Meet Our Team
Betty Chrestman, Founder, LMBT, CST
I have been developing and refining my skills in somatic healing for over twenty years.
This journey began in Oklahoma City where I earned an Associate of Occupational Studies Degree in Therapeutic Massage from Heritage College. I also received Certification from the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy in Westport for Acupressure, Kinesiology, and East/West Pathology.
Recently, I have acquired multiple certifications and training in various methods of therapeutic massage, energy work, CranioSacral and other treatments to enhance wellbeing.
I have lived and worked in several states, bringing my unique blend of empathic and pragmatic healing to clients from all walks of life.
After years of working in high end spas, including being backend and therapist manager for the Spa Soleil at Bonvoy Marriot on Hilton Head Island, I have returned home to Highlands with a vision of cultivating wellness throughout this community where I have chosen to raise my daughter, Edie.
I believe that the body is a conduit for profound healing-especially when a person is ready and open to the work. I also believe in the power of wellness and community, and am committed to ushering in this reality for all persons.
Being a creative and collaborative entrepreneur, I founded Unfurl Massage and Bodywork in 2021; a highly respected local business that showcases local artisans, healers, and provides bespoke experiences for individuals, groups, and events. I am excited to announce an expansion in progress to a full service spa, we will continue to offer healing modalities, and introduce our community to new and exciting therapies.
Candice Rose
Candice Rose, M. Psych. & Certified Life Coach, offers 1-1 therapeutic coaching in person for adults and teens.
She draws on a range of holistic tools and science-backed techniques to help you heal your past, and discover your unique strengths and talents so you can create the future you want.
Her coaching is so beneficial because it goes beyond talking to doing. It’s active, empowering, and applicable to daily life. She believes that everyone has the potential to achieve their dreams and live a fulfilling life.
Jessica Wilker
Jessica Wilker is a licensed Esthetician and holistic wellness practitioner with a deep-rooted passion for helping others look and feel their best—inside and out.
A graduate of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College’s Esthetics Technology program, Jessica earned a spot on the Dean’s List through her dedication and drive. She’s certified in advanced skincare techniques and she continually expands her expertise to stay at the forefront of the ever-evolving skincare field.
But Jessica’s approach goes far beyond the surface. As a certified Reiki practitioner, she integrates energy healing into her sessions to promote balance and inner peace. Her facials often include sound bowl therapy, using vibrational frequencies to soothe the nervous system and enhance relaxation. It’s not just about glowing skin—it’s about restoring harmony to the whole self.
Originally from Florida, Jessica now calls Highlands home, where she lives with her family. She brings the same grounding energy to her personal life as she does to her clients—valuing connection, mindfulness, and well-being in all she does.
Jessica’s mission is simple: to empower people to feel confident, centered, and at ease in their own skin. With a warm, intuitive presence and a personalized approach to every treatment, she helps clients leave not just refreshed, but truly renewed.
Cara Chase
Early in life I always felt the need to help and care for others. This interest was further sparked by spending time around elderly relatives, it was here that I first noticed the healing importance of touch in promoting wellbeing. These early experiences planted the seeds for my future in therapeutic massage. I graduated from the therapeutic massage program at SCC and received my licensure in 2020, thereafter working alongside chiropractor Dr. Sue Aery, providing therapeutic massage. Here I was able to hone and advance my skills and knowledge as I developed the ability to blend multiple techniques with intuitive touch to tailor each session to clients' unique needs. Among these techniques, I often incorporate lomi lomi, hot stones, table Thai, shiatsu, cupping therapy, and many others. I believe in the power of holistic healing and the body's innate ability to restore balance and harmony. I approach each session with empathy and intuition, focusing on the client's specific concerns and goals. Whether alleviating chronic pain, reducing stress, or enhancing overall well-being, I am dedicated to helping clients achieve optimal health through therapeutic touch. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two young children, being out in nature, and painting.
Lori Stolze
Born and raised amidst the serene vineyards of Napa, CA, I bring a lifetime of dedication to skincare. Since becoming a licensed aesthetician in 2007, I’ve channeled my passion for healthy, radiant skin into every client experience. My journey began as a teenager struggling with problematic skin. While I appreciated my dermatologist’s expertise, I yearned for options beyond antibiotics and harsh topicals, searching instead for gentle yet effective ways to bring out my skin’s natural resilience.
Now, as a professional, I focus on holistic skin health above all. To me, skincare isn’t about masking imperfections but rather nurturing the skin to reveal its authentic beauty. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those with sensitive or problematic skin, I am here to guide you to solutions that respect and enhance your skin’s natural balance.
Beyond my work, I’m an animal lover, an avid reader, and you can often find me singing my heart out alone in my truck. Let’s work together to bring out your skin’s healthiest, most confident glow—because true beauty starts with healthy, happy skin.
Liz Koman
Liz has always walked a healing path.
With over 20 years of experience—originally rooted in Florida—she brings deep wisdom to her therapeutic bodywork. Trained in Swe-Thai, Lomi Lomi, Deep Tissue, Medical Massage, Thai Massage and more, Liz’s sessions blend technical precision with intuition and what she calls stone magic to restore balance and vitality.
A former RN and current volunteer firefighter, she embodies both exceptional strength and deep compassion. Locally, Liz is known as “the Headache Healer,” offering profound relief for chronic tension and stress through her uniquely attuned touch.
In 2023, she followed a call of the heart to make the mountains of Western North Carolina her home, trusting that the universe had brought her exactly where she’s meant to be.
Alex Somov
Alex
Originally trained in massage therapy as a way to support himself while completing an engineering degree, Alex discovered that healing work was far more than just a side path—it became a grounding force in his life. Though he went on to run a successful construction firm (and raise a busy family in the process), massage remains his personal antidote to stress and a way to stay connected to the art of balance and well-being.
