Peggy is the founder and owner of the very successful Center for Massage & Natural Health, an Education Center, specializing in their COMTA Accredited and NC State Board Approved Massage School and Continuing Education Department, and a Therapy Center specializing in Student and Professional massage and bodywork therapy in downtown Asheville.

Peggy has studied Naturopathic Medicine for many years, studied at the Santa Barbara College of Oriental Medicine, Clayton College, as well as other natural health based schools around the country.

Her knowledge and love for the healing arts and her personal journey of health recovery and natural ability to create successful health-oriented businesses have come together to create this incredible Retreat Center, which opened in 2002.

Jennifer is a wonderful, caring woman, who is here to provide you with information about our programs, assist you in reserving the retreat of your choice and will likely be the first friendly face you see when you check into The Essence Center.

Jennifer has a Bachelors degree in Psychology and women's studies from Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI, a Master's level in Ecopsychology from Antioch University, and attended an Herbal Medicine Program at Blue Heron Academy in Grand Rapids, MI.

She is an Ecotherapist and Hypnotherapist, and may provide these wonderful services for you during your stay with us.

Mary Lane is a graduate of the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, Ca. She has over 25 years experience as a professional chef. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition from the Clayton College of Nutrition. She is also a graduate of a two year training at Nam Singh's Academy of Cooking with Chinese Herbs and 5 Element Nutrition.

Mary then went on to do the two year training with Eliot Cowan and is a graduate of Plant Spirit Medicine. She has studied with numerous other teachers relating to wild food and herbs. As a result of this life long path she now weaves together her knowledge and experience to support people to live their lives according to the sacred wisdom and intelligence of nature through the doorway of right relationship with food and nutrition.

Rob is an exceptionally talented therapist, and EAP (Equine Assisted Psychotherapy) therapist. His love for horses and the therapeutic process is clearly evident as he encourages you to find yourself through the guidance and safety of our wonderful horses.

His kind and tender demeanor will provide a safe path to self-discovery.

Kambra Meyer will bear witness to creative exploration and self expression as she guides guests through group art therapy sessions. She is skilled in utilizing art therapy with people recovering from addictions and eating disorders as well as a wide spectrum of personalities.

Kambra is trained in both Art Therapy and Transpersonal Counseling Psychology, where she earned a double Master's Degree from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. She obtained Studio Art and Psychology undergraduate degrees from Morehead State University in Morehead,Kentucky. She is a Board-Eligible Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of North Carolina. Let her passion for art and expression provide insight into your stay at Essence.

Martha's passion for the 12-step model of recovery is evident as she gently guides guests who are interested in expanding their knowledge and experience in the recovery realm.

Clients who come to our 28-Day Total Health Recovery Program receive her tender loving care throughout each week. She will provide the information and guidance needed to continue on the 12-Step path when you are ready to leave The Essence Center.

Janet's gentle hands will provide you with Acu Detox, a special procedure taught by the NADA (National Acupuncture Detox Association) to aid in the general detoxification process. With experience treating many issues, from insomnia to emotional disorders, she is also certified in Acupuncture Facial Renewal; a special series of treatments that firm and tone the skin.

Janet has a masters degree in Oriental Medicine from the Dragon Rises College of Oriental Medicine and has done post graduate work in Chinese Medical Pediatrics.

Mimansa has a strong background in psychology and the healing arts and sciences. Her loving hands will help eliminate toxins from the body and bring a feeling of peace and relaxation. A native of Brazil, she specializes in Swedish massage and many other modalities.

Caroline's incredibly soothing touch provides a wonderful and gentle detoxifying massage treatment while promoting a sense of peace and well being. She specializes in Swedish massage, trigger point therapy and many other modalities.

Caroline is a graduate of the Center for Massage & Natural Health in Asheville, North Carolina.

Jeremy has been a devoted practitioner of Flying Crane qigong for over ten years, studying under the mentorship of Dennis Thoman in Flagstaff, Arizona, and Ralph Dehner in Cincinnati, Ohio, from 1997 to 1999.  

In September of 2005, he completed a month long Qigong Teachers Training program via the Institute of Integral Qigong & Tai Chi (IIQTC) at the OMEGA Institute in Rhinebeck, New York, under the tutelage of Roger Jahnke, OMD.  Jeremy also became a certified instructor of the Supreme Science Qigong Center, located in Miami Beach, Florida, in the spring of 2007.

Maureen teaches our Nia classes here at Essence. They are dynamic, movement based classes, and combine dance, yoga, Tai-Chi and other ancient arts into a fun and gently invigorating experience.

Maureen has been teaching Nia since 1998 and is dedicated to sharing Nia as a vehicle for fitness, self-healing and personal transformation.

Steven is an incredibly mystical being. He is a poet and a muse by trade, and surely houses the soul of a great sage. He has a beautiful, soothing voice, and a warm, approachable demeanor. He is dear to all who know him, and quite amusing to those who don't. Your weekly meditation sessions with Steven will surely inspire, if not give you spiritually rich pearls to ponder.

Larry is dear to all of us. Not only does he keep every aspect of our property incredibly beautiful and in tip-top shape, he is truly one of the sweetest, most genuine and sincere people on earth. WE LOVE YOU LARRY! You will too!

Rhett is a beautiful Quarter Horse that comes to us from Mountain Hopes. He has worked with developmentally disabled children, and is now a part of our loving family. He will charm you as you work with him during our Equine Assisted Psychotherapy treatment sessions.