About
When Sarah and Angela first met, it didn’t take long for them to realize they had very similar aspirations. A shared a vision of creating a wellness center; a soul nourishing space with all the natural light, scents, and sounds to promote healing at your very core. They dreamed of providing a haven for the mind/body/spirit to heal so that the WHOLE person leaves and is able to spread light and levity to others they encounter. Pura Vita was born when they combined their individual business names (Pura Skin and Body and Vitality Back). The center is a collection of like minded practitioners from multiple wellness disciplines offering care under one roof; increasing accessibility and affordability. Offerings such as Chiropractic care, massage, dry needling, facials, microchanneling, reiki, halotherapy (salt room), yoga, pilates, infrared/red light treatments, sauna, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, sound healing, wellness workshops and guided meditations are just a sampling of what they have available. By hosting free monthly classes with local experts in the health/wellness arena EDUCATING (no sales pitches) guests to empower them to live their best lives.
Sarah M. Nelson is Doctor of Chiropractic for over 25 years and has been teaching fitness classes for 15 years. She lives in Stoughton WI and has been serving the McFarland Community for 22 years.
Angela Lay is a Licensed Massage Therapist, Aesthetician and a Certified Natural Foods Chef for over 30 years combined. She has lived and worked in McFarland for 15 years.
Meet the Founders
Sarah M. Nelson
Dr. Nelson received her Bachelors of Science in Environmental Biology from Eastern Illinois University and her doctorate in 2000 from Logan College of Chiropractic outside St. Louis, MO. She is the proud mother of four very active and unpredictable boys (who are, as of 2025, all officially MEN!). She has always enjoyed playing sports and still finds time to teach fitness classes and travel to many football collegiate and NFL games for her sons.
She is grateful to be able to use natural principles of healing to help new patients seeking immediate relief at the onset of injury, thereby enabling them to return to work/sports promptly. It is also very fulfilling for her to continue wellness care for her decades-long patients who have become like family. Her mission statement has always been to honor the Latin root of “Doctor”, which is “teacher”. She feels that patients who understand true HEALTHCARE and learn how to achieve it for themselves is the ultimate mission. Her goal is that every clinical encounter results in a patient who leaves better than the way they walked in.
Angela Lay
Angela Studied Massage Therapy right out of high school. She lived and worked in MN. while getting her credentials in Aesthetics. She always dreamed of moving to CA so after a short 13 mo. stint in MN she took a leap of faith and moved to Monterey CA. She worked both in resort spas and ran her own mobile spa business. Eventually her curiosity took her to the SF bay area where she fell even deeper in love with the California culinary experience. She knew she would one day be returning to Wisconsin and couldn’t imagine leaving without learning how to make all the healthy and delicious food she had grown to enjoy. She made another leap of faith and completed a specialized culinary school in northern CA. She became a Certified Natural Foods Chef. Her training not only focused on healthy delicious food, but she learned how to use food as a way to heal from illness and disease. She brings all this knowledge now to her individualized care for her clients. Sharing her nutritional insight to help people heal from the inside as well as from the outside.
Angela is married with two wonderful and active girls. Also, 2 other kids of the canine variety. They enjoy being outside and active as often as possible. She loves a good hike, reading, traveling, learning new things and being with friends and family.
The Loft
Welcome to the LOFT – A one of a kind sanctuary for wellness classes, workshops, and events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I walk-in for services/classes or must I pre-book?
Chiropractic care, sauna services and some loft classes/workshops (check calendar for class descriptions) can accommodate walk-in availability. Functional medicine, massage, and aesthetician services are by appointment only.
Do you take insurance?
Dr. Nelson is a provider for Medicare and Worker’s Comp/Auto Claims; all other third party payments are not accepted by any other practitioner.
I’ve never done yoga/pilates/aerial before, will I be embarrassed?
NO CHANCE! We LOVE newbies, commend you for trying something out of your comfort zone, and will take good care of you. Just approach the instructor prior to class so we can be accommodating.
What is a sound bath?
A sound bath healing is a therapeutic meditative experience that uses instruments like singing bowls, gongs, and chimes to create a “bath” of sound and vibrations, promoting deep relaxation and reduced stress.
Do I really have to remove my shoes on entry?
Unless you would like to help clean our floors YES! Just kidding; the barnwood floors have character and a LOT of acoustic charm; if you are able, we would very much appreciate you leaving your worries AND your shoes at the door. We have disposable shoe covers and fresh socks available for use if you prefer.
How do I pay for classes?
Each instructor operates independently; see class descriptions for specific details. Some practitioners provide punch card options to reduce per class rates. Independent instructors means diverse class offerings which are not interchangeable. Ex. A reduced rate punch card from Dr Nelson for Yoga-ish class would not be usable at another instructor’s aerial yoga class. However, PURA VITA GIFT CARDS ARE INTERCHANGEABLE FOR ALL CLASSES at the standard class rates.
Contact
We’d love to hear from you.