JALA Spa & Wellness Alliance

Melanie has the role of Executive Director for JALA Spa & Wellness Alliance. She is also a JALA Master Educator and Senior Consultant in the areas of Business, Management and Measurement. She has 20 years of experience in the Spa, Salon, and Massage Industry and among her many business ventures, she has been the Founder and CEO of 5 luxury Spa/Salons. Melanie also has extensive Consulting and Project Management expertise having been a Consultant for 2 international consulting firms. She currently owns her own Boutique Consulting Firm called Burgess Consulting Group where she specializes in strategy, start-ups, transformation, organizational effectiveness, measurement, and program development services tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises prioritizing customer-centricity. With a sterling reputation as a visionary entrepreneur and CEO, Melanie’s illustrious career has been punctuated by accolades, including her recognition as one of Canada’s Top 100 Female Entrepreneurs, and numerous other national awards bestowed upon her ventures. Melanie has a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with specializations in Organizational Effectiveness and International Business. She also has a CPHR (Chartered Professional in Human Resources) designation, CCP (Certified Compensation Professional) designation, and CEM (Customer Experience Management) certification. Living in Atlantic Canada with her husband, two teenage children, and their pet bunny, Melanie is passionate about empowering others to unlock their full potential. Join her at JALA Spa & Wellness Alliance and be inspired to elevate your business to new heights!

Anamaria serves as the Membership Director for JALA Spa & Wellness Alliance and is a JALA Master Educator and Consultant specializing in Massage Therapy, Advanced Skin Care, and Operations Management. With over a decade of experience in the Spa, Salon, and Massage Industry, Anamaria is a visionary entrepreneur who has successfully founded and managed three Spas and Massage Studios in Western Canada. Since 2015, she has been a dedicated and practicing Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) and Medical Aesthetician, as well as the primary decision-maker for 2 Edmonton-based spa locations. Her expertise and influence extend further as an advisor and investor in various industry projects. Anamaria is deeply proud of her family and her rich cultural heritage, which inspire her belief in the power of hard work and pursuing big dreams. Her commitment to lifelong learning is reflected in her extensive educational background, including a DEC in Social Work, a Bachelor of Arts, and certifications in Addictions, Sexual Education, Social Work, Advanced Massage Therapy, Doula Care, and Medical Aesthetics. Residing in Alberta with her three beautiful children, Juan, Nohemi, Andres, and their family dog Nala, Anamaria brings unparalleled passion and dedication to her role at JALA. Her mission is to inspire, guide, and uplift professionals in the spa and wellness industry, helping them achieve excellence while maintaining a focus on personal and professional growth.

Connie serves as the Education and Development Director at JALA Spa and Wellness Alliance, where she also excels as a Master Educator and Consultant specializing in Spa Therapy, Medi-Spa, Consultation, and Retailing. With 20 years of experience as a Master Aesthetician and Spa Director, Connie has established herself as a distinguished professional in the spa and wellness industry. Her expertise lies in education, revenue growth through team performance optimization, and engagement strategies that inspire success. Renowned for her creative and innovative thinking, Connie brings a dynamic approach to her work. Connie’s passion for holistic well-being, combined with her expertise in clinical and advanced treatments, enables her to spearhead impactful initiatives in the industry. She is dedicated to delivering premium services that emphasize health, relaxation, and measurable results. As an advocate for clear communication and effective learning, Connie ensures that her educational sessions are not only informative but also engaging and infused with creativity and humour. Based in Atlantic Canada, Connie exemplifies a clean, elegant aesthetic in her work, seamlessly blending sophistication with professionalism. Her commitment to fostering meaningful collaborations and providing exceptional education drives her to help businesses achieve their best potential. Outside of her professional endeavors, Connie maintains a fulfilling balance between her flourishing career and her family of seven, along with her dedication to personal growth.