Our Team

Your Experience is Our Intention

A collective of passionate people dedicated to our craft

Canyon River is proud of our reputation of caring for our employees as fiercely as we do our guests. We have nurtured the evolution of a genuine company culture that supports and lifts up every individual — not just for collective company success, but because we see & celebrate the worth inherent in everyone. We take pride in our people.

Meet the Canyon River Team

Leadership | Massage | Skin | Hair | Guest Services

Leadership Team

  • Portrait of Heather Rippling, owner of Canyon River Spa & Salon

    Heather Ripplinger | Owner

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    Heather, a highly-trained massage therapist with 18 years of experience, founded Canyon River Spa & Salon in February 2008, while her husband was on deployment with the Navy. Her dream was to create a community for healing, connection, and self-care, as well as a physical space. In 2010, the original spa space burned down. Five months later, Canyon River was rebuilt with overwhelming support and love from the Bozeman community. Heather’s dedication was stronger than ever, and she grew her team into a family. She invests in her employees’ future and present, creating opportunities for them to excel and thrive as professionals while connecting with the community through volunteer work and donations. In 2015, the spa expanded to the space next door. It became an Aveda Lifestyle Salon and Spa with a full experiential retail center and a whole new in-salon advanced education platform with tiered pricing by stylists’ level of experience. Heather thrives on making genuine connections with guests and making her famous lattes for all to enjoy. Her mission as an Aveda spa and salon is to create an environment where people are at peace mentally and physically and leave feeling revitalized. She believes in creating the beauty we want to experience in the world, and in celebrating the small moments of meaning that bring color, light, and love to our individual and shared human experiences. She says, “You never know the power of everyday interactions and self-care to heal. I’ve seen it change lives — my own, my team’s, and our clients'.”

  • Autumn Rose Buckman | Spa Manager & Massage Therapist

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    My path as a massage therapist includes nearly a decade of professional work, years of private training across many modalities, and a lifetime of intuitive practice in the healing benefits of touch for the humans and animals in my life. Born and raised in Montana I was privately taught at Rocky Mountain School of Massage. My areas of specialty include cupping, deep tissue, trigger point therapy, and relaxation. Ultimately, I tune into what each of my clients needs in mind, body, and spirit, listening carefully to their spoken and unspoken asks and integrating the treatment for a holistically healing experience. Growing up, I always worked on family members and pets, developing my own discernment and skills naturally. I chose massage as a career path because with my father being indigenous, he nurtured in me from a young age a strong interest in holistic health and the way the body and spirit work together. He always said I knew “right where to go” when helping him with his shoulder pain and providing massages for other family members. Clients appreciate my precision, reliability, and authenticity, and I love offering professional, safe, and restorative treatments. Before I joined the team, Canyon River Spa was my happy place to visit on weekends, where I loved to relax and recharge, and I am so happy to be part of that healing work today! Outside of work, I love live music, traveling, hot springs, hanging out with my Siberian husky Roman, and enjoying life with the people I love!

  • Bridgett King | Salon Lead & Master Stylist

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    As Master Stylist with Canyon River, I'm thrilled to apply what I know to help people feel beautiful. To me, hair is so much more than my work — it's a way to connect with people and give them confidence. I love the process of each appointment. I always start with a consultation. Knowing that not everyone's hair vocabulary will be the same, I listen carefully and ask follow-up questions to develop a complete understanding of my client's wishes — almost like a doctor making a diagnosis. The results brings their vision to life, making the most of their hair's natural qualities and beautiful features. I was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, where I went to the Aveda School of Cosmetology. My husband has always been my #1 fan, and with his encouragement, I followed my dream in the beauty industry. I've had the pleasure of working in different salons, where I've experienced different cultures and styles while expanding my expertise. I trained with Sam Villa and his team and learned many techniques including keratin complex smoothing treatment, several different color lines, Babe Hair Extensions fusion, tapes, and I-tips. Clients appreciate my thorough, thoughtful consultations and attention to detail. I love encouraging my clients to explore beyond their comfort zone, and try something new that makes them feel fresh and radiant! On the weekends, my husband, three wonderful children, and I love camping off the grid and sharing memories outdoors — unless it's football season!

