Contact Island Retreat Spa & Salon | Bald Head Island, NC

Meet the Team

Justin Whisonant

Lead Massage Therapist

NC LMBT#20808

NC M#81963

Jori Fabanich

Assistant Spa Director &

Lead Nail Technician

NC Manicurist#85874

Stephanie Washburn

Lead Esthetician, RYT-200

NC Esthetician#28501

Rebecca "Becky" Beverly

Massage Therapist

LMBT#20949

Gillian "Gil" Grenz

Assistant Director of Marketing

Director of Fitness & Wellness

RYT-200

Dr. Haley Crane, DC, L.Ac.

Chiropractor & Acupuncturist

Functional Health Coach

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Samantha McNeal

Spa Coordinator & Nail Technician

NC Manicurist#95685

Julia Toney

Massage Therapist, CFT

NC LMBT#22316

Kylie Cole

Massage Therapist

NC LMBT#22722

Katelyn Wilke Thompson

Massage Therapist

LMBT#21134

Rebecca "Becky" Maley

Massage Therapist

NC LMBT#14267

Lili Gerrasch

Esthetician & Waxing

NC Esthetician#

Annette Roberts, RN

Massage Therapist

NC LMBT#21800

Amanda Lattarulo

Esthetician

NC Esthetician#31379

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Cristy Koebley

Hair Stylist

NC Cosmetologist#135894

Known For: Lived-in color, film & TV styling, and keeping guests laughing.

Ayden Andolina

Blowout Stylist

NC Cosmetology Apprentice

Ryan Bridgforth

Hair Stylist

NC Cosmetologist #120501

Lauren Davis

Hair Stylist

NC Cosmetologist #131479

currently on maternity leave

Lulu McCarthy

Nail Technician

NC Manicurist #97367

Ann Arroyo

Nail Technician

NC Manicurist#1519

Brooke Fogle

Nail Technician

NC Manicurist#88403

currently on maternity leave

Katie Guthrie

Owner & Spa Director

Katie and her husband Greg purchased Island Retreat in early 2016 following what she calls a "spiritual nudge" to pursue an opportunity they could not ignore. Having spent decades vacationing on BHI and working on-island in both restaurants and property management, the appeal of running one of its business drew her towards embracing the island's healing properties and pressing forward with re-thinking the spa's mission and vision. Read more...

Jorilee Fabanich

Assistant Spa Director &Licensed Nail Technician

NC M#85874

Jori has been a licensed nail tech for seven years and specializes in natural and structured gel nails. She is detailed and artistic, bringing her creative energy to life in her nail designs. In her off-time, she loves hiking with her hubby and two pups or lounging at the beach!

Jori and Sara both guide our guests with joy and a genuine desire to care and bring peace to your day.

Gillian "Gil" Grenz, RYT-200

Marketing & Group Fitness Liaison

Meet Gil! (pronounced like "Jill")

Gil has a passion for all things movement!

Her passion for yoga is deeply rooted in her collegiate and competitive dance background. In 2020, she received her 200-hour certification from the Yoga Alliance and became a certified Baptiste Educator.

Gil strives to incorporate her knowledge of anatomy into classes to optimize the body’s function.

Her practice is both strong and playful. In her classes, she strives to uplift, inspire, and guide students through a sequence that balances physical practice with mindfulness and meditation.

Laura Smith, RYT-500

Yoga Instructor & Spa Coordinator

Laura began practicing yoga in her thirties as a way to cope with anxiety. She was immediately struck by the way the brain and the body were connected and thus the transformative nature of the practice of yoga. Read more...

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Gillian "Gil" Grenz

Assistant Director of Marketing

Director of Fitness & Wellness

RYT-200

Dr. Haley Crane, DC, L.Ac.

Chiropractor & Acupuncturist

Functional Health Coach

Spencer Rubio

Yoga & Sound Bowl Practitioner

RYT-500

Alicia Linstead

Barre Instructor

Camille Spencer

Pilates, &Yoga Instructor

RYT-500

Laura Smith

Yoga Instructor & Spa Coordinator

RYT-500

Hailing from the picturesque landscapes of Upstate New York, I ventured to the vibrant city of Wilmington, North Carolina, where I have called home for the past six years. My journey in the beauty and wellness industry began as a skilled nail technician, a path I dedicated myself to for five fulfilling years.

However, my passion for holistic healing blossomed, leading me to transition into the realm of massage therapy back in 2022. With a strong foundation in guest care, I am committed to providing my clients with a nurturing and rejuvenating experience, embodying the essence of well-rounded care and relaxation.

Justin specializes in intuitive bodywork, assisted stretch therapy, and sports massage.

