Meet Our Spa Team
dedicated to your rest and rejuvenation
At The Umstead Spa, our dedicated team of skilled therapists, estheticians, and wellness professionals are committed to creating a serene, transformative experience for every guest. With a deep understanding of both traditional and modern techniques, our team brings a personalized approach to each treatment, guided by intuition, expertise, and the highest standards of care.
From soothing massages to results-driven facials and luxurious body rituals, our spa professionals are passionate about promoting well-being, relaxation, and radiant renewal. Every service is thoughtfully tailored to support your unique needs, allowing space for rest, restoration, and balance in a tranquil, five-star environment.
Director of Spa
Susan Hunnell
A Durham native, Susan is a proud graduate of North Carolina State University with a B.S. in Business Management and Marketing. After graduating, Susan spent the next eight years as an Advertising Account Executive for several area radio stations building relationships with businesses to achieve their marketing goals. With a family move to Colorado, Susan delved into management at a skincare and cosmetics company where she thrived at building and guiding a team. In 2017 Susan joined St Julian Hotel and Spa in Boulder as the Spa Director where she discovered her passion for luxury hospitality, managing Spa teams and creating memorable moments for guests. In 2024, Susan moved back to North Carolina and joined the team at the Umstead Hotel and Spa, accepting the role as Spa Director. Happy to be back in the triangle, she resides in Holly Springs with her husband and youngest child. A strong advocate and volunteer for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation since 1998, Susan also enjoys family time, gathering with friends, and escaping to the beach.
Assistant Director of Spa
Emily Jarrell
Born and raised in the mountains of North Carolina, Emily’s roots in the Blue Ridge Parkway inspired her passion for nature and wellness. After graduating from the Aveda Institute, she began her career as an Aesthetician and later taught clinical courses. Emily then branched into luxury hospitality, working for reputable brands such as Marriott and Auberge, before joining The Umstead Hotel and Spa as Assistant Spa Director. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, exploring new cuisines, and spending time with family and friends. Emily resides in Apex, where she spends her free time tending to her garden and caring for her rescued fur family, Eevee and Phoenix.
Spa Operations Manager
Anna Carter
Anna Carter was born and raised in North Carolina and attended UNC-Greensboro. With a lifelong background in customer service, she has always felt drawn to the hospitality industry. Since joining The Umstead in 2019 as a Spa Front Desk Reception Agent, Anna has grown into her current role as Spa Operations Manager. She finds joy in coordinating spa days for guests and helping to create much-needed moments of self-care and relaxation. Outside of work, Anna enjoys hiking, overnight backpacking, and visiting theme parks: she’s currently ridden an impressive 157 roller coasters and counting.