Our Therapists & Staff
Choosing a therapist
Eagles Nest Massage Therapy has both female and male therapists. All therapists have their own personal areas of training and expertise. We encourage you to try a number of therapists to find the one that you feel most relaxed with and provides you the style you enjoy. Some clients choose to make their appointments with the same therapist for all of their visits, while others choose to make appointments with a variety of therapists. We encourage you to do that which fits you personally. Please refer to the therapists menu below for more information on what styles each individual therapist offers.
Laura Elizabeth Opseth
Quote:”It’s all in a lifetime, sun, shadow, and pain. There is never a rainbow until after the rain.” - Unknown
Therapy: General Relaxation/Rejuvenation, Deep Tissue/Needs Specific, Sustained Deep Pressure, Pregnancy, Sports
Training: 780 hour program at Health Works Institute – Bozeman, Montana with studies in above modalities as well as swedish, neuromuscular therapy, and PNF techniques, Nationally Certified, Yoga North 200 hour teaching certificate.
What I like best about body work: Being able to facilitate the unique experience an individual can receive during a massage session; seeing my clients walk out the door rejuvenated and feeling more connected with themselves.
Biography: I have been in and out of Duluth many times throughout the years following my graduation from East High School, spending most of my time in Montana and Seattle before moving back to Duluth. While in Bozeman, I received my massage training and worked in Big Sky for a few winters. Upon moving to Seattle I practiced in a physical therapy office and an Aveda spa. Working in a variety of atmospheres has allowed me to expand my skills and help clients’ specific needs. My greatest joy lately has been getting back into running and remembering what that does for the body and soul, often accompanying me on runs is my dog Perry, who has also started making occasional appearances at Eagles Nest.
Hours: Mondays 8:30am – 2:30pm, Tuesdays 3pm-9pm, every other Saturday 9am – 5pm, every other Sunday 12pm – 6pm
Richard Anderson
Quote: ”Always look on the bright side of life. Live for today, for tomorrow isn’t here yet.”
Therapy: General Relaxation/Rejuvenation, Deep Tissue/Needs Specific, Sustained Deep Pressure, Pregnancy
Training: 720 hours – Massage Therapy program at Duluth Business University with training in above modalities as well as neuromuscular therapy, geriatric and special needs.
What I like best about body work: The satisfaction people get from receiving massage. Making people happy makes me happy.
Biography: I am happily married with two wonderful children that we raise in Knife River, where my wife grew up. I’ve been in the Duluth area all my life and find it a blessing to be so close to one of the largest fresh water lakes on earth. I have many relatives in the area that I love to camp, hike, fish, hunt, ride four wheelers and do many other outdoor activities with. I also enjoy volunteering for marathons and other civic activities.
Hours: Wednesdays 8:30am – 2:30pm, Fridays 8:30am – 2:30pm, every other Saturday 9am – 5pm, every other Sunday
noon - 6pm
Deanna Ellestad
Quote: “If you can’t see God in all, you can’t see God at all.” Yogi Bhajan
Therapy: General Relaxation/Rejuvenation, Needs Specific, Sustained Deep Pressure, Pregnancy, Cranio-Sacral, Myofacial Release, Reflexology, Ortho-Bionomy, Sports, Raindrop Therapy
Training: BS.-Medical Technology, BA.-Nursing, I received my first 100 hours from Eagles Nest Institute in 1994 and have added another 460 hours from various training modalities listed above as well as Qi-ssage, yogic massage, geriatric, sound therapy,reiki, qigong, and Sat Nam Rasayan (yogic form of energy healing). I am also a certified Hatha and Kundalini yoga teacher, certified Spring Forest Qigong Level 1 instructor, as well as a certified chef/ instructor for live/raw food preparation.