  • Teddy Kirkegaard | Salon Lead & Senior Stylist

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    Growing up in my dad’s salon in Great Falls, I always knew hair would be a part of my life. I’m Montana born and raised, with a family that encouraged me to find what I loved and do it every day. With the dream of running a salon, I moved to Bozeman in 2014 to complete my Business Management degree before attending cosmetology school. I have been at Canyon River ever since. I love coming to work each day and enjoy the nuances of all aspects of hair coloring, cutting, and styling, as well as makeup and skincare. I’m proud of the high quality of work I provide for my clients, and I try to embody a calming energy, making their experience with me a relaxing respite from a hectic world. When I’m not at work, you’ll find me with my two cats and three-year-old Husky.

  • Anaka Marie DeJaynes | Lead Guest Services

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    I’ve been with Canyon River since 2020, and I love the work I do and who I do it with! I’ve always excelled in my attention to detail and striving to perfect the little things, and that’s exactly what Canyon River is all about. The small things can make the biggest difference — from the visual aesthetic of the spa, to the comfort and final results we create for our guests. Throughout the day, I communicate with clients via phone and email to ensure their needs are met, set up arriving guests for a relaxing, enjoyable visit with a hot or cold drink in hand, and check in with them throughout to ensure they have everything they could want or need. My coworkers and clients appreciate my attention to detail, knowledge of our services, ability to make personal recommendations, professionalism, and commitment to care. I’m so proud of our team and how much we’ve grown in the couple of years that I’ve been with Canyon River — it makes coming to work that much better, I genuinely love having coworkers that are my best friends!

Massage Team

  • Allison Campbell | Massage Therapist

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    As a Massage Therapist at Canyon River, I love connecting with people to help them relieve the stresses of everyday life through healing touch. My work as an LMT began in 2012, and I joined Canyon River in 2022. I was born and raised in Bozeman and always wanted to do work that would connect me to my community. My older brother is a chiropractor, which led me to massage school right out of high school. I've always been involved with sports and am fascinated by the human body's resilience. As a massage therapist, I am intuitive and attentive to my clients' physical and emotional needs, moment to moment, and I integrate fluidity and consistency in my massages. I notice and support when someone needs to release their day with me through verbal connection, or to just be held in peace and quiet as they enjoy the manual therapy and healing touch of their massage session. My ultimate goal is to provide comfort and a safe place to unwind. Outside of work, I love to adventure with my husband and our two girls — my girls are my whole world, and I'm so proud of them!

  • Magdalena Isik | Massage Therapist

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    My wonderful journey with Canyon River began in 2015. There's something incredibly soothing about working in a serene environment – my favorite aspect of my job is the tranquility and the opportunities to help our community in maintaining individual health and wellbeing. I bring a unique blend of calming touch and an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere to my work. Every guest in my massage space can expect a clean, cozy, and mindful environment – a true relaxation spa experience that's aimed at giving them the best! My clients often tell me I have a “magic touch,” with the ability to put their bodies into zen mode.

    Above all, I take immense pride in my strong work ethic, and the peaceful ambiance I’ve cultivated in my home life. When I'm not working, you can either find me exploring the outdoors or cooking up something delicious in my kitchen. My personal philosophy is to “live life fully, and travel often.” If you decide to book a session with me, I promise to offer you one of the best spa days you've ever experienced.

  • Portrait of Kylee Jeffers, Massage Therapist at Canyon River Salon & Spa in Bozeman

    Kylee Jeffers | Massage Therapist

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    I joined the Canyon River team in 2022, bringing with me a devotion to the craft and a love for elevating clients’ wellbeing through massage. I love the dance that is touch and its uniqueness to each body and each person. I intuitively tune into my own body’s energetic presence, and unspoken interactions with those around me. I'm adept at meeting people where they are at in the present moment, both physically and emotionally, to provide the most fulfilling, rich, and transformative experience. I am known for my holistic, thorough massage treatments. I prioritize ensuring adequate time and energy is given to specific areas of request and need, while generating a sense of completion and tranquility within the body as a whole. Before becoming a massage therapist, I worked as a veterinary technician. I enjoy tactile work that keeps me fully engaged in the moment. When not working, I'm often paddle boarding at Hyalite, enjoying live music, exploring the outdoors in my minivan, or visiting family and friends. I am a member of the American Massage Therapy Association.

