2016
ISPA BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
FROM YOUR
ELECTED OFFICERS
CHAIRMAN
CHAIRMAN
Michael Tompkins
PALM Health
VICE CHAIRMAN
Todd Shaw
La Quinta Resort & Club
SECRETARY/TREASURER
Laura Parsons
ESPA International (US) Ltd.
(Spa Division)
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN
Ella Stimpson
The Spa at Sea Island
DIRECTORS
Sharilyn Abbajay
ISPA Foundation Vice Chairman
uch like a captivating piece of art, the brain never ceases to
amaze me. In fact, for lack of a better metaphor, I’d like to think
of our brain as a beautiful piece of sculpture, as if it were made
of moldable clay capable of taking any shape with every stroke
Noel Asmar
Noel Asmar Group, Inc.
Blake Feeney
Feeney & Co.
Michael Harmsworth
ESPA International (US) Ltd.
Todd Hewitt
Shangri-La International
of new information.
This process of sculpting and rewiring neural paths in our
brains, otherwise known in the scientific world as neuroplasticity, remains one of today’s biggest breakthrough discoveries in brain research.
As a spa professional, the idea that the brain is constantly changing and adapting is one
that excites me. With this discovery, we can now concretely connect the benefits of yoga,
meditation and mindfulness in creating a healthy and sound mind. I encourage you to read
this Pulse issue’s feature entitled “State of Mind” (page 34) to learn more about the latest
pieces of scientific evidence that support the benefits of spa treatments in the overall
improvement of your guests’ brain health. The feature also tackles the scope, limitations and
challenges that we may face as we continue to push the frontiers of brain health education.
Like an artistic sculptor, each one of us has the power to mold and shape our minds and
thoughts by feeding it daily with positivity and mindfulness. If there’s one food for thought
that I embrace as I commit to raising awareness on the infinite power of the brain, it is the
words of Mahatma Gandhi. The modern-day philosopher once said: “A man is but the by-
Kristine Huffman
Huffman Hospitality Concepts
Garrett Mersberger
Kohler Co.
Julie Oliff
St. Regis Aspen
Frank Pitsikalis
ISPA Foundation Chairman
Eric Stephenson
Well World Group
Dawn Tardif
BodiScience Wellness Center & Spa
Todd Walter
Red Door Spas
Lynne McNees
International SPA Association
MEDICAL ADVISOR
Brent A. Bauer, MD
Mayo Clinic
product of his thoughts; what he thinks, he becomes.”
How about you? Which thought is consuming your whole being now?
CHAIRMEN’S COUNCIL
Past ISPA Chairmen who
are current members:
—MICHAEL TOMPKINS, CHAIRMAN
2
PULSE
■
May 2016
Gayle Brady • Brady Spa Consulting
Jeff Kohl • Spa & Club Ideations
Jean Kolb • Well By Choice
John Korpi • Korpi & Korpi
Kate Mearns • 5 Spa Consulting LLC
Jim Root • Glen Ivy Hot Springs
Jane Segerberg • Segerberg Spa
Consulting, LLC
Deborah Waldvogel • Sedona Resorts