Urban Sanctuary ::::> About Learn all about Urban Sanctuary Spa, how we got started, and how we can help you out with a massage, spa day, facial, body scrub, or even be queen for a day!

This Page Includes:
Our Story...Our Staff Profiles...Our Testimonials

We are a Boutique Spa with an emphasis on
Personal Services & Great Relationships.
We show our respect for the Environment
by offering Eco-Friendly Products and Services,
as well as striving to maintaing Good Practices.

Our Story:
Urban Sanctuary Spa was started by two friends with a vision of a beautiful place where people could spend an afternoon or even just an hour and find total Sanctuary - a place to Unwind.

Alan McArthur and Candice Courcy met in Tucson, Arizona and worked together at Gadabout Salon Spas. With over 25 years combined experience in the Spa Industry, they have both trained and educated Spa Staff and Massage Therapist around the US and Mexico.

After spending over a decade exploring & studying life enhancing disciplines including Ayurveda, Mindfulness, Aromatherapy and other Healing Arts, they decided to take their vision to Athens, Georgia where Alan grew up.

Since opening Urban Sanctuary in February 2005, Candice and Alan have become very committed to Athens community organizations. These include ATHICA, Athens Wedding Professionals, Five Points Business Association, Five Points Art Fest
& Boybutante AIDS Foundation.

Voted Best Day Spa
Flagpole Magazine Reader Picks
2011

Readers' Choice Award
2008, 2009, 2010 2011!

Urban Sanctuary donates to & supports
these essential Athens organizations.
We hope you will too!

Our Staff Profiles:

Candice Courcy, co-founder/co-owner/LMT, CNT, Reiki Master
Favorite Urban Services: The Urban Neck Massage, Myofasical Release, Asian Foot Massage, Reiki, & Face and Scalp Massages.
Specialties & Training:  Chi Nei Tsang Level II Certification, Aromatherapy Certified, Hot Stone Therapy Training with founder Mary Hannigan, Phytomer Detox Body Treatment & Lymphatic Training, and specialized training for providing bodywork to people with PTSD.
Background:  Graduate of the Desert Institute of the Healing Arts and the Chi Nei Tsang Institute. Taught Pre-Natal Massage at Tucson Medical Center. Taught Ayurvedic Theory & Ayurvedic Massage at Southwest Institute of Healing Arts. Aromatherapy Instructor in Tucson, Arizona. Studied Meditation & Ayurvedic Theory in India through Deepak Chopra.

Alan McArthur, co-founder/co-owner/LMT/
Licensed Esthetician
Favorite Urban Services: Signature Ayurvedic Facial, East Indian Herbal Body Treatment, Salt Scrubs, Brow Waxing, and Swedish Massage
Specialties & Training:  Ayurvedic Theory & Shirodhara Training with Melanie Sachs of Diamond Way Ayurveda. Trained in Muds/Seaweeds/Salts/Soft Pac System at Kurland Haslauer in Salzburg, Germany. Table Thai Massage & Thai Foot Massage with Joel Sheposh. Trained with founder/owner Mary Hannigan in Hot Stone Massage.
Post Graduate Continuing Esthetic Education with Murad, Inc.,
Guinot Paris, & Skinceuticals.
Background:  Graduate of the Desert Institute of the Healing Arts in Tucson, AZ. Spa Consultant/Employee Training Specialist at Hacienda de los Santos, Alamos, Mexico.Graduate of University of Georgia
in Retail Management & Merchandising.

Krista Kramer, LMT, NMT, NCBTM
Favorite Urban Services: Signature Massage, Asian Foot Massage & Turkish Rose Mini Facials
Specialties & Training:  Cranialsacral Therapy,
Relexology, Neuromuscular Therapy, Trigger Point Therapy
& PNF Stretching. She has experience in Medical Massage for various Orthopedic conditions.
Background:  Krista graduated from the Atlanta School of Massage in the Clinical Massage Therapy Program. She holds a BS of Biology degree from UGA.  Her background also includes home studies in Polarity Therapy & Accupressure.    Krista became interested in Massage after many years of studying dance. She loves Organic Gardening.

