Director of Sports Club and Spa Bella Vita
Jennifer Di Francesco
Jennifer brings more than twenty years of experience to the spa industry. Licensed in Massage Therapy, Esthetics, and a certified Pilates instructor, Jennifer has spent her career perfecting the art of spa at top resorts in California. Jennifer was a post graduate trainer for the International Dermal Institute and a spa trainer for Kerstin Florian Skin Care. In 2005, she became a member of ISPA's Education Committee and was a speaker on behalf of the organization in 2006, where she created presentations on spa management, resource partner relations and spa retail. Since then, Jennifer has worked as the Director of Spa Operations for The Well, at the Miramonte Resort. There she played an integral role in the opening of the spa and helped receive numerous awards such as "#1 Resort Spa in North America" by Condé Nast Traveler Magazine. Jennifer enjoys remaining active in promoting health and wellness in the desert community writing a regular health column for Desert Health newsletter.
 
Director of Tennis
Marty Icke
Hailing from Tasmania, Australia, Marty Icke brings a dynamic blend of playing, coaching and administrative experience to our team. Marty has a background in college tennis at Lander University, South Carolina, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. During his time in Phoenix, Marty's involvement with the Sun Devil tennis teams led him to the role of Director of Operations, showcasing his leadership abilities. Marty's coaching spans all ages, from summers at the Lake Naomi Club in Pennsylvania to mentoring junior players at the Maroon and Gold Academy in Phoenix. Beyond tennis, Marty enjoys golf, fitness, hiking and cherished moments with family and friends. As a USPTA certified Director of Tennis for Toscana, Marty Icke's diverse expertise and dedication promise an exciting chapter for the Club.
 
Director of Pickleball
Dee Ahern
Diane Ahern, who goes by Dee, is a 5.0-level professional pickleball player, pickleball instructor, author and certified referee. She has accrued numerous medals in tournaments since entering the competitive arena in 2014. Her medals include The World Huntsman Senior Games, Florida State Senior Games, USAPA Nationals, US Open and USAPA Regional Tournaments. Dee received her International Professional Pickleball Teaching Certificate (IPTPA) in 2016 and Professional Pickleball Registry Certificate (PPR) in 2018. She has traveled extensively, teaching clinics and giving private lessons. In her workshops and seminars she actively engages and challenges attendees to improve skills, conceptual understanding and strategies. Dee is also the co-author of a pickleball drill book called Target Zones: Practicing Pickleball with a Purpose, which highlights 50 field-tested games and pickleball drills.
 
Spa Supervisor
Susie Siebert
Susie is a Palm Desert native and a Licensed Massage Therapist with over 1000 hours. She studied massage at Mueller College of Holistic Studies and Desert Resort School of Somatherapy. She is certified in several massage techniques including Sports, Therapeutic, Deep Tissue, Shiatsu, Aromatherapy, Swedish, Prenatal, Bamboo, and Thai. Susie also performs all the body treatments that are offered at Spa Bella Vita. Susie worked for the JW Marriott for sixteen years and performed massages and body treatments, trained spa therapist, supervised the massage departments and managed the spa. She has assisted in opening several luxury spas across the United States. She enjoys spending her free time traveling, photography, golf, swimming, boating and enjoying the outdoors. She is looking forward to providing a wonderful massage experience to Toscana Members.
 
Spa and Sports Club Administrative Assistant
Cammie Link
Cammie was born and raised in Spokane, Washington. Her background encompasses 16 years in retail business, 13 of which were spent working for Nordstrom's as a manager in the women's designer wear department. It was there that she learned the importance of great customer service and the high standards associated with such a quality oriented business. In 1989, she moved with her husband to the Coachella Valley and the following year were blessed with the birth of their son. She loves living in the desert and enjoys giving back to the community. She volunteered for 18 years as a religious educator at St. Theresa Church Palm Springs. Cammie has been with Toscana since 2009.
 
Racquets Coordinator
Danielle Clarke
Native to the Coachella Valley, Danielle joins us with an impressive array of experience, including an eleven-year tenure at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, home of the world-class BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament and former USA Pickleball National Championships, acquiring knowledge from all departments and expanding her passion for sports management. She has also worked as the Racquet Shop Coordinator at Rancho La Quinta Country Club, where she played an integral role in the daily operations of their Sports and Fitness Center, managing and coordinating all tournament events and social mixers, organizing tennis matches and attending to their members' daily needs. Danielle graduated from California State University, San Bernardino with a Business Administration/Marketing degree. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, spin class, staying active in her community and spending time with her loved ones, especially her dog, Hera.
 
