The Team

Owners

Leigh Bennett

Leigh has 14 years of experience as a Master Esthetician, as well as owning Amara Day Spa, Salon, and Boutique for 9 of those years. Leigh loves everything about this industry and personally specializes in waxing and skin care. Her 3 small children even try to mimic waxing each other, and keep Leigh and her husband laughing every day.

Tyler Bennett

Tyler brings his experience as the President of Strategic Lending and VP of Sales and Acquisitions with REIC to the business side of Amara. He does the finances, marketing, operating systems, and other back end business functions and processes for Amara. He is also Leigh’s personal assistant, nanny, and whatever hat she needs him to wear guy. He enjoys anything athletic as well as spending time with his three kids.

Nails

JESSICA ROBINSON

Jessica has been a part of the beauty industry since 2006. After learning about the salon world, she realized she wanted to specialize in beautifying fingers and toes. She then completed a nail specialty course and graduated from Camio College of Essential Beauty in 2008. She has been working her dream job designing nails for the past four years, and has been sharing her passion for nail design as an instructor for the past two. She specializes in gel nails, but is also experienced with acrylics, silk and fiberglass wraps, as well as manicures and pedicures. Most of all, she loves building lasting relationships with all of her wonderful guests, and being able to brighten their day every time they look down at their fingers or toes!

Make Up

BRITNEY FORD

Britney has been doing permanent makeup for over 11 years. She has worked for world renowned Dr. Saltz and has been a part of the Amara team for over 7 years.

Massage

MARILU RUVALCABA

Marilu graduated from UCMT in 2006. She has been a licensed massage therapist for six years. She has been trained in various modalities and specializes in deep tissue, injury, and medical massage. She has worked with Stage Hands Massage Company with various artists, famous singers and entertainers including Bruno Mars, Britney Spears, and Kenny Loggins. She is passionate about bodywork. She loves to be a part of Amara!

Hair Stylists

ERICA ROBINSON

Erica has been in the industry for over three years and has trained with some of the top stylists in the industry. She has become an expert in the techniques of customized colors, Brazilian Blowouts, and Racoon Hair Extensions. She loves spending time with each guest to find the ideal cut and color to fit their individual style.

JORDAN MCKELL

Jordan has been doing hair for 3 years. Growing up with a mom as a hair stylist inspired her to go into the beauty industry. She is passionate about coloring and cutting hair for both male and female guests. In her spare time she enjoys being outdoors with her friends and family.

HAYLEY MADSEN

Hayley is a lover of friends, family, Italian food and running. She is from Mesa, Arizona and misses the hot weather every day! Number five of a family of six, four of which do hair, she is passionate about her career and is excited to be a stylist at Amara Day Spa and Salon.

ALEX CURTIS

Alex has been a hair stylist for two years, and has had extensive hands on training from award winning stylists. She specializes in color formulation and application. Apart from working at Amara, Alex loves spending time with her family.

JOCELYN BROWN

Jocelyn is the team leader and coordinator for the Special Events Team at Amara, which allows our clients to enjoy wedding day pampering in or out of the salon. She has done hair and makeup for over 5 years, and continues to build her expertise through extended education from many companies and artists, including L’Oréal Professionnel and Smashbox Cosmetics. Jocelyn also enjoys writing, playing the guitar, and traveling to the beach.

ALEX RUSSELL

Alex apprenticed under some of the most talented and successful stylists in Utah Valley for a year and a half, and has done hair since 2009. She has a passion for color and also for extensions. She married her childhood sweetheart, has the career she always dreamed about, and couldn’t be happier.

WHITNEY SUMSION

Whitney has 4 years experience as a cosmetologist licensed in both California and Utah where she is currently part of the team at Amara Day Spa. Whitney loves working in the highly competitive, creative, and steadily growing cosmetology industry. She is skilled in a variety of services including: cutting, coloring, boliage, color melting, Brazilian Blowout, clip-in hair extensions, and feather extensions. Whitney specializes in formal hairstyles and INOA, the first ammonia free permanent hair color by L’Oréal Professionnel.

