The owner and staff of Calming Effects Health Spa seek to redefine the spa-going experience in the Port Huron and greater St. Clair County areas. Patty Norton founded the spa in 2007. While Patty and then-partner Leah Wallace owned and operated The Spa at Birchwood, clients would dish about their experiences at other spas and salons, both near and far. Patty listened to their expectations for customer service and atmosphere and developed her vision for Calming Effects Health Spa.

Amanda

Specialization: Most types of massage, including Swedish, hot-stone, carpal tunnel, pre-natal and shiatsu, plus reflexology.

Experience: Certified massage therapist trained at Lakewood School of Therapeutic Massage, Port Huron. Three years experience as a massage therapist. Working toward National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.

Tells clients: "If you feel good about your body, you will feel good about your life. Everyone should have the experience of feeling pain-free."

Jackie

Specialization: All types of massage, with expertise in myofascial release, cranio-sacral, deep-tissue, prenatal and sports massage.

Experience: Certified Massage Therapist with a Bachelors Degree in Health Service Administration . More than 1,000 hours of specialized training in myofascial release, reflexology, chair massage and other treatments. Five six experience as massage therapist. Director of Massage Program at Baker College.

Tells clients: "Don't wait for painful muscles or an injury to schedule a therapeutic massage. As part of regular body maintenance, massage will benefit your overall health."

Leah

Specialization: Esthetician, all types of massage therapy.

Experience: National certification in massage therapy. Esthetics training at David Pressley School of Cosmetology. Training in use of glycolic peels at the Fosnaugh Center. Massage therapy training at Flint School of Therapeutic Massage, including certifications in advanced neck and shoulder and lower back therapies, myofascial release, reflexology, and sports, deep-tissue, prenatal and hot-stone massage.

Tells clients: "A younger-looking you is waiting beneath the face you see in the mirror."

Michelle

Specialization: Many types of Therapeutic Massage, including area-specific problems such as sciatica, carpal tunnel, and thoracic outlet syndrome.

Experience: Certified Massage Therapist, Bachelor’s degree in Health Service Administration Baker College of Port Huron. Working towards her Bachelor's Degree in Applied Science.

Tells clients: "Many people assume that they are supposed to endure their pain, but massage therapy can help them become pain-free and live a more productive life."

Tricia

Specialization: All types of massage, especially sports and therapeutic massage.

Experience: Has numerous clients among the Port Huron Ice Hawks hockey team. Certificate in Therapeutic Massage. Associates of Applied Science degree, Baker College of Port Huron. Going on three years of experience.

Tells clients: "A massage will help reduce stress for mind and body and bring you back to healthy state of well-being. You feel brand new."

Carrie

Specialization: Spa and specialty manicures and pedicures, paraffin treatments, nail art, Backscratchers fiberglass wraps and Backscratchers Extreme Acrylic Dip System.

Experience: Seventeen years in the beauty and nail industry. Many clients have stayed with her the entire 17 years. Carrie enjoys meeting new people and making women feel good about themselves.

Tells clients: "Pretty tips and pretty toes makes a girl feel like a woman."

Patty

Specialization: Natural spa manicures and pedicures, paraffin treatments, gel nails, silk and fiberglass wraps, nail art.

Experience: Owner of Calming Effects Health Spa. Michigan-licensed nail technician. Past co-owner of The Spa at Birchwood.

Tells clients: "When your fingers and toes look good, you feel good. The physical benefits are an added benefit."