Meet the Team

Driven by their mutual commitment to inspire and empower women, Lisa Kasanicky and Dena Patton took the Valley by monsoon in 2006 with their first Summer Spaaah Series fundraiser for Fresh Start Women's Foundation. By merging their distinct voices and complementary strengths, Lisa and Dena teamed up to produce two summer tours in 2006 and 2007 that were filled with 12 unique parties at the Valley's top beauty and spa destinations. Both summers sold out and were a hit with attendees thanks to all the hard work of the spa staff, management, volunteers, charity and behind-the-scenes crew who came together to make it happen. The 2008 series will be produced by Lisa and the staff of Arizona SpaGirls with Dena (and her new baby) as loyal sponsors. With each event, our goal is to connect you with the wonderful beauty and wellness destinations the Valley has to offer while giving you a space to re-connect with friends and loved ones or to take time for yourself. We look forward to seeing you at one (or more!) of the events!

Lisa Kasanicky, Cofounder and Events Producer

Our local spa go-to gal, Lisa brings her vast knowledge of the beauty and relaxation biz to the team and helps unite attendees with the best spa venues that the Valley has to offer. Lisa is the brains and voice behind ArizonaSpaGirls.com, the insider guide to Arizona spas, salons and the SpaGirl lifestyle. She is also author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Girlfriend Getaways, due out in bookstores in January 2009. Kasanicky's mission is to cultivate the notion that the spa experience is not just a luxury set aside for a lucky few and is instead, the soul's requirement for a life in check.

 Favorite spa treatment: "I'll take a facial and scalp massage any day of the week!"

 Favorite saying: "If life gives you lemons, make some kind of fruity juice." —Conan O'Brien

Dena Patton, Cofounder

Dena is a boundaries coach and founder of Chat Chew & Chocolate, an events and education company that brings fun and friendship back into the lives of busy women worldwide. Patton is opening chapters across the country to support her vision of inspiring women to have fun and take time for themselves.

 Favorite spa treatment: "Sugar body scrubs feel ooooh-so good."

 Favorite saying: "Just do it and stop yapping about it!" —My grandmother

Photography

Capturing each and every fun detail of the 2008 events is Kevin Beaudoin of DM Art Studio Photograpy. Visit www.digitalimagesaz.com for more information about his work. Past photographers include Keith Pitts and Harrison Hurwitz.

Website

Our website was built by none other than our own Spa Boy, Chaz Kasanicky. Unfortunately, he is not for hire because not only is he the tech genius behind ArizonaSpaGirls.com, but he's got a honey-do list a mile long!

Illustratration

Joe Gunsten is the man who created our fun logo. Owner and principal of Activate Design, contact him for illustrations, logos, coroporate identity literature and development.

Cast and Crew

A special thanks goes to all the people who make these events possible. We couldn't do it without the involvement of Fresh Start management (both past and present) including Kathy Starses, Chloe Hanson and Donna Martin. Also props to the AZSpaGirls staff who pulls long days and nights planning these events down to the tiniest detail including Morgan Long, Kari Stolley, Carolyn Anger, Shelley Schadowsky, the Spa Boy and our ASU intern team of Michelle Stewart and Andrew Burns (AKA, Spa Boy No. 2). Finally, hugs all around to our loyal volunteers who show up with smile on their days off to make these events run smoothly.