HOLLY KIMBALL

With 4 years of experience in hair design, Holly loves making people beautiful! Her continual education keeps her motivation strong and her techniques up to date. She specializes in all types of color techniques, particularly blondes. She is a certified Racoon International Extension Specialist. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her new husband and being outside!

BRITTANY JOHNSTUN

Brittany has been doing hair since 1999. She specializes in color and Racoon International Hair Extensions. She enjoys educating herself on the latest trends and giving her guests healthy beautiful hair.

LINDSAY CATANO

Lindsay has been a hair stylist for 11 years and a part of the Amara team since 2009. She is also a certified with Racoon International Hair Extensions and specializes in free-hand, artistic hair color melting and boliage techniques. Aside from doing hair, Lindsay’s passions are her family and traveling. This summer Lindsay and her husband are excited about celebrating another year of marriage and giving their 2 year old daughter a baby sister!

MEGAN POWELL

Megan feels so lucky to be able to work in a field that she truly loves. After 8 years of doing hair, she still feels passionate about it. She loves working at Amara. She also loves her guests and feels lucky to know such amazing people.

COURTNEY WATKINS

Courtney has 8 years experience specializing in customizing hair color and styling. She loves working in this industry and providing a cutting edge styling experience for her guests. In Courtney’s free time she enjoys making crafts and staying active with her family.

MEGAN RISKAS

Megan is a highly skilled hairdresser and is someone you can count on to pay attention to detail. She did her training at Paul Mitchell The School in the year 2000, graduating in 2001. She has continued her education by attending monthly classes on color, cutting, styling, make-up, and product knowledge over the past 1o years. She is certified in Japanese Straightening, Brazilian Blowout and Vidal Sassoon hair cutting. Megan has a knack for finding the hairstyle that will bring out the natural beauty of her guest. She falls perfectly between the edgy stylist and the conservative stylist. She is sure to give you a look that will make your day! She is married with 2 kids and lives in Orem.

RONDI JENSON

Rondi has enjoyed her time in the hair industry since 1998. Her experience has given her the opportunity to work in Utah, Arizona and New York City. Rondi continues to train in the latest hair trends at workshops across the country and currently specializes in the trendy baylayage color technique. When not at the salon, Rondi works as an educator and then tries to find as much time as possible to play outdoors!

JUNELL JONES

Junell has been busy as a hairstylist since 2001. In her experience over the years she has mastered several color lines and continues her education in color, cutting, and styling at various trend shows across the United States. On her down time, she stays busy chasing her daughter around the shopping malls, her second favorite place to be!

CARLY HEINZ

Carly has been in the hair industry seven years and feels lucky to be in an industry she loves so much. She is passionate about fashion, hair, and continuing education. She specializes in coloring and cutting. If she’s not working, she’s probably shopping.

TIFFANY HUTCHINGS

Tiffany has been a stylist since 1998. Along with her passion of working behind the chair, she is a licensed instructor and traveled as an educator for Paul Mitchell. Her A-list clientele includes celebrities from Sundance Film Festival and Children’s Miracle Network. As well as cutting and coloring, her creativity is shown in her bridal up-do’s and makeup, which has been published in local magazines.

MACKENZIE GUZZO

Mackenzie graduated from Paul Mitchell in June 2011. Her passion is doing hair and making people feel beautiful. She loves coloring and the endless options that you can create. She wants to travel around the world and learn from the amazing stylists out there!

JESSICA LARSEN

Jessica has 7 years experience in the beauty industry. She graduated from Paul Mitchell in 2005 and continues to further her education. She is certified in Hair & Eye Lash Extensions in addition to her full list of hair services. She specializes in color, cuts, all chemical treatments, styling for special events and she loves doing lashes! Her guests have always appreciated her willingness to go above and beyond to make sure all their needs are met. Jessica joined Amara in January 2012 and is excited to be a part of a luxurious salon. She is dedicated to giving her guests the best experience possible.