Lead Spa Concierge
Ashley Lively
Lead Spa Concierge Ashley Lively Ashley joined Toscana last season and is excited to add skills and experience to her second Toscana season. She started her hospitality career in a boutique hotel at a young age as a front desk agent. This inspired her to study Business Management in which she focused in Hospitality and Human Resources. This allowed her to take a course in the worldwide institution of GLION higher education to expand her knowledge in hospitality. Ashley has worked in well-known organizations such as Melia Hotels, Hilton, Marriott and most recently for WTS International as the Director of Spa & Fitness. Ashley was also a member for ISPA allowing her to keep growing professional and personal relationships with her fellow peers. Ashley enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading books, arts & crafts and she loves to go on walks or hikes with her Husky Rogue.
 
Spa Concierge
Jesus Molina
Jesus was born and raised in the Coachella Valley. He earned a B.A. in psychology from Cal State San Bernadino and has over 5 years’ experience in hotel concierge and customer service. Jesus loves to travel, especially to exotic and luxurious places. He is fluent in Spanish and English and enjoys meeting new people.
 
Spa Concierge
Alyson Wilson
Alyson is proud to be a Palm Springs native. Her family moved to the desert in the 1940's from the LA area and never looked back. After graduating from UC Santa Cruz, Alyson majored in Business Administration and Psychology. She came back to live in the Coachella Valley. Committed to staying healthy, fit and strong, you'll find Alyson hiking the local trails, taking high energy spin classes and Pilates Reformer classes. She loves rolling the dice with Bunko girlfriends each month and is also a part of the Girlfriend Factor Cooking Circle, where girlfriends gather monthly to impress each other with culinary skills.
 
Spa Concierge
Miriam Concevida
Miriam has lived in the Coachella Valley for 25 years. She is passionate about helping people. Miriam received her esthetician licensed from Milan Institute in October 2022. She enjoys outdoor activities, working out, and Latin dancing. Miriam is fluent in Spanish and English and enjoys meeting new people.
 
Massage Therapist
Ron Dean
Ron has lived in the Coachella Valley for 30 years. He specializes in deep tissue and sports therapy massage. Ron received his certification as a massage therapist from Desert Resorts School of Somatherapy. He has accumulated 20 years of experience in massage therapy working at many of the local hotels, resort spas and country clubs.
 
Massage Therapist
Mirsada Tabakovic
Mirsada was born and raised in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mirsada has lived in the desert for 16 years and has been employed as a massage therapists for 10 years. With 700 hours in her profession she finds giving massage almost as relaxing as receiving massage. When Mirsada is not performing massage she is spending time with her 3 children and 4 grandchildren who she is very close to.
 
Massage Therapist
Kathleen Downing
Kathleen has been a massage therapist for over 23 years totaling more than 1000 hours of massage and practical classes. She is certified in several modalities including, Bamboo Fusion, Reflexology, Deep Tissue, Thai, Swedish, Sports, Accupressure and Aroma Therapy. Kathleen has lived in the Coachella Valley for 44 years and is a well respected member in her field. Of all her accomplishments she is most proud of her 3 children and 9 grandchildren.
 
Massage Therapist
Marcela Botero
Marcela was born in Colombia, where she studied Industrial Design. In 2004 she moved from Colombia to Venice, CA where she focused her creative talent on Interior Design. After spending over a decade as an Interior Designer, she realized that her true ambition was to pursue the healing arts. She decided to start a new path in life and completed her education in Massage Therapy in Manhattan Beach Ca. Now settled in the Coachella Valley, Marcela is looking forward to providing massages to Members here at Toscana.
 
Massage Therapist
Rae Dallas
Rae was born and raised in Port Huron, Michigan. She started studying Holistic Health in the mid-80s and has continued these studies. She became a Certified Massage Therapist and a Holistic Health Practitioner as well as a Life Coach, Transformational Breath Facilitator, and a Juice Therapist. Holistic Health and Body Work is Rae’s passion and she has been practicing for 22 years. Her background encompasses 14 years as a United States Marine, a Chemical Dependency Counselor at the Betty Ford Center, and an Investigative Social Worker for Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. Rae is also a retired Police Officer / Detective. Rae became a Private Investigator and a Private Patrol Officer after retiring from the Palm Springs Police Department. Rae enjoys learning, she obtained many certificates as well as an AA degree in Advanced Personal Training and Exercise Science and a BS in Law.
 
Massage Therapist
Vanessa Mckay
Vanessa is passionate about the human body and the capacities it has to heal through touch. She loves to tend to each individual’s needs. Although she is traditionally trained, most of her techniques have been developed through her 11 years of experience in the field. Intuitively striving to find the balance between keeping bodywork relaxing while still addressing traumas or stagnations in the body, the result leaves one with a truly original massage experience. On her free time Vanessa enjoys hiking with her pups, playing basketball, and more or less any outdoor activities.
 