  • Portrait of Lorena Markezic, Massage Therapist at Canyon River Salon & Spa in Bozeman

    Lorena Markezic | Massage Therapist

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    It’s my privilege to be a healing guide for my clients, using different modalities of massage therapy to create a blissful experience that leaves you feeling wonderful, radiant, and at peace — a reset with long-lasting positive results. I specialize in Neuromuscular Therapies, Lymphatic Drainage, and all stages of surgery recovery, with a specific BRCA certification for breast cancer recovery as well as Klose Training for Lymphedema. Over the years, I’ve pursued the highest quality of continuing education classes and certifications, allowing me to deliver an exceptional, professional, and genuinely impactful experience. After 15 years, massage therapy continues to fulfill and inspire me. My personal motto is “breathe and do the right thing.” Outside of work, find me hiking, practicing piano, or hiking with my lovely dog, who is my greatest joy. I’m an adventurous soul, and I believe that sometimes we have to travel to the edge to find our center.

  • Portrait of Mary Darby, Massage Therapist at Canyon River Salon & Spa in Bozeman

    Mary Darby | Massage Therapist

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    My journey to massage therapy began with an early relationship with the importance of manual labor, hands-on connection, and the muscle memory of different forms of work, as I spent my childhood on a family farm on the east coast with horses and cows. Then, drawn to make a difference by helping others feel beautiful, I became a cosmetologist in my early adulthood. I then earned my degree in sociology, working with at-risk youth and families for over a decade as a social worker. Feeling inspired to bring what I knew to one-on-one interactions that offered individuals an immediate boost in wellbeing, physical release of tension, and muscle health and healing, I returned to school to study massage. I’m truly a lifelong learner — I love what I do, and believe in constantly advancing my skills and knowledge. I am a member of the ABMP and certified in cupping and Gua sha. I am currently working on my equine massage certification as well. My approach to massage is highly detailed and uniquely effective — facilitating positive shifts in the body and tissues. My goal is to leave a positive impact on each and every individual I work with and to help you feel better in your body. Outside of work, I’m involved in my church, and I have a wonderful life shared with my partner, two great kids, and our black lab — we love to hike and spend time outdoors together.

  • Portrait of Natalie Snyder, Massage Therapist at Canyon River Salon & Spa in Bozeman

    Natalie Snyder | Massage Therapist

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    Natalie was born and raised in Bozeman, MT and graduated from Utah College of Massage Therapy in 2005. Over the last 15 years, Natalie has worked as a massage therapist in Montana, Utah, and Maui, HI. Natalie is trained in the following massage modalities: Swedish, Deep Tissue, Hot Stone, Pre-natal, and Hawaiian Lomi Lomi. Natalie uses her experience to incorporate multiple modality techniques, and seamlessly transition between them in her massage work.

    Outside of work, Natalie enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and two feral children. From the mountains to the ocean, there isn’t much Natalie hasn’t tried in the way of sports. “I love my work as a massage therapist because I can help people in a way that betters their health and livelihood. I look forward to meeting each client and being challenged to exceed their expectations.”

  • Bee Mann | Massage Therapist

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    What I absolutely cherish about my job is the opportunity it gives me to help others slow down and make space for healing. When it comes to my craft, I pride myself on blending various modalities I’ve trained in to deliver a unique and tailored experience that directly addresses the issues my clients face. If you were to ask my colleagues, they might describe me as curious, friendly, and low-key, while clients experience my gentle strength and calming, helpful nature. My journey to becoming a massage therapist has been deeply rooted in my education, tailored specifically for this career. It was also influenced by personal experiences that led me to carve my own niche in life, refusing to compromise to fit anyone else’s vision. I’ve tried to always think of “future Bee” and anticipate her needs. I'm also inspired by Alice Walker's words, "The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any.”

    When I'm not grounding myself to provide clients with the best possible therapeutic experience, you might find me by the river on weekends, running around with my friends and a motley pack of loveable dogs, and indulging in some good food and drink on a nearby patio. At home, I have the love of my life, Andy, roommates who feel like family, and our shepherd puppy, Auggie. As I continue to learn, grow, and evolve in my work as a massage therapist, one thing stays consistent: my goal to provide my clients with a moment of peace and clarity amid the hustle and bustle of daily living.

