Meet Lisa Garcia, National Board-Certified Colon Hydrotherapist, owner of Cleanse Wellness Spa, and one of Middle Tennessee’s most committed and innovative leaders in holistic healthcare.

Lisa’s path to wellness began in 2017, inspired by her mother’s declining health after knee surgery. “She was admitted to a rehab facility, but her diet was standard—full of inflammatory foods—despite her Lupus diagnosis,” Lisa recalled. “I offered to bring her green smoothies and help her shift toward a Keto-style diet. I told her if she stuck with it, I’d visit daily. After six weeks, she had lost 16 pounds, and her doctors had to cut her narcotic dosage in half. Her inflammation had decreased so much the meds were too strong. That’s when I knew lifestyle changes truly matter—and I wanted to help others discover that, too.”

Motivated by her mom’s transformation, Lisa became a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach. As she continued her studies, it became clear mainstream medicine wasn’t her calling. “I saw a growing trend in chronic disease and realized people not only needed better habits—they needed regular cleansing and detox support to reduce inflammation,” she said. “Opening a wellness spa offering the best in lifestyle services just made sense.”

Lisa now holds the highest credentials in her field, including Instructor Level certification with the International Association of Colon Therapists (I-ACT) and board certifications from both the NBHCT and NBC-HWC. “All of this reflects how seriously I take my work,” she said. “I don’t tell clients what to do—I collaborate with them to reach their goals.”

She’s also dedicated to removing the stigma around digestive wellness. “The nature of what I do is personal. People are often uncomfortable talking about constipation, but it’s a serious issue,” Lisa explained. “Chronic constipation is now linked to higher colorectal cancer rates—especially in people under 30. Too many suffer in silence or are misinformed by the internet. At Cleanse, we provide a welcoming experience that changes minds. Clients leave saying they wish they’d come in sooner.”

Lisa’s gratitude for the Cookeville community shines through. “I moved here knowing no one, offering services new to the area, and now Cleanse has nearly 200 five-star reviews on Google, Facebook, and Yelp,” she said. “I’m beyond thankful for the support—from the Chamber of Commerce, The Biz Foundry, UCDD, BNC, and programs like Leadership Putnam and Start Up Your Start-Up. I’ve found my people here—whether I’m playing pickleball, joining Bunco groups, or getting involved with This Is Living Ministries. In less than three years, my life is full.”

– by Chelsea Dartez, photos by Emily Armstrong