Massage Therapist
Margo Hines
Originally from Minnesota, Margo moved to the desert in 2010. After a long career in tech consulting, Margo finally found a career where she could truly help people achieve their wellbeing goals. In 2013, she purchased the desert’s premier massage school, Somatherapy Institute, became a Massage Therapist, and ran the school until she successfully sold it in 2021. As an active adult participating in swimming, golf, ballroom dancing, and pickleball, Margo believes massage is a key component to maintaining peak performance. From sports and rehabilitative massage to stress relief and relaxation, Margo looks forward to providing a customized massage experience to Toscana members.
 
Massage Therapist
Beckie Dennison
Beckie is a Licensed Massage Therapist and a nurturer and caregiver by nature. A southern California native, she has been living in the Coachella Valley with her husband and 2 sons for the past 14 years. Beckie has always had a love for people and a passion for health and wellness. She is fascinated by the mind/body connection and the body's innate ability to heal. She is certified in several massage modalities including swedish, deep tissue, sports, reflexology, hot stone, prenatal, cupping and has considerable knowledge in essential oils and their healing properties, having also received certification from the Center for Aromatherapy Research and Education. Outside of massage, she enjoys spending time with her family including her 2 Doberman Pinschers and her friends, traveling, volunteering in the community, studying psychology and learning new things and being near the sea.
 
Esthetician
Felicia Cudiamat
Felicia was born and raised in Manila Philippines. She was a second year college student when she and her family moved to San Francisco in 1977. Felicia received her B.A. in Clothing and Textile from San Francisco State University. After getting facials for so many years, she decided to go back to school taking several advanced classes to obtain her license in esthetics. Felicia has 15 years of experience and loves educating others about skin care. She is proficient in Microdemabrasion, peels, and European facials. Felicia has worked for the La Quinta Resort Spa as their lead esthetician, including managing and training esthetician staff. In 2007 she moved back to San Francisco to be close to family and is now back in the desert and ready to bring her facial magic to Toscana Members.
 
Nail Technician
Michaela Trivino
Michaela was born in Bogotá, Colombia. Michaela relocated to the Coachella Valley at a young age and fell in love with the relaxed and peaceful environment. She has cultivated an admiration for providing relaxing nail services at various Spas and Country Clubs throughout the desert for the past 6 years. She enjoys seeing the joy and benefits that these services bring. In her free time, she enjoys the arts in all its forms, including film and live theatre. Michaela also enjoys traveling. Some of her favorite locations include South Korea, the Philippines, and Alaska. She is looking forward to providing detailed nail services and meeting Toscana members!
 
Hair Stylist
John Allen
John was born in southern California. He has been working in the hair salon industry for over 25 years. John’s notable accomplishments began in 1983 when he won the Long Beach Hair Show cutting and styling competition. From there he built an extremely devoted clientele. John currently works in Beverly Hills and is joining Toscana on Mondays and Thursdays. John excels in all facets of the industry yet he specializes in creating a total look for his clients.
 
Hair Stylist
Sam Lucas
Sam has dedicated her professional career to achieving excellence in the beauty industry. Mastering the art of hair designing, precision cutting, and coloring techniques, she is very excited to extend her talents to the Toscana Community. Sam has joined our team here at Toscana from Southwestern Ohio. Moving to the Coachella Valley has been a lifelong dream and this season it came true. When not at work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends. Her interests include hiking, biking, and swimming. Sam is at Toscana Friday, Saturday and Sundays
 
Spa Butler
Alicia Sanroman
Alicia has resided in the Coachella Valley for the past 26 years. She has been married for 26 years and has three wonderful children. Alicia has been a Spa Butler at Toscana since 2009 and enjoys assisting Members and Guests during their visit to the Sports Club and Spa Bella Vita. When not working Alicia enjoys the outdoors including gardening and walking.
 
Spa Butler
Barbara Kane
Barbara is a native Californian. She has lived in the desert for 21 years. She has worked in different aspects of retailing for 9 years from Department Manager to Assistant Buyer. Since retiring Barbara has been working part time in the hospitality business for 11 years.
 
Courts Maintenance
Juan Imazu
Juan Imazu has lived in the Coachella Valley since 1982. He worked for 18 years at Mission Hills Country Club as court maintenance and tennis coordinator. He started to play tennis in 1987 and loves the sport. His favorite player is Rafael Nadal because he never gives up. Juan is married with a son and a daughter who both live in California. Originally from Mexico City Juan goes back to see his Mother when not in season at Toscana. Juan also worked at Pete Carlson’s for 15 years. His commitment is clearly evident!
 
