Oz
T HE O SMOSIS STAFF NEWSLE T T E R
E A RLY AU T U M N 2 0 1 4
Contents Note from Michael New Faces in Oz Announcements What’s In Your Skin Care? Fall Training Schedule Re-Bookers Luncheon Thank You
To the
Osmosis Staff, In the 30 years of Osmosis we have successfully navigated many ups and downs. The landscape of our business is constantly changing. With Jordan on board we are amping up our marketing efforts on every level: new photography, a broad advertising campaign to help us reach growing markets in Marin and San Francisco, and a more vigorous local outreach. A major redesign of our website is also in the works to make our list of offerings more accessible and a better approach to online booking for our guests. It is truly impressive how good everything looks and feels at Osmosis. I deeply appreciate all the wonderful energy and effort being made to serve our guests at the highest possible level. Michael
Mark your calendar for a big Oz is our quarterly magazine devoted to the greater Osmosis family and staff. Have contributions, announcements, comments or suggestions? Please email them to jordan@osmosis.com.
Awesome Oz Pool Party
at Michael’s house, Wednesday, September 3rd at 4pm! We’ll fire up the wood-fired oven for gourmet pizza, and dance to a fab live band by the pool!
New Faces in Oz We’re excited to have such talented people join us this year. They bring to our spa a diverse range of experience, interests and skills. Please help them feel at home! Dual Therapists
Lori Cloutier Nicole Robbins
Also, look for the return of the photo wall in the staff kitchen!
Massage Therapists
Allyson Bray Natalie Slanina Ginger McCann Jerris Mungai Riya Murray Ruth Weingartz Aestheticians
Allison Garlock Ashley Robertson
Bath Attendant
RaeAnna Allen Rose Nuffer
Executive Projects Coordinator
Jordan Bowen Spa Coordinator
Kelly Galli
Announcements Congratulations to Sabrina Bernardini, Massage Therapist and Spa Coordinator, on the birth of her son, Siosiua Malui Tone, 6lbs, 9oz, on May 8th!
Congratulations to Heather Ashdown, Aesthetician, on the birth of Austin Kelly Ashdown, 8 8lbs 8oz, on August 13th!
Congratulations to April Holloway, Aesthetician, on the birth of Kathryn Coral-Marie, 9lbs 14oz, on April 25th!
We are pleased to announce that Rebecca Luna, Aesthetician, married Brandon Gaut on May 3rd. We wish the best to Mr. and Mrs. Gaut!
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Osmosis is proud to be a founding member of the Green Spa Network, a non-profit trade organization dedicated to bringing sustainability practices to the spa industry. As one of twelve founding Seed Spas we have committed to an in-depth environmental assessment and action plan that will also provide the expertise to assist other spas. Part of the efforts we make as a GSN Seed Spa is to pay very close attention to the ingredients contained in the products we use in the treatment room and sell in the boutique. Along with this effort, we look at the companies that manufacture these products and what efforts they make toward sustainable business practices. Naturopathica, Phyt’s, Organic Male, Tara Spa Therapy and Coola are all sponsors of the Green Spa Network and are proudly used in our services and are available to recommend in our boutique. The following is a helpful guide from Green Spa Network to educate on what ingredients to look for in skin care. Here at Osmosis, we utilize this list as well as drawing from the knowledge of our staff to be sure we provide the best natural and organic products available.
INGREDIENTS TO AVOID IN PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS ARTIFICIAL COLORS
nanoparticles increase the absorption of
dimethicone, and others can clog pores, cause
TALC
FD&C or D&C colors (e.g., D&C Red 30 Lake, FD&C
free-radicals into the body.
photosensitivity, strip skin of natural oils, and
Talc particles, in powder formulations, may
contain impurities that may be carcinogenic.
lead to tumors in the lungs and ovaries when
Blue 1) are coal tar derivatives. The EPA lists them as human respiratory toxins. They can also be allergens, skin irritants, and potential carcinogens.
