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.

Patty

Specialization: Natural spa manicures and pedicures, Shellac manicures and gel nails.

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

Tells clients: "Our goal at Calming Effects Health Spa is to see that our clients have the best experience possible, are pampered and leave with a smile on their face."

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. Eight years 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."

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. Teaches Massage Therapy at Baker College.

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."

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. Five 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."

Tricia

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

Experience: Certificate in Therapeutic Massage. Associate of Applied Science degree, Baker College of Port Huron. Has four 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."

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."

Cheresa

Specialization: Esthetician. Speciality Facials-based on your specific skin type and goals. Make-Up artist.

Experience: Graduated from Michigan College of Beauty in 2008 with training in their extended esthetics program. Licensed by Michigan Board of Cosmetology.

Tells clients: "'Esthetics' is an idea of what is beautiful or artistic. It's a sense that is not only pleasing to the eye, but also to your soul."

Nancy

Specialization:European facials, facial peels, waxing services, face and legs.

Experience: State of Michigan Licensed Esthetician. Has ten years experience. Has worked in the spa setting and also in the medical setting during the ten years.

Tells clients: "You need to take care of yourself before you can take care of others."

Joanne

Specialization: Spa manicures and pedicures, silk and fiberglass wraps, acrylics, Shellac manicures.

Experience: 20 years as a nail technician, with 14 years as a certified Master Nail Technician.

Tells clients: "After holding hands with clients for 20 years, we have all realized that not only do they leave with 'jewels not tools,' but also the feeling of being well-cared-for. When you feel that way, you want to share your experience with friends and family, and then look forward to our next visit together."

Kim

Specialization: Spa manicures and pedicures.

Experience: Graduate of Paul Mitchell The School Great Lakes, Port Huron, 2009, with an interest in nail services. Licensed by the Michigan Board of Cosmetology.

Tells clients: "Everyone needs a little pampering once in a while."