About

Milk Thistle Skincare & Massage Studio in Bozeman Montana is dedicated to providing the finest massage and skincare treatments in a relaxing environment. We provide our clients with effective, environmentally conscious products & services that utilize high quality plant based ingredients. Clients have the option to use our infrared sauna before & after treatments to fully enhance their relaxation. Schedule today to experience your own personal moment of bliss at Milk Thistle Skincare & Massage Studio, right here in Bozeman Montana!

   

Sunshine Welsch, owner/craniosacral therapist

Sunshine has been in the wellness space since she began her massage training at East West College of the Healing Arts in Portland, Oregon in 2008. She became self employed in 2012 and  loves the challenge and growth running a business brings.

During her education, she fell in love with the art and science of massage therapy and began to understand what a powerful healing effect it has on the body. She now specializes in craniosacral therapy and is forever humbled by the results it can bring. It is an honor to be part of someone’s healing journey.

She enjoys learning and taking continuing education classes such as visceral manipulation, myofascial release, Ayurveda health counseling and fire cupping. Having a growth mindset is instrumental to the journey whether it’s running a business, working with clients or life in general.

In her free time Sunshine enjoys spending time hiking and camping, playing with her dog, gardening, practicing yoga, cross country skiing and networking in the community.

Sara Fitzgerald, esthetician
 
Sara thrives on her curiosity for regenerative systems and love of imagination. Her formal education began with a BA in Philosophy & Anthropology where she developed a passion for classical esthetics. She studied at the historic Kaliflower Free Print Shop Community Garden in San Francisco where she learned everything vernal from a gorgeous red headed gypsy Eastern European Goddess named Genie, whose free and courageous spirit flowed onto everything in her shining path.
 
She then traveled extensively in the US working on farms and learning about ecosystems, symbiosis and land stewardship practices. In New York she helped run Good Fight Herb Co. community herb shop before moving to Montana and becoming a holistic esthetician. She is fascinated with the electrical microbiome and it’s relationship to plant chemistry. She believes facials are an art, an ancestral magic ritual.
 
Her daily research and practice has lead her deeper into manual fascial toning and lifting techniques with an emphasis on blood and lymphatic flow in tissue. The results are the energetic revitalization of mitochondrial function and an overall magnetic nourished vitality. She seeks healthy challenges and excels as a supportive team member for those looking to uncover and celebrate every level of their beauty.
 
I have a deep gratitude for the earth and its elements. My esthetic style blends traditional folk herbalism with biochemical and myofascial techniques.”
 
 

Hannah Kampf, massage therapist

As a former caregiver, Hannah found massage was a gift when it came to bringing relief to a terminally ill client. Inspired, she attended Health Works Institute in Bozeman, MT and graduated in 2018. She brings to her table a history of working with athletes as a personal trainer and professional martial artist, as well as her intuition as a caregiver while treating those with illness and disabilities. Hannah believes in the power of the mind in healing ailments of the body, and that treatment work can be both healing and deeply relaxing. She uses movement and stretching to help the tissues of the body relax more fully, and encourages her clients to use breath work to take an active role in their treatment. She loves deepening her knowledge as a therapist by taking continuing education whenever she is able.
 

“I have a soft spot for working on the neck and shoulders.”

Kat Stephens, massage therapist
 

Kat was born and raised here in Bozeman. During her years as a traveling performer she found a love for personal health and wellness through holistic healing. She began her studies through subtle energy work receiving Usui/Holy Fire Reiki attunements. This sparked her pursuit of knowledge in nutritional healing, herbal medicine, spiritual counseling, and yoga therapy. After graduating from massage school she realized that deep knowledge of anatomy and the body were the missing link that connected her passions. Kat’s favorite practice for massage is to create a unique experience for the clients needs using botanicals, and specialized techniques that brings a sense of wholeness.

Outside of work Kat is a mother, movement teacher, and performance artist. She loves to wander the mountains, rivers, and forests of her home to connect with their medicine.

Micah Tippit, massage therapist

Micah was born and raised in New Hampshire. After years of working as a welder in Bozeman he developed an appreciation for yoga and massage and the many benefits that those practices bring to one’s understanding of their own physical health. This experience kindled his desire to learn about assisting others in their own pursuits of bodily wellness. He temporarily relocated to Asheville, NC to attend the Center for Massage & Natural Health. Aside from massage therapy, Micah is a metal worker, hiker, and a musician in two acts local to Bozeman. 

Rachel Rinke, esthetician

Rachel moved to Bozeman from Priest River, ID to pursue her passion for esthetics. She got her training here in Bozeman at Amara Advanced School of Esthetics. Rachel loves uplifting people and giving them confidence, this is what brings her the most joy in her work. She enjoys everything from helping people with their skin concerns to full body waxing for that extra boost of confidence! When she isn’t working, Rachel loves to be out in nature exploring the mountains with her dog Ellie.

Jaci Buckingham, massage therapist

Jaci brings over 14 years of experience. Her therapeutic career began with family and friends and has grown to include many others in the community. She is fascinated by anatomy and physiology. Understanding how body systems work together to heal and thrive is central to her attitude as a practitioner. She empowers her clients to think critically about their own vitality and is ready to discuss concerns and make a plan. Her favorite style is slow gliding compression, a myofascial technique targeting deeper connective tissues. This intentionally meditative yet strong movement allows time for a feedback loop of tissue response as the tension melts away without being forced. 

Carter Coleman, massage therapist

Originally from Virginia, Carter moved out West in 2014 to ride horses and ski. She fell into massage in a way, but has had the sense of touch her entire life. She was always the kid at family get togethers rubbing everyone’s shoulders and finding the knots. Her family would battle over who got shoulder rubs first.

She graduated from Healthworks Institute in June 2018. The continuing education she has taken, in Costa Rica and here in Bozeman, has fired up her passion for bodywork and natural healing. Adding Jade Hot Stone massage to her tool belt has given her the ability to achieve a new level of treatment or relaxation. She has a knack for neck work and getting into the glutes for hip and low back pain relief.

“With an active lifestyle and a life on horses I have become familiar with low back pain myself so it is something I like to help treat. I work with my clients to come to a common goal about their road to recovery or relaxation.”

Korrina Koyl, massage therapist

Korrina is a kind and gentle spirit who offers a caring, intuitive and nurturing touch. A Montana native, she grew up chasing bullfrogs and butterflies, exploring mountain roads and playing in the river. These early experiences nurtured a deep appreciation for nature, self-care and the healing power of slowing down.

Her passion for massage began at 17 years old after receiving her first massage. She was drawn to the art of healing touch and continued educating herself eventually discovering how powerful intentional care can be. Motherhood further deepened her natural ability to nurture and give selflessly, strengthening her desire to support others in meaningful ways. After many years as a stay at home mom, Korrina returned to what had spoken to her heart years before, realizing she had a gift meant to be shared.

A graduate of Sacred Roots Massage School, she now creates a peaceful space where clients can feel truly nurtured through rest, relaxation and mindful care. With firsthand understanding of how essential this is for the mind, body and spirit, her work is rooted in compassion and presence. Her mission is to equip others to honor and enjoy their own gift of life while contributing to the betterment of humanity.

In her spare time Korrina enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren, hiking, journaling, and continuing her education.

Alicia Bickerstaff, esthetician
Alicia is from Pittsburgh, PA. She studied esthetics at Aveda Wilmington NC in 2024 and received additional training in Missoula, MT. She received advanced facial massage training in Asheville NC. She first moved to Bozeman in 2017 and went back east for a couple years but felt called back to Montana. “The mountains here feel like home and give me a sense of clarity.” She has a background in teaching yoga and believes the connection between body, breath and movement is fascinating and healing.
 
What she loves about holistic esthetics is evoking one’s natural beauty and complimenting the inner light of women. Intentional touch and presence is so important.  While combining the power of natural ingredients, herbs and plants, she helps bring life to your skin so your true authentic beauty can shine through.
 
She thrives when surrounded by the beauty of nature. When she’s not hiking with her pup, she loves to cook and dance.
 
“My facials focus on intuitive massage, embodiment, somatics, nervous system regulation, revitalization and release.”
 

Cameron, front desk

Cameron is currently enrolled at Montana State University as a junior studying conservation ecology and biology. When she’s not at the front desk or on campus, Cameron enjoys reading, cooking, rock climbing and running.