Kirsten Rose
Business Owner
With over a decade in the wellness industry, the heart behind Essence Wellness Spa has built this space on experience, care, and genuine connection. She graduated from Spa Tech Institute for Massage Therapy in 2013 and returned to complete her Aesthetics training in 2015, combining hands-on bodywork with advanced skincare knowledge.
Her massage style is moderate in pressure with thoughtful deeper techniques woven in when needed. Relaxation is always the foundation, but she listens closely to what your body is asking for and gives extra attention where it counts. Whether it’s stubborn shoulder tension or stress that’s settled in quietly, her goal is simple: you leave feeling better than when you walked in.
Skincare is another passion. She believes confidence starts with feeling comfortable in your own skin, and she loves helping clients build routines and treatments that actually work for their lifestyle.
Outside the spa, she’s a proud mom of three and spends her free time with her kids and family. Community and connection are everything to her, which is exactly why Essence feels less like a business and more like a welcoming space to land.
She looks forward to getting to know each client and supporting their wellness and self-care goals every step of the way.
Darcel Niles
Darcel attended Spa Tech Institute, where she developed a passion for therapeutic massage and wellness-focused treatments. She specializes in techniques that help relieve tension, improve mobility, and support overall well-being. She is also trained in Polarity Therapy and Raindrop Therapy, with a special interest in pregnancy massage.
Daniel Bandelt
Darcel attended Spa Tech Institute, where she developed a passion for therapeutic massage and wellness-focused treatments. She specializes in techniques that help relieve tension, improve mobility, and support overall well-being. She is also trained in Polarity Therapy and Raindrop Therapy, with a special interest in pregnancy massage.
KiKi' Venerable
KiKi is a recent Spa Tech graduate with a passion for helping people feel better and more connected to their bodies. She specializes in deeper therapeutic techniques, including myofascial work, stretching, and range-of-motion therapy, and enjoys helping clients improve body awareness and overall wellness. Outside the spa, KiKi loves camping, crafting, and spending time outdoors, bringing that same grounded, creative energy into her work with clients.
Malysa Jackson
Hi, my name is Malysa. I graduated from Aveda Institute in early July of this year. I'm so excited to begin my esthetics career here at Essence Wellness Spa. Outside of work, I love spending time outdoors, going on adventures, staying active at the gym and relaxing with my cat Zeke. My true passion lies in skincare and helping others feel confident and beautiful in their own skin. I can't wait to share that passion with each client I meet!
Kyla MacDonald
Kyla has been an esthetician for 3 years. After gaining years of waxing and skincare experience at other salons, she has come to join our team. She specializes in quick, and easy waxing, especially Brazilians. As well as lashes, facials, and body treatments. She loves making you feel comfortable in your skin and confident!
Emily Barkhouse
Emily recently graduated from Spa Tech Institute's massage program in October 2025. After getting her first massage, she loved how she felt and started looking into ways to heal her body. She decided to become a massage therapist to further her knowledge of healing and to help others on their journey to alignment. She has plans to learn lymphatic drainage, further her knowledge in pregnancy massage and myofascial.
Jade Morris
Jade attended Spa Tech Institute and graduated from the massage program in 2020. After graduation she offered mobile massage until she opened her own studio space. Jade had her own practice for 5 years and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her massages. She loves helping people and being able to fix their pain and ailments, along with explaining the muscles, their purpose and how to make them feel better to her clients.
OUR STORY
Essence Wellness Spa is family owned, community rooted, and built on one simple belief: wellness should feel personal.
We’re not a chain. We’re not a franchise. We’re your neighbors. The same people you see at local events, school functions, and navigating long Maine winters right alongside you. We understand the stress, the busy schedules, the physical wear and tear, and the quiet moments when you realize you’ve been putting yourself last.
That’s why we created a space that feels less like a transaction and more like a home away from home. Warm rooms. Welcoming energy. Licensed professionals who listen before they begin. Every service is customized because no two bodies, schedules, or stress levels are the same.
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Our massage therapy helps release tension and calm the nervous system.
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Our facials restore glow while supporting real skin health.
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Our infrared sauna sessions provide deep warmth and recovery.
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Our body treatments and wellness services are designed to help you reset physically and mentally.
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We understand what you’re carrying. And we’re here to help you put some of it down.
Whether you visit once a year or once a month, our goal is simple: you leave feeling lighter, calmer, and more like yourself.