What I like best about body work: For me, it is a privilege and honor to share my gifts and skills with clients. I cherish my clients for they give me the opportunity to do something that I truly love: assisting them on their path to wholeness and wellness. My clients also help to evolve me and what I do in my practice. When I see a need that I may not have the skill or experience to address, I am given the opportunity to explore and research other modalities that would address those needs or find other practitioners that can address those needs. Being a massage therapist gives me the opportunity to learn more about the body. mind & spirit.
Biography: I was born in Mellen, WI on a 400 acre dairy farm. My father and grandfather also owned and managed a campground. When I was 8 years old, we sold the farm and moved to Ashland, WI, where I lived until I graduated from Ashland High School in 1980. I graduated from UW-Superior with a Medical Technology degree, met and married my husband (now of 25 years!) and worked in SMDC’s lab as a Med. Tech. for 10 years. I developed a cervical spinal injury while I was going to Scholastica for my RN degree. During my junior year in my RN program, I was introduced to massage and decided to include massage training in my curriculum. This is when I participated in Eagles Nest Institute’s massage training program. It actually helped me get through my nursing program. I graduated with my RN degree, worked for SMDC as a clinical and pediatric home care nurse and also worked for UMD’s Behavioral Science research department studying stress and pain. I currently work part-time at The Essence of Health. I also do nutritional and healthy lifestyle consultations. I live in Knife River, MN, where my husband and I own and manage the Knife River Campground. We have two dogs and a cat that help us to stay centered and in the present moment. We rescued them and they have rescued us right back!
Hours: Wednesday 8:30am – 2:30pm, Thursday 3pm – 9pm, every other Saturday 9am -5pm
Gina Vuicich
Quote: Never be afraid to try. Remember, an amateur built the ark and a professional built the Titanic.
Therapy: General Relaxation/Rejuvenation, Deep Tissue/Needs Specific, Sustained Deep Pressure, Pregnancy, Lymphatic Drainage
Training: 600 hours at Lake Superior College. Training in above modalities as well as Geriatric and Seated Chair Massage.
What I like best about body work: I love seeing the relaxed and content look on a client’s face when they have fully relaxed and just let go of their stresses. We have a tendency to always be on the run and forget about taking time to honor ourselves. I love it when people come to the understanding that self-care truly is important.
Biography: I have lived in Duluth, Minnesota for eight years and love the many wonderful places in the area. I am originally from Virginia, MN and decided to move here to attend Lake Superior College. When I am not working I am usually spending my time at the public library, power walking with friends, or buried deep in books at Barnes and Noble.
Hours: Monday 3pm – 9pm, Thursday 3pm – 9pm, Friday 8:30am – 2:30pm, and every other Saturday 9am – 5 pm, every other Sunday 12pm – 6pm
Eric Bong
Quote: Compassion, compassion, compassion.
Therapy: General Relaxation/Rejuvenation, Deep Tissue/Needs Specific, Sustained Deep Pressure, Pregnancy, Sports, Lymphatic Drainage
Training: 625 hour program at Lake Superior College. Training in above modalities as well as Child/Infant Massage, Neuromuscular Therapy and Seated Chair Massage
What I like best about body work: Helping people attain and maintain healthy bodies, minds, and souls.
Biography: I grew up in the woods north of Cloquet, and moved to Duluth in 2001. I have completed degrees in Studio Art and Philosophy, and most recently became a Certified Massage Therapist in May of 2010. I also serve as a yoga instructor and at a local herbal dispensary, learning and teaching about the many medicinal uses of plants. I wish to deepen my understanding of what it means to be a therapist with further related study in health and spirituality. My ultimate goal is to one day operate an integrated health clinic, incorporating conventional medicine and alternative health options from multiple traditions.
