Distinguished Women in Medical Aesthetics

Traci Andreason, FNP-C

Owner/CEO, Rise Rejuvenation Center Traci Andreason, MSN, FNP-C, is a board-certified nurse practitioner, educator and founder of Rise Rejuvenation Center, a premier aesthetics and wellness destination in Utah. With expertise in regenerative medicine, intimate health and aesthetic injectables, she is dedicated to helping people feel confident, healthy and empowered inside and out. Her career in health care began with a focus on patient advocacy and holistic well-being. Over time, she developed a passion for merging cutting-edge medical science with personalized, compassionate care. In 2022, she founded Rise Rejuvenation Center, now a 4,400-square-foot sanctuary offering a wide range of services delivered by a skilled team of providers that shares her mission of uplifting clients through safe, ethical and customized treatment. In addition to leading her practice, Andreason is the creator of The Injector’s Guide, an educational resource designed for aesthetic professionals. Through this work, she mentors providers and creates fun and interactive learning material for the aesthetic industry. Her role as an educator reflects her commitment to shaping the future of the aesthetics industry while supporting providers at every stage of their careers. Her expertise and leadership have gained national recognition, including features in Hulu’s Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and participation in the 2025 Sundance Film Festival’s Longevity Lounge. Outside of her professional life, Andreason enjoys adventures with her husband (her favorite sidekick in business and life) and two sons. At the heart of it all, Andreason is committed to authenticity—leading with transparency, compassion and integrity.

Sheila Barbarino, MD, FAAO, FAACS, FACS

CEO, Barbarino Surgical Arts Sheila Barbarino, MD, FACS, is a world-renowned, award-winning, board-certified oculofacial plastic and full-body cosmetic surgeon. Widely respected for her comprehensive, natural-results approach, Dr. Barbarino specializes in both surgical and nonsurgical treatments tailored to all body and skin types. An exceptionally sought-after key opinion leader, Dr. Barbarino serves on multiple prestigious advisory boards and is a published author of more than eleven peer-reviewed articles. She is an active, proud member of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS), the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS), the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), and the American College of Surgeons (ACS).

Bobbi Bullock, NP-C

Owner, Bobbi Bullock Medical Esthetics Business owner for both locations of Bobbi Bullock Medical Esthetics, Bobbi Bullock, NP-C, has more than 30 years of experience in medicine. She is a top national trainer and speaker for Allergan Medical Institute for Botox, filler, CoolSculpting and SkinMedica, and is a thought leader, advisory board member, and regular podium speaker and injector at national aesthetic conferences for her own unique ideas and concepts. Bullock is an aesthetic medicine innovator and entrepreneur who can see patterns and symmetry due to her severe, hereditary facial blindness condition called prosopagnosia. From this condition, she has developed a unique and counterintuitive method of facial assessment, plan and injection sequence, which she teaches across the nation. Bullock was most recently awarded a patent for her technique titled "Methods and Techniques for Treating Facial Asymmetry by Administering Dermal Injections to Patients Based Upon Gestational Patterns." Included in this patent is her trademarked technique, “The Perfectly Predictable Pout” and her unique methodology for the assessment, plan and injection sequence that helps even novice injectors conduct a full facial assessment based off the emotions of “Sad, Tired, and Angry” and the concepts of “Juicy vs Contour.” Additionally, Bullock is the lead investigator for her own clinical trial, “Predictability in Facial Asymmetry Derived From The Fetal Lie Theory,” which explains why the left and right side of the face are consistently with the same asymmetries from person to person due to predictable gestational positions in utero. Bullock is a Boise, Idaho, native and has a strong sense of community and philanthropy. She has a strong desire to help women rise to their full potential and generously donates to Dress for Success as her primary charity. This desire to uplift women extends to her entire female team at BBME, as she believes in promoting from within and teaching new skills to all her employees.

