika
WI Licensed Esthetician
Hello! My name is Nika and I am one of the Aestheticians here at Kneaded Relief. My journey here began when I was 11 years old and started to really struggle with acne. I came to Kneaded Relief as a regular guest for facials and grew into a great skincare routine over time. The confidence I felt was incredible. I was finally comfortable and happy in my own skin.
At 17 years old I applied for Guest Services and became an employee in 2020. Working at the front desk, I soon realized my passion for skin went beyond just myself. I knew I really wanted to help others feel the same way that I did when my skin started improving. I loved talking to and learning from the Aesthetics team here whenever I could. In 2022, I attended the Academy of Beauty Professionals after graduating from high school. I graduated in March 2023 and got my license shortly after. During this time, I also fell in love with waxing and body treatments and knew I only wanted to keep expanding this knowledge.
Transitioning to an Aesthetician here has been amazing. I feel so blessed to have found something I am so passionate about and genuinely enjoy doing this early on in life. This field is only expanding as new technology develops. There is so much out there to learn and I am excited to keep adding more services to my books!
My goal is for everyone to leave feeling better than when they came in. I strive to create a comfortable and inclusive space that invites open communication and caters to your needs as best as I can. We all deserve to relax, feel refreshed, and really take care of ourselves and that is what I am here to do! I also want to educate guests about their skin and how to take care of it properly. There is something to be said about the happiness you feel when you are confident in your own skin. I want to do for others, what Kneaded Relief did for me when I was that little girl getting picked on because of her skin. I can’t wait to work with you and help you on your own skin journey!
“It is clear she has a passion for her work and she genuinely cares about creating the best experience for her clients.”
Angelina
WI Licensed Esthetician
Path coming soon…
Dominique
WI Licensed Esthetician
Hi there, my name is Dominique and I am an Esthetician here at Kneaded Relief. I am so glad you came across my bio and I hope to work with you soon!
My journey into the industry started before I even knew this was a career option. Since I was very young, I have always been interested in all things wellness. I grew up in a very fit and sports loving family. We spent most of our time together outdoors or in a gym; hiking, biking or swimming. So my very first introduction to wellness was through the lens of preventative care. It wasn’t until I became an adult and began dealing with my own personal health complications that I really started to dive deep into the world of holistic health and wellness as a means of healing.
Then in 2020 when the world was shocked by change, I discovered the importance and life changing effects of physical touch. I was always aware of how important physical touch was but it wasn’t until we experienced a lack of it in our world that I began to research its effects on a human’s overall wellbeing. It was shocking to discover just how vital it is to maintain your health; physically, mentally and emotionally. So after spending many years researching and experimenting with different treatments myself I knew I had finally found my calling in the world of healing hands.
So after years of debating this career change, in 2023 I finally made the decision to leave my full time career in public school education to pursue my personal passions by returning to school and dedicating myself to this field. After completing my esthetics education, I passed my state board exam and hands on practical exam to receive my license of aesthetics from the state of Wisconsin. My education in esthetics was such an eye opening experience for me as it pulled me deeper into the understanding of the mind and body connection. That eye opening experience lead me towards a desire to learn more anatomy and physiology. So I decided it would beneficial for me to continue feeding my flame by diving deeper once again to continue my education to become a licensed massage therapist as well. There is so much to learn and experience in this industry and I am so grateful to be sharing and exchanging knowledge here at Kneaded Relief.
Thanks again for taking the time to read my story, I can’t wait to meet you!
“Dominique was very professional. She paid attention to my needs and made good recommendations for skin care and products. It was one of the best facials I've ever had. My skins looks and feels great.”
Caitlin
WI Licensed Esthetician
Hello! My name is Caitlin and I am a WI licensed esthetician who’s very thankful to call Kneaded Relief my home. I love practicing esthetics and my passion lies with making my clients feel wonderful in the skin they are in. I enjoy being a treatment provider and educator for those looking to experience and learn more about their skin and have amazing transformations that help them reach their goals. I love everything about making someone look and feel better, it’s beyond rewarding. When my clients are pleased and feel as though they look good on the outside, they also feel good on the inside. Rearranging someone’s stressful day into a positive state of relaxation makes my day. I truly love helping people in any capacity.
For as long as I can remember I’ve had a passion for the beauty and wellness industry, so esthetics came very naturally. My mom also used to do professional makeup and she taught me a lot about skin care as well. I grew up in Milwaukee WI and graduated from the VICI Capelli Aveda Institute in Greenfield WI. I’m continuously acquiring new skills, adopting new techniques, and staying current; I truly feel as though it’s a recipe for success. I’ve also taken continuing education classes at IDI (International Dermal Institute) and am in the process of becoming certified in the PCA line.
My goal within every service is to have it be a little better than the last. I place client comfort, relaxation, and satisfaction first and education and enlightenment second. A great service is only the beginning, because a strategic at home routine is crucial to goal-getting skin. I look to provide the proper environment and information one needs to reach those goals. The skin you’ve always dreamed of is absolutely attainable and I’m here to help you get there! If you have questions/comments feel free to ask, I’m here to help anyone who has a specific goal in mind, or just wants to let their mind melt away during a relaxing service.
“Facial by Caitlin was heavenly!”