our people
Shilpa Sankaran
FOUNDER
Shilpa’s journey to wellness springs from her belief that all people are connected to each other and the world around us. This means we have a responsibility to create and maintain balance and health – whether for a sustainable planet, harmony among our communities, or within our bodies.
Shilpa was born in India and immigrated to the U.S.A. as a toddler. As a child, in her home, healing spice aromas filled the kitchen, while personal care rituals and mindfulness were a normal part of everyday life.
Over the years, she noticed friends and loved ones were burdened with health issues – from allergies and skin problems, to digestive disorders and cancer, to anxiety and depression. Most of these were managed with medicine, and addressed the disease rather than enabling people to maintain their wellness for the long-term. Shilpa realized, the solutions were available all along, embedded into her cultural roots -with Ayurveda.
Shilpa and her husband dreamed of creating a place of healing where people can proactively address their health concerns, while providing a space to cultivate happiness. They envisioned a space for quiet retreat and community, where one can find their inner voice and reconnect with others who share in this journey.
A sustainability leader and social entrepreneur working across the globe, 25 years later, Shilpa has returned to her home town of Madison. Here, the stars aligned at Garver, and she can share these values with the community through Kosa.
You are invited to join Shilpa on this journey of wellness, to learn about your true nature, and once reconnected, to learn how to tend to your needs with Ayurveda as a guide.
our people
Abbey
she/her
licensed massage therapist
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Abbey is a Licensed Massage Therapist with a diverse background. Born and raised in Wisconsin, she initially studied dance and visual design in college. This brought her to New York City, where she worked with Fortune 500 companies in mobile app development and digital solutions.
After years in the corporate and non-profit sectors, Abbey experienced a personal transformation through regular massage therapy, which helped her address pain, mental health challenges, and reconnect with her body
This profound journey led Abbey to pursue bodywork as a new career. She trained in Thai Yoga Bodywork in Minneapolis and Western Therapeutic Massage in Appleton, WI. Her passion deepened as she explored abhyanga and Ayurvedic bodywork at Kosa, where she continues to develop her skills and enhance the mind-body-spirit connection.
Outside of her practice, Abbey is married and a proud bonus mom to three amazing kids. She enjoys hiking with her dog, Siku, camping by Lake Superior, and traveling to new places.
Dawn
she/her
licensed massage therapist
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Dawn graduated from TIBIA massage school in 2011, where she learned a variety of modalities. Her massages typically combine a combination of Swedish and therapeutic massage, as well as MFR (myofascial release), reflexology, and hot stone massage. Dawn is excited to learn more about the ancient healing modalities of Ayurveda.
In her free time, Dawn enjoys writing, going for walks, swimming, being in nature, and spending time with family and friends.
DeAnna
she/her
lead massage therapist
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DeAnna graduated from massage therapy school in 2017.Since then she has studied energy work and is certified in Usui Reiki.
DeAnna provides a wonderful intuitive massage. Working with the body as a whole, incorporating range of motion movements with the arms and legs, using light/medium/firm pressure to accomplish each individuals goals.
DeAnna was brought to Kosa in 2024. She was drawn to the nurturing and caring environment that Kosa has created. Learning about ayurveda and applying the practices has been such a gift that keeps on giving.
"Through breath we release tension we hold in our mind. Through energy work we release what we hold in our spirit. and through massage we release what we hold in our body. I give thanks for the growth and success in my career. I enjoy the work that I do, remembering the magic of life.. the healing of physical touch.. the connection of the universal energy.. the awareness.. the ritual of mediation.. connecting with the elements and the Earth." -DeAnna
What beauty surrounds us is also within us.
DeAnna enjoys long sits in the woods with her dog, Franklin, camping, painting and learning about all the different spiritualities and modalities to live an abundant and peaceful life.
Imani
she/her
spa manager, guest host manager, events coordinator
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As a Guest Host Manager, Imani's intention is to facilitate your relaxing experience. Seeing you cater to your selfcare needs is what promotes her excitement to work with people. With a passion for cultivating sacred spaces and prioritizing overall wellbeing, she will assist you in making sure you have a relaxing and rejuvenating experience at Kosa.