Georgia Cirese, RN, CANS

Founder, Georgous Aesthetic Bar Georgia Cirese, RN has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership in the field of medical aesthetics through her professional involvement, mentorship and national education efforts. In 2019, she founded her own clinic, Georgous Aesthetic Bar, where she has created a supportive environment that has developed new aesthetic injectors through mentorship and extensive training.
Cirese shares her more than 26 years of clinical knowledge with passion and precision, cultivating the next generation of safe, skilled and confident aesthetic providers. Cirese's commitment to the medical aesthetics community extends far beyond her clinic walls—she is deeply involved in several respected organizations and initiatives that support the growth, education and integrity of the aesthetics specialty. She has been an active member of the International Society of Plastic and Aesthetic Nurses (ISPAN) for many years, contributing her expertise by speaking at numerous conferences on advanced aesthetic procedures and safety. Her commitment to elevating the profession was recognized when she was appointed to the ISPAN Board of Directors in 2023. As an Allergan Medical Institute (AMI) trainer since 2009, she has educated thousands of providers across the country. Her national speaking engagements and in-depth product training sessions reflect her deep understanding of facial anatomy, product indications and clinical outcomes. Cirese has played an integral role in many major Allergan product launches by introducing and educating providers on new products and indications to promote safe and effective adoption of these innovations.

Michelle Doran, APRN-BC, CANS

Owner, RN Esthetics Michelle Doran, APRN-BC, CANS, is a board-certified nurse practitioner, founder and clinical director of RN Esthetics, one of Massachusetts's leading medical aesthetics practices. Recognized nationally for her expertise, Doran is a national trainer for Allergan Aesthetics, where she educates providers across the country through the Accelerate and Elevate training programs. She also serves as clinical faculty for the Academy for Injection Anatomy cadaver course, sharing her deep anatomical knowledge to advance safety and artistry in aesthetic medicine. Known for her exceptional aesthetic eye and artful approach to consultation, Doran is celebrated for her ability to combine medical precision with an intuitive sense of beauty and proportion. Her work is grounded in patient safety, evidence-based practices, and a highly personalized approach that inspires confidence and delivers consistently natural, refined results. Doran earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and her Master of Science from Boston College. Her career reflects a unique blend of advanced clinical training, leadership in the aesthetics industry and a passion for mentoring the next generation of injectors. With a reputation for raising the bar in medical aesthetics, Doran continues to influence the field through hands-on education, speaking engagements and her role in shaping best practices nationwide. Her philosophy is simple yet powerful: Every patient deserves to look and feel like the best version of themselves—never overdone, always natural.

Sonya Ellis, RN, CPSN, CANS

Co-owner, Lead Nurse Injector, the L.A.B. Med Spa Sonya M. Ellis, MSN, CPSN, CANS, is the co-founder, lead injector and head trainer at the L.A.B., an award-winning med spa located in Southlake, Texas. She has been injecting for almost 20 years, has been in plastic surgery and aesthetics for 25 years, and is considered a KOL in the industry. She is also one of only two nurses in the state of Texas to not only hold a certification in aesthetics but also plastic surgery. She has trained for some of the top aesthetic manufacturers, lectures at several aesthetic conferences, served as the Aesthetic Chair for the International Society of Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Nursing Education Committee and is now on its Board of Directors. She offers private and group advanced technique classes in her state-of-the-art training facility located 15 minutes away from the DFW Airport. She loves to advise the next generation of injectors and offers one of the only free mentorship programs for injectors in the United States. She has been with the love of her life since 1998 and they have a 25-year-old son. When they are not busy changing people’s lives from the inside out at their practice, Dr. Ellis and Sonya love to travel and spend quality time with family and friends.

