2023 ISPA CONFERENCE
TERRY PRAGER
What made you think a career in spa and wellness might be right for you and did you consider a different career path ? Terry : I was a flight attendant in the late ‘ 70s and early ‘ 80s when it was still considered “ cool .” I studied hotel management but it was virtually impossible at that time to get a job as a woman in that field but in spa , women had more options .
What is the best part of your workday ? Terry : Having meaningful conversations with spa directors about their work lives .
Just for fun , what ’ s one unique item on your desk ? Terry : A stone my sister gave me — on it is engraved a piece from the Bible . It says , “ For I know the plans I have for you , plans to give you hope and a future ” ( Jeremiah 29:11 ).
MICHELLE ADAMS SOMERVILLE
What made you think a career in spa and wellness might be right for you and did you consider a different career path ? Michelle : I always thought I would be a teacher . But I got into fitness when I was 18 and never regretted my career choice of spa and wellness .
What is the best part of your workday ? Michelle : Talking to my staff about nonrelated work items and getting to know them personally . I always learn something interesting about them .
Just for fun , what ’ s one unique item on your desk ? Michelle : I have a metal sign with the word LOVE on my desk , right in the front for everyone who enters my office to see .
JESSICA TIMBERLAKE
What made you think a career in spa and wellness might be right for you ? Jessica : Attending my first ISPA in 2010 at the Gaylord National as a spa manager ! I was so inspired that I asked my director to mentor me . I returned a couple of years later to the first property that hired me as a spa attendant when I was in high school , only this time , as the spa director .
What is the best part of your workday ? Jessica : I ‘ m still on maternity leave , but I ‘ m carving out time to really dig into my passions like art , meditation and alternative wellness and planning how to incorporate these passions into my consulting career in the coming months .
Just for fun , what ’ s one unique item on your desk ? Jessica : My cat , Bella . As I ' m typing this , she ' s managed to wedge herself between me and the keyboard .
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WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK |
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Brennan Evans , Trilogy Spa Holdings ; |
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Brennan Evans Trilogy Spa Holdings |
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Lynelle Lynch Bellus Academy |
Jay Muller Fountain Life |
Frank Pitsikalis Agilysys |
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Lynelle Lynch , Bellus Academy ; Jay Muller , Fountain Life and Frank Pitsikalis , Agilysys for their service on the ISPA Board of Directors .
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED in serving on the ISPA Board of Directors , a call for candidates will be announced to all ISPA members in January 2024 .
MAY / JUNE 2023 n PULSE 73