Hours: Tuesday 8:30am – 2:30pm, Wednesday 8:30am – 2:30pm and every other Sunday noon – 6pm
Kirstin Whiting
Quote: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. -Robert Frost
Therapy: General Relaxation/Rejuvenation, Deep Tissue/Needs Specific, Sustained Deep Pressure, Lymphatic Drainage
Training: 600 hours from WITC-Ashland, WI. Training in above modalities as well as Swedish, Geriatric, Trigger Point and Seated Chair Massage – Nationally Certified
What I like best about body work: Being able to help others reach a state of relaxation and calmness of mind that is often ignored in the busy lifestyles we lead. I find helping others reach their goal of improving their health and get back in tune with their body to be very rewarding.
Biography: I recently moved to Superior where I am currently going to school for business management at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College. I grew up in the Ashland area where I went to school for massage therapy and graduated in May 2011 with honors. My true passions are learning about holistic healing and being with animals, especially horses. I grew up riding horses and have owned my own for many years. Some other hobbies I also enjoy are hiking, camping, harvesting plants, traveling to visit friends and being with my family.
Hours: Tuesday 3pm – 9pm, Thursday 3:30pm – 9pm, Friday 3pm – 9pm and every other Saturday 9am – 5pm
Heather Duhaime
Quote: “Life is not about finding yourself, it is about creating yourself.”
Therapy: General Relaxation/Rejuvenation, Deep Tissue/Needs Specific, Sustained Deep Pressure, Pregnancy, Sports, Relaxation
Training: 600 hours at Lake Superior College. Training in above modalities as well as Geriatric and Seated Chair Massage.
What I like best about body work: I love the feeling of helping people and knowing I make a difference in their life. My favorite days at work are the days when people come in with a complaint area and I get the opportunity to help them feel better. It is so rewarding when clients are leaving feeling relaxed and without pain.
Biography: I got my “happy ever after” almost a year and half ago when I married my husband Rob. We have two children, my son, Landon and daughter, Aubree. I grew up in Duluth and have ventured to other areas of the country; most recently living in Wrightstown, New Jersey. I love going for hikes, feeding the ducks at our favorite parks, dancing, making candles, and spending time with family.
Hours: Mondays 8:30am – 2:30pm, Tuesday 8:30am – 2:30pm, Thursday 3pm – 9pm, Fridays 3pm – 9pm, Every other Sunday 12pm – 6pm
Terry Gatley
Quote: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” -Ghandi
Therapy: General Relaxation/Rejuvenation, Deep Tissue/Needs Specific, Sustained Deep Pressure, Pregnancy, Sports, Reflexology, Cranio-Sacral
Training: 800+ hour program at the Utah College of Massage Therapy. Training in above modalities as well as Swedish, Structural, Acupressure, Trigger Point, Hydrotherapy, and Esalen relaxation. – Nationally Certified
What I like best about bodywork: Having the tools necessary to facilitate healing in my clients, along with being able to heal and rejuvenate myself throughout my work. I enjoy having a better understanding about the human body and how the art of holistic touch can rekindle physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
Biography: After recently graduating from the Utah College of Massage Therapy, I found myself following my instincts and moving to Duluth, Minnesota. I’ve always had a feeling I was supposed to help others, but I could never put my thumb on exactly what I wanted to do. After some soul searching I found myself at UCMT, and found my heart in the world of massage therapy. I metaphorically and physically put my thumb on what I wanted and now I am at the Eagles Nest, happy as a little kid on Christmas everyday knowing I followed a dream I never knew I had.
Hours: Monday 3pm-9pm, Wednesday 3pm-9pm, Friday 3pm – 9pm, every other Saturday 9am – 5pm
Marcie Thole
Quote: “The best journeys answer questions that, in the beginning, you didn’t think to ask.”
Therapy: General Relaxation/Rejuvenation, Deep Tissue/Needs Specific, Sustained Deep Pressure, Pregnancy, Sports
Training:BAS in Exercise Science. 750 hour program at the Cortiva- Desert Institute of the Healing Arts (now Cortiva Institute) – Tucson, Arizona, with studies in above modalities as well as Swedish, Seated Chair Massage, Myofacial Release, Hydrotherapy, and PNF techniques.
