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Dr. Lynn KeenanThe owner of Renaissance, Lynn is a poster child for mid-life career change. Previously a professor at the University of Washington in Seattle, she was transferred to Port Angeles in 1997 to establish a graduate program in social work for the UW. In 2003, the University took that successful program to the world wide web as an online degree program. While loving the life of the mind, Dr. Keenan, a social worker prior to becoming a social work educator, understood she preferred working face to face with people. She never returned to Seattle. Instead, Lynn ran a small local research company while studying massage and pondered the "next assignment". That assignment--a merging of careers--turned out to be Renaissance, a place for massage and learning. Dr. Keenan brings a love of science, a respect for the art of massage, and a commitment to service to Renaissance. Expect superior massage, effective classes, and meaningful experiences, but fear not, no homework will be assigned! Lynn Keenan is a Washington State licensed massage practitioner: License# MA00021304. 
Meggan UeckerHere from the days during which Renaissance was moving from vision to reality, Meggan Uecker has been serving clients since we opened our doors, assuring that they come back over and over again. This earnest, gifted practitioner pursued a career in massage therapy to help others feel good in their bodies, and to show people the power of massage in the care of oneself. Hundreds of returning clients show that she's right on target. Meggan earned in massage license in Oregon in 2001 and has practiced at Renaissance since 2006. She has gone on to study Thai massage and Myofascial Release techniques, incorporating these approaches into her effective bodywork. In addition to her massage practice, Meggan enjoys time with her family and "walks the talk" of her love of community by serving in leadership roles with the Olympic Gleaners, Jefferson School PTO, and the Port Angeles Youth Soccer Club. Local kids, parents, and teachers will recognize Meggan as the mom who introduced the school system to the wonder of worms and their role in sustainability. Meggan Uecker is a Washington State licensed massage practitioner: License# MA00022160. 
Laura HanifyRenaissance is fortunate to welcome Laura Hanify to our staff. Laura is a gifted and experienced massage therapist who comes to us with 15 years of practice. Born and raised right here in Port Angeles, Laura also lived on the nearby Pacific coast where her father served as the Head Ranger in the Hoh Rain Forest. (Local history buffs will recognize her mother, Mary Lou Hanify, who wrote several books and articles about the Hoh and surrounding areas.) Laura attended Muscular Therapy Institute in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where she learned the art and science of massage from Ben Benjamin, PhD, one of the giants of today's massage profession. For those who are unfamiliar with massage education, learning to practice massage from Ben Benjamin would be something like learning to act from Vanessa Redgrave or hit a baseball from Babe Ruth. And in Laura's case, it shows! Providing massage since 1993 in both her own private practice and at the Olympic Center for Massage Therapy, Laura has been crafting a therapeutic massage approach characterized by focused deep tissue work. She is particularly proficient in addressing issues of the neck and upper back. When not practicing massage, Laura enjoys fixing things, making things, and on occasion, practicing ballet and yoga. She is currently enamored with a brand new granddaughter! Laura Hanify is a Washington State licensed massage practitioner: License# MA00009001. 
Leslie CampbellLeslie completed her massage training in 2003 at Peninsula College and has gone on to gain additional training in myofascial release, lymphatic drainage, massage for people with cancer, and Reiki--the Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. With a professional background in occupational therapy (25 years as an occupational therapist!) and extensive continuing education in anatomy, Leslie is an excellent clinical massage therapist. She is a preferred provider for both Uniform Medical Plans and Premera Blue Cross. In her free time, Leslie enjoys cycling, hiking, gardening, and knitting. Locals will recognize Leslie as a long-time member of Sequim Marimba, the much loved marimba band that warms and enlivens us through the summer sun and winter chill at festivals and concerts around the Peninsula. Leslie Campbell is a Washington State licensed massage practitioner: License# MA06008440. 