  • Maggie Draper | Massage Therapist

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    While I've been in the massage industry for just over two years, my journey in holistic health started long before that. I was raised in Tucson, Arizona, but spent a significant portion of my life traveling, running my own holistic health business, doing energy work and readings, and living nomadically across Utah and California. These experiences led me back home to Arizona, where I pursued my passion for somatic therapy at a massage school.

    I'm fascinated by the profound impact of bodywork, not only on physical injuries but also on mental health and the nervous system. I've dedicated over 200 hours to somatic therapy through continuing education, enriching my skills in Ayurveda, reflexology, Thai massage, and Yoga. This allows me to bridge the gap between the physical, mental, and energetic dimensions of healing. I have expanded my skillset through Chopra Ayurvedic training, studying Thai massage in Thailand, and receiving Reiki 1 and 2 certifications. Within just six months of being in the massage industry, I was nominated as the Employee of the Month at a prestigious health and wellness resort and was their top requested therapist for energy work.

    Many of my clients who have traveled globally praise my unique style of massage and comment on the seasoned wisdom they feel in my hands. Others describe me as compassionate, intuitive, and dedicated. I aim to provide a truly holistic session for my clients, challenging their previous notions of what a massage experience can be. During my free time on weekends, you might find me hiking, delving into photography, writing, or exploring watercolor painting. My core values include compassion, truth, wisdom, respect, and fortitude. These guide my every interaction and treatment, ensuring my clients always have a therapeutic space where they are heard, understood, and respected.

  • Ashley Nelson | Massage Therapist

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    Bio coming soon!

  • Courteney Schwander | Massage Therapist

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    Bio coming soon!

  • Erika Thompson | Massage Therapist

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    Bio coming soon!

  • Sam Brady | Massage Therapist

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    Bio coming soon!

  • Zach Vallely | Massage Therapist

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    Bio coming soon!

Skin Team

  • Portrait of Hillary Clow, Esthetician at Canyon River Spa & Salon in Bozeman, MT

    Hillary Clow | Esthetician

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    It’s my joy to help my clients feel and look their best through facials and other skincare treatments. I believe beauty truly comes from the inside out, and everything I do is to help nurture that inner glow that brings you everyday confidence. In addition to my training as an esthetician, I am also trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Reiki healing — giving me a holistic and intuitive perspective on how to support your wellbeing by integrating wellness and relaxation into my facials. I love connecting with Canyon River’s guests and being part of our skilled, caring team. I’m most proud of raising a strong, independent 18-year-old daughter, and I love spending time with my family and friends outside of work.

  • Vanessa Burch | Skin Care Specialist

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    Bio coming soon!

  • Cinnamon Klein | Skin Care Specialist

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    Bio coming soon!

  • Emily Saunders | Skin Care Specialist

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    Bio coming soon!

Hair Team

  • Portrait of Bridgett King, Master Stylist at Canyon River Spa & Salon in Bozeman, MT

    Bridgett King | Salon Lead & Master Stylist

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    As Master Stylist with Canyon River, I'm thrilled to apply what I know to help people feel beautiful. To me, hair is so much more than my work — it's a way to connect with people and give them confidence. I love the process of each appointment. I always start with a consultation. Knowing that not everyone's hair vocabulary will be the same, I listen carefully and ask follow-up questions to develop a complete understanding of my client's wishes — almost like a doctor making a diagnosis. The results brings their vision to life, making the most of their hair's natural qualities and beautiful features. I was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, where I went to the Aveda School of Cosmetology. My husband has always been my #1 fan, and with his encouragement, I followed my dream in the beauty industry. I've had the pleasure of working in different salons, where I've experienced different cultures and styles while expanding my expertise. I trained with Sam Villa and his team and learned many techniques including keratin complex smoothing treatment, several different color lines, Babe Hair Extensions fusion, tapes, and I-tips. Clients appreciate my thorough, thoughtful consultations and attention to detail. I love encouraging my clients to explore beyond their comfort zone, and try something new that makes them feel fresh and radiant! On the weekends, my husband, three wonderful children, and I love camping off the grid and sharing memories outdoors — unless it's football season!