Lizzy Mettler, Licensed Esthetician
Favorite Urban Services: Rejuvenating Facial, Clarifying Facial, Facial Peels, Threading & Lash and Brow Tinting.
Specialties & Training: Reflexology, Aromatherapy & Threading
Background: Graduate of the Atlanta Institute of Esthetics.
BFA from the University of Georgia. Created Aroma Energy, a line of Yoga Inspired Salt Scrubs based on the 7 chakras, carried at Urban Sanctuary. Lizzy loves spending time with her family.

Kristin Harold, LMT, Licensed Esthetician
Favorite Urban Services: Mud Wrap, Deep Tissue Massage, Clarifying Facical, Ayurvedic Facial, and Facial Peels
Specialties & Training: Aromatherapy and Blending, Advanced Skin Care Analysis, Cupping, Advanced Deep Tissue Therapy, Traveled to Istanbul with Dermalogica for Confrence
Background: Graduated from The Lake Lanier School of Massage in 2000 and Georgia Career Institute for Esthetics in 2003. Kristin has a great deal of experience waxing and loves making sure her clients get exactly what they want. She's also spent many years practicing natural body and skin therapies. She enjoys spending time out doors, outdoors, and doing crafty projects.

Katie Edwards, LMT, NCBTM
Favorite Urban Services: Deep Tissue, Sports Massage, Myofascial Release Massage, and the Asian Foot Massage
Specialties & Training: Trigger Point Release, Sports Massage, and Hot Oil Reflexology
Background: Graduated from Spa Tech Institute in 2005. She has worked with Chiropractors, Athletes, and Spa Clients. Katie loves yoga and running

Wynn Walter, LMT, NCTMB, NMT
Favorite Urban Services: Prenatal Massage, East Indian Herbal Body Treatment, Body Scrubs, and Deep Tissue Massage
Specialties & Training: Wynn has special training in Prenatal Massage, Ayurvedic Massage, and Marma Point Face and Scalp Therapy.
Background: Graduated from Atlanta School of Massage in 2002. Wynn is a very experienced massage therapist and mother of two. She teaches at Athens Montessori School. She has been with Urban since 2005!

Suzy Fiorentino, NCBTMB
Favorite Urban Services: Aromatherapy Massage,
Asian Foot Massage, Mini Facials, The Urban Neck Massage
& Headache Massage.
Specialties & Training:  Swedish Massage, Pre-Natal Massage,
Lymphatic Massage, Deep Tissue, Sports Massage & Ayurvedic Training.
Background:  Suzy studied Studio Art at the Atlanta College of Art. She created Soaked by Suzy a line of herbal bath teas carried at Urban Sanctuary.

My'Leka Floyd, LMT
Favorite Urban Services: Deep Tissue Massage, Thai Massage,
Reflexology & Pre-Natal Massage.
Specialties & Training: Thai Massage, Sports Massage, Pre-Natal Massage & Myofascial Release.
Background: Graduate of Georgia Career Institute in Massage Therapy. My'Leka Used to Preform with a Mime Group. She Has Enjoyed Playing Many Team Sports Especially Basketball.

  Jen Berry, LMT, NCBTMB
Favorite Urban Services: Aromatherapy Massage, Sports Massage, Pre-Natal Massage & The Headache Massage.
Specialties & Training:  Sports Massage, Esalen Massage, Trigger Point Therapy & Pain Management Massage.
Background: Graduate of the Academy of Somatic Healing Arts in Atlanta, GA with certifications in Swedish Massage & Neuromuscular Therapy. Jen has worked with many Collegiate & Semi-Pro Atheletes including UGA Swimming & Diving, Women's NCAA Tennis & Jittery Joe's Racing Team. Jen enjoys gardening & practicing yoga in her free time.

Jennifer Bridges, Licensed Esthetician
Favorite Urban Services: Brazilian & Bikini Waxing, Urban Facial, Clarifying Facial & Pumpkin Enzyme Peel.
Specialties & Training: Speed Waxing, Make-Up Application.
Background: Graduate of the Esthetics Program at Athens Technical College. Jennifer has advanced training in Speed Waxing & Brow Design from the Grace Albert Aesthetics & Waxing Academy. She is also certified in MicroDermabrasion & DermaPlaning. Jennifer's hobbys include shopping, scrap booking, road trips, hiking & spending time with
loved one's.