Amanda HogeAmanda Hoge received her massage training at The College of Massage Therapy at Bingham Memorial Hospital in 2008. She is trained in classic Swedish massage methods and deep tissue/clinical massage. Hoge moved to Port Angeles from Sitka, Alaska where she practiced spa-related massage at Baronof Lodge, on Warm Springs Bay. A strong, warm practitioner with a confident approach to massage, Amanda has expertise in hot stone massage. When combined with her remarkable Swedish massage skills, the stones from the mighty Columbia River provide a deeply relaxing and therapeutic hydrotherapy treatment. In addition to massage, Amanda loves the Pacific Northwest wilderness and enjoys hiking, fly fishing, and kayaking. A horticulturalist before becoming a massage therapist, Amanda enjoys all things botanical! Amanda is also our Cafe' Manager, making sure we are well stocked with fresh food from local farm, bakery, and apiary. Bringing considerable service experience with her from Alaska, Amanda is keeping our eye on the prize of well-pleased customers. Amanda Hoge is a Washington State licensed massage practitioner: License# MA00018226. 
Heather CaseHeather graduated from Port Townsend School of Massage in 2010. She began her massage career in a local chiropractic office where she honed her treatment massage skills. She’s a focused problem-solver when it comes to grouchy necks and other stubborn aches and pains. Heather provides a confident, effective massage. She grew up in neighboring Sequim and enjoys being right in the middle of a local four generation family, including her smart, spirited daughter. When not providing massage, Heather is an avid camper and surfer. Heather Case is a Washington State licensed massage practitioner: License# MA60173737. 
Dale WestDale begins his brilliant massage career in 2011 and Renaissance is fortunate to be one of his massage homes! Having completed training in Sports Massage, Swedish and Deep Tissue techniques at Port Townsend School of Massage, he went on to become certified in Advanced Orthopedic Massage through the School’s highly respected advanced training program. Since then Dale has assisted with instructing deep tissue massage classes at Port Townsend School of Massage as well as running the School’s massage event at Port Townsend’s legendary Rhody Run. He also provides massage at the nearby Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort in the Olympic National Park. Prior to entering the field of massage Dale was a wooden boat builder, designer, timberframer, and treehouse builder. When not doing massage, Dale is enjoying the company of his family, including his soulmate granddaughter. He is an avid traveler, adventurer, and bicyclist. Locals will recognize Dale as the dedicated volunteer and stage manager at the Juan de Fuca Festival since 2003. Dale West is a Washington State licensed massage practitioner: License# MA60202878. 
Brenda BillmarkBrenda Billmark has been practicing massage therapy since 2003 when she graduated from the Peninsula College Massage Program. She has a long-standing practice located in her nearby hometown of Sequim, where she was born and raised. We’re excited that Brenda has decided to expand her work to Port Angeles and chosen Renaissance as an avenue to do so! Brenda specializes in classic Swedish massage, with an emphasis on deep tissue massage. She is also a Reiki practitioner. Brenda is a preferred provider for Premera, KPS, and First Choice Health; she'll be spending Saturdays at Renaissance. When she’s not providing massage, Brenda enjoys gardening, biking, and spending relaxing time with family and friends. Her family includes two adult kids and JuJu, their beloved dachshund, who can be seen riding shotgun throughout the streets of Sequim, in Brenda’s bike basket! Brenda Billmark is a Washington State licensed massage practitioner: License# MA00018656. 
Jonel LyonsJonel Lyons is our (Smooth) Operations Manager. There are many systems that keep a small, multi-endeavored place like Renaissance going smoothly and Jonel takes the lead in developing and fine-tuning them. Our host and Renaissance marketplace wizard, Jonel brings a renaissance understanding of the power of place to create community and inspire well-being. With a background in human services and retail management, Jonel has an eye for design and an understanding of people and the worlds in which we move. Her work is infused with a commitment to create functional and comfortable spaces that reflect and support healthy lifestyles. Put more simply, Jonel makes us look good. Jonel enjoys interior design, gardening, reading, knitting, and qi gong--the ancient Chinese postural movement and breathing practice. When she's not at Renaissance Jonel and her husband Justin Pollack--the creator of our tea bar and building side signs--are refurbishing her family's century-old log home. Jonel is the 5th generation to live in the home set on her pioneer family's 60 acre Finn Hall Farm. 
