About Us

Our Story

Zen Sanctuary was established in the quaint historic neighborhood of Kensington in 2003 by Chance Billmeyer. Chance had a vision of combining the ancient healing wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine with the modern advances of western massage and bodywork. In 2008 David and Leah Warder, who were and still are both bodyworkers at Zen, had the opportunity to take the reins on this vision. After purchasing Zen they expanded the studio from its original 5 treatment rooms to 7. They added the Zen garden located out front and have brought on new talent and services for all to enjoy. Zen is a place of complete relaxation. The physical space itself is a treat to the senses by the sights of serene art and decor, and the lovely smells of essential oils, healing herbs and high quality products used in many of our treatments. Beyond that, many people comment on the elevated positive spiritual energy they feel in the space. This comes from being a dedicated space of healing for well over 2 decades. 

Zen’s team of bodyworkers, energy healers, estheticians, acupuncturists and beauty specialists help our clients to reach their most happy, complete, and balanced state. A majority of our service providers have been at Zen for many years, including Debbie Burgeson our lead esthetician who co-founded the space and continues to bring leading innovations and highlight the importance of skin care in whole body health care.

The sanctuary is complete with all bamboo flooring, inspiring prints from different parts of Asian and original artwork by owner David Warder and local clients True Ryndes and Liz Jardin. It’s intentionally designed to be a calming retreat. A place of re-nourishment to help you slow down, breathe deeper and to shed your stressors. Enjoy a cup of herbal tea while you prepare your body for healing with one of our many restorative treatments. 

The neighborhood of Kensington is designed to be walkable. Park your car in our complementary lot or along the streets at no cost. Enjoy many of the local favorite eateries. Tanuki is a family owned sushi and sake restaurant. Try the Saba Wasa, an original dish featuring salmon and fresh wasabi. Across the street enjoy a fresh organic cup of Italian espresso at Pappalecco. Established by two Italian brothers who ensure you will find it is a mini slice of Italy. Along with good company comes great pizza, pastries, and Gelato. Just a bit down the street is a cornerstone establishment, The Kensington Cafe.The cafe is kid, pet, vegetarian and vegan friendly. It’s always a-buzz with locals sitting on the patio with the fur buddies, sipping on coffee and enjoying gossip and people watching. A bit further down one of the oldest restaurants in the neighborhood, Ponce’s Mexican food is a famous family owned cantina with delicious, authentic family recipes and refreshing hand mixed tequila cocktails. If you desire picking up some health food groceries or want a fresh pressed organic juice, then stop by Stehly Farms Market. Stehly is a Valley Center farm to table grocery store offering a high quality deli with house cured meats and healthy takeaway or dine in options. These are just a few of many great places you can visit before or after your treatment all within walking distance of Zen.

Zen Sanctuary was integral in founding Kensingtons first local business association, the KBA now KTBA. The KTBA (Kensington, Talmadge Business Association), in addition to all it does to support local businesses and the surrounding neighborhoods, also organizes two community, family-friendly events each year. In spring, the Kensington Walk About features a chance to explore Kensington and Talmadge Businesses by foot while winning prizes and enjoying freebees donated by its members. During the Winter, join us for the annual KTBA Holiday Bike Ride, nominated for Best Neighborhood Event by San Diego Reader. The bike ride brings together riders of all ages to decorate their bikes and then parade together through the neighborhood enjoying the holiday decorations of the historic Kensington homes. Zen’s owners Leah and David were the founders and first hosts of this now huge and fantastic event. 

Zen Sanctuary is proud of its established community roots and continues to enhance Kensington and its surrounding neighborhoods by remaining a place of peace, healing, and rejuvenation for all to enjoy. We are so grateful you took the time to get to know our history and look forward to becoming your retreat from the hustle of life.