About Us - Meet the Team!
Trissa Pearson, LMT, Owner
Trissa founded Morning Sun Massage & Spa in 2016, fulfilling her dream of passing on the power of massage to others.
Modalities: Deep Tissue, Swedish, and Hot Stone
Massage philosophy: I believe in massage’s power to heal and fulfill the basic need for human touch. It relieves aches and pains, lessens symptoms of anxiety and depression, and many more benefits too long to list. Helping others reestablish balance in their lives brings me great satisfaction. In a massage with me, you can expect me to talk with you before your session to ensure I provide the massage you want and that your body needs.
How I got started: I grew up on an Iowa farm, just down the gravel road from my grandparents, where I spent a lot of time as a child. My first experience with massage was my grandma telling me stories while her fingers were massaging my face to the tune of her story. Even as a very young child, I could feel the healing and love her touch provided.
I returned home to Iowa and settled in North Liberty. I studied at Carlson College of Massage Therapy, received my Iowa licensure, and began to pass the power of healing touch to my clients.
In my free time: I have two children and two granddaughters and a grandson who light up my life. My eleven-year-old granddaughter loves massage, and every time I see her she’s ready to hop on the table for me. Seeing her joy makes me smile and think of my grandma, as the cycle begins again.
Allison Leer, LMT
Allison joined Morning Sun in July 2018
Modalities: Swedish, Sports, Prenatal, Hot Stone, and Cupping.
Education: Graduated Carlson College of Massage, 2017.
How I got started: I’ve always wanted to help people, and after my first massage knew this is how I wanted to be of service to others.
In my free time: I spend my time cuddling my dogs, cat, daughter, and son. Hiking is always a great way to spend time as well!
Azza Malik, LMT
Azza joined Morning Sun in March 2021
Modalities: Swedish, Deep Tissue, Prenatal, Hot Stone, and Trigger Point Therapy.and Cupping
Education: PCI Academy, Iowa City.
How I got started: I’ve always had an interest in massage therapy, and wholeheartedly believe in its healing capabilities.
In my free time: I enjoy exercising, listening to music, artwork, traveling, fine dining, watching movies and shows, to just name a few.
Keith Simmonds, LMT
Keith joined Morning Sun in September 2023
Modalities: Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports Massage, Hot Stone, Thai Yoga Massage/Table Thai, and Manual Lymphatic Drainage.
Education: Carlson College of Massage Therapy.
Keith joined Morning Sun in 2023 and brings a practical, results-driven approach shaped by years of physical work and personal experience with injury and recovery. He specializes in Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports Massage, Hot Stone, Thai Yoga/Table Thai, and Manual Lymphatic Drainage.
Keith customizes every session, blending techniques to match each client’s goals—whether that’s relieving pain, improving mobility, or simply unwinding. A graduate of Carlson College of Massage Therapy, he was inspired to pursue massage after seeing firsthand how effective bodywork can be during his time as a flooring contractor.
His work is rooted in understanding how the body responds to strain, overuse, and recovery—helping clients move better and feel better with consistent care.
Outside the spa, Keith enjoys cooking for his family, practicing yoga, and spending time with his rescue cat Skye.
Jaelyn Robertson, LMT
Jaelyn joined Morning Sun in July 2024
Modalities: Swedish, Hot stone, Reflexology, and Prenatal.
Education: Graduated from Carlson Collage of Massage Therapy
How I got started: I was stuck in a job I didn't enjoy, searching for work-life balance and feeling like there had to be something better out there for me. That's when I remembered how my mom used to soothe my anxiety and depression by giving me gentle back massages as a child. It was then that I realized the power of touch and how it could help not just me, but others as well. I provide a blend of therapeutic techniques that focus on both relaxation and alleviating tension in the body. My pressure ranges from light to medium firm, allowing me to tailor each session to meet the unique needs and preferences of each client.
I decided to pursue a career as a Massage Therapist, knowing that I wanted to make a difference in people's lives. The idea of helping others through the healing power of touch resonated with me, and I knew it was the path I wanted to take. So, I took the leap and embarked on this journey to bring comfort and relief to those in need.
