Meet our Staff
Nail Technicians
Erica Sain
WI Licensed Nail Technician, WI Certified Massage Therapist (CMT), Nationally Certified in Therapeutic, Massage and Bodywork (NCTMB)
My path to Kneaded Relief is not one intended to be on, but it is one that I am glad I followed.
Allow me to share with you a little about myself. I am an only child and a capital city girl. I was born in Springfield, IL, and then lived in Minneapolis for a short stint. For the past twenty-some years of my life I have resided in the town I’ve grown to love and consider my home- Madison.
I am also the proud single mother of a beautiful baby girl, Jade Willow. She is my world and much of my motivation in life today. I enjoy camping, laughing with friends and live music.
I received my massage therapist training at Lakeside and gained my manicurist license at Martin’s School of Cosmetology. I always knew the career I chose would entail bringing joy to other’s lives and putting smiles on their faces. These careers are a perfect fit for those aspirations. And now I am a part of the Kneaded Relief family who has welcomed me with open arms. I couldn’t dream of better people to work with.
I look forward to seeing your face and providing you with relaxing services in this beautiful facility.
Katy Johnson
WI Licensed Nail Technician
My name is Katy Johnson and I am a Nail Technician here at Kneaded Relief. My journey into the spa industry began when I was a senior in high school. I began working as a receptionist at a local spa/salon and I was immediately drawn to the atmosphere and how happy people were after receiving services. I didn’t know then that I wanted to continue with a career in the industry so I began taking classes at MATC for interior design.
Soon I realized that was not the path I was supposed to be on, so I began an apprenticeship to do hair. I enjoyed learning about the different aspects of the trade and of the business, but again I realized I didn’t have the same passion about doing hair that other people did. I took another receptionist position at a different local spa/salon and I began to wonder if I would ever find a career path that I was truly passionate about.
It was by chance that I stumbled on an opportunity to go to massage school. I attended Lakeside School of Massage and received my National and State license as a Massage Therapist and Bodyworker in 2007. I continued to work as a receptionist and I also began to take massage clients. I loved being able to help people feel better and improve their well being, but I wanted to be able to provide additional services to my clients. I attended Martin’s College of Cosmetology for Nail Technology and obtained my nail license in 2008. I continued to provide both nail and massage services to my guests.
In June 2010 I had a baby girl and I realized it was time for a change. I had heard wonderful things about Kneaded Relief Day Spa from both employees and past guests and decided to take a chance and become part of the Kneaded Relief team. It was such a good decision and I am happy to be here today.
I have the support of my wonderful husband, Alan, and I stay busy with our baby, Kya, my 6-year-old daughter Jasmine, and my 6-year-old stepdaughter, Tiana.
Come see me for a manicure or pedicure where I will provide you with a relaxing, professional service that will leave you feeling refreshed and looking your best!
Darlene Kennison
WI Licensed Nail Technician
Hi, my name is Darlene Kennison and I am a nail technician here at Kneaded Relief…
I believe that my path to Kneaded Relief is part of my destiny. Destiny is defined as a predetermined, inevitable or irresistible course of events. I have tried many different jobs over the years; retail management, teacher's aide, administrative assistant. I was even a 9-1-1 dispatcher for a while. It was while I was in management that I had an overwhelming desire to head into the beauty/spa industry. I started out as a Nail Technician and later got my Cosmetologists license.
I believe the work I do now is a calling. From the moment I entered the beauty/spa industry, I knew that I was home. There is nothing better than nurturing another person and helping them to find some comfort and balance in a stressful world. It was with the same unexplainable desire that I came to Kneaded Relief. I feel that my reason for being here is the irresistible urge to work for the best…a world-class spa. It is a pleasure to work with a team of co-workers all focused on providing the customer with an exceptional experience and the best service possible.
Let me share a little about myself. I was born and raised in Denver, CO and much of my family still lives there. At nineteen, I moved to Texas, where I survived seven years without owning a winter coat. Then one day, I was fortunate enough to be invited to vacation in Wisconsin with friends and I fell in love with the state, snow and all. Maybe a year or so later, I packed up and moved here for good.
Today, I am happily married to Michael, have two kids-Alex and Abby, who are both attending UW-Madison. We have a dachshund named Snitch and a green Iguana named Hayden. We live in Monroe WI and I now own several winter coats. I am funny, easy-going, hardworking, dedicated and passionate. I have a creative compulsion that is sometimes difficult to turn off, which means I usually have numerous unfinished artistic projects lying around.
I love meeting new people and I cannot wait to meet you!
Marne Wahlberg
WI Licensed Nail Technician
"I very much enjoyed my service with Marne. She did a stellar job! She was always mindful of comfort. So many others are too rough and cause pain, but Marne was great. Most enjoyable mani/pedi!
Pauline Hemaidan
WI Licensed Nail Technician