1,4-DIOXANE Considered a probable human carcinogen by
PHTHALATES
inhaled over long-term use.
the EPA, dioxane isn’t listed in the ingredient
Linked to infertility and cancer, phthalates
TOLUENE
FORMALDEHYDE
declaration because it’s a byproduct of the
(e.g., DBP, DEP, DMP) stabilize perfumes
A common ingredient in nail polish, toluene
Ingredients like diazolidinyl urea, DMDM
manufacturing process. Tip: Avoid ingredients
and work as plasticizing agents. Synthetic
(a.k.a. methylbenzene) can irritate skin and
hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, quaternium
like “PEGs”, “PEs”, “-xynols” (e.g., octoxynol),
fragrances or parfums may contain phthalates.
damage the lungs. It is also linked with cancer.
15, and Bronopol can release formaldehyde,
and “-eths” (e.g., ceteareth-20).
However, fragrance is considered proprietary
a known carcinogen that triggers asthma and irritates skin, stomach, liver.
PARABENS Paraben preservatives (butylparaben,
and manufacturers aren’t required to list its components on labels.
TRICLOSAN An antibacterial agent in soaps, handsanitizers, and workout clothes, triclosan
HYDROQUINONE
ethylparaben, methylparaben, propylparaben)
SULFATES
irritates skin, may cause developmental and
A skin-bleaching agent known to cause
can mimic estrogen in the body and have been
Sodium lauryl-, sodium laureth-, ammonium
reproductive problems, and increases immunity
serious skin irritation, liver cancer, and DNA
linked to breast and ovarian cancer.
laureth-, and sodium myreth-sulfate are harsh
to antibiotics, which can lead to MRSA.
damage. Banned in many countries.
PETROCHEMICALS
NANOPARTICLES
Mineral oil, petrolatum, liquid paraffin, ethylene
Found in sunscreen, makeup, and moisturizer,
glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol,
detergents found in cleansers, shampoos, and toothpaste. Can cause skin and eye irritation, and may contain 1,4-dioxane (see above).
OXYBENZONE A sunscreen ingredient that offers broad-spectrum protection but is considered highly allergenic.
INGREDIENTS TO LOOK FOR IN PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS ASCORBIC ACID (VITAMIN C)
HYALURONIC ACID
healing properties, and provide sources
An antioxidant that minimizes fine lines and
A naturally-occurring sugar compound
for natural fragrances.
hyperpigmentation, vitamin C also protects
that helps soften skin and combat the
the skin from free-radical damage. Can be
signs of aging.
hard to stabilize in water formulations, and, though safe and nontoxic, is often processed with the use of some synthetics.
Absorbent oils like argan, sweet almond,
hair, and cuticles.
jojoba, coconut, sesame, and sunflower
SURFACTANTS
Licorice extract (glycyrrhizinate), citrus
soothe and hydrate dry skin without
Look for castile soap, yucca extract,
unshui peel extract, Emblica officinalis
clogging pores.
soap bark extract, as well as coco
(Indian gooseberry), and soy proteins
Seals in moisture naturally and has
are natural alternatives to hydroquinone.
RETINOL (VITAMIN A)
NATURAL COLORS
A vitamin-A derivative that aids
BETA CAROTENE (VITAMIN A)
Annatto, beets, turmeric, alkanet, saffron,
in skin-cell renewal.
Aids in skin-cell renewal. Found in
carrot, chlorophyll, and carmine (derived
K
extracts of calendula, sea buckthorn,
from beetles), plus minerals like titanium
SQUALANE
5
and carrots.
oxide, zinc oxide, iron oxides, and mica.
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COCOA BUTTER
ESSENTIAL OILS AND PLANT EXTRACTS
An excellent moisturizer for dry or ashy skin.
A vitamin-rich moisturizer for skin,
LIGHTENING AGENTS
BEESWAX (CERA ALBA) antibacterial properties.
PLANT OILS
SHEA BUTTER (BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII)
Plants contain a wide range of therapeutic,
A superb moisturizer. Look for squalane derived from olive oil.
TOCOPHEROL Vitamin E fights free-radicals.
glucoside, decyl glucoside, or lauryl glucoside--derived from coconut oil, sugar, and corn starch—instead of sulfates.
Onward and Upward Osmosis is pleased to have Raizelah Bayen serve as its Director of Training and Education, who will support our staff through in-house training. Formerly the Massage Therapist Supervisor, Raizelah will now have the opportunity to focus on a variety of staff training needs. While she continues to provide massage modality training as needed, she is expanding her focus to education in healthy body mechanics for every department at Oz. Quarterly safety training will be provided in all departments, as well as home care recommendation training to massage therapists and guest services. Raizelah will also work with management to develop training programs that will help Osmosis continue to be a center of learning and vitality for everyone.