Leslie Fletcher, NP-BC

President, Injectability Clinic and Institute Leslie Fletcher, MSN, NP-BC, has been an injector and educator in aesthetic medicine since 2001. She holds the prestigious distinction of being one of only 7 complication consultants for Allergan Aesthetics and serves as their most utilized faculty speaker. As a contributing author of Allergan's newest "Safety and Complication" curriculum, she is one of only 10 practitioners approved to teach this critical course. Fletcher also trains for Revance and Ariessence, and owns her comprehensive training institute, InjectAbility® Institute, where she innovates injection techniques and writes practice and safety protocols. Over her 22-year training career, she has educated more than 10,000 practitioners in the field. Her innovative contributions include holding the only patent for a dermal filler technique—the ArqueDerma® Artistic Restoration Lift®—a revolutionary approach to facial lifting using HA fillers. Fletcher’s pioneering spirit extends to her several trademarked Botox techniques that have transformed aesthetic practices. Her MicroTox® technique, developed in 2005, provides instant skin brightening, NasalTox® offers a non-surgical solution to slim and reshape the nose, while TheraTox® provides instant relief for chronic myofascial pain. Her expertise and research contributions are well-documented through numerous publications in prestigious medical and nursing journals, including the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, Journal of Aesthetic Nursing, and Plastic Surgical Nursing, where she also serves as a contributing editor. These publications have helped establish best practices and advance the scientific foundation of aesthetic medicine. She also owns the InjectAbility® Clinic, which earned the distinguished honor of being named Best Medical Spa globally in both 2019 and 2020, as well as recognition among Inc. 5000's fastest growing companies in both 2019 and 2021. Year after year, her practice remains in the top 0.03% in the country for Botox and dermal filler use.

S. Alexis Gordon, MD, FACS

CEO, Renew MD Medical Spa & Aesthetics Alexis Gordon, MD, FACS, is a board-certified physician and surgeon, aesthetics expert and passionate advocate for elevating safety and artistry in the medical spa industry. As founder and medical director of Renew MD Facial Aesthetics in Southlake, Texas, she is known for creating natural, beautiful results that honor each patient’s individuality while upholding the highest medical standards. Her journey into aesthetic medicine reflects a deep commitment to precision, compassion and innovation. After completing her residency in general and urologic surgery, she had a successful practice for 18 years. Dr. Gordon recognized the transformative power of advanced non-surgical aesthetics—not just for enhancing appearance, but for restoring confidence and quality of life. This vision shaped Renew MD as a practice blending cutting-edge science with a personalized, luxury experience. Specializing in advanced injectables, regenerative skin therapies, PDO threads and full-face rejuvenation, Dr. Gordon is sought-after for results that are refined, age-appropriate and harmonized to each person’s facial structure. She is equally dedicated to raising industry standards, advocating for patient safety and proper medical oversight in every procedure. Her leadership and voice have influenced national conversations on keeping the “medical” in medical aesthetics. A lifelong learner, Dr. Gordon continually trains with internationally recognized experts and participates in leading conferences to ensure her patients benefit from the safest, most advanced techniques. At Renew MD, she fosters an environment where patients feel heard, valued and supported on their aesthetic journey. Outside of her practice, Dr. Gordon is active in her community and enjoys time with her family. Whether treating patients, mentoring emerging professionals or speaking at events, she brings the same blend of skill, ethics and artistry that defines her work and shapes the future of aesthetic medicine.

Cheryl Haseeb, FNP, DNP

Owner, Pura Medical Aesthetics Cheryl Haseeb, DNP, is the visionary founder of Pura Medical Aesthetics and the Aesthetic Nation Institute (ANI Houston) in Houston, Texas. A globally recognized trainer and key opinion leader for leading industry brands, including Merz Aesthetics and Venus Bliss, she brings over 13 years of critical care nursing experience and research to the forefront of aesthetic medicine. Since opening Pura during the pandemic in 2020, she has grown the practice from a modest two-room space into a thriving multi-room clinic, expanding to a Memorial location and, most recently, a third clinic in Austin, Texas, launched in August 2025. Haseeb’s approach goes beyond surface beauty, focusing on regenerative treatments that enhance natural features using the golden ratio, with all procedures performed by licensed medical professionals—setting an elevated standard in an often unregulated industry. Through ANI Houston, she delivers accredited, business-focused training programs for aesthetic professionals, incorporating advanced techniques, marketing strategies, and entrepreneurship coaching. Her mission of empowering women and elevating others to purse their dreams led her to establish the “Guiding Light” Scholarship aiming to support women pursuing higher education in healthcare. Haseeb is committed to elevating the standards of aesthetic medicine through empowerment and collaboration, ensuring that every woman has a seat at the table.

