MEET THE TEAM
Meet the salon and spa experts that elevate your experience to the next level.
Darwin Francisco
Master Massage Therapist
Darwin is a massage therapist certified since March 2001. With specialties in sports massage, injury recovery, and deep tissue work, he provides therapeutic care tailored to each client’s needs. Outside of massage, Darwin is an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys trail running, cycling (road, gravel, and mountain biking), and backpacking.
Kate Neufeld
Massage Therapist
Kate has been a massage therapist since 1990. She originally graduated from IPSB in San Diego, CA and in 2018 she went through another program at East-West Healing Arts in Madison, WI to learn Asian modalities and philosophies. She can give a great relaxation Swedish massage, but especially loves to deliver therapeutic deep work to the neck, shoulders and back areas. Her massages are a fusion of all that she has learned over the years and feels that we are all unique human beings, and no massage is a one size fits all. She loves what she does and considers it more of a calling than a job.
Kari Arends
Massage Therapist
Kari is a highly skilled and compassionate massage therapist at Avalon Salon & Spa, bringing years of experience in personalized bodywork and client care.
Before joining Avalon, Kari served as a massage therapist at Serasana in Littleton, CO (2020–2021), where she trained and mentored a team of over 20 therapists. She provided a wide range of massage services, including 30-, 60-, and 90-minute sessions, and specialized in modalities such as Swedish, deep tissue, sports, prenatal, aromatherapy, and relaxation techniques.
Kari is passionate about tailoring each session to meet the individual needs of her clients, combining technical expertise with a holistic approach to wellness. She also provides thoughtful at-home and long-term care recommendations, including targeted stretches, exercises, and ongoing treatment plans, helping clients maintain their results and overall well-being.
Derek Majjasie
Massage Therapist
Derek Majjasie is a highly skilled massage therapist with over 11 years of hands-on experience, committed to helping clients feel better in their bodies and restore a sense of calm and balance. He specializes in a range of modalities including Swedish, prenatal, sports massage, lymphatic drainage, hot stone therapy, and cupping—always customizing each session to fit individual needs. Whether clients are managing chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or simply seeking relaxation, Derek creates a safe and supportive environment for healing. Outside the treatment room, he enjoys cycling, snowboarding, and playing hockey.
Jordan Lehmberg
Esthetician
Jordan Lehmberg graduated from the Stacey James Institute in June 2025 and has quickly found a passion for all things skincare. With a special love for facials, Jordan is dedicated to helping clients feel confident and cared for through personalized treatments and a growing expertise in esthetics. Outside of the treatment room, Jordan enjoys reading, gaming, creative writing, and watching romance dramas. At home, Jordan loves relaxing and spending time with their cat.
Leah Marcus-Gonzales
Esthetician
Leah Marcus-Gonzales graduated from Warren Tech in May 2022 with a focus in Esthetics and began her professional career just two months later. She is passionate about the science of skincare—especially the customization and chemistry behind products and home care routines that create lasting results. Leah loves helping clients achieve healthy, radiant skin and the confidence that comes with it.
Outside of the treatment room, Leah enjoys spending time with her family, watching documentaries, supporting her younger brother at his baseball and basketball games, and going to concerts.
Katie Nguyen
Nail Technician
Katie has been licensed since 2003 and joined Avalon Salon & Day Spa in May 2025. She brings years of nail expertise, specializing in dipping powder and Shellac manicures. Katie is passionate about providing detailed, long-lasting nail services. When she’s not at the salon, she loves traveling, going on walks, and crocheting.
Karen Breffle
Master Stylist
Master Stylist at Avalon Salon & Day Spa since 2006, Karen brings nearly two decades of experience, creativity, and precision to every appointment. Known for her attention to detail and personalized approach, she’s passionate about helping clients look and feel their best.
Heidi Millard
Advanced Stylist
A graduate of the Aveda Institute of Denver (Class of 2014), Heidi has spent the past decade helping clients express their beauty through creativity and color. Hair color is her true passion, and she finds joy in crafting customized looks that bring confidence and radiance to each guest.
Outside the salon, Heidi is an adventurer at heart. Whether she’s diving into a captivating book or exploring the outdoors with her kids, she’s always seeking new experiences. From hiking and camping to swimming and curiosity-filled outings, Heidi values the kind of active, inquisitive life that inspires her both personally and professionally.
Brookelyn McWilliams
Advanced Stylist
Brookelyn graduated in 2020 and has spent the past three years in the beauty industry. Her passion for enhancing natural beauty fuels her creativity in every appointment. With a particular love for all-over colors, she enjoys showcasing the unique features of each individual using Aveda’s natural products. Outside of the salon, Brookelyn enjoys snowboarding with her boyfriend, curling up with a good book, and spending quality time with her cherished cats Milo and Murphy. With her artistic eye and warm personality, she’s eager to help you look and feel your best!
Maddie Mayorga
Stylist
With a vibrant spirit and a passion for helping others feel their best, Maddie brings warmth and creativity to every client experience. Her deep love for fashion and beauty shines through in her work, where she blends style and skill to enhance each guest’s natural confidence. Outside the salon, Maddie shares her energy and artistry as a dance instructor, inspiring the next generation of performers through movement and mentorship.