The trainings currently scheduled for the staff at Oz include the following: Body Mechanics for Massage Therapists May 19, 20, or 21 Table Thai for Massage Therapists Tuesdays, July 8 to August 19, 8:30 - 11:30am Esalen training for Massage Therapists Tuesdays, July 22 and 29, 6:00 - 9:00pm or Wednesdays, August 6 and 13, 8:30 - 11:30am or Wednesdays, August 20 and 27, 8:30 - 11:30am or Tuesdays, September 2 and 9, 8:30 - 11:30am Body Mechanics for Bath Attendants Tuesday, August 12, 6:00 - 8:30pm Body Mechanics for Aestheticians Monday, September 15, 8:00 - 11:30am Product Education and Ergonomics for Guest Services September 23, 8:00 - 10:30am Body Mechanics for Maintenance/Facilities Team Tuesday, August 26, 6:00 - 8:30am We are also excited that Osmosis will be providing an Aroma Acu-Point Therapy training to a group of massage therapists in the fall. This is a potent modality that integrates the use of essential oils with acupressure point therapy, by actually applying oils to the points, to deepen and strengthen the healing benefits of each. This training will be open to any massage therapist interested in learning this modality. Training will be conducted once a week for about 3 months. If you are interested, please contact Raizelah.
Re-Booker’s Luncheon Congratulations to the winners of the $20 off card/re-booker contest. Consuelo, Aidan, Laurie, Skye and Lauren were the winners for 2013- 2014. The reward luncheon was on June 18th and was prepared by Kristopher and hosted by Kirtis and Kristopher at their home. Amazing food and lots of laughter. Consuelo was given a Gift Certificate to Whole Foods for scoring the highest re-bookings. Thank you to each of you for your efforts and support for this program. Remember to give your clients the $20 of card and be sure to put your name on it. They get $20 off their next appointment if they book the same day and then we keep the card to count and give you credit toward this contest. The prize is a catered lunch by Kristopher and then we will reserve a little something extra for the person who does the most. It’s a great tool to build your requests!
Word from the Q-Hut... You may have noticed we’ve built a new creek-side dining area for our guests, as well as terrific new shed with a sink and refrigerator to help us more easily serve tea and our Ceres lunches. It will also be utilized as a service station during events.
Reminder from HR! Don’t forget to sign in and out each day through Millenium. If you forget, fill out a Missed Time Sheet to make it easier for HR to know the hours you worked. You put in the time, so help us pay you on time! And be sure to always include a half hour break whenever you work six hours or more.
Thank You Recent Five Star Reviews for Osmosis
Natalie was skilled and very professional thank you The creek is the real beauty of your place The surroundings and grounds are magnificent and tranquil. Our friends from out of town raved about their massages, the enzyme bath and the hammock field experience. (Ask for Michael) We loved the whole experience. Skye and Kumi were perfect for each of us. The staff were each one gracious and welcoming. Lunch was delicious. The garden and grounds are exquisite. Thank you!!! I had the most wonderful experience at Osmosis Spa over the weekend. I have been going there for 5 years and this is the best yet. Tammy was fabulous. I loved her artistic touch with the flowers on the tea tray. She made sure my bath would meet my needs. As usual, Heather was wonderful with my facial. I won't have anyone else work on me! She works with my skin to make sure I get what's needed to rejuvenate my skin. She has a very gentle and healing touch. The grounds were beautiful and very peaceful and calming. Wish I llive closer so I can be there more often. My facial by Heather was absolutely fabulous. I have had many facials, but this was superb. Heather's abilities are stellar; her massaging was soothing but with perfect pressure, her knowledge of skin, products, and facials was impressive, and her demeanor and presence gentle. I loved my massage with Chip and my facial!!!!!!!! wwas reallly good. thank you. (Rebecca) Our day was fabulous. Started with cedar bath it was little hotter than normal but wonderful. My massage with Chip in the pagoda was beyond amazing he is a wonderful massage therapist. Then we had lunch in the gardens and it was very enjoyable. After we had a facial my first ever from Heather and I loved it. We did the package deal and it was a fabulous day of pampering . I felt wonderful when I left great grounds, loved the tea. the massage may have been the best i ever had. (Tamara F) Consuelo is an excellent massage therapist. This was my first experience with lymphatic message