TAYLOR BINKS

Taylor has been doing hair for over 3 years, and has trained under some of the best stylists in Utah. He loves colors, extensions, and Brazilian Blowouts, and his favorite type of hair to do is highlights. He is passionate about helping every guest achieve the healthiest hair possible. Along with his love for hair, Taylor is passionate about the business side of our industry as Amara’s Director of Salon Operations. When he is not doing hair Taylor enjoys running, rock climbing, and being outside with his dogs.

MORGAN FORSGREN

Morgan has always had a love for hair and shows it through her work. She has been doing hair for 2 years and absolutely loves it. She loves being around anyone and everyone. She is certified in Brazilian Blowouts and loves to do tape in extensions, color, highlights and color melting. Morgan is always up on the latest cuts and trends. She is enjoying married life with her high school sweetheart.

CARLIE ELDER

Carlie graduated from Renaissance in November 2011. She loves doing hair and is living her lifelong dream! She specializes in Raccoon International Hair Extensions and loves creative cutting and color applications. Carlie loved cheering in high school, dancing, enjoys the great outdoors and getting into a good book!

SHAYE HOWARD

Shaye has wanted to do hair since she was a little girl. She loves making people feel their absolute best from the inside out! She has taken hands on classes with world known artist Phillip Wilson and Nicholas French. She loves doing color and updo’s and in her free time she loves to read and be outdoors.

SHELBY WOOD

Shelby has a passion for beauty! She loves giving her guests confidence and style with the most up to date color and cuts. She has excitement for staying on top of the industry through continuing education and constant learning. When not in the salon, Shelby enjoys running and exercising, cooking, playing the piano, reading and of course shopping!

MACY ENGLAND

Macy has been in the hair industry for about two years. She specializes in Racoon extensions and creative colors. She enjoys learning new things and staying current with trends and styles in the industry. Aside from styling hair Macy loves to travel, bake, dance, and go boating!

LINDSEY PORTER

Lindsey has been doing hair for over nine years. She loves coming to work to meet new people and form sweet relationships with her guests. Lindsey grew up in the sun hiking, four wheeling, and swimming in St. George. Lindsey specializes in anything that is new and up to date.

BROOKLYN CLAYTON

Brooklyn loves to go to work each day because it gives her a chance to get to know people and make them feel amazing! She absolutely loves to do hair and never gets tired of it. She likes to learn new things, read, watch movies and spend time with family and friends.

JESSICA LATER

Jessica got into the beauty industry after school when she discovered a passion for makeup. After college she decided to expand her knowledge into hair and went to cosmetology school and has been at it for the past seven years. She just moved back to Utah after working in New York City as the lead hair and makeup artist working on professional photo shoots for an online company. She loves doing creative colors, beautiful blowouts, and cuts that flatter your face shape. She also loves doing special occasion makeup!

MEGAN PENROD

Megan grew up in Benjamin, Utah and absolutely loved it! She enjoys being outdoors, target shooting, hunting with her family, and going to country concerts! She loves highlighting, men’s haircuts, and giving someone a new look. She has a passion for helping her guests feel good about themselves and achieving any look they desire!

GINA LUKE

Gina has been a stylist since 2008. She has always had a passion for hair since a young age and loves building friendships with her guests. She specializes in haircuts, colors, tape-in extensions, Brazilian Blowouts and is highly referred for highlights and blondes. Gina stays up to date with all the latest styles and trends, she also loves continuing her education in our industry. She has her educators license and loves sharing her knowledge of hair with others. When Gina is not working, she enjoys spending her time as a new mother and with her family and friends.

Spa

TESSA COLLEDGE

Tessa has been a Master Esthetician at Amara since 2005. Tessa specializes in Brow and Brazilian waxing and loves everything about her job. She also loves spending time with her husband and son.

CASSIDY MCBRIDE

Cassidy has over four years of experience as a Master Esthetician, Educator, Director of an Esthetics Academy, and currently she is Amara’s Spa & Salon Director. She has a bubbly personality and an ability to make her guests comfortable whether they are getting a Brazilian Wax or a new set of Lash Extensions. Cassidy’s daughter and husband love coming to the spa as much as she does.