In my free time: I enjoy spend time with family and friends, going for mindful walks, and hanging out with my cats and reading.
Morgan Krutel, LMT
Morgan joined Morning Sun in March 2026
Modalities:
I have been a licensed massage therapist since 2019. I specialize in Swedish massage and enjoy creating sessions that blend relaxation with focused work on areas of concern such as the neck, shoulders, and low back. I also offer prenatal massage, hot stone, heated bamboo stick massage, couples massage, relaxation lymphatic drainage massage, and the Hydrating Shea Butter Body Polish at Morning Sun.
Education:
I graduated from La’James International College in Iowa City in 2019.
How I got started in massage:
Before becoming a massage therapist, I worked as a substitute teacher for seven years. During that time, I realized I wanted a more fulfilling, hands-on career. While exploring different paths, I discovered massage therapy and quickly recognized I had a natural talent for it. Since then, I’ve loved continuing to grow my skills and helping clients feel relaxed and cared for.
In my free time:
I enjoy traveling, photography, writing, sewing, and crafting. I also love relaxing at home working on my Animal Crossing island with my two spoiled cats, Pinto and
Emmett Sorg, LMT
Emmett Joined Morning Sun in August 2025
Modalities: Reiki, Swedish, Relaxation, and Deep Tissue
Education: Carlson College of Massage Therapy
How I got started: I’m fascinated by the human body, mind, and soul. I set the intention back in 2020 to learn as much as I can and to help others navigate the human experience in a holistic way.
“I’m so excited to start helping you on your wellness journey! I practice both bodywork and reiki energy healing to support you from all angles. You deserve to feel at home in your body, mind, and spirit.
I prioritize a balance between therapeutic techniques and a relaxation based flow. My goal is to make you feel cared for and to experience long-term relief! I can help support your healing journey by calming the nervous system, easing tension in the muscles, and clearing energetic blockages. I will always recommend a strong self-care routine after each session to ensure you have the best experience. I am committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for transgender folks who want to experience the healing effects of massage. My pressure can be adjusted to your preference from light to deep. I'm a firm believer that massage should feel profound, not painful. My style of massage prioritizes nervous system relaxation, even during my deepest work, to encourage your body to release stress and tension. I encourage open communication throughout the session to ensure your comfort and satisfaction. Please do not hesitate to reach out about how I can make the experience more comfortable for you.”
In my free time: I enjoy nature walks, reading tarot, gentle yoga, growing flowers, traveling, baking desserts, watching movies, learning new things, and cuddling with my cats while playing a cozy video game.
Jennifer Sackett, LMT and Licensed Esthetician
Jennifer joined Morning Sun in February of 2023.
Modalities: I have been a licensed massage therapist since August 2015. I do Swedish and deep tissue massage, and most massages I do are a mix of relaxation with focus on a client’s areas of concern (such as shoulder, low back, and/or neck issues). I also offer prenatal, hydrating Shea Butter Body Polish, hot stone, massage cupping, lymphatic drainage, sports massage, and heated bamboo stick massage at Morning Sun.
I have been a licensed esthetician since August 2025. The esthetics services I offer include body and facial waxing, skincare services, and lash and brow tinting. I especially enjoy combining my knowledge in massage therapy and esthetics to provide a relaxing rejuvenation, acne skin, anti-aging, or back facial.
Education: I graduated from Carlson College of Massage Therapy in August 2015 and graduated from Capri College — Cedar Rapids 600 Hour Esthetics Program in August 2025.
How I got started in massage: Several years ago, I had started searching for a more meaningful career. I had been getting regular massages for relaxation and to deal with regular migraines, and one day I thought, “Why not try massage therapy school?” I haven’t looked back since.
How I got started in esthetics: After I became a licensed massage therapist, I sometimes had the thought of going back to school to study esthetics. I kept pushing that idea to the side, but it never went away. Finally, ten years after attending massage therapy school, I became a student again in order to get my esthetician license.
In my free time: I spend a lot of my free time with my cat, Queen. I love watching sports (and I am usually sad when football season is over). When the weather is nicer, you may see me on the walking trails of North Liberty.