Take a moment to stand among your peers, recognize shared purpose, and celebrate the extraordinary women who lift an entire industry. This year, AmSpa proudly celebrates the 2025 Distinguished Women in Medical Aesthetics, each a force for innovation, mentorship and empowerment. Join us as we honor these extraordinary women at the Women in Aesthetics Leadership Conference (WALC), where their achievements and impact will be celebrated at a special honors dinner.

Distinguished Women Awards Dinner

The Power of the Archetype: Honoring the Many Faces of Feminine Strength: Distinguished Women Honors, Dinner, and Dancing presented by Merz Aesthetics 
Join us for an unforgettable night at the Distinguished Women Awards Dinner, an evening where community, connection, and the spirit of feminine leadership come alive. This celebration, presented by Merz Aesthetics, weaves storytelling and elegant symbolism to honor both timeless archetypes and the modern women who embody them—The Mother, The Maiden, The Huntress, The Mystic, The Queen, The Sage, and The Lover. Through rich stories and shared experiences, we will witness the diversity, resilience and brilliance shaping the future of medical aesthetics. 

When: Saturday, October 4, 2025, 7:30 - 10:30pm

Evening Includes: Cocktail reception, three-course dinner, awards presentation, and inspiring keynote address.

Suggested Attire: Elegant attire inspired by your favorite archetype.

DJ Sethares, Vice-President of U.S. Marketing at Merz Aesthetics serves as the welcome speaker. With more than two decades of pharmaceutical and device experience, Sethares has a consistent record of developing high-performing teams and winning brand strategies in competitive marketplaces. Her people-first leadership style focuses on driving positive culture while leveraging individual and team strengths to maximize business impact.

Meet the 2025 Distinguished Women in Medical Aesthetics

Traci Andreason, FNP-C – Rise Rejuvenation Center
Founder and CEO of Rise Rejuvenation Center, Traci Andreason merges expertise in regenerative medicine and aesthetics with a fierce dedication to empowering patients and mentoring the next wave of providers. Creator of The Injector’s Guide and mentor to professionals nationwide, her work has earned national recognition—including appearances on Hulu and at the Sundance Film Festival. She leads with authenticity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting others.

Sheila Barbarino, MD, FACS – Barbarino Surgical Arts
A world-renowned, award-winning oculofacial plastic and cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Barbarino is celebrated for her expertise in delivering natural, transformative results. She is a prolific publisher, influential advisory board member, and a respected authority across multiple top aesthetic and surgical societies.

Brooke Bentley, FNP-BC – Bentley Medical & Aesthetics
As the founder of Bentley Medical & Aesthetics, Brooke Bentley blends decades of clinical experience with a cutting-edge approach to integrative wellness and aesthetic innovation. Nationally sought for her advanced injection skills and as a prominent educator for GAIN and Allergan, she has set a gold standard for patient-centered results in Tennessee.

Tracy Blusewicz, MD, FACOG – Aspire Medical Spa / Advanced Women’s Care
Founder of Aspire Medical Spa and Advanced Women’s Care, Dr. Blusewicz is a double board-certified gynecologist and internationally recognized expert in hormone optimization, feminine wellness, and advanced aesthetics. She pioneered major energy-based treatments, authored a global reference on female rejuvenation, and continues to lead global provider trainings.

Bobbi Bullock, NP-C – Bobbi Bullock Medical Esthetics
Owner of Bobbi Bullock Medical Esthetics, Bobbi is an innovator—turning facial blindness into a breakthrough facial assessment method, now patent-protected and taught nationwide. She’s an Allergan Institute top trainer, clinical trial lead, and supporter of Dress for Success, empowering women both as patients and professionals.

Georgia Cirese, RN, CANS – Georgous Aesthetic Bar
Founder of Georgous Aesthetic Bar and a 26-year industry veteran, Georgia is a powerhouse national trainer and mentor whose impact extends from spearheading ISPAN initiatives to leading major Allergan product launches. Her mentorship and passion have elevated thousands of aesthetic providers across the country.

Michelle Doran, APRN-BC, CANS – RN Esthetics
As founder of RN Esthetics and a leading Allergan trainer, Michelle Doran combines clinical mastery with an artistic eye for natural beauty. Her award-winning, evidence-based approach sets industry benchmarks, and her dedication to training shapes the next generation of injectors.

Yan Duan, FNP – Renew Aesthetic & Laser Clinic
Yan Duan, founder and CEO of Renew Aesthetic & Laser Clinic, is nationally recognized for her work in laser medicine—earning the Excellence in Laser Nursing award and accolades from her peers. She has served as both industry leader and Oregon State Board of Nursing board member, driving standards in clinical care.

Sonya Ellis, RN, CPSN, CANS – The L.A.B. Med Spa
Co-owner and lead nurse injector of The L.A.B. Med Spa, Sonya Ellis is a formidable industry voice, training top providers, serving on national boards, and offering one of the nation’s only free mentorship programs for aspiring injectors.

Leslie Fletcher, NP-BC – InjectAbility Clinic & Institute
President of InjectAbility Clinic & Institute, Leslie is a patented innovator, national speaker, and Allergan’s most-utilized trainer—having educated more than 10,000 practitioners worldwide. A leader in safety, she owns the only patented dermal filler technique and heads an Inc. 5000-recognized practice.