and I will most likely book another appointment in the near future. Aja is the best facial esthetician ever, so kind and relaxing, love her energy The setting is beautiful. The staff is very friendly. My massage was wonderful. (Eden) Chip's massage was excellent. He seemed to really care that he did a good job. After five days of hiking, he relieved a lot of pressure points, thoroughly and carefully. What a relaxing experience! Their cedar enzyme bath is relaxing and rejuvenating and the whole time you're in the bath you're attended to in a helpful but not invasive way. After the cedar bath, we had facials. It was one of the best facials I've ever had. We left feeling like we'd been away for a long weekend. (Azja and Rebecca) My experience at Osmosis was wonderful. The ambiance is so relaxing and my massage was fabulous. I asked for a deep tissue massage and was not disappointed. My body feels more in sync and relaxed today. Thank you everyone at Osmosis for my excellent experience. (Kumi)
sage therapist that has worked in several spas before. I could really tell how well the staff was trained. The front desk, bath attendant and aesthetician not only had a good starting script, but also asked all the right questions and really made you fell welcomed and cared for. I left with a personal note from my aesthetician, and several samples. I immediately rebooked for a $20 discount on my next service, and can't wait to come back!! (Azja) Massage was superb! The quite and tranquil setting with lush greenery was an enhancement to relaxing experience. Best place to SPA in Sonoma County. Loved my massage therapist Laurie MacDonald. She was perfect in every way Wonderful experience. I loved my facial by Azja! Best facial ever!!! She is a true gem! I can not wait to come back! my massage with Terri Matlock was superb, I will be seeking her services again. I loved my massage with Mandy. Second time, and coming back next month. It is always a special treat to come to Osmosis. Best massage I've ever had (and I have had lots) with Allyson (sp?). We had a couples enzyme bath and massage. The grounds were peaceful and serene and made me want to landscape my home as a Zen Garden. Highly recommend!. Loved my massage with Terri Moon!! Aiden is a very intuitive and talented therapist. I've had many massages and he is one of the best. The masseur was smooth and in control and I felt really wonderful throughout and after. Allyson B. has my highest recommendation. One of the best massages I ever had. She knew exactly how to work and stretch my sore and tight muscles in the most soothing therapeutic compassionate way. (Kumi) Thank you for finding me a 90 minute time slot. The massage was so much better when I knew I had all that time to relax. Allyson, my masseuse, was great. Very caring, communicative, and gave me a great massage. What a great way to celebrate my birthday and to start my beginning of retirement. I've had LOTS of massages---had one at Osmosis on Tuesday by Laurie--best ever!!! I had a massage from Ellen S. I am an experiencd Physical Therapist and I have had many massages. Ellen has some of the best hands I've ever felt. She really understands how to meet the body and listen to its responses and needs. She has a great feel and knowledge of the muscles and skeletal system. With that, she brings a clear, unintrusive presence.while nurturing and intuitive. In Osmosis' beautiful setting, I floated out of there calmer and taller. Thank you!!! Best massage ever! I highly recommend Ruth as a therapist! Awesome! Terri was wonderful. Bree was delightful and so efficient in the booking and greeting upon my arrival. The time in the gardens is like taking a 1week vacation. I escaped and felt great. Thank you Osmosis Wonderful as always. Ria is grand!
Mandy and Rebecca were excellent. The nassage was wonderful. Mandy did a super job. The facial was also very relaxing and profesionally done
The Swedish massage I received from Skye was one of the best massages I have had in my 57 years. I plan to return to Osmosis.
The enzyme bath was interesting and Merissa was a wonderful attendant. My massage by Aidan was exceptional.
Azja was amazing. I loved every minute of the signature facial and will recommend her to everyone. She also did my mother, who is very hard to please, and she loved her facial also.
Osmosis fell way beyond my already high expectations! I was able to sign up for a Radiant Skin package on the same day. I loved both my cedar enzyme bath and my facial. The facilities and gardens are well designed, cared for, calming & beautiful. What really makes this place great is the staff. I'm a mas-
Amazing as always. Ruth provided me with a very healing, relaxing massage. I can't wait to come back!