MEET THE TEAM
Meet the salon and spa experts that elevate your experience to the next level.
Darwin Francisco
Master Massage Therapist
Darwin is a massage therapist certified since March 2001. With specialties in sports massage, injury recovery, and deep tissue work, he provides therapeutic care tailored to each client’s needs. Outside of massage, Darwin is an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys trail running, cycling (road, gravel, and mountain biking), and backpacking.
Kate Neufeld
Massage Therapist
Kate has been a massage therapist since 1990. She originally graduated from IPSB in San Diego, CA and in 2018 she went through another program at East-West Healing Arts in Madison, WI to learn Asian modalities and philosophies. She can give a great relaxation Swedish massage, but especially loves to deliver therapeutic deep work to the neck, shoulders and back areas. Her massages are a fusion of all that she has learned over the years and feels that we are all unique human beings, and no massage is a one size fits all. She loves what she does and considers it more of a calling than a job.
Derek Majjasie
Massage Therapist
Derek Majjasie is a highly skilled massage therapist with over 11 years of hands-on experience, committed to helping clients feel better in their bodies and restore a sense of calm and balance. He specializes in a range of modalities including Swedish, prenatal, sports massage, lymphatic drainage, hot stone therapy, and cupping—always customizing each session to fit individual needs. Whether clients are managing chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or simply seeking relaxation, Derek creates a safe and supportive environment for healing. Outside the treatment room, he enjoys cycling, snowboarding, and playing hockey.
Katie Nguyen
Nail Technician
Katie has been licensed since 2003 and joined Avalon Salon & Day Spa in May 2025. She brings years of nail expertise, specializing in dipping powder and Shellac manicures. Katie is passionate about providing detailed, long-lasting nail services. When she’s not at the salon, she loves traveling, going on walks, and crocheting.
Brittany Umana
Esthetician
Brittany is a licensed esthetician with credentials from the Aveda Institute and M.U.D. (Makeup Designory), and is currently continuing advanced skincare education at Beautiful You Skincare Academy. She began working at Avalon Salon & Day Spa in early 2025 and is passionate about holistic skincare. Brittany offers custom facials, including dual exfoliation treatments and 90-minute services that provide a healing, revitalizing experience. Outside of work, she enjoys baking, hiking with her two French bulldogs, and creating art. Her mission is to help clients feel confident and radiant in their own skin using natural, results-driven techniques.
Vanity Johnson
Master Stylist
Vanity has been a licensed cosmetologist since 2007 and has been a valued part of the Avalon Salon & Spa team since 2014. With a deep passion for her craft and a commitment to continual growth, she brings both skill and care to every client experience. Outside the salon, Vanity’s energy and positivity shine through her love of music, teaching barre fitness, and staying active with paddle boarding, pickleball, and tennis. A proud single mother and the 2026 Ms. Douglas County for America Strong, she embodies strength, resilience, and a love for empowering others.
Peggy Turnbow
Master Stylist
Peggy began her cosmetology career in 1999 and joined the Avalon Salon & Day Spa team in 2025. Although she didn’t complete a formal new artist program, Peggy trained hands-on from the beginning of her career and has worked extensively with Aveda throughout. She holds an associate degree in health and wellness management and has pursued continued education in NY, CA, and NM. Peggy specializes in color and short haircuts. Outside the salon, she enjoys being outdoors, biking, hiking, and spending time with her family.
Stephanie Paez
Master Stylist
Stephanie earned her cosmetology license in 2013 and has been part of the Avalon Salon & Day Spa family since 2007. She completed the salon’s New Artist Program and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition. Stephanie specializes in color, highlights, and layered haircuts. In her free time, she enjoys working out, hiking, and spending quality time with her husband and young child.
Karen Breffle
Master Stylist
Master Stylist at Avalon Salon & Day Spa since 2006, Karen brings nearly two decades of experience, creativity, and precision to every appointment. Known for her attention to detail and personalized approach, she’s passionate about helping clients look and feel their best.
Tabatha Watts
Master Stylist
Tabatha has been a licensed hairdresser since 1995 and joined Avalon Salon & Spa in 2025. Inspired by a bad haircut that left her in tears, she made it her mission to eliminate bad haircuts—one head at a time. Educated in Washington state, Tabatha successfully owned and operated her own salon for 20 years before relocating to Florida, where she ran a salon suite for three years. After enduring multiple hurricanes, she returned to her hometown of Denver.
Known for her tagline, “Finally, a stylist that listens,” Tabatha specializes in long layers, shags, stacked bobs, razor cuts, pixies, curly hair, blondes, vivid colors, and perms—a lost art she still rocks with expertise. As a natural redhead, she’s especially skilled at creating believable, natural red tones. Her work has earned her multiple accolades, including “Best Hairdresser” four years in a row from 2016–2019.
Outside the salon, Tabatha loves gardening, hiking, kayaking, and exploring the Colorado outdoors with her two beloved furbabies.
Heidi Millard
Advanced Stylist
A graduate of the Aveda Institute of Denver (Class of 2014), Heidi has spent the past decade helping clients express their beauty through creativity and color. Hair color is her true passion, and she finds joy in crafting customized looks that bring confidence and radiance to each guest.
Outside the salon, Heidi is an adventurer at heart. Whether she’s diving into a captivating book or exploring the outdoors with her kids, she’s always seeking new experiences. From hiking and camping to swimming and curiosity-filled outings, Heidi values the kind of active, inquisitive life that inspires her both personally and professionally.
Brookelyn McWilliams
Advanced Stylist
Brookelyn graduated in 2020 and has spent the past three years in the beauty industry. Her passion for enhancing natural beauty fuels her creativity in every appointment. With a particular love for all-over colors, she enjoys showcasing the unique features of each individual using Aveda’s natural products. Outside of the salon, Brookelyn enjoys snowboarding with her boyfriend, curling up with a good book, and spending quality time with her cherished cats Milo and Murphy. With her artistic eye and warm personality, she’s eager to help you look and feel your best!
Maddie Mayorga
Stylist
With a vibrant spirit and a passion for helping others feel their best, Maddie brings warmth and creativity to every client experience. Her deep love for fashion and beauty shines through in her work, where she blends style and skill to enhance each guest’s natural confidence. Outside the salon, Maddie shares her energy and artistry as a dance instructor, inspiring the next generation of performers through movement and mentorship.