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Meet Some of Our Team

Behind every Stephanies® experience is a team of dedicated professionals who share a passion for genuine care, thoughtful service and exceptional wellbeing. Here are just some of the people who help bring our brand to life each day.

The team behind Stephanies® Luxury Spas
Luxury is never created by beautiful spaces alone. It is created by the people who welcome you, listen to you and care for you.

The Vision

Every great organisation begins with a clear sense of purpose. At Stephanies®, that purpose — to care for people — has been the guiding principle for more than three decades. The leaders who steward this vision bring experience, passion and an unwavering commitment to the values on which Stephanies® was founded.

Stephanie Shepherd — Founder

Stephanie Shepherd

Founder

32 Years with Stephanies®

I've had the privilege of founding Stephanies® in 1994 with a simple dream—to create beautiful spaces where people could pause, reconnect and experience genuine care.

What began as a small beauty salon has grown into a collection of luxury spa destinations, but the heart of Stephanies® has never changed. I've always believed that exceptional spa experiences are created through kindness, authenticity and a genuine passion for helping people feel their very best.

One of my greatest joys has been watching our incredible team grow, with so many talented therapists and leaders building rewarding careers while creating meaningful connections with our guests. Seeing the culture we've nurtured continue to flourish is something I'm immensely proud of.

Today, it brings me great happiness to see Stephanies® continue to evolve while remaining true to the values it was founded on over 30 years ago. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your wellbeing journey—we look forward to welcoming you and creating an experience you'll always remember.

Desmond Plaisted — Chief Executive Officer

Desmond Plaisted

Chief Executive Officer

30 Years with Stephanies®

It's a privilege to serve as Chief Executive Officer of Stephanies®, helping lead a business that has been inspiring guests for more than 30 years. Together with my wife, Stephanie, I've been honoured to support the next chapter of the business while preserving the values and vision that have made Stephanies® what it is today.

I'm passionate about creating an environment where our people can thrive, knowing that when we support and invest in our team, our guests receive the exceptional care and genuine hospitality Stephanies® is known for.

I enjoy bringing together innovation, technology and operational excellence to strengthen our business while remaining true to the values that have guided Stephanies® since 1994. For me, every improvement we make is about enhancing the guest experience and supporting the talented people who bring our brand to life each day.

I'm incredibly proud of our team and the culture we've built together. I look forward to welcoming you to Stephanies®, where every experience is thoughtfully created to help you relax, reconnect and feel your very best.

Steven Cook — Director of Spa & Business Development

Steven Cook

Director of Spa & Business Development

6 Years with Stephanies®

I've been proud to be part of the Stephanies® family for the past six years, working alongside our Founder, Stephanie, our CEO, Des, and our incredible leadership team to help shape the continued growth and evolution of our business.

As Director of Spa & Business Development, I'm passionate about creating exceptional guest experiences while supporting our teams to deliver the highest standards of care across every Stephanies® destination.

I enjoy bringing together innovation, operational excellence and thoughtful hospitality to ensure every aspect of the Stephanies® experience reflects our commitment to quality, wellbeing and genuine connection. Seeing our people grow, our teams succeed and our guests continue to choose Stephanies® is one of the most rewarding parts of my role.

What inspires me most is knowing that every decision we make ultimately enhances the experience of our guests and supports the remarkable people who bring our brand to life each day.

It's a privilege to be part of a business with such a rich history, an incredible team and a shared passion for creating memorable experiences. I look forward to welcoming you to Stephanies® and sharing everything that makes our spa experiences so special.

Karyn — Payroll & Administrative Support Coordinator

Karyn

Payroll & Administrative Support Coordinator

8 Years with Stephanies®

I’ve been proud to be part of the Stephanies® family for much of the past eight years, beginning my journey as a Receptionist before progressing into a management role.

After a short time away, I was delighted to return and am now a valued member of our Senior Management Team, working closely with Des, Steven and our spa leaders to support the people and operations that keep Stephanies® running smoothly.

As Payroll & Support Coordinator, I enjoy bringing care, organisation and attention to detail to every aspect of my role. Supporting our wonderful team behind the scenes and helping create a positive workplace where people feel valued and supported is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.

I’m incredibly proud to be part of a business that genuinely cares for its people and look forward to continuing to support the amazing team behind every Stephanies® experience.

Leading Our Destinations

These are the people guests are most likely to meet. Each spa manager brings their own warmth and expertise to their destination, shaping the experience from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave.

Victoria — Gift Shop & Spa Team Leader - Vintage Spa, Cleveland

Victoria

Gift Shop & Spa Team Leader - Vintage Spa, Cleveland

15 Years with Stephanies®

I've been proud to be part of the Stephanies® family for over 15 years, and it has been an incredibly rewarding journey.

Today, I proudly serve as Assistant Spa Manager and Retail Manager at our beautiful Vintage Spa Cleveland, where I combine my passion for retail, visual merchandising and creating memorable guest experiences.

I love discovering unique collections, curating beautiful displays, and helping our guests find the perfect gift or a special treat for themselves. Whether it's introducing someone to a new skincare favourite or helping them choose a thoughtful gift, I enjoy making every visit feel personal and memorable.

