Micah Grubbs
Owner
Micah earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Washington & Jefferson College in 1998, and has since honed his expertise in business management and client services. With experience as the military business coordinator for GNC, and as an operations analyst and asset manager, he built his business acumen and extraordinary customer care skills. His background organizing large projects and matching a product to his client’s needs prepared him to found and run The Verve 360˚.
It requires bold, forward thinking to envision a new direction and, more importantly, to act on it. Micah saw Pittsburgh as a city poised for radical re-invention. Downtown had resisted change for decades, but the signs were all pointing toward transformation.
To encourage the new direction, Micah, prompted by his partner Aubre, decided that the city needed a place with a unique concept that would both lead and encourage the coming changes. Together they were, “certain that Verve is the place Pittsburgh was looking for.”
Micah wanted to evolve the traditional spa model to create a space with a distinct and unique vibe. Pilates and yoga, massage, make-up, skin and facial care are all performed in a space unlike any other. But beyond the services, there is a subtle, notable element clients feel upon entering Verve – a sense of welcome that goes beyond simple customer service.
Client service is the priority for all of Verve’s professionals, and Micah’s commitment is that people feel welcome and taken care of on their first visit and every time after. He is clear that once people experience the space, the services and the distinctive employee dynamic that is Verve, they will want to return.
Come and join the Verve family and experience what 360˚ of wellness is all about.
Aubre J. Stacknick
Owner/Nationally Certified Bodywork Therapist /Member American Bodywork Massage Professionals
Aubre began her entrepreneurial spirit far before she began her first endeavor at the young age of 18. This yearning came from a long ancestry of talented, creative and intelligent individuals. She spent many successful years as a business owner in both New Jersey and the Pocono’s building and designing custom homes.
Self-motivation and professional experience in financing, client relations, and project management prepared Aubre for her next entrepreneurial leap of faith. Being a visionary, Aubre decided that returning to her long time love of holistic medicine, Pilates and bodywork was what best suited her. After contemplating the where’s and when’s of opening a wellness facility such as Verve, Aubre returned to Pittsburgh where she frequented as a teenager and knew she’d eventually end up. “I knew the minute I got here that it was only a matter of time before Verve would be in motion. We are creating our own market here in Pittsburgh, nothing new to me. We are creating “the” center for health and wellness in downtown Pittsburgh.” Aubre says.
Much experience and many hours of education have proven to be the right formula for another successful undertaking. After 3 years of consideration and 1 year of planning with now partner Micah, Verve opened in December of 2007. Verve has had a tremendous two years and looks forward to the incredible opportunities it has in 2010.
Thoughts from Aubre: “I believe in balance of body, mind and spirit. My work emphasizes this importance. Over the years, I have had the pleasure to work with Professional musicians, singers, actors, dancers, athletes of every sort, and business people. My goal is to create bodywork sessions that address your specific needs. My focus has always been to support fluidity, vitality and restore your body to its’ original integrity. Each personalized massage session facilitates the healing process on every level through the power of intelligent and intuitive touch. My unique experience with massage in various medical fields such as plastic surgery, pre & peri-natal, neuromuscular, sports therapy and rehabilitation creates a thorough understanding of movement and healing in the human body. I am a firm believer in centering one’s life! Knowledge is power! Bringing these facets of wellness and health together continues to be my goal. This concept prompted the inception of VERVE WELLNESS. I love the historical architecture of Pittsburgh so I decided to put it right downtown.”
Etta Cramer
Manager
My name is Etta and I am the Manager at Verve 360. I grew up in the South Hills, and although I’ve moved out-of-state a few times, Pittsburgh has always been my home. In 2007 I married an amazing man, Jason, and gained a step-daughter, Isabella. We were living in Austin, Texas at the time where I was an Assistant Director at a Primrose School. I loved working with the children, and absolutely LOVED my job, but my husband and I felt too far away from our families in Pittsburgh. Luckily, my brother Micah and future sister-in-law Aubre were searching for administrative help for their new business, Verve 360.
When I started at Verve, we only occupied the third floor of the building and had two employees in addition to myself, a Pilates Instructor and an Esthetician. Through a lot of hard work and determination the business quickly began to flourish, and soon we were able to add more to our staff, including Yoga Instructors and additional Massage Therapists. In March of 2010, I went on maternity leave for my beautiful daughter, Evelyn, and when I returned 3 months later Verve had expanded even further! We now occupied the first floor with our new salon, adding Nail and Hair services to our menu.
