“ I ’ m a true believer that the bigger the dream , the bigger the possibilities . My goal is to train over one million wellness professionals to provide dignity care for the LGBTQIA + community while improving their confidence and clinical skills .”
bigger the possibilities . My goal is to train over one million wellness professionals to provide dignity care for the LGBTQIA + community while improving their confidence and clinical skills .
Pulse : Is there a success story you ’ d like to share ? KO : My favorite success story is a past ISPA conference attendee who shares my mission to train wellness professionals on dignity care , who took a huge step to move it forward . She was able to bring dignity care training for all staff to her spa that positively impacted guests , employees and the surrounding community . She is an example of the true heroes in our world working to ensure all people get the care they deserve regardless of their gender or sexual identity .
Pulse : What are a few takeaway messages from your presentation ? KO : The three objectives will be : l Understanding the basics of gender identity for guests and employees l Overcoming barriers for transgender and nonbinary guests and employees in the spa setting l Implementing best practices in working with transgender and nonbinary guests and employees
Pulse : ISPA attendees like to plan ahead for which education sessions they will attend . Who is your target audience ? KO : The focus of my session will be for spa / business administration , leadership , human resources and customer service leaders . Expect an action-packed didactic presentation with audience involvement .
Pulse : What are some common challenges that spa leaders may face in managing their businesses , and how would you suggest they address or overcome these challenges ? KO : These and several others will be covered in my educational session : l Ensuring that all staff are trained to provide care regardless of a guest ’ s gender or sexual identity . This can be done through new hire and annual training for all employees , including documentation of staff attendance retained through human resources . l Ensuring an inclusive spa experience for all guests . This can be done by having all staff trained annually to give dignity care ; ensuring policies are in place for employees who are transitioning and supported by the organization ; and instituting policies and procedures ensuring all guests and employees are supported regardless of their gender and sexual identity . n
FAST FACTS : Dr . Kristie Overstreet
Favorite spa treatment ? Long baths every night . Something fun you ’ ll do in Phoenix ? Hiking and catching up with friends . Best self-care tip ? Find time to be alone each day , whether it ’ s 10 minutes or longer and spend it journaling , reading , listening to music and recharging . Lifelong dream you ’ re pursuing ? To train and inspire over one million wellness providers to feel confident and competent in working with the LGBTQIA + community . Favorite quote for your career or life journey ? “ The only way out is through .” — Robert Frost Favorite hobby outside of spa ? Yoga , reading and traveling .
“ I ’ m a true believer that the bigger the dream , the bigger the possibilities . My goal is to train over one million wellness professionals to provide dignity care for the LGBTQIA + community while improving their confidence and clinical skills .”
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024 n PULSE 19