Abby LatsonAbby Latson, a native of Port Angeles--like her parents before her--brings a love of good tea, cheese, and wine to Renaissance. We're lucky to have this passionate, thoughtful woman creating a space for Renaissance visitors. When Abby isn't at Renaissance or hanging with friends and family, she is busy as the lead singer and songwriter for the wildly popular, Abby Mae and the Homeschool Boys. Abby has studied classical violin since she was big enough to hold one, she's studied chemistry at the University of Washington and English Literature at Washington State University. Now THAT'S a Renaissance woman. 
Anna ManildiA local treasure, Anna Manildi requires little introduction. Before joining Renaissance as a receptionist/host and yoga instructor, Anna shared her expertise in program development, event organization, fundraising, and marketing first at Olympic Park Institute where she was the Program Director and Marketing Director for 10 years, then as Executive Director of the Juan De Fuca Festival for 10 years. Anna has taught yoga in Port Angeles since 1999. She is a certified instructor from both the Yoga Tree in Seattle and the Salt Spring Center for Yoga in British Columbia. Anna’s approach to yoga is gentle, with focus on structural integrity, breathing, and personal attention to individual needs. Renaissance is honored to be the place where this gifted instructor and host exercises her considerable gifts. When not at Renaissance Anna remains involved in event production and enjoys kayaking, hiking, music, cooking, and good times well spent with friends and family. 
Sam WalderSam joins us as a receptionist/tea wallah/barista for an all-too-short summer. He brings with him a virtually genetic gift of authentic service as he grew up in the local’s favorite, Traylors Restaurant, owned first by his grandfather, then his mother. A junior at the University of Puget Sound, Sam is studying music education. He is a clarinetist who is eager to inspire students the way music and his music teachers have inspired him. When not making music or tea, this warm, friendly Port Angeles native is out hiking and camping the high country. 
Jill ZarzezcnyOur Farmers Market booth hums under the direction of Jill Zarzezcny. You'll be dazzled by her wit, her considerable cheese knowledge and, best of all, her wealth of suggestions for many uses for delicious local cheeses. When not inspiring others to eat local cheeses, Jill is busy implementing the reforestation of the Elwha River Valley (her day job). She is the author of a food blog—tastingthelandscape.blogspot.com, and along with her husband, Justin, loves gardening, hiking, biking, camping, cooking, the company of dear friends, and, of course, eating. 
Leah BaumanWildly Popular Port Angeles School Teacher Slings Cheese on the Weekends! Yes, folks. It’s true. Leah Bauman shares her love of cheese and other local fare with you and us at our Farmers Market booth, at tasting events, even in the café when we’re lucky. Catch her when you can, she also has a penchant for fly fishing, canoeing, hiking, biking, and traveling. 
Jesse NutterJesse Nutter is our intrepid web designer and has been with us since before the doors opened here at Renaissance. Originally from Montreal, Quebec, Jesse has called Victoria, British Columbia his home since the early '90s. With an eclectic background ranging from graphic design, communications studies, and creative writing to information systems, data architecture, and web programming, Jesse fills the role of general internet-jack-of-all-trades here at Renaissance. Jesse has been working with the internet since the early days of Mosaic and rumor has it that some tiny fragments of his code are still kicking around in current versions of the Firefox browser. Having recently received his undergraduate degree in Intellectual History, Jesse is currently pursuing a new career in the liberal arts. He has several top-secret writing projects underway and is known to be a passionate political news junkie and avid globe-trotter. While currently semi-retired from the web design business, Jesse can still be convinced to build the odd website for people and causes he truly believes in, such as Renaissance!  |