Meet The Pod Spa & Wellness Team

I’m a firm believer in the power of proper skin care and healthy habits, and their ability to improve multiple aspects of women’s lives.

While it’s certainly true that real beauty is about who you are inside and how you feel about yourself rather than simply your physical appearance, feeling comfortable in your own skin plays a very important role in building confidence and helping you feel empowered.

When women feel better about themselves on the outside, it changes how they view everything in life. I make it my mission every day to educate women on the best ways to take care of their skin and empower them to feel good about themselves.

My name is Diana, proud Esthetician and Laser Technician at Pod Spa and Wellness.

Ever since I was a little girl, I always knew that I wanted to be in the medical field! While I was receiving my B.S. in Biology I was working as an Esthetician.

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After graduation, for several years I worked in cell biology research until I realized how rapidly the medical esthetics field is growing. I realized that this will be my ideal career and I got right back to it!

Many people do not know what is on the market now and that we can easily treat rosacea, melanomas, sunspots scars, cystic acne and more! Using not just hormonal creams- but with lasers! Stretch marks, body fat, skin sagging not with the help of plastic surgeons- but with lasers!

We all enjoy taking care of our hair and nails- but we should also remember and understand the importance of taking care of our skin! I recommend on a monthly basis to do facial, or get injection rather at an earlier age than later.
I would love to help you to achieve the best results in a short period of time so that you start falling in love again with your skin!

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P.S. I fluently speak Ukrainian, Russian & Polish as well for those in need.

Carissa is a NYS Licensed Esthetician, Certified Acne Specialist, and Master Holistic Skin Specialist.

She’s also a fitness instructor at Core95 here in Long Beach! Her connection to movement and the body carries directly into her hands-on approach at the treatment table. Trained in an advanced sculpting and lifting technique,

Carissa brings deep ingredient knowledge to every treatment, thoughtfully customizing each facial to your skin’s unique needs rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach.

Above all, she’s committed to making every client feel genuinely cared for and leaving not just with visible results, but feeling confident and beautiful in their own skin.

Melissa has an undergraduate degree in psychology that helped deepen her interest in the human condition and has a Master's Degree in Special Education.

She has learned to be flexible, differentiate her healing work with others and is a lifelong student. She is a trained and certified Shamanic Practitioner using The Way of the Shaman, the Michael Harner Method as well as a Usui Reiki Master teacher. She completed a yoga teacher training at Serenity Yoga and is a certified Asana for Autism instructor.

Somatic trainings include Chakra Dance by Natalie Southgate, and Kunda Dance by Maya Fiennes. She is also certified in Mindfulness, Meditation and Movement through Breathe 4 Change. She is a certified Akashic Record Reader, uses sound therapy in all sessions and brings years of experience to these sessions.

Sound, movement and deep introspection are her passions and hopes to help others heal with these as well. Born on the beach and spending her life by the ocean identifies who she is in every way.

Stephanie Durso joined a local gym in 1994 after her second daughter was born as a way to get back into shape and meet new friends.

Little did she know that she would fall in love with the energy and new found friendships that the group exercise classes offered.

She immediately began her certification process through AFFA and started teaching group fitness shortly afterward at local fitness facilities.
In about 2005 she began taking yoga classes and realized that her yoga practice and breath work began to change her life in a very positive way as she was more easily able to focus and function in her daily life, even with the challenges that came with her different roles as a parent, spouse, daughter and teacher.

She achieved her 200 hour yoga teacher certification in 2007 with Om Shanti Yoga and has been teaching hatha yoga, yin & restorative as well as chakra balancing every since becoming certified.

Stephanie’s goal is to have her students learn how to breathe effortlessly while performing yoga poses in an effective and safe manner so that they leave each of her classes feeling clear-minded, lighthearted and energized so that they too can face the challenges and joys of everyday life

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Her philosophy is “It’s only yoga, so don’t be too hard on yourself. Enjoy the journey and just breathe”

Hi, I’m Peg the LMT. I've been a licensed massage therapist for 17 years and I still love what I do. My purpose is to heal one body at a time with a firm and confident hand. My time with you is your time, not mine. I am here to facilitate your therapeutic needs.

I am flexible in my care and I create a safe atmosphere so you can let go and relax. Your comfort and safety is my greatest concern. I listen to my clients and provide deep tissue, relaxation, therapeutic, prenatal, swedish and some medical massage.

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I have a stretch protocol I follow as well. Looking forward to treating and gaining client confidences so a long lasting relationship can be had. Thank you for your time- peace n love, LMT Peg

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Caring for and preserving skin has been the most rewarding part of my life for a decade.

I love making people feel informed, confident, and comfortable with their spa experiences.  

As a former educator of esthetics, I love to learn and teach about products, ingredients and the effects of our treatments.

 I’m a firm believer that mutual understanding, education, and client satisfaction make for the best services.  I love to customize services for each beautiful individual that visits our spa.  

Skincare has become a true passion of mine over the past few years. I love helping people feel confident in their skin while creating an experience that leaves them relaxed, refreshed, and glowing.

My approach is always personalized, focusing on treatments that support each client’s unique skin needs and long-term results.

Whether it’s a facial, lash lift, brow service, or advanced treatment, my goal is for every client to feel truly cared for and leave loving their results.

I take a genuine approach with each treatment because I truly want the best for every individual’s skin. Nothing makes me happier than seeing a client leave feeling confident, glowing, and excited to come back for their next visit.

