Meet the Verbena Team
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Alex
Alex is the Director of Operations and Principal Hair Colorist at Verbena with over a decade of experience behind the chair. In addition to his hands-on work, he has six years of professional experience as a Hair Color Educator and Salon Business Consultant. Alex balances his time between serving clients and working closely with Junia, the owner of Verbena, to ensure every guest enjoys a bespoke and exceptional salon experience.
“I came into this business when we relocated to West 7th Street and I am so proud of the growth we’ve seen since then. The mission at Verbena has remained unchanged for almost two decades: to create a sanctuary for beauty and wellness in our community. I believe Junia has achieved this vision in spades and I am so honored to get to work with such thoughtful, thorough, intelligent people every day in order to bring you a self-care experience that erases the stresses of life.”
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Junia
Junia Almeida is the founder and owner of Verbena Salon & Spa, with a lifelong passion for beauty and art. After immigrating to the United States with her family, Junia pursued her interest in skincare by studying at the Vienna Academy of Arts & Sciences. She earned her Esthetics and Nail Technician licenses in Maryland and later obtained a Master Esthetician license in Virginia.
Following five years of experience at Aveda Georgetown, Junia dreamed of creating a similar high-quality spa experience closer to home in Frederick. Partnering with her husband, Carlos, the entrepreneurial team launched Verbena Salon & Spa on May 25, 2010, bringing their vision of exceptional beauty and wellness services to the community.
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Ginny
Ginny is our Guest Coordination Team Lead. Her main priority is to guide you through an exceptional Verbena experience from start to finish, making sure you receive the best possible outcome at every visit.
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Deanna
Deanna is one of our Guest Coordination Team Leaders with over 18 years of customer service experience. While new to the self-care industry, she is no stranger to Verbena’s exceptional guest experience, having been a loyal client since 2013. Deanna plays a key role in creating a warm and welcoming environment, with a focus on ensuring every guest leaves feeling their best.
Esthetic Team
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Miriam
Miriam is a licensed esthetician and educator with over 18 years of experience in the skincare industry. She graduated from the Vienna Academy of Arts & Sciences in Virginia in 2005. Miriam worked at Elizabeth Arden’s Red Door Spa, where she became an Esthetics Educator and was honored with the Educator of the Year award in 2020.
Miriam is passionate about understanding skin and educating both her guests and team. She specializes in customizing facials to help each guest achieve healthy skin. She offers facials, skincare treatments, waxing, and brow services with a focus on personalized care and expert results.
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Amy
Amy is a licensed esthetician who graduated from Von Lee International School of Esthetics in 2004. She spent 15 years at Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa, where she led the Esthetics Department. Amy has a passion for skincare and specializes in treating acne-prone skin.
She offers facials, skincare treatments, waxing, and brow services with a focus on helping clients achieve healthy, radiant skin.
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Tamara
Tamara is a dual licensed therapist with 29 years of experience in skincare and 17 years in massage therapy. She graduated from Von Lee International School of Esthetics in 1994 and Synergy Healing Arts & Massage School in 2004. As a Reiki Master, Tamara enjoys blending the energetic aspects of bodywork with the science of applied skincare.
She loves connecting with clients in a way that empowers them to become the best version of themselves. Known for her calming presence, Tamara helps clients feel at ease during every service, especially Brazilian and eyebrow waxing, as well as deeper resurfacing facial treatments such as peels and microdermabrasion.
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Sandy
Sandra has over 2 decades of experience in both Massage & Esthetics. She began her Career after graduating from Baltimore School of Massage in 1995. She has studied in both Mexico and China, and expanded her career by attending Von Lee International School of Esthetics, graduating in 2000. She studied further at the Conservatory of Esthetics in 2001 and The Dermal Institute to expand her knowledge & expertise in Massage, Skin Care and Wellness Modalities.
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Danielle
Danielle has over two decades of experience in the beauty industry, beginning her journey as a licensed makeup artist. Her true passion, however, has always been healthy skin, where it all begins. In 2017, she became a licensed esthetician after graduating from the Baltimore School of Massage.