Stephanie Washburn is a licensed esthetician that believes in combining a holistic and scientific approach alongside healing physical touch to help navigate you towards your skincare goals. She graduated from the esthetician program at cape fear community college with honors, and routinely deepens her knowledge through continued research and education within her field. Stephanie specializes in customized facial treatments that focus on healing sun damage, treating acne, and maintaining our skin's health as we age. Steph is also a certified yoga instructor and ceramic artist.

The place I want to go every time I am on Bald Head. My facial was magical.

- Pat R.

Love Stephanie! She does an amazing job on Lash Lifts & Curls. - Julie B

Stephanie rocks! Best facial ever!

-Dean L.

Dr. Haley Crane is a Chiropractic Physician and Licensed Acupuncturist. Before graduating from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Florida, she earned her degree in Exercise Science and a minor in Health at UNC at Wilmington. She quickly realized after leaving NC for school she wanted to come back to serve her community.

Throughout school at Palmer, Dr. Crane attended the Motion Palpation club on campus where she was able to hone in her adjusting skills. Some techniques Dr. Crane utilizes are flexion distraction, Thompson drop and activator. Her goal is to help others improve their health with chiropractic care, nutrition, soft tissue massage and acupuncture. Dr. Crane, herself has always strived to find balance in her health and life and through that journey she understands the complexity and importance of finding balance and wellness. Her personal journey through her own health is what has introduced her to the health and medical field and what has inspired her to help others.

Fabulous as always! Highly recommend the yoga classes and massages! The entire spa is so relaxing and the staff is professional and very helpful. Go next time you are at BHI! LOVE Gil! - Natalie Y.

Meet Gil! (pronounced like "Jill")

She has a passion for all things movement! Her passion for yoga is deeply rooted in her collegiate and competitive dance background. In 2020, she received her 200-hour certification from the Yoga Alliance and became a certified Baptiste Educator.

Gil strives to incorporate her knowledge of anatomy into classes to optimize the body’s function.

Her practice is both strong and playful. In her classes, she strives to uplift, inspire, and guide students through a sequence that balances physical practice with mindfulness and meditation.

Wonderful spa experience as always! Becky is amazing! -Pattie S.

Wonderful spa experience as always! Becky is amazing! -Pattie S.

Wonderful spa experience as always! Becky is amazing! -Pattie S.

Massage is Becky’s true calling!

After dual careers of more than 20 years, Becky decided her next chapter in life would need to be as rewarding and beneficial to others as herself. Becky attributes her passion for massage therapy to her many massage experiences abroad during her military deployments. It was in 2016, her dream came true. Becky attended Northern Virginia School of Therapeutic Massage (NVSTM) located in Falls Church, Virginia.

Becky's bodywork incorporates gentle, but deep fascia work, stretching, and a thoughtful approach to guide healing and calm the nervous system.

Ryan Bridgforth

NC Cosmetologist #120501

I love being in the business of making others feel beautiful! I believe if you look good you feel good! It’s always a pleasure meeting new people behind the chair! I am originally from Connecticut where I worked as a stylist for 15 years but I am loving every minute of becoming apart of North Carolina! I specialize in dimensional, creative colors and trendy haircuts, as well as keratin treatments!

I look forward to each new day and the opportunity to style my next guest!

Cristy Koebley

NC Cosmetologist #135894

Hi, my name is Cristy—and no, there ain't no H.

I'm a Knoxville, Tennessee native (Go Vols!) and a graduate of Tennessee School of Beauty, where I apprenticed at my very first salon home, Belleza Salon & Spa. After working in several salons and spending some time booth renting, I packed up and headed to beautiful Wilmington, NC to pursue another passion: Film & TV hair.

My first show was Season 3 of One Tree Hill, and that cast and crew will always hold a special place in my heart. Over the past 20+ years, I've been fortunate to work on projects including Army Wives, Eastbound & Down, Vice Principals, The Righteous Gemstones, Scream 5, The Waterfront, and more. Film work has taught me to be adaptable—we're basically a salon on wheels—and I love that I get to bring that creativity and problem-solving into my work behind the chair.

Earlier this year, I found myself manifesting a group of people to grow with professionally. In February, I called Katie, we met for coffee, and a few weeks later my manifestation came true. I found my group at Island Retreat Spa & Salon.

These days, you'll find me both behind the hair chair and occasionally helping at the front desk. I've learned what "island time" really means, developed an impressive talent for sprinting to catch the ferry, and discovered that Bald Head Island feels a lot like getting paid to attend summer camp. What I love most is the sense of community here—the stories, the history, the people, and the way everyone shows up for one another. That's exactly how we operate at the spa, too: no one gets left behind.