MEAGAN ECKLES

Meagan has been a Master Esthetician for 3 years and loves everything about her job, especially getting to know her guests and making them look and feel beautiful. Together with her husband, she enjoys spending time outdoors and traveling.

KASSIE RICHARDS

Kassie is a Master Esthetician and Hairstylist. With 6 years of experience she excels due to her artistic abilities and fun personality. Her guests love that she can do all their services! She enjoys pampering her guests!

NIKKI HARWARD

Nikki has always had a passion for skin. Her dad noticed this and encouraged her to become a master esthetician. She loves working at Amara and has a fun and bubbly personality. She also is amazing at Lash Extensions and loves making her guests feel special.

NIKEE ANDERSON

Nikee has been making her guests laugh for the past two years. Her love for life and bubbly attitude has made her a favorite at Amara. Come enjoy one of her famous pedicures and you will love her artistic nail art!

ASHLEE ELLSWORTH

Ashlee has been with Amara for the past three years while she apprenticed under the watchful eye of owner Leigh Bennett. She currently is a Master Esthetician who takes pride in providing each of her guests a unique and customized experience. She has a passion for skincare and waxing. Ashlee loves the Amara atmosphere and meeting people each and every day.

RACHAEL GAUSS

Rachael Gauss has been in the Spa Industry for the past 3 years. She has worked in Utah as well as in Arizona focusing on educating her guests on the cause and effect of everyday skincare issues. Her skill and expert opinion are enhanced by her fun and vibrant personality. In Rachael’s spare time she also enjoys spending time with her family, reading and playing tennis as well as getting pampered herself.

ALLISON BROWN

Allison has been a master esthetician since 2010. She loves doing facials and pedicures because she truly knows that everyone deserves a quiet and relaxing time for themselves! Her favorite thing about working at Amara is being able to correct people’s skin concerns and personally seeing awesome improvements in their skin’s health. In her spare time, Allison is a true homebody. She enjoys spending time with her husband, reading, watching movies, traveling and playing the harp.

ALY BURGI

Aly has been a master esthetician since 2009. She specializes in eye lash extensions, and enjoys all types of waxing.

KEARA WRIGHT

Keara has been apprenticing for her Master Esthetician License under her mentor, Leigh Bennett since September of 2012 and has been loving every minute of it. Keara is grateful for finding her passion, which is makeup, skin care, waxing, & lash extensions. She has been a make-up artist for over 7 years. She specializes in bridal, pageantry, runway, print, film, and much more. She is married to her high school sweetheart. They have a 4 year old son and a little girl on the way. When Keara is not at work she is either bowling, hiking, volunteering, or exploring new camp sights with her family.

Medical Professionals

WHITNEE ROBINSON

Whitnee received her bachelor of science in nursing from the University of Utah in 1994. She has many years of nursing experience working with women at the Center for Change in Orem. She’s excited to be affiliated with Amara Day Spa. Whitnee trains under the supervision of Dr. Steven H. Warnock M.D., F.A.C.S. and directly with Brooke Anderson RN.

MELISSA EDWARDS

Melissa is a board certified Nurse Practitioner, specializing in Women’s Health and Dermatology. She currently works with The Dermatology Center, providing medical and cosmetic dermatology. She has experience working as a Registered Nurse in the Intensive Care Unit and the Emergency Department. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Utah and her graduate degree at Western University of Health Sciences. Melissa has a great passion for working in healthcare, and is excited to be part of Amara Day Spa!

LAURA PRICE

Laura has been educated and has worked in the medical field for many years. She expanded her education to cosmetic medicine in 2010 and has since trained and worked with several of Utah’s top Plastic Surgeons. Laura is knowledgable in injectables and prescription skin care and she is passionate about helping Amara guests’ achieve and maintain optimal results in their appearance. In her free time she enjoys dance, working out, skiing and spending time with those she loves, especially her two grown sons.