What I like best about body work: I also work as a firefighter for which the drive to help people is inherent, and we are there for people in emergency situations. Body work brings a balance for me, to a place where I can help people in a calm, quiet, safe setting. I really enjoy that I can go beyond just mitigating a problem, and actually improve someone’s quality of life.
Biography: I grew up in Benson MN and joined the Air Force soon after high school. I was a meteorologist stationed in Tucson AZ, where I decided to pursue education and training in massage therapy. I separated from active duty in 2008 and joined the Air National Guard here in Duluth and attended UMD. At this time I made a career change from meteorology to airfield firefighting, and completed my AAS degrees for both. I worked as a massage therapist at UMD while I finished my BAS, and also volunteered for their outdoor program, teaching outdoor skills and sports, and leading multi-day trips for students and community members. I currently live in Rice Lake Township and spend my time traveling, hunting, fishing, and doing almost every imaginable outdoor sport. I also train myself and a few friends for competitive events such as races and triathalons.
Hours: Tuesdays and Wednesdays 3pm – 9pm, and every other Saturday 9am-5pm
Adrian Christianson
Quote: ”And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes…” – Rev. 21:4
Therapy: General relaxation/Rejuvenation, Deep tissue/needs specific, Reflexology.
Training: 750 hr program through Williston State College. Licensed in the state of North Dakota from 2006-2011. Owned and operated massage therapy office in Minot, ND. One hundred hours of continuing education in Swedish, Trigger Point, Geriatric, Stretching, Seated Chair Massage and other various modalities.
What I like best about bodywork: We live in a stressful world. To take some of that stress away and restore a quality of life brings me deep satisfaction. I appreciate working with clients to eliminate pain and discomfort, giving them a sense of well-being, that also settles up myself.
Biography: I was born and raised in the middle of North Dakota. I recently moved to Solon Springs, WI, where I desire to raise my family and to live simply. Working for a cabinet shop for many years I decided to make a career change and try something I’ve always been interested in. I enrolled in a massage therapy program and have continued to grow into the profession. I also enjoy new experiences and new places. I have a travel bug that has taken me to Europe, South America, Central America, and the majority of North America. Running, biking, and anything having to do with water fills my spare time.
Hours: Thursday 8:30am – 2:30pm, Friday 3 – 9pm, every other Saturday 9am – 5pm
Stef Kemp
Quote: ”Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love” – Lao Tzu
Therapy: General Relaxation/Rejuvenation, Deep Tissue/Needs Specific, Sustained Deep Pressure, Pregnancy, Lymphatic Drainage
Training: 720 hr program through Duluth Business University w/training in above modalities as well as trigger point, seated chair massage & geriatric.
What I like best about bodywork: Offering the gift of healing to others. Assisting my clients to achieve a heightened sense of self and relaxation is a gift that I’m honored to share.
Biography: I grew up in Central Illinois and decided to make the move to the northwoods in the winter of 2003. Shortly after moving here I enrolled in a massage therapy program and just fell in love with what I was given the opportunity to learn. I graduated with honors in the fall of 2004. Since then I have been actively practicing, ever growing and building my skills as a therapist. In addition to massage therapy, I also have enjoyed working as a volunteer coordinator and adoption program manager for the local humane society. When I’m not working, I tend to fill my days with the art of dance, loved ones, spending quality time hiking with my furry four legged child, cooking, and last but not least…relaxing!
Hours: Tuesday 8:30am – 2:30pm, Wednesday 3 – 9pm, Thursday 8:30am – 2:30pm, Friday 8:30am – 2:30pm, every other Sunday noon – 6pm
Marcy Kernez
Quote: “Trust in yourself”
Therapy: General Relaxation/Rejuvenation, Needs Specific, Sustained Deep Pressure, Pregnancy esalen relaxation, deep tissue, pregnancy, geriatric and seated chair massage, holistic wellness coaching
Training: Bachelors of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy received in 1987. 400 hours of massage training. Nationally Certified bodyworker since 1992. Certified in spiritual direction, Renewing Life facilitator - Nationally Certified
What I like best about body work: To bring a person to a level of comfort and relaxation rarely visited by most.
