Raised on the east coast of South Africa, Johnnette first experienced the benefits of massage for cancer patients in 1994, following her mother’s diagnosis. Wanting to pay forward the kindness her family received during her mother’s illness, she enrolled in a massage therapy training program, completed Hospice volunteer orientation, and began providing comfort-oriented massages for people nearing the end of life. Shortly after joining the massage therapy team at Spa Gregorie’s in Newport Beach, CA, in 2002, she became one of the first Greet The Day volunteers. Johnnette is passionate about improving the quality of life and treatment experience for adults, children, and families living with cancer.

Johnnette has led the organization’s therapist education and patient services programs since 2003. She is a licensed esthetician, massage therapist, and Manual Lymphatic Drainage therapist. Johnnette maintains an oncology-specific private practice and works in both spa and hospital settings. Her work promotes the integration of massage therapy and skin care as standard care for individuals living with cancer. This includes providing oncology massage and skin care education for practitioners, patients, and clinical staff.