Danielle focuses on helping clients achieve healthy, glowing skin through personalized treatments and at-home skincare regimens. She offers facials, dermaplaning, waxing, and brow services tailored to each guest’s unique needs.
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Sydney
Bio Coming Soon
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Elle
Bio Coming Soon
Massage Therapy Team
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Christy
Christy has been practicing massage therapy for over two decades, beginning her career in Virginia and becoming licensed in Maryland in 2016. With years of experience and continued education, Christy has developed a diverse skill set that allows her to create highly individualized sessions tailored to each client’s personal goals and needs.
She has studied a wide range of massage modalities throughout her career and is currently focused on Strain/Counterstrain and Fascial Release techniques. These gentle yet effective approaches work deeply within the body to relieve tension, reduce pain, and restore natural movement without forceful pressure. Christy’s intuitive touch and clinical knowledge make her work both deeply therapeutic and profoundly restorative.
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Rebecca
Rebecca graduated from the Baltimore School of Massage in 2004 and began her career in San Diego, California. There, she gained experience in a variety of settings including spas, hotels, and casinos. Her passion for the practice eventually led her to teach at the Central Maryland School of Massage before returning to her first love, hands-on therapeutic work.
With nearly 20 years of experience, Rebecca specializes in Hot Stone Therapy, body scrubs and wraps, and deeply relaxing Swedish Massage. Drawing from a wide range of techniques she has developed over the years, she creates calming and restorative experiences that promote peace, relaxation, and overall well-being for each guest.
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Sandy
Sandra brings over two decades of experience in both massage therapy and esthetics. She began her career after graduating from the Baltimore School of Massage in 1995 and has since studied in Mexico and China, gaining a global perspective on healing and wellness practices. In 2000, she expanded her expertise by graduating from the Von Lee International School of Esthetics.
Sandra continued her education at the Conservatory of Esthetics in 2001 and The Dermal Institute, where she deepened her knowledge of massage, skin care, and a variety of wellness modalities. Her diverse background allows her to create well-rounded, personalized treatments that support each client’s unique goals for both body and skin health.
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Kai
Kai has been a Licensed Massage Therapist for over a decade, graduating from the Baltimore School of Massage in 2013. They are certified in Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) through Klose Training, where they studied the Vodder technique. MLD is a gentle and effective modality that supports lymphatic function and can be beneficial for managing symptoms of chronic conditions as well as enhancing overall wellness. Kai also offers Swedish Relaxation Massage, Trigger Point Therapy, Cupping, Hot Stone Massage, and Prenatal Massage, tailoring each session to meet the unique needs of every client.
Kai believes that touch is a powerful tool for healing. They understand that many people have experienced trauma or stigma around touch, and they strive to create a supportive, affirming space in every session. With a professional and informed approach, Kai’s work encourages the release of tension and helps restore function and range of motion in muscle and connective tissues.
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Emily
Emily is a Licensed Massage Therapist and Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) Therapist with a deep passion for helping others reconnect with their bodies and find balance through breath and bodywork. Her approach is rooted in the belief that healing begins with awareness and that therapeutic touch can be a powerful catalyst for both physical and emotional well-being.
Emily graduated from the Northern Virginia School of Therapeutic Massage, where she trained in Swedish Massage, Trigger Point Therapy, and Myofascial Release. During her studies, she had the opportunity to work with professional athletes, which deepened her understanding of functional bodywork and performance recovery.
She later pursued advanced training in Manual Lymphatic Drainage through the Klose Institute, studying the renowned Vodder Technique during an immersive educational experience in Costa Rica. MLD is a gentle yet highly effective modality that promotes lymph flow, reduces swelling, alleviates inflammation, and supports the body’s natural healing processes. Emily brings a calm, grounded presence to each session and is committed to creating a space where clients feel seen, supported, and empowered on their wellness journey.