In her free time, she enjoys hiking, songwriting and cooking. She is originally from Brooklyn, New York, and still enjoys traveling and relaxing in new spaces. The now Wisconsinite takes advantage of the scenic views and artistic community in Madison Wisconsin.
Jessica
she/her
licensed esthetician
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Jessica is a licensed esthetician and Ayurvedic counselor with a background as a radiology technician and Navy corpsman. With experience across both clinical medicine and holistic care, she brings a rare, well-rounded understanding of the body and how it reflects in the skin.
Her approach is intentional, unhurried, and highly individualized. She focuses on precision and presence, ensuring each client is met as an individual rather than a routine or standardized protocol.
Her work is centered on restoring balance, clarity, and ease in the skin—supporting results that feel both refined and deeply aligned.
Katie
they/them
licensed massage therapist
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Katie’s primary approach to massage is to foster a space that feels safe and non-judgmental; co-creating a massage that suits your individual needs.
Whether you’re exhausted from parenthood, stressed at work, saddened by a big life change, or suffering from physical pain —Katie will listen and try their best to meet you where you’re at.
Katie’s massage techniques include Ayurvedic Massage, Deep Tissue, Swedish, Lymphatic Drainage, Aromatherapy, Cupping, Hot Stones, Pinda Sweda, and good ol’ fashioned Intuition.
Katie graduated from massage school at the Aveda Institute of Madison in 2024.
Their recommended services are the following:
75 min Kosa Abhyanga with a Pinda Sweda add-on 90 min Custom massage with Deep Tissue add-on Indian Head Massage
Lauren
she/her
spa manager, community partnerships lead, certified yoga instructor
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As a tinkerer, yogi, and nature-lover, Lauren enjoys creating safe and calming spaces for others to set down their burdens and tune back in with their inner intelligence and wisdom. She believes that healing is a journey that begins with individual choice that grows outward to encompass community support, trust, and interconnectedness.
You will find Spa Manager Lauren, at Kosa behind the scenes assisting the business operations, interacting with guests to answer their product or retail questions, leading workshops and meditations in our beautiful Sanctuary, and facilitating Tuesday’s Community Retreat Days. She is a wealth of knowledge and loves when others feel safe and confident in their own hearts and minds.
When she is not at the spa, Lauren can be found teaching at Stoughton Yoga, hiking the beautiful Wisconsin woods with her partner and their dog, Suki, cooking, painting, or playing music at her beloved home in Madison, Wisconsin.
Marissa
she/her
licensed esthetician
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Marissa is a licensed esthetician and nail technician with more than twenty years of experience in day spas. Her calm and peaceful presence sets the tone at KOSA and is appreciated by guests and colleagues alike.
Maddie
she/her
spa manager, guest host
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Maddie enjoys creating a welcoming, judgment-free environment where everyone feels comfortable and seen. She loves connecting with new people and helping create a space that feels inviting and supportive.
One of her favorite parts of working at KOSA is creating artwork and signage for the space, combining her love of art with creating a beautiful and intentional environment.
Outside of work, Maddie enjoys making art, reading, learning and exploring new interests, and spending time with her two dogs.
Peg
she/her
esthetics lead, licensed esthetician
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Peg is a licensed Esthetician with a personal connection to her work. Years ago, she experienced a pivotal moment and was diagnosed with cancer. Yoga provided balance and inner peace for healing. She felt called to teach and to share the multitude of physical and emotional benefits of yoga, the sister science of Ayurveda.
Peg's journey deepens with a passion for working with individuals and helping them release stress, feel relaxed and centered in a sanctuary setting. She is honored to be a part of a lovely team of professionals at KOSA, whose mission is the holistic well-being of an individual, the community, and our planet through the many modalities of services it offers. The ancient philosophies of yoga and ayurveda unite for a common purpose and provide a template to live a healthier, balanced, and more purposeful life.
