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
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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'.”
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Teddy Marinaccio | General Manager, 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.
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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!
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Jessica (Jessi) Golden | Lead Massage Therapist
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Jessica Golden is a passionate licensed massage therapist and esthetician with over 13 years of experience in the health and wellness industry. Her journey began with esthetics, where she discovered the importance of connection, energy, and the healing power of intentional touch. Through her experiences working with various spa and wellness teams, Jessica has continued to expand her knowledge and follow her passion for helping others feel their best.
As a massage therapist, Jessica specializes in Swedish, sports, deep tissue, neuromuscular therapy, and myofascial release techniques. She takes a holistic approach to wellness, creating personalized treatments that support each guest’s unique needs while nurturing balance between the mind, body, and spirit.
Jessica’s compassionate nature and commitment to continued learning allow her to provide thoughtful, intuitive care with every service. She is grateful to be part of the Canyon River Spa team, where she can connect with guests and work alongside a community of professionals dedicated to exceptional care and genuine connection.
Outside of the spa, Jessica enjoys spending time with her two children, exploring the outdoors through hiking and skiing, and making memories with her family.
Massage Team
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Jessica (Jessi) Golden | Lead Massage Therapist
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Jessica Golden is a passionate licensed massage therapist and esthetician with over 13 years of experience in the health and wellness industry. Her journey began with esthetics, where she discovered the importance of connection, energy, and the healing power of intentional touch. Through her experiences working with various spa and wellness teams, Jessica has continued to expand her knowledge and follow her passion for helping others feel their best.
As a massage therapist, Jessica specializes in Swedish, sports, deep tissue, neuromuscular therapy, and myofascial release techniques. She takes a holistic approach to wellness, creating personalized treatments that support each guest’s unique needs while nurturing balance between the mind, body, and spirit.
Jessica’s compassionate nature and commitment to continued learning allow her to provide thoughtful, intuitive care with every service. She is grateful to be part of the Canyon River Spa team, where she can connect with guests and work alongside a community of professionals dedicated to exceptional care and genuine connection.
Outside of the spa, Jessica enjoys spending time with her two children, exploring the outdoors through hiking and skiing, and making memories with her family.
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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Erika Thompson | Massage Therapist
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My passion for helping people feel better aligns perfectly with the tranquil environment here at Canyon River, making every day an opportunity to contribute to clients' peace and healing. My path to massage therapy was deeply influenced by my grandmother, who practiced reflexology in Roberts, Montana, in the 1950s. This family tradition of healing touch and my early experiences with reflexology and kinesiology during high school laid the foundation for my career. At 24, I attended massage school, and since then, I've expanded my expertise to include Reiki, hypnotherapy, and esthetics, continually learning to enhance my healing practice. I focus on addressing each client's unique needs, providing massages that are both restful and beneficial. I have been nationally certified since 2004 and a member of both ASCP and ABMP.
Outside work, my love for live music takes me on adventures, especially following jam bands like Dead and Company and dancing at local venues like Pine Creek. I'm a proud mom to two adult sons, Ivory and Jacen, and stepson Riley, sharing our home with our beloved pets. My greatest pride is seeing my sons grow into wonderful humans.
Through massage, I offer peaceful, helpful, and healing experiences that support each client's journey toward well-being. I'm thrilled to be part of this community, sharing my passion for massage therapy and making a positive impact one session at a time.
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Camry Metcalf | Massage Therapist
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I’ve been a licensed massage therapist since 2020 and am passionate about helping people feel their best through personalized, therapeutic care. I believe massage is more than just relaxation—it’s an important part of supporting the body’s natural ability to heal and recover.
I graduated from the Intermountain School of Natural Health in Twin Falls, where I was trained by a naturopathic doctor. That education gave me a unique foundation that extends beyond traditional massage therapy, allowing me to better understand the body as a whole and take a more holistic approach to wellness.
Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, muscle tension, recovering from an injury, or simply need time to relax and recharge, my goal is to create a comfortable, welcoming environment where you feel heard, cared for, and leave feeling better than when you arrived. Every session is tailored to your individual needs, and I genuinely enjoy helping my clients move better, feel better, and improve their overall quality of life.
Outside of the treatment room, I’m a wife and mom. As a family, we love spending as much time outdoors as possible—whether we’re exploring, hiking, or simply enjoying nature together. Helping others and caring for my family are the two things that bring me the greatest joy, and I look forward to being part of your wellness journey. -

Christy Yancy | Massage Therapist
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Hi, I’m Christy, a licensed massage therapist with 19 years of experience helping clients feel their best through personalized, therapeutic bodywork. Over the years, I’ve developed a passion for creating intentional massage experiences that address each client’s individual needs, with deep tissue massage being my favorite specialty.
In addition to deep tissue, I offer Swedish, sports, prenatal, myofascial work, and reflexology. My goal is to create a comfortable, personalized experience that helps relieve muscle tension, reduce stress, and promote overall relaxation and wellness.
When I’m not at the spa, you’ll usually find me enjoying the outdoors or working on one of my favorite hobbies. I love sewing, camping, fishing, and shooting pool. After nearly two decades in the industry, I’m still passionate about massage therapy and the opportunity to help each client leave feeling relaxed, restored, and cared for.
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Michele Borissov | Massage Therapist
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Bio coming soon!
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Erica (El) Bidelman | Massage Therapist
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Bio coming soon!
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Nat Mo | Massage Therapist
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Bio coming soon!
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Cisem Guzel | Massage Therapist
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I graduated from Restful Touch School of Massage Therapy, where I developed a strong foundation in Swedish massage, deep tissue techniques, myofascial release (MFR), neuromuscular therapy (NMT), and therapeutic massage. I’m passionate about creating a personalized experience for every client by listening to their needs and thoughtfully combining techniques to support relaxation, pain relief, and overall wellness.
Originally from Turkey, I have always enjoyed an active lifestyle and spending time outdoors and in nature. Outside of the spa, I love cooking and spending quality time with my husband and our dog, Dalya. I bring a calm, attentive approach to every massage and enjoy helping each client leave feeling refreshed, balanced, and cared for.
Skin Team
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Cassidey Schwindt | Esthetician
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I’m a Montana girl, born and raised, and I graduated from Amara Advanced School of Esthetics. Being an esthetician is something I truly love, and I feel so lucky to get to do what I love every day. I specialize in facials, waxing, brow laminations, and lash lifts and tints, but my favorite part of my job is getting to make people feel beautiful, confident, and cared for. There’s honestly nothing better than being able to help someone leave feeling a little more confident and a little more like themselves.
When I’m not at the salon, you can usually find me with my friends and family, making memories, or outside enjoying pretty much anything Montana has to offer. I’m a big believer in enjoying the little things, spending time with the people I love, and just having fun with life!
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Leyna Yenny | Esthetician
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Bio coming soon!
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Michele Borissov | Esthetician
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Bio coming soon!
Hair Team
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Teddy Kirkegaard | General Manager & 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.
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Dane Carson Ulrich | Master 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.
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Adrianna Banville | Designer 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!
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Hannah Boyd | Assistant Stylist
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Bio coming soon!
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Caitlyn (Caity) Walth | Protege Stylist
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Bio coming soon!
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.