Hair Team
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Rhea
Rhea has been creating custom haircuts and color for 16 years. Her career began on Music Row in Nashville, Tennessee, where she worked with musicians, models, managers, and other creatives in the industry. With a passion for sharing knowledge, Rhea enjoys teaching her guests about their hair and how to care for it. Her background in fine art has deeply influenced her approach, allowing her to design looks that are both flattering and uniquely tailored to each guest’s bone structure and personality.
Rhea believes that great hair should not only look amazing but also be easy to maintain at home. She takes the time to get to know her guests, creating personalized styles that reflect who they are. Since moving from Tennessee to Frederick in December 2022, Rhea has brought her creative energy and welcoming spirit to the spa. You can even find some of her sculptural paintings displayed throughout the space. She looks forward to meeting you and helping you express your style with confidence.
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Alex
Alex is a hair colorist with over 10 years of experience behind the chair and six years as a color specialist and educator. He specializes in foil work, blonding services, dimensional color, and finishing, and is passionate about creating custom color that reflects each guest’s unique energy and lifestyle. Alex’s personalized approach ensures that every service enhances both your look and your confidence.
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Ashleigh
Ashleigh brings over 20 years of experience as a highly sought-after hairstylist, educator, and industry professional. Her career has included work on hair shows and film sets, but her true passion is behind the chair, creating personalized styles that highlight each client’s bone structure and unique aesthetic. As an American Board-Certified Colorist with Sassoon training, Ashleigh takes a comprehensive approach to hair, offering customized plans that include thoughtful maintenance schedules and at-home styling techniques.
From bold blondes to rich reds, Ashleigh is known for creating both vibrant and natural, sun-kissed color. She specializes in curly cutting, short hair, and precision techniques, with signature styles that emphasize movement and are enhanced by perfectly placed pops of color. Her work is grounded in artistry and intention, ensuring every guest leaves feeling confident and seen.
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Haley
Bio Coming Soon
Nail Team
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Alexis
Alexis is a Licensed Nail Technician who has been with Verbena for over four years. She is fully trained in all of the salon’s specialty manicures and pedicures, ensuring each client receives expert care tailored to their needs.
Alexis specializes in Gel X and Luminary nail services. She takes pride in creating beautiful and unique nail designs that leave her clients feeling pampered and confident.
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Lakeisha
Lakeisha is a Licensed Nail Technician & certified by Luminary. She is trained in all of Verbena’s specialty manicures and pedicures, providing expert care tailored to each client’s preferences.
Skilled in accent nail art and rhinestone designs, Lakeisha is passionate about helping her clients look and feel their best. She is excited to continue growing her clientele and creating beautiful nail experiences at Verbena.
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Nina
Nina is a Licensed Nail Technician skilled in accent nail art and designs. She is trained in all of Verbena’s specialty manicures and pedicures and is excited to grow her clientele while showcasing her talent in the world of nail art.
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Amani
Amani is a dedicated Licensed Nail Technician with over a decade of experience. She specializes in stunning nail art, flawlessly applied Gel-X extensions, and natural nail care. Amani is passionate about enhancing beauty and providing personalized, exceptional nail services tailored to each client.
Specialty Service Providers
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Shokoufeh
Shokoufeh, Verbena’s Permanent Makeup Artist, began her beauty career over ten years ago as a Makeup Artist and Beauty Stylist at Nordstrom. In 2017, she discovered her passion for Permanent Makeup and Brow Microblading. Trained both in the US and abroad, Shokoufeh continually advances her skills through ongoing education to stay at the forefront of her craft.
If you are seeking a naturally enhanced brow transformation, Shokoufeh is the artist to meet. Her ultimate goal is to help you fall in love with your reflection. With dedication to her craft and a commitment to client satisfaction, she delivers transformations that leave clients feeling not only beautiful but truly confident in their own skin.
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Evie
Evie is a Certified Lash Technician who has been with Verbena for over three years. She is passionate about enhancing her clients’ natural beauty through the art of lash extensions. Evie takes great pride in her work and is dedicated to providing excellent service to every client.
She is excited to continue growing her clientele and helping more people feel confident and beautiful with her lash services.