Amanda Hopper

Founder and CEO, The AH Method Amanda Hopper is a visionary leader, mentor and changemaker with more than 15 years of experience transforming businesses and empowering people. From leading multimillion-dollar medical aesthetics practices to creating The AH Method—her signature approach to strategic growth and team empowerment—Hopper has built a reputation for driving results while uplifting those around her. Her journey is rooted in resilience, fueled by creativity and guided by the belief that true success is measured by the positive impact you leave on others. Whether she's coaching teams, speaking on stage or developing innovative systems, Hopper's mission is to help others align their work with their passions, build confidence in their abilities and create lasting change in their industries and communities.

Jennifer Linder, MD, FAAD, FACMS

Founder and Chief Medical Officer, Linder Health Jennifer Linder, MD, FAAD, FACMS, is a board-certified dermatologist and a fellowship-trained skin cancer surgeon using the Mohs micrographic technique with medical licenses in Hawaii, California, Wyoming and Arizona. Prior to founding Linder Health, Dr. Linder founded and served as chief scientific officer for PCA SKIN, guiding all product development and clinical trials for the company. She is a published author and renowned speaker on dermatology, aesthetics and cosmetic procedures. A formally trained biomedical engineer and chemist, Linder graduated from the Washington University Medical School. She completed a surgical internship at the University of Pennsylvania, followed by a three-year dermatology residency at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. She formerly held a clinical faculty position in the department of dermatology at the University of California, San Francisco, instructing other dermatologists in skin cancer surgery and the use of cosmetic injectables. Dr. Linder pursues her passion for art, nature and women's rights by being an active business builder and donor to the causes she values.

Erica Oakes, RN, CANS

Founder, Culture Aesthetics & Wellness Erica Oakes, RN, CANS, is a board-certified aesthetic nurse specialist and the co-founder of Culture Aesthetics & Wellness, as well as the founder of Culture Academy of Medical Aesthetics, a private aesthetic curriculum and training institute. She serves on the faculty of the Allergan Medical Institute, where she ranked among the top 15 most-utilized trainers nationwide. Oakes is an active member of the educational committee for the International Society of Aesthetic and Plastic Nurses and is recognized as a key thought leader for Allergan. She also contributes her expertise to several advisory boards within the medical aesthetics industry.

Vrinkley Pruna, NP-BC

Clinical Director, SHAPE & SKIN Medical Spa & Weight Loss Vrinkley Pruna, MSN, NP-BC, is a board-certified nurse practitioner specializing in medical aesthetics and weight management. She began her career as a registered nurse at Keck Hospital of USC, where she spent three years in the Stepdown Unit before earning her master’s degree at USC to become a family nurse practitioner. Her time at the bedside built a strong clinical foundation—sharpening her communication skills, deepening her empathy and refining the gentle touch she is now known for in aesthetics. Together with her parents, Pruna co-founded SHAPE & SKIN Medical Spa & Weight Loss in Huntington Beach, California. She cherished the years of growing the business alongside them before proudly giving them the opportunity to retire. Nearly a decade later, she continues to carry forward their shared vision—now alongside her husband, also a nurse practitioner—as they lead the practice with compassion, innovation and integrity. With advanced training in injectables, collagen-boosting treatments and medical weight loss programs, Pruna blends medical expertise with artistry to deliver natural, confidence-boosting results while prioritizing safety and long-term wellness. She also serves as co-chair of AmSpa’s California State Chapter, working with industry leaders to advance compliance, education and collaboration among medical spa professionals. In 2025, she competed in the Miss California USA pageant as Miss Surf City USA, bridging her professional expertise with her platform for healthy beauty standards and women’s empowerment. Her leadership and encouragement were recognized with the Miss Mentor Award, honoring the contestant who exemplified guidance, support and camaraderie. For Pruna, mentorship is about more than teaching skills—it’s about leading by example and choosing connection over competition. Through her work and advocacy, she continues to champion the idea that beauty is most powerful when it celebrates wellness, integrity and confidence.

Erika