Layne Lasseter, Licensed Esthetician
Favorite Urban Services: Clarifying Facial, Rejuvenating Facial, Brow Waxing & Shaping, Make-Up Applications.
Specialties & Training: Make-Up Artist, Speed Waxing, Advanced Facial Massage, Aromatherapy
Background: Graduate of Atlanta Insititute of Esthetics. Skincare columnist for downandoutchic.blogspot.com

Kela Griffith, Master Cosmetologist/Licensed Nail Technician
Favorite Urban Services: Ayurverdic Pedicure & French Manicure
Specialties & Training: Training in SpaRitual Vegan Manicure & Pedicure Protocols. Foot Massage & Foot Scrubs.
Background: Athens Technical College.

Lauren Howe, LMT
Favorite Urban Services: Sports Massage & Massage tailored for those on an exercise program. Myofascial Release, Couples Massage Lessons, and Scalp Massage.
Specialties & Training: Prenatal Massage, Deep Tissue, Critz Technique for Realignment, and PNF Stretching.
Background: Lauren has been a Massage Therapist for 5 years since getting her degree from the Everest Institute in Lilburn, GA. She has her Associates Degree in Exercise Sciense, loves being a tri-athelete, road biking & running. She also enjoys acrylic painting & spending time with her family.

Rachel Krych, Licensed Nail Technician/Licensed Esthetician
Favorite Urban Services: The deeply relaxing Ayurvedic Foot Pedicure, Urban Manicures & Pedicures, & Urban Facials.
Specialties & Training: Nails & Skincare. Rachel absolutely loves creating relaxation & creating an opportunity for people
to completely unwind.
Background: Rachel has worked in Spas for the past 6 years. She enjoys spending time swimming with her daughter. Rachel is soon to be wed to one of Athens' own talented musicians.

Elizabeth Sheppard, LMT
Favorite Urban Services: Body Scrubs, Neck & Shoulder Massage, Aromatherapy Massage and Signature Massage.
Specialties & Training: Continuing Education Units in Indian Head Massage & Esalen Massage.
Background: Elizabeth is a graduate of the Atlanta School of Massage.
She has extensive work experience in both Spa's
& Pain Management Massage Clinics.

Rebecca Smythe , LMT
Favorite Urban Services: Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage,
Sports Massage, Pre-Natal Massage & Reflexology
Specialties & Training: Deep Tissue, Pre-Natal & Reflexology.
Background: Graduate of the Atlanta School of Massage. Rebecca holds a BS degree in Recreation Management from Shorter College. She spent 11 months doing mission work in 11 different countries including Haiti, Thailand, Romania and the Ukraine with Adventures in Missions. Her other interests include reading, playing softball, being outdoors,
and spending time with her family.

Our Testimonials:

I am a small business owner in Athens. My stress level is high, my time is limited and I love a good massage. Since discovering Urban Sanctuary the search for both me and my husband is over. And we have tried it all..from our first Spa Day on our Anniversary...to a Mother's Day Massage for our Moms...gifts for Family & Friends...to the regular Sunday afternoon sessions with Wesley...and the ULTIMATE birthday gift for me Queen for a Day. Exceptional & professional service, the best therapist & a most relaxing, non-intimidating atmosphere. Urban Sanctuary is the best...there is nothing that compares.

I have had massages in different Spas all over Atlanta, but I experienced the best massage I have ever had at Urban Sanctuary Spa. All the pressures and stress from everyday life & work completely dissipated within 30 minutes. I would without question choose to have a massage from Urban Sanctuary out of anywhere in Athens or Atlanta.

I have been coming to Urban Sanctuary for my headaches. The staff here is truly amazing. Within two hours of seeing Candice or Tina I am back to myself...a gift for someone who is used to being physically ill from headaches. This place and these people are incredible and definitely the place to go.

New to Athens, but not massage therapy I began searching for a therapist. My therapeutic needs stem from a head-on collision and the ongoing pain. After 20 years of massage therapy I had a idea of what a good spa and therapist was...little did I know Urban Sanctuary would redefine my standard of excellence for creating an environment focused on healing. The subtle yet intentional invitation is to relax and be pampered...hot tea, warm neck pillows, comfortable chairs, calming music & a staff trained to cater to your needs. It is obvious that owners Candice & Alan are dedicated professionals focused on continuous training for themselves and their staff. After a few sessions my pain level has decreased, my energy level has increased, and my mental clarity has improved. It is rare to find a group of individuals with the depth of training, experience and talent. I feel truly blessed to have this resource as part of our community.