Self motivated and hardworking Physician Assistant with over 22 years experience, and expertise in Aesthetic injectables. Graduated PA school in 1998 and began working for an Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Center on Long Island. There she learned and got the base of her training on neurotoxins and dermal fillers. She was the solo injector for the practice for 15 years. She continues to educate herself with the latest advances on product and injection techniques. She currently offers her expertise to various clinics. We are excited to have her join our practice and are confident you will love her!

During college, Nicolette decided to create a long-lasting lifestyle change. She became dedicated to becoming the best version of herself by prioritizing her health and fitness.

Her love for fitness began in her college-town gym while taking a spin class. As she began to venture into different facets of fitness, she found Pilates- a type of workout that she finds healing for the mind, body, and soul.

Ever since Nicolette received the opportunity to begin teaching pilates, she has not looked back. She believes that every time one gets on the mat, it is an opportunity to better yourself, one hour at a time.

LCSW, ACSW

I am a clinical social worker in private practice. I have forty years of experience working with people with a multitude of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, parenting, relationships, personal growth and life challenges.

My training is vast and varied as I am a perpetual seeker of knowledge and self-expansion.

My presence has evolved as a spiritual healer invoking mind/body, energetic, psychodynamic and divine guidance in assisting individuals on their journey.

My name is Tami, I'm one of the Licensed Massage Therapists at Pod Spa.

Throughout my 13-year career I have worked in high end spas and chiropractic offices.

I love to blend a head-to-toe relaxation treatment with focused work to areas of concern. I have training in Swedish Massage, Acupressure, Medical Massage, Sports Massage, Deep Tissue, Trigger Point Therapy, Pregnancy Massage, Hot Stone Massage, and Reflexology.

I believe that massage therapy is a great way to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and ease pain. I'm excited to be a part of the Pod Spa team and look forward to meeting you soon! 

Having a lifelong love for beauty and skincare, I believe in treating skin with both knowledge and care to support overall well-being and self-love.

This career has been a dream of mine for years, and I'm proud to be doing what I love every day. My passion lies in helping others feel confident, beautiful, and comfortable in their own skin. By helping others with the right knowledge and care, healthy skin is possible for everyone.

In my space, you'll always be met with kindness, support, and customized treatments tailored just for you.

Hi, I’m Sofiia

A newly licensed esthetician beginning my journey at Pod Spa!

Beauty and care have always been close to my heart.

Growing up, I was inspired by two amazing women—my mom, a nurse, and my sister, an esthetician—who taught me how rewarding it is to care for others and help people feel their best. 

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Now I’m so excited to follow my own path in the beauty industry! I love making people feel beautiful, confident, pampered, and comfortable in their own skin.

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I can’t wait to welcome you, grow with you, and help bring out your natural glow. 

Stacey Hirschmann (Param Atma) Shares a Vinyasa flow that offers a sense of coming home to yourself through inviting deep presence. She combines a variety of yoga styles, breath-work, meditation techniques and various levels of postures to encourage inner and outer strength, relaxation and rejuvenation.

Her yoga classes are great for a yogi who wants to explore in a safe and nurturing environment with an experienced teacher. Her passion resides in proper alignment with powerful breath, flow and mindfulness. She honors the individual and encourages students in their process of self inquiry and self realization.

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Stacey is a Level 2 Kundalini Teacher with Passion for this powerful practice because of the immediate positive effect for her body, mind and spirit. Her classes are nurturing and challenging and light up the space.

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My name is Liz, and I have been a certified trainer for the past 15 years.

As a child, I was involved in several different sports and activities, but was drawn more to dance and swimming. I guess you can say that I've always been active and full of energy! I enjoy the challenge of trying something new and pushing my body to see what I am capable of achieving.

When I'm not training, I work as a behavioral therapist. I have the unique ability to shape the body and the mind. It's the best of both worlds! In my free time, you can find me exploring the outdoors with my two toddlers or partaking in aerial arts.

I was introduced to Ashtanga yoga while living in London, but my practice grew once I was back in NY and started exploring different studios and styles. I had the opportunity to take teacher training program through Sonic Yoga, located in Manhattan, back in 2009 and started teaching shortly after that.

My practice was mostly vinyasa driven, but I learned to enjoy other styles of yoga too. Yoga challenges me physically, mentally and emotionally, which has helped me learn more about myself.

Over my time being a teacher, I’ve had the opportunity to teach at gyms, music festivals, art museums, and a local community college. I’ve had the pleasure of traveling with different yoga retreats to various countries like Brazil, Peru, Morocco and Costs Rica. After having my son 2 years ago, I’ve been learning to re-explore my body and navigate regaining my strength and core.

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My name is Nicky I have over 26 years of experience as a Licensed Massage Therapist, I specialize in Sports Massage, I can relate to the mindset of a athlete I was a former Figure Competitor on stage in fitness shows and can understand what it takes to prepare for a event.

My other specialities are neuromuscular therapy, and therapeutic body work designed to relieve pain, restore mobility, and promote overall well being. Every session is tailored to your needs, creating therapeutic and restorative care.

I believe true wellness begins with taking time to care for your body. Whether you are seeking relief from chronic pain, recovering from physical activity, or simply looking to unwind and recharge, my goal is to help you feeling renewed, balanced, and moving with greater ease.
I am looking forward to meeting you at Pod Spa!