Biography: I grew up in Hopkins, MN and have lived in Duluth since 1988. In 1990 I was blessed to be one of the initial founders of Eagles Nest Massage Therapy. I have greatly enjoyed working and growing Eagles Nest Massage in the Duluth area. I have also worked as an occupational therapist throughout the Twin Ports area ending that career with teaching at St. Scholastica in their OT program, and have recently held the position of Program Manager of SMDC Caring Ways Cancer Resource Center. Being a cancer survivor myself, it was a great experience to develop the resource center, providing resources and programs to assist cancer patients and their families. My husband, Bob, is our beloved Eagles Nest maintenance man and also works as an RN. I have two children, Carly and Noah, who love to teach me the joys of living in the present moment.
Hours: Marcy is currently not accepting new massage clients but is accepting clients for holistic wellness coaching. To schedule your wellness coaching session please call her directly at 218-391-6571.
Eagles Nest Support Staff
Betsy McDevitt - Assistant Manager
Quote: The best time to relax is when you don’t have the time for it. Life is too short to not spend our days in enjoyment of each other and ourselves.
What I like best about my work: I love the atmosphere at Eagles Nest: positive, encouraging and peaceful. Coming to work is a pleasure.
Biography: I have a back ground in personal training, pilates instruction, food psychology coaching, and extensive study in natural medicine, aromatherapy and holistic eating. As a wife and mother of three boys and a Duluth native, I try to share this beautiful city and all it has to offer with my children and husband. Hiking, playing survivor, and swimming are just some of the things we love to do.
Maggie Bryde - Receptionist
Quote: “Happiness is neither a virtue nor pleasure nor this thing or that, but simply growth….we are happy when we are growing.” -William Yeats
What I like best about my work: I love having a place to work that is calm and relaxing. It has been a pleasure working with everyone at Eagles Nest and I enjoy supporting them in creating a welcoming and a stress-free environment!
Biography: After graduating from college in Chicago, IL and serving as an AmeriCorps member at a Chicago school, I migrated up north for a True North AmeriCorps position as a community educator and event coordinator with PAVSA in downtown Duluth. I have truly been enjoying the change in scenery and becoming a part of the Duluth community…so many wonderful sights and wonderful people!
Nicole Bedard - Receptionist
Quote: “Nothing is more important than reconnecting with your bliss. Nothing is as rich. Nothing is more real.” -Deepak Chopra
What I like best about my work: Working at Eagles Nest has been a wonderful experience for me. I love seeing clients get the chance to completely relax. The world we live in can be stressful and hectic, and being able to see firsthand the benefits of massage therapy at work really brings me joy.
Biography: I have lived in Duluth my entire life, and I really do love it here! Duluth is such a beautiful city, and I love walking the many trails, whether it is by myself or with my two puppies, BeBop and Rock Steady. I also love to travel! I currently have a goal of traveling to Italy and spending three to four months traveling. I hope to depart sometime in 2012.
Jackie Vavrosky - Receptionist
Quote: Faith is just like a muscle, and we have to exercise it, even flex it. Sometimes we have to flex it in difficult situations. -David Denotaris
What I like best about my work: I enjoy each day I get to come to work for Eagles Nest. The environment is calm and relaxing. The staff and clients are kind and friendly. What’s not to like?
Biography: I grew up here in Duluth and will probably never leave, I love Duluth! I have a beautiful 9 year old daughter, who is my whole world! I spend most of my time with my daughter and family - family is so important to me. I also enjoy hiking, swimming, camping and just being outdoors.
Call (218) 625-2353 to Schedule