Lead Sports Club Concierge
Karen Rohrbaugh
Karen is originally from New Jersey but has resided in the desert for almost 13 years. She has been married for 26 years and has three children. Karen has been part of The Toscana Sports Club Team since the opening in 2008. Working at Toscana has given Karen the opportunity to work with incredible people and serve the greatest Members and guests of Toscana Country Club. Karen enjoys a healthy life style; exercise is an important part of her life. She looks forward to another spectacular season at Toscana Country Club and welcoming back our Members and guests.
 
Sports Club Concierge
Alyssa Carrillo
Alyssa is a Coachella Valley native who brings 10 plus years of customer service to Toscana. She has always derived deep satisfaction from helping others. Alyssa’s interests include reading, astrology, and listening to music. She is very excited for her first season here at Toscana and the opportunity to work with such wonderful individuals and welcoming members!
 
Personal Trainer
Nicholas Rupp
Nicholas is originally from Pennsylvania and moved to California when he was in the Navy. After residing in the Coachella Valley and holding many positions in sales, and fitness management, Nicholas took a turn and became fascinated with the human body and anatomy while he was in a pre-medical carreer path. Nicholas shifted over to more of the movement based studies and took many classes related to the fascia of the body (our connective tissue and its role in mobility.) The certifications continued to grow with study in fascial stretch therapy, TRX, RIP training, and Sports Medicine certifications. Nicholas is a NESTA certified personal trainer and in his spare time he still likes studying anatomy books.
 
Personal Trainer
Jordan Panaiotov
Jordan was born in Bulgaria. Physical fitness was part of his life since he was 10 years old. Jordan was a part of a competitive gymnastic team for 8 years. Eight years of training and competing determined his destiny, helping others to achieve their personal fitness goals. In 1981 Jordan started to train people who were interested in gymnastics and bodybuilding. In 1990 Jordan emigrated to Germany and lived there for 4 years. In 1995 he came to America. From 1997 to 2002 he worked at The Ritz-Carlton in Rancho Mirage. From there he worked at The Springs Country Club and then at Toscana from 2008 to 2011. It was the most exciting and fulfilling experience for Jordan and that is why he has returned to be part of the team again. Jordan believes that impossible is not a fact but an opinion. Things are impossible till someone does it!
 
Personal Trainer
Ricardo DaSilva
Ricardo is originally from Portugal. He has always been attracted to health and fitness. He is a Licensed Massage Therapist and Holistic Health Practitioner and worked in the massage field for 10 Years. This exposure opened to the realm of Personal training which has been a work of passion for 13 years. Ricardo is ISSA certified and is constantly learning in his field. He looks forward to motivating people to live a healthier lifestyle and truly believes a smile can help anything!
 
Personal Trainer/Pilates Instructor
Jennifer Cruz
Jennifer Cruz is a certified personal trainer with over 30 years experience. She Started out in the 80’s as an aerobic instructor, teaching in New York & New Jersey. Along with her husband David, they created the “Fat Blaster” workout . After moving to Boca Raton, Fl Jennifer held the Fitness Director position at a prestigious country club where she remained for 25 years. Jennifer holds a Pilates Reformer and mat certification where she was classically trained in New York City. She loves working with members in the gym and in the Pilates studio to reach their goals! She prides herself to inspire people to love the body as much as she does.
 
Pilates Instructor
Brenna Delay
Brenna moved to the desert 10 years ago and has cherished her last six years here at Toscana. After a long professional dance career, she now puts her passion into pilates, strength and flexibility training. Toscana is home for her, and being from Kansas, “there is no place like home”
 
Pilates and Dance Instructor
Janet Renslow
Janet was born & raised in California. After graduating with a BFA in ballet she headed to New York to begin her professional dancing, choreographing & later directing career. Since then there have been very few styles & genres she hasn't touched, ranging from music videos & industrials to theme parks & cruise ships. Recently through her work in musical theater, she earned many awards & accolades. What sets Janet apart from others is her professionalism, freshness & ability to bring the most out of any talent base. Whatever style is called for, her experience & broad range allows her to bring the perfect touch to any professional challenge. The last 16 years she worked as a choreographer at The Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, responsible for the early stages of creative development in new live entertainment. She moved to the desert in May 2022 & is looking forward to every minute of her 1st “Season
 
Pilates Instructor
Maria Panaiotova
Physical fitness has always been a part of Maria’s life. Since becoming a personal trainer (AFAA), she has explored other avenues of fitness including becoming a pilates reformer certified trainer and golf conditioning specialist (ACE). Maria has extensive experience with active adults. Her pilates work consists of core strengthening, flexibility, and endurance. Maria is focused on her clients individual goals and believes that pilates works for everyone and has become the ultimate in functional training.
 
