Massage Envy Celebrates National Award Winners at Annual Performance Summit

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., April 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Massage Envy, the nation's No. 1 provider of massage in the U.S. collectively across its franchise network and a national leader in skin care, has announced the winners of its national awards program at the organization's 2024 Annual Performance Summit held in Nashville, Tennessee. The awards recognize franchisees and their employees as well as schools across the country that embody Massage Envy's core values of optimism, gratitude, excellence, consistency, and empathy.

"One meaningful way franchisees can recognize their employees' hard work is through the national award program and I am thrilled to honor the incredible achievements of their teams across the country," said Todd Schrader, CEO of Massage Envy. "While there are so many employees that make franchised locations a space of comfort and renewal for guests and members, these select few have demonstrated the values that our brand holds in the highest esteem, and we thank them for their contributions.

Winners are first recognized regionally as Regional Therapists of the Year, Regional Estheticians of the Year and Regional Managers of the Year. All regional winners are then invited to and awarded at Massage Envy's Summit. The following awards were presented for the 2023 calendar year:

• National Therapist of the Year: Katryna Ousley, Massage Therapist at Massage Envy Fairlawn, Ohio Franchised Location: According to her manager, Ousley exemplifies Massage Envy's values through her dedication to creating relationships and helping clients on their healing journeys. She not only personifies ambition, empathy, motivation, and support but encourages others to do the same. Gina Wolonsky, Manager of Massage Envy in Fairlawn, Ohio, shared, "Katryna leads by example with a positive joyful attitude and commitment to helping others begin and continue their well-being journey. Katryna not only demonstrates superior dedication; she also cares deeply about every client."
  
  
• National Esthetician of the Year: Jordan Shepler, Esthetician at Massage Envy Davenport, Iowa Franchised Location: According to his franchisee, Shepler is committed to going above and beyond, sharing knowledge across franchises, and creating one-of-a-kind experiences for clients. Margaret Ortiz, Franchisee of Massage Envy in Davenport, Iowa, shared, "Very quickly the teams in Davenport and Ankeny recognized the star qualities that he possesses. Because of his passion for skin care and helping clients on a journey of wellness, he began making a profound impact on the culture of the team."
  
  
• National Sales Associate of the Year: Tia Deloach (Patricia), Front Desk Associate at Massage Envy White Marsh, Maryland Franchised Location: As shared by her manager, Deloach, embodies the brand's core values and emanates positivity and warmth in everything she does. According to Rebecca Altner, Manager at Massage Envy White Marsh, "Tia's optimism is so contagious - she approaches every moment with positivity, brightening everyone's day, especially when they need it the most. She can take one look at you and know if you need a warm embrace, a safe space to speak your feelings, or just a quick pep talk. She's such a cheerleader!"
  
  
• National Manager of the Year: Suelynn Elder, Manager at Massage Envy Sarasota-Midtown, Florida Franchised Location: Elder is hailed by her franchised location's multi-unit manager as the driving force behind the success and community at her Massage Envy franchised location. Her creativity shines through, striving to create an enjoyable work environment through contests and initiatives. "Suelynn is the heartbeat of her location. She is an inspiring and supportive leader who always exceeds expectations and strives for perfection," said Ash Clarke, Multi-Unit Manager of franchised locations in North Florida.
  
  
• National Stretch Service Provider of the Year: Shantle Brown, Stretch Service Provider at Massage Envy Bowie Woodmore, Maryland Franchised Location: According to her franchised location's Director of Operations, Brown finds purpose and fulfillment in her role as a Stretch Service Provider and is dedicated to serving others. Her passion for educating others underscores her commitment to enhancing her clients' lives beyond the confines of the clinic. Lisa Shive, Director of Operations of franchised locations, including in Maryland, said, "She comes in everyday with a goal of serving others and stretching has given her purpose… She loves educating others that routine stretching is so impactful in your total overall well-being."
  
  
• Franchisee of the Year: Janelle Presti, Franchisee at Massage Envy Canton, Connecticut Franchised Location: Presti's team and peers recognize that she exemplifies each of the brand's values of optimism, gratitude, excellence, consistency, and empathy. A fellow Connecticut Franchisee expresses, "To say she is a wise business owner would be an understatement. Her business metrics have been nothing but stellar with her location continuing to grow and proving to be successful. Janelle embodies the ME values and her role as franchisee is model. She is smart, supportive, innovative and cares about her ME family; from her employees to other franchisees, and right up to leadership. The ME network would be an even better place with more franchisees like Janelle. She fulfills the ME promise, "We help you take care of you"! She is incredibly deserving of the title of Franchisee of the Year."
  
  
• Spirit Award: Lari Jarvis and Nate McFarland, Regional Developers and Franchisees in Hawaii, and Team Hawaii: Massage Envy would like to thank Lari Jarvis and Nate McFarland. The Hawaiian teams demonstrate remarkable resilience, generosity, and commitment to their community, cornerstones of the Massage Envy vision. Lauren Grucky, Director of Field Operations at Massage Envy shared, "The Hawaii Massage Envy team truly embodies the spirit of the Spirit Award. Their actions serve as an inspiration to all. Lari Jarvis & Nate McFarland are an inspiration in their own ME journey and commitment to the brand."
  
  
• Excellence in Education Awards: The following awards are issued to schools that exhibit a commitment to moving the massage profession forward and innovating on their role as a massage school.
  • Southeastern College Charlotte
  • Sarasota School of Massage Therapy
  • The Professional Massage Academy
  • Academy of Natural Therapy

This year's award gala took place on March 26 in Nashville, Tennessee as part of the Massage Envy Annual Performance Summit. "I want to thank everyone for joining us to celebrate these winners. We look forward to a productive 2024 and can't wait to see what accomplishments the year will bring," said Schrader.

For more information about Massage Envy, please visit www.massageenvy.com.

 Massage Envy is not affiliated with and does not endorse any massage school, including those receiving the awards.

About Massage Envy

Massage Envy, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a national franchisor and does not independently own or operate any of the Massage Envy franchised locations nationwide. The Massage Envy franchise network, through its franchise locations, is the leading provider of massage services. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy has approximately 1,100 franchise locations in 49 states that have together delivered more than 200 million massages and skin care services. For more information, visit www.massageenvy.com or follow us on Instagram, X and Facebook at @MassageEnvy.

SOURCE Massage Envy