As a hairstylist, I love learning. I don't know everything, but I want to. I'll happily dive into a manual, research a new technique, or phone a friend when needed. Taking great care of my guests is always the goal, and I take a lot of pride in my craft.

A few fun facts about me: I think I'm hilarious, I'm a social introvert, and I'm a responsible workaholic according to the Enneagram. I'm also a proud dog mom to Ringo, my 15-year-old Brussels Griffon, and Franc, who was rescued from a ditch as a puppy and has been keeping life interesting ever since. I love therapy, paint-by-number projects, jigsaw puzzles, yard putzing, and finding little treasures in everyday life.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me. I look forward to seeing you on the magical island of Bald Head.

Ayden Andolina

Born and raised in North Carolina, I am currently enrolled at the Aveda Institute and am excited to begin my career in the beauty industry. My passion is hair color, especially blonding and customized color services. I love being a part of each guest’s hair journey and helping them feel confident and beautiful. Outside of the salon I enjoy doing pilates, running, and being on the water. I look forward to welcoming you to my chair and helping you achieve your hair goals!

Lauren Davis

NC Cosmetologist #131479

currently on maternity leave

Originally from New Jersey, Lauren found her way to NC in pursuit of sunshine and beach days! Her love of hair stems from her youth when she would play with her mom's hair. Being a cosmetologist allows her space for creativity and she finds joy in creating beautiful color for her guests. Lauren specializes in color and bridal services and is excited to be part of the spa team. You will also see her at our reception desk as she floats between salon services and customer service.

Nail Care Technicians

Our fully licensed, caring and professional team of manicurists are here to provide expert nail care and incredibly relaxing service!

Ann Arroyo

NC Manicurist #1519

Ann is a Long Island native and now 26 year Southern infused nail technician. A trade professional for over 25 years, owning and operating many salons, Read more...

Jori Fabanich

NC Manicurist #85874

Hi, I'm Jori! I've been a licensed nail tech for five years and I specialize in natural and structured gel nails. I can't wait to make you feel your prettiest! In my off time, I love hiking with my hubby and two pups or lounging at the beach! I look forward to meeting you!

Brooke Fogle

NC Manicurist #88403

Hi! My name is Brooke Fogle and I’m a nail tech. I’m originally from California, and have been living in North Carolina for 2 years. My husband and I have twins who we just adore! Aside from nails, I love sitting by the pool, cooking, and doing crafts! I’ve been doing nails in North Carolina for 2 years and I love it! My favorite service to provide is a structured gel manicure. I have loved serving those who come to Bald Head, and hope that their time is made more enjoyable by coming to the spa!

Samantha McNeal

NC Manicurist #95685

Alicia Linstead

Barre Instructor

Living in San Francisco nearly twenty years ago and on a quest to recover from a back injury, Alicia found and immediately loved The Bar Method. During the process of healing her back and became a dedicated Bar Method read more...

Spencer Rubio

Yoga Instructor, RYT-500

Spencer is a 500-hour certified yoga teacher who brings a grounded, hands-on approach to every class. She’s passionate about strength, functional movement, and understanding how the body works—helping students build confidence, awareness, and resilience along the way. Spencer loves finding ways to bring yoga into everyday life, believing that what we practice on the mat should support us out in the real world. Her classes are a blend of challenge and support, always aimed at helping people feel stronger, more connected, and more empowered in their bodies.

Camille Spencer

RYT-500

Pilates Instructor

For Camille, movement is more than exercise; it’s a pathway to presence, self discovery, and feeling at home in your body. With over 1,000 hours of training and nearly a decade of teaching experience, she blends yoga, Pilates, sound healing, and somatic practices to create experiences that cultivate strength, awareness, and well-being.

Her classes invite students to move with intention, build confidence, and develop a deeper relationship with their bodies. Whether through an energizing flow, Pilates-based strength work, or restorative practices, she creates a supportive space that is both uplifting and empowering.

The mantra she lives by: “Be the type of energy that no matter where you go, you always add value to the spaces and lives around you.”

Laura Smith

Yoga Instructor, RYT-500

Visiting Wellness Practitioners

Island Retreat will host visiting wellness professionals with various backgrounds in the health and wellness sphere. From breath work to feng shui, acupuncture and more, we look forward to featuring new ways to practice self-care on-island and at home through the exceptional offerings by our visiting pros!

For a full list of upcoming workshops, courses and other opportunities to grow on your self-care journey, please view the Courses tab on our Mindbody page

or click here for our Class Schedule.