Lead Group Exercise
Stephen Kaleda
Stephen has been teaching yoga for over 20 years. He has over 1000 hours in teaching certifications; has lead workshops throughout California, participates in yoga teacher trainings and leads yoga retreats. Personal interests include; reading, biking, hiking, drawing, and travel. Stephen has certifications in several yoga modalities, water fitness and TRX. He looks forward to his 9th season at Toscana and creating the best possible experiences for its members.
 
Yoga Instructor
Sheeryn Asghari
Sheeryn has over 17 years of interdisciplinary yoga experience as instructor and consultant nationally and abroad in Australia. She holds certifications from Rodney and Colleen Saidmain Yee of Yoga Shanti Sag Harbor, NY, Yogaworks, Santa Monica, Bikram Yoga College of India, LA, and Yin Yoga with Joe Barnett among others. She has an extensive NY background teaching throughout the city, and the Hamptons. In Los Angeles she taught regularly in Marina Del Rey and Hermosa Beach. Sheeryn owned and operated Haute Yoga Palm Springs, a boutique yoga studio in Palm Springs CA from 2014-2015. Sheeryn has a dance background, and worked in the NYC publishing industry for 8 years for Barnes & Noble, Black Dog and Leventhal, and Friedman Fairfax Publishers. This is her third season working for Toscana Country Club, and she is honored to be a part of such an esteemed organization and team of colleagues.
 
Pilates/Group X Instructor
Jackie Maughan
Prior to moving to the desert in 2018, Jackie was a fitness studio owner and operator. She built a successful fitness business from the ground up and managed all aspects of studio operations. She is an experienced Group Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer with an extensive background in Pilates (mat & reformer), Cardio and Aqua. She is Racquetfit Certified, TPI Certified (Level 1) and TRX (level 3). Jackie is a level 2 TPI trainer and a Fascial Stretch Practitioner. Her personal interests are tennis, golf and hiking.
 
Group X Instructor/Swim Coach
Erin Rosillo
> Prior to moving to the desert in 2003, Erin worked in the wireless technology industry for 15 year. > After her now healthy 21 year old daughter was diagnosed with hip dysplasia as a baby, she became involved with rehabilitation and longevity training. > In 2009 she made her hobby her new career by getting certified as a Youth Fitness Trainer and a Certified Personal Trainer. > She is also a certified U.S. Masters Level II Swim Coach and a Brain Health Coach through the Functional Aging Institute. > Erin's goals are to help people improve their quality and long term independence through corrective and cross training programs for all ages and skill levels. > In her free time she enjoys the beach, the water, hiking and as much time as she can spend with her two children that are currently away at college.
 
Yoga/Barre Instructor
Valentina Powers
Valentina was born in Caracas, Venezuela, and moved to the U.S at the age of 17 to attend college in Pennsylvania graduating with a Bachelor's in ‘Communication Studies’. From a young age she has been passionate about movement and self expression, with an extensive background in dance and gymnastics. Valentina is certified in different styles of yoga and continues to participate in several yoga retreats, workshops, and classes, always deepening her practice and knowledge. She teaches Vinyasa Flow, Yin Yoga, Chair Yoga, Restorative, Yoga Sculpt, Aerial yoga, Acro Yoga, and Meditation. As well as Dance and movement classes like Zumba, Water Aerobics, Dance Fusion and Ecstatic Dance. “I strive for my students to feel comfortable, supported, and motivated to have a healthier and happier lifestyle”
 
Hiking Guide
Carol Menefee
With over 35 years of experience, Carol’s love of hiking began in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Lake Tahoe National Forest, Yosemite and the eastern side of the Sierras. After moving to the Palm Springs /Coachella Valley over 25 years ago, her love continued for the surrounding desert and mountains. From Mt. San Gorgonio, San Jacinto, Joshua Tree National Park, to the lows of Mecca’s Ladder Canyon, as well as the Salton Sea, Carol has become a self-taught geologist and continues to be fascinated by the valley’s geography. Among her mountaineering accomplishments, Carol has climbed Mt. Whitney at 14,484 ft. five times and has led numerous groups into the Grand Canyon. She looks forward to guiding Toscana Members on hikes that explore the local Indian tribe’s history and the beautiful flora and fauna our valley holds. Come out and see what there is to enjoy!