Being part of the wonderful Vintage Spa team and our Bayside community makes every day truly rewarding. I look forward to welcoming you in-store and helping you discover something special to take home with you.

Gaëlle — Spa Manager - Ocean Spa, Noosa

Gaëlle

Spa Manager - Ocean Spa, Noosa

6 Years with Stephanies®

I've been part of the Stephanies® family for six wonderful years, beginning as a Senior Therapist and Receptionist at our Urban Spa Bulimba before embracing the opportunity to relocate to beautiful Noosa as Spa Manager of our Ocean Spa.

Moving with my husband and our little man made this exciting new chapter even more special.

Originally from France, where I began my career in luxury spas, I'm passionate about creating exceptional spa experiences through genuine hospitality, wellness and personalised guest care.

Leading such a talented and supportive team, sharing my knowledge, and helping our therapists grow in confidence and their careers is one of the most rewarding parts of my role.

I'm incredibly proud of the culture we've built together and the memorable experiences we create for every guest.

Jennifer — Spa Manager - Mountain Spa, Clear Mountain

Jennifer

Spa Manager - Mountain Spa, Clear Mountain

2 Years with Stephanies®

I've proudly been part of the Stephanies® family for the past 10 years, beginning my journey at our beautiful Mountain Spa. Throughout my career, I've also had the opportunity to support many of our spa locations, allowing me to work alongside incredible teams and build lasting connections across our business.

As Spa Manager, I'm passionate about creating an environment where both our guests and team feel genuinely cared for. I believe every spa experience should be relaxing, restorative and thoughtfully personalised, leaving each guest feeling refreshed, nurtured and inspired.

Education and training have always been close to my heart. I love helping our therapists grow in confidence, develop their skills and deliver the exceptional standard of care that defines every Stephanies® experience. Watching our team flourish while creating memorable moments for our guests is one of the most rewarding parts of my role.

I'm incredibly proud to be part of the Stephanies® family and the supportive culture we've built together. I look forward to welcoming you to Stephanies® Mountain Spa and sharing the warmth, tranquillity and genuine hospitality that make our mountain retreat so special.

Kirsty — Spa Manager - Urban Spa, Bulimba

Kirsty

Spa Manager - Urban Spa, Bulimba

I've been proud to be part of the Stephanies® family for the past three years, beginning my journey as a Graduate Therapist after completing my studies at The French Beauty Academy.

Throughout my career with Stephanies®, I've been fortunate to grow from Graduate Therapist to Assistant Spa Manager, and now to Spa Manager of Urban Spa. It's been an incredibly rewarding journey, and I'm grateful for the support, encouragement and opportunities I've received along the way.

Creating meaningful experiences for our guests has always been at the heart of what I do. I love welcoming each guest into a space where they can relax, unwind and feel genuinely cared for, knowing they've taken time to invest in their own wellbeing.

One of the most rewarding parts of my role is supporting and inspiring our wonderful team. Seeing our therapists grow in confidence while delivering exceptional guest experiences every day is something I'm incredibly passionate about.

I'm proud to be part of a business that believes in developing people from within and creating opportunities for rewarding careers. I look forward to welcoming you to Stephanies® Urban Spa and sharing a truly memorable spa experience with you.

Sascha — Spa Manager - Vintage Spa, Cleveland

Sascha

Spa Manager - Vintage Spa, Cleveland

I’ve been proud to be part of the Stephanies® family for the past eight years, beginning my journey as a Senior Therapist before becoming Spa Manager of our beautiful Vintage Spa Cleveland, a role I’ve proudly held for the past five years. Alongside leading our wonderful Cleveland team, I also enjoy supporting therapist development across the Stephanies® group, sharing knowledge and helping nurture the next generation of exceptional spa professionals.

I believe self-care is more than an occasional indulgence, it’s an essential part of living well. Whether I’m supporting our team or welcoming guests into the spa, I’m passionate about creating experiences that inspire relaxation, confidence and lasting wellbeing.

One of the most rewarding parts of my role is watching both our therapists and guests flourish. Seeing our team grow in confidence while helping guests feel relaxed, restored and genuinely cared for is something I’m incredibly passionate about.

I’m proud to be part of a business that values learning, genuine hospitality and continuous growth. I look forward to welcoming you to Vintage Spa Cleveland and sharing an experience that’s thoughtfully designed to help you relax, reconnect and feel your very best.

Growing Together

Stephanies® has always believed that investing in people is the most important investment of all. Many of our most accomplished team members began their careers right here — and their journeys are a testament to the culture of learning, mentorship and opportunity that defines us.

Behind Every Experience

Behind every treatment is a much larger team whose shared purpose is helping people feel their very best. From our therapists and concierge staff to our educators and operations team — together, they create the calm, personalised and genuinely caring experience our guests remember long after they leave.

More than 70 therapists, concierge professionals and educators across Queensland.

More than three decades of caring for guests has only been possible because of the remarkable people who have chosen to build their careers with Stephanies®. Every guest experience is shaped by their passion, kindness and dedication.

Join Our Team

Exceptional guest experiences begin with exceptional people. If our values resonate with you, we'd love to hear your story too.

Explore Careers
From the Spa

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