Alexis Gordon, MD, FACS – Renew MD Facial Aesthetics
As founder and medical director of Renew MD Facial Aesthetics, Dr. Gordon brings surgical precision and passion for artistry to every patient. She is widely sought for her expertise in full-face rejuvenation and dedication to patient safety and advanced outcomes. Dr. Gordon is Chair of the Texas State Chapter and advocated for safe practices in elective IV therapy as the state revised its med spa regulations with the passage of HB 3749.

Brandi Gregge, FNP-BC – Mint & Needle
Founder of Mint & Needle, Brandi is a nationally celebrated injector, sought-after speaker, and trailblazer in regenerative aesthetics. She’s a prolific educator, published author, and founder of a nonprofit supporting domestic violence survivors.

Cheryl Haseeb, FNP, DNP – Pura Medical Aesthetics
Visionary founder of Pura Medical Aesthetics, Cheryl has grown her business from the ground up, built a renowned training institute, launched scholarships for women in healthcare, and serves as a global key opinion leader for top brands.

Amanda Hopper – The AH Method
Amanda Hopper, founder of The AH Method, is a transformation expert who has turned businesses around, empowered teams, and inspired lasting change as a visionary leader and innovative mentor in medical aesthetics. Hopper is Co-Chair of the Utah State Chapter.

Ryann Lavenia, CRNA, APRN – Face It Botox Bar
President of Face It Botox Bar and double board-certified nurse anesthetist, Ryann is acclaimed as a top Allergan trainer and national speaker, and she leads her own advanced training institute.

Tanya Lawson, ND – Inbloom Health + Medispa
Founder of Inbloom Health + Medispa and recipient of the 2025 New Hampshire SBA Business Person of the Year, Dr. Lawson integrated aesthetics into naturopathic practice first in her state, then founded organizations and companies shaping policy, education, and patient care.

Jennifer Linder, MD, FAAD, FACMS – Linder Health
Board-certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon, product developer, and founder of Linder Health, Dr. Linder is a biomedical engineer-turned-leader whose innovations span product science, clinical trials, and national education in dermatology and aesthetic medicine.

Shelby Miller, DNP, FNP-C – RUMA Medical
Shelby Miller, founder of RUMA Medical and RUMA Academy, is a nationally recognized clinical and educational leader bringing holistic care, mentorship, and advanced training to providers across the U.S. and beyond.

Erica Oakes, RN, CANS – Culture Aesthetics & Wellness
As founder of Culture Aesthetics & Wellness and Culture Academy of Medical Aesthetics, Erica is a top-ranked injector and Allergan trainer dedicated to education, safety, and raising the bar for Tennessee’s aesthetic community as Secretary of the Tennessee State Chapter.

Vrinkley Pruna, NP-BC – SHAPE & SKIN Medical Spa & Weight Loss
Clinical Director at SHAPE & SKIN Medical Spa & Weight Loss, Vrinkley blends advanced technique and mentorship, advocating for healthy beauty standards and women's empowerment as a California State Chapter leader and mentor.

Erika Smith, PA-C – Spa 3:16
Director of Spa 3:16, Erika has propelled her Georgia-based medical spa to national recognition for growth and innovation, while serving on multiple boards and championing community and mentorship.

Andrea Thayer, APRN – Exclusive Med Aesthetics & Hair Restoration
Owner of Exclusive Med Aesthetics & Hair Restoration, Andrea is a triple-boarded expert with over 15 certifications who brings advanced, evidence-based care to her growing patient base and credits her success to faith and mentorship.

Jennifer Walden, MD, FACS – Dr. Jennifer Walden Aesthetic Plastic Surgery/The Medspa Austin
Aesthetic plastic surgeon, past president of The Aesthetic Society, and owner of The Medspa Austin, Dr. Walden is a true glass-ceiling breaker. Named among Newsweek’s top facelift surgeons, she is also an academic leader and compassionate single mother. Dr. Walden is co-chair of the Texas State Chapter.

Sharonda Walton, ANP-BC – Royalty Wellness Spa
Founder of Royalty Wellness Spa, Sharonda is Memphis’s best injector and a powerful advocate for diversity and excellence in aesthetics. She trains professionals, mentors, and leads charitable initiatives supporting women and community health.

Chakika Williams, DNP, FNP-BC – SkyRose Rejuvenation Clinic & Spa
Founder and CEO of SkyRose Rejuvenation Clinic & Spa, Williams is a dual board-certified innovator at the intersection of mental health, wellness, aesthetics, and entrepreneurship—personally launching multiple med spas and empowering underrepresented providers.

Learn more about these inspiring women leaders, their stories and accomplishments at Distinguished Women in Medical Aesthetics.

Celebrate These Leaders at WALC 2025

You’re invited to join us in honoring these exceptional women at the Women in Aesthetics Leadership Conference (WALC), October 3–5, 2025, at Terranea Resort in Rancho Pelos Verdes, California. The Honors Dinner promises a night of inspiration, connection, and celebration for aspiring leaders and industry peers.

Ready to expand your network, learn from the best and celebrate women who are changing the face of aesthetics? Register now and secure your seat at the Honors Dinner.