Meet Our Team
At Unfurl Wellness Spa, we believe exceptional care begins with exceptional people. Our team is united by a shared commitment to wellness, compassion, and creating meaningful experiences that help our guests feel restored, supported, and cared for.
Betty Chrestman, Founder, LMBT, CST
For more than twenty years, I have dedicated my career to the study and practice of somatic healing, beginning in Oklahoma City where I earned my Associate of Occupational Studies Degree in Therapeutic Massage from Heritage College. I later completed advanced certification through the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy in Acupressure, Kinesiology, and East/West Pathology.
Throughout my career, I have pursued extensive training in therapeutic massage, CranioSacral Therapy, energy work, and integrative wellness modalities, developing a deep understanding of the connection between the body, mind, and healing process.
My professional journey has taken me across several states and into leadership roles within luxury wellness environments, including Spa Soleil at Marriott Bonvoy on Hilton Head Island. These experiences ultimately inspired me to return home to Highlands and create Unfurl Wellness Spa—a space devoted to meaningful healing, exceptional care, and community connection.
Today, my focus is on guiding the vision of Unfurl Wellness Spa, mentoring practitioners, and cultivating an environment where both guests and therapists can thrive. I believe the body holds an extraordinary capacity for healing when supported with intention, compassion, and presence, and I am honored to help create a space where that work can unfold.
Nicole Chastain, LMBT
After earning a degree in criminal justice and psychology from Western Carolina University in 2004, I took a hard look at my future and decided I wanted to go in a different direction. that choice led me to immediately pursue a career and massage therapy from south western community college in 2006. I spent the next 13 years in private practice and luxury spa settings where I had the privilege to learn many different massage modalities from all over the world. My favorite modalities are thai massage, medical massage and prenatal massage. My passion is to take all of the many things I have learned and tailor a session to each individual person‘s needs. Our body tells us what it needs. We just need to listen.
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.
Cara Chase, LMBT
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.
Alex Somov, LMBT
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.
Liz Koman, LMBT
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.
Gisuela Suarez, LMBT
Gigi brings a diverse background in massage therapy, skincare, and holistic wellness to Unfurl Wellness Spa. Joining us from Florida for the summer season, she offers a nurturing, intuitive approach that blends therapeutic techniques with deep relaxation.
Her massage specialties include Swedish Massage, Sports Massage, Neuromuscular Therapy, Prenatal Massage, Hot and Cold Stone Therapy, Lomi Lomi, Thai Table Massage, Reiki, Reflexology, and customized therapeutic bodywork tailored to each guest's individual needs.
In addition to massage therapy, Gigi provides customized facial treatments and advanced skincare services designed to support healthy, radiant skin. Her esthetic expertise includes dermaplaning, microdermabrasion, LED light therapy, chemical peels, high-frequency treatments, and facial waxing services.
Whether you're seeking focused therapeutic work, restorative relaxation, or personalized skincare, Gigi is passionate about helping guests feel refreshed, balanced, and renewed
Amanda Hodge, LMBT
Amanda’s journey into wellness began at the Florida College of Natural Health, where she developed a strong foundation in therapeutic bodywork and holistic care. With over 18 years of experience as a Licensed Massage Therapist, she has dedicated her career to helping clients find relief, restoration, and deeper connection within their bodies.
Amanda’s path to Highlands was unexpected—a wrong turn during a trip led her to discover the beauty of the mountains, and she knew she had found home. Since moving to Highlands in 2010, she has become a cherished part of the community, bringing a compassionate, intuitive approach to every session.
Drawing from years of hands-on experience and a genuine passion for helping others, Amanda creates personalized treatments designed to ease tension, support healing, and encourage lasting well-being. Her calming presence and attentive care allow guests to relax deeply and leave feeling renewed, balanced, and restored.