Previously, Peg was an elementary education teacher for 17 years in Arizona and Wisconsin. She currently lives in Middleton with her husband and yellow lab and has three grown children.
Naomi
she/her
manager
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Naomi loves helping people and creating an environment that encourages others to be their complete, authentic selves. As Spa Manager, she enjoys caring for the space and all the people that come with it, lending a hand whenever possible.
Naomi is currently studying to become a licensed massage therapist at the Aveda Institute of Beauty & Wellness here in Madison and has been practicing reiki for 6 years.
Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, hiking, camping, and anything that involves being outside in the dirt. When she's not on the go, you'll find her reading next to a window or talking to her dog.
Rachel
she/her
marketing coordinator, manager
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Rachel discovered Ayurveda at a time in her life when she needed it most. She had been struggling with her mental health when she heard about the ancient wisdom through a podcast, and quickly found that it was a pathway to self-discovery and healing. After incorporating some basic practices into her daily routine, she noticed a significant improvement in her health and felt called to learn more. She moved to Madison after making some major life changes, and to her excitement, she found Kosa shortly after. It felt as though it was meant to be. Since then, Rachel has been studying Ayurveda and is working towards becoming a holistic health coach and yoga teacher. While at the spa, Rachel enjoys helping cultivate a comforting space for guests to relax, get a break from daily stressors and distractions, and dive into their own healing through self-care. Rachel also works behind the scenes on various marketing projects, helping bring awareness to the special experiences Kosa has to offer. When she's not at the spa, you can find Rachel enjoying the outdoors, listening to live music, practicing yoga, or spending time with her friends, family, and two cats.
Sarah
she/her
spa manager, operations manager
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Sarah feels so fortunate to work with the incredible KOSA staff in such a nurturing and lovely space. She is happiest behind the scenes, ensuring our skilled team has what they need to provide their luxurious, healing services. Her kind presence is a comfort to guests. After a ten-year career in public education, Sarah is now completing an M.A. in Library and Information Studies when she is not at KOSA. During her free time, Sarah cooks, cares for her plants, and spends time with her partner, two dogs, and cat.
Tanya
she/her
ayurveda lead, licensed ayurvedic esthetician, certified ayurvedic health counselor, kosa kitchen chef
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Tanya is a Licensed Esthetician and Ayurvedic Health Counselor with a true passion for her craft. As an experienced Holistic Health Coach, helping to bring clients to a more integrated state of wellness, she found Ayurveda to be a natural extension of her practice. In particular, Ayurveda's premise of healing the whole person and getting to the root cause of an issue, rather than just treating the symptoms, aligned with her philosophy. She felt that this practice was accessible and natural because it relies on subtle changes to make a long lasting positive effect on overall well-being.
Tanya feels humbled to be a part of such an amazing team of skilled therapists at KOSA. Bringing her intuitive nature and inherent abilities, she is eager to help KOSA's guests achieve their desired state of wholeness - mind, body and spirit.
Tanya graduated from the Ayurveda Esthetics program at the Aveda Institute in Madison and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Clinical Psychology from UW-Madison. She is the mother of three children and a caretaker at heart.
Uriah
he/him
licensed massage therapist, registered nurse
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With over a decade of experience in the healing arts, Uriah brings a unique blend of expertise to the serene environment of Kosa. Beginning his journey as a licensed massage therapist in 2006, he discovered the profound connection between mind, body, and spirit. This foundation led Uriah to pursue nursing, specializing in mental health and holistic care, deepening his understanding of how to support the whole person.
Uriah’s work is inspired by ancient Ayurvedic principles and modern integrative healing practices. He is passionate about creating a nurturing space where clients can restore balance and vitality. With an intuitive touch and deep knowledge of therapeutic techniques, Uriah customizes each session to meet individual needs, blending Ayurvedic therapies with mindfulness and energy-balancing practices.
A firm believer in the body’s natural ability to heal, Uriah approaches every client with compassion and care, helping them find harmony within themselves and their environment.
When not in the spa, Uriah practices meditation, stays active, and continues to study wellness practices that promote peace and vitality.