My job has changed quite a bit since I began my career with Verve, but one thing has stayed the same; my passion for helping people and the enjoyment I get from working with family at a company I truly believe in. Our mission has always been to guide individuals on a path to health and wellness, and I have personally seen people transform their lives using the programs at Verve. I feel lucky to be a part of Verve 360 and plan to continue helping our clients achieve their goals in years to come.
Laura Smith
Certified Massage Therapist / Certified Personal Trainer / Certified Reiki Professional
Laura has worked with business partners and associations delivering fitness and massage therapy programs. This includes management at the Cardello Building, Silverio & Hoffmann Gym, Good Apples and several chiropractic organizations.
Laura provides Therapeutic Massage Services to clients who need help coping with stress, serious long term illnesses (such as arthritis), cancer treatment management, M.S., fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, as well as life events such as surgery recovery and athletics.
Clare Westwood
Pilates Instructor
Clare started taking Pilates eight years ago after learning that strengthening her core could relieve chronic lower back pain. Clare had been a swimmer in high school and college and switched to running and weight training after graduation. Despite remaining physically active and fit, her back pain began to affect her everyday life. After just a few months of consistent Pilates exercise, her lower back pain vanished. The transformation that Pilates gave her body was remarkable. She was no longer plagued by back pain; her body changed to be fluid and strong.
Shortly after her own practice began, she committed to become a certified instructor so that she could help others realize their own transformation. Clare chose internationally known Peak Pilates to obtain her certification. Peak provides comprehensive equipment and mat certification for all levels of Pilates exercises and focuses on the anatomy of movement in the Classical Pilates Method.
Clare is certified to teach beginner through to the highest level of Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Classical Chair and Barrel, MVE chair, Barre Pilates and Pilates stick. She utilizes props in mat classes and equipment sessions to deepen the body’s connections in Pilates practice and to provide a greater challenge or, if need be, a modification for Verve clients.
Clare has worked with clients of all ages and fitness levels, including athletes and some who have begun their practice after ending Physical Therapy for an injury or physical ailment. Pilates helps you to become stronger, walk taller and look lean. Pilates is an exercise practice that can be done by anybody, at any age, at any fitness level. Clare looks forward to helping Verve clients reach their fitness and health goals so that they can feel great, everyday.
Call for a free introductory session today!
Roxanne Banks-Williams
Licensed Massage Therapist/Bodyworker
Originally from Los Angeles, CA, Roxanne’s roots have firmly landed in the East Side of Pittsburgh. She chose to attend Peabody High School in order to participate in the first responder program as an entry into the health field. Although her interest was in Sports Medicine, she knew she couldn’t fail in her endeavors for a Business Degree from the University of Pittsburgh.
After graduation she started dabbling in all of her many different interests. Nicknamed a “jack of all trades”, she actually earned her massage therapy certification while working as the Director of Education and Training for the PA League of Young Voters in 2008. Following her passion for helping people reach their optimal health and wellness, she is now an ACE certified Personal Trainer and studying the Peak method to being a Pilates instructor– which she plans to merge with her massage therapy practice. And she’s not stopping there! Her long-term goal is to bring all of this together with Yoga and Tai Chi to be a Physical Rehabilitation Specialist.
Gabriella Storey
Esthetician
Gabriella attended the Esthetics Technology program in North Carolina. She has 7 years of experience, including practice at a Medical Spa and a Salon in North Carolina before moving to Pittsburgh. Providing the highest standard of esthetics, while also creating personalized treatments and a home regimen for each individual, Gabriella prides herself in her skin care knowledge and resourceful product recommendations.
She has advanced skills in total body waxing, as well as Lash Extensions, Microdermabrasion, Chemical Peels, Intense Pulse Light Therapy (IPL) and Laser treatments.
Looking for a fabulous make-up artist for your special occasion? Gabriella is your girl, with over 7 years experience with services for Weddings, Prom and Photography sessions. Gabriella is excited to rejuvenate your skin while providing a feeling of rest and relaxation.
Alyssa Kraus
Esthetician/Hair Stylist/Nail Technician/Makeup Artist
Alyssa Kraus, a Pittsburgh native, has been in the beauty industry since 2004. She began her training at a vocational school when she was still in high school. While at the top of her class, she spent her evening hours assisting at her Aunt’s hair salon. Alyssa said,” I learned a lot of what I know assisting my Aunt. Anyone who thinks working for family must be a breeze, has obviously never worked for family before. My Aunt would tell me she was being hard on me for a reason, to better me. Well, it’s finally paying off.” And it has.
After graduating, Alyssa trained at Bella Capelli Academy, a Paul Mitchell school. While studying, she soaked up as much knowledge as possible, participating in many Pittsburgh based hair shows, even assisting platform artists on stage. Alyssa finally attained her license in 2009, with much experience under her belt.
Alyssa has attended many different educational classes to continue her advancement in hair cutting and coloring. She has been trained on Paul Mitchell’s cutting system and Michael O’Rourke’s cutting system: Structure in Motion. Most recently, Alyssa was certified in Balayage and Ombre coloring techniques and the popular Keratin Coppola Treatment. Not to mention, she is also a makeup artist, esthetician, and nail specialist. She has been certified in the use of Yon-ka’s skin care line and also Nufree Wax.
After growing up in Pittsburgh, Alyssa has become a huge supporter of anything and everything local. Whether it’s exploring the unknown via bicycle or getting to know those favorite places better, Alyssa is always trying to learn more about the city. She can be found putting photo shoots together for local clothing boutique, Decade Pittsburgh. She also does freelance work as a hairstylist and makeup artist for American Eagle Outfitters, whose headquarters are in the South Side of Pittsburgh.
Needless to say, Alyssa is always up on the trends, the old and the new, and she is equipped with the proper ammo to attack whatever comes her way!
Brianne Culp
Stylist/Colorist/ Nail Technician
Growing up in the beauty industry has always been inspiring for Brianne. Coming from a long line of hairdressers, styling comes quite naturally to her. Brianne trained while in high school at SUN Area Career and Technology in New Berlin, Pennsylvania, under Crystal Gutshall, a certified Pivot Point International instructor.
Competing in SkillsUSA held in Kansas City, Missouri, Brianne was ranked 5th in the nation specializing in gorgeous up-dos perfect for weddings and formal events.
After graduating high school Brianne continued education at Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, Pennsylvania for business management.
From there it was to Chicago, Illinois, to work under one of the industry’s leading experts in keratin bond hair extensions.
Brianne has continued education with companies such as Paul Mitchell, L’Oreal Professional, and HotHeads Hair Extensions. She is currently striving to continue her education and staying up to date with the latest techniques and styles. It is especially important to Brianne to give her clients personalized cuts, styles and color that reflect who they are and what they would like to project to the world. She also specializes in manicures, gel manicures and pedicures.
Jacquelyn Cuturic
Senior Stylist/Makeup Artist
Jacquelyn’s inspirations for becoming a hairdresser date back over ten years and she has been a part of the hairdressing culture since 2001. She feels the industry is profound in many ways, affecting the well-being and livelihood of women across the world.
As a stylist, she takes pride in helping women achieve and embrace their natural beauty and its simplicity to their fullest potential. By educating her clients on product and technique she liberates women from the daily chore of “styling” their hair.
Well-educated in the Jane Iredale mineral make up line, Jacquelyn holds true to the philosophy that make up should enhance your natural beauty, draw the eye towards your greatest features and add confidence to your daily life.
Jacquelyn has trained in haircutting and color in world-renowned institutes across the country and believes that continuing education is the foreground for exceptional work in the studio. She specializes in cutting according the hair’s natural texture and assists her clients in achieving low-maintenance, signature looks. “ I believe that we should never have a bad hair day, if we have the right haircut.”
Christy L. Gordon
Licensed Massage Therapist
Christy, originally from Williamsport, PA, moved to the Pittsburgh area to expand her career in the alternative health care field. She has been in tune with the body and how it works since her early childhood as a gymnast. After an injury ended her gymnastics career, Christy received massage therapy to aid in recovery from knee surgery – and became hooked. She received training from Central PA School of Massage as a massage practitioner in 2004 and continued with an Advanced Bodyworker Degree from Career Training Academy in 2010.
Christy strives to provide her clients with customized therapeutic treatments for optimal results for their individual needs. She is highly skilled in a variety of modalities ranging from infant to geriatric. She offers a variety of therapies including Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular, facilitated joint mobility stretching, and more! For her next step in the bodywork field, Christy is expanding with personal training through the Peak Pilates method. Come see Christy for your personal evaluation, and let her take care of you!