  • Portrait of Dane Carson Ulrich, Senior Stylist at Canyon River Spa & Salon in Bozeman, MT

    Dane Carson Ulrich | Senior Stylist

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    I joined the Canyon River team in March 2022 as a Senior Stylist and have been working as a cosmetologist since 2014. I love creating natural, seamless-looking colors and personally curated cuts. When someone visits my chair, I hope to provide a life-changing experience filled with jokes, smiles, connection, and great hair. In addition to my skill with cuts and styles, I have a vast knowledge of Color Theory, and I love the art and science of mixing and creating colors. I also enjoy performing Brazilian blowouts to create a smooth, glossy shine. I was born in Houston, Texas, raised in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and spent four years of my childhood in Bogotá, Colombia. My high school offered a Cosmetology program, where I graduated with my license, and that’s where I fell in love with working with hair. Our work here is about bringing an experience of luxury to our clients' lives. Every day at Canyon River is different, with something exciting going on — a client’s unique vision for a style, an opportunity to practice a fresh technique, or try a new Aveda product. On my days off, I’m usually out on some new adventure, trying to discover the meaning of life.

  • Portrait of Teddy Kirkegaard, Salon Lead & Senior Stylist at Canyon River Spa & Salon in Bozeman, MT

    Teddy Kirkegaard | Salon Lead & Senior Stylist

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    Growing up in my dad’s salon in Great Falls, I always knew hair would be a part of my life. I’m Montana born and raised, with a family that encouraged me to find what I loved and do it every day. With the dream of running a salon, I moved to Bozeman in 2014 to complete my Business Management degree before attending cosmetology school. I have been at Canyon River ever since. I love coming to work each day and enjoy the nuances of all aspects of hair coloring, cutting, and styling, as well as makeup and skincare. I’m proud of the high quality of work I provide for my clients, and I try to embody a calming energy, making their experience with me a relaxing respite from a hectic world. When I’m not at work, you’ll find me with my two cats and three-year-old Husky.

  • Portrait of Charmaine Gillette, Designer Stylist at Canyon River Spa & Salon in Bozeman, MT

    Charmaine Gillette | Designer Stylist

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    I love that my work lets me help create gorgeous, wearable art through hairstyles, cuts, and colors while allowing me to connect with so many wonderful people and hear their stories. My goal is that my clients feel a warm, inviting experience with me, with lots of laughter and beautiful, professional results. I have been part of the Canyon River team since 2020. I’m inspired by my mother, who was a stylist herself and passed away when I was younger — I find a meaningful sense of connection to her through my craft. I believe life’s too short to hold onto the little things, and there’s always a solution if you look hard enough. On the weekends, I’m usually out with my pup and partner on an adventure!

  • Portrait of Adrianna Banville, Protege Stylist at Canyon River Spa & Salon in Bozeman, MT

    Adrianna Banville | Protege Stylist

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    I joined Canyon River in 2022 as a stylist. While I’m known for my excellent men’s cuts and advanced short cuts, I love working with all hair types, lengths, and styles. It lights me up to help people smile when they see the results, and fall in love with their hair all over again! My goal is to provide a fun, memorable experience to my clients and ensure they feel wonderful about their finished style. You could say I’m short & sassy but sweet, and I bring positive energy to everything I do. My motto is to focus on the step in front of you, not the whole staircase. When I’m not at work with my Canyon River family, you can find me outside being adventurous!

Guest Services Team

  • Portrait of Anaka Marie DeJaynes, Guest Services Lead at Canyon River Spa & Salon in Bozeman, MT

    Anaka Marie DeJaynes | Lead Guest Services

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    I’ve been with Canyon River since 2020, and I love the work I do and who I do it with! I’ve always excelled in my attention to detail and striving to perfect the little things, and that’s exactly what Canyon River is all about. The small things can make the biggest difference — from the visual aesthetic of the spa, to the comfort and final results we create for our guests. Throughout the day, I communicate with clients via phone and email to ensure their needs are met, set up arriving guests for a relaxing, enjoyable visit with a hot or cold drink in hand, and check in with them throughout to ensure they have everything they could want or need. My coworkers and clients appreciate my attention to detail, knowledge of our services, ability to make personal recommendations, professionalism, and commitment to care. I’m so proud of our team and how much we’ve grown in the couple of years that I’ve been with Canyon River — it makes coming to work that much better, I genuinely love having coworkers that are my best friends!

 

Join our Bozeman team

Do you see yourself in our supportive, creative environment?

Visit our Careers page to learn about joining the Canyon River team.