A big thank you to David and Leah Warder of Zen Sanctuary for hosting the final KTBA mixer of 2025 this past Wednesday. Guests enjoyed a delicious Thai-inspired spread of spring rolls and dumplings, along with wine, beer, and non-alcoholic refreshments. Massage chairs were set up for complimentary mini sessions, and attendees had the rare opportunity to explore all seven treatment rooms, offering a behind-the-scenes look at one of Kensington’s most tranquil spaces.

After introductions and networking, owner David Warder shared the story of how he and Leah transitioned from employees at Zen to owners in 2004. Both remain active massage practitioners who take an intentionally hands-on approach to their business. Zen Sanctuary embodies a thoughtful balance between therapeutic care and spa luxury, offering services that support long-term healing and wellness — from massage and acupuncture to skincare and permanent makeup. Their specialties include prenatal massage, Reiki, TMJ therapy, and targeted pain management, and they even collaborate with attorneys on personal injury recovery cases. Businesses can also partner with Zen through a unique gift certificate program, paying only when the certificate is redeemed — a creative way to give clients the gift of wellness.

Guests also heard from three of Zen Sanctuary’s talented practitioners:

• Dr. Rayna Benson, Licensed Acupuncturist — specializing in psycho-emotional and nervous system imbalances, blending Japanese acupuncture with massage, cupping, and moxibustion for highly personalized care.
• Ann von Gal, Permanent Makeup Artist — offering natural-looking enhancements for eyebrows, eyeliner, lips, and medical tattooing for breast cancer survivors. Ann provides complimentary consultations and also performs color correction and tattoo removal.
• Maura Voll, Esthetician — a retired school psychologist who has practiced skincare for over 20 years, combining holistic methods with her Brazilian training to promote skin health and whole-body wellness.

To close the evening, Leah Warder invited guests to reflect on their own self-care practices and the importance of connection — both personally and within the community. Leah, a former KTBA president and founder of the KTBA Holiday Lights Bike Ride, reminded everyone that the beloved event returns on Saturday, December 14th. Zen will also be hosting it’s own Annual Holiday Event on December 7th, visit our calendar for details.

Free for KTBA Members! $20 Fee for Non-Members*. Not a member yet? Our membership is open to all who live and/or work in Kensington-Talmadge.

*Non-Members will be charged $20 with two exceptions:
1. Guests who are involved as an employee or business partner of the member may attend at no cost (limit one guest per member)
2. Individuals who are eligible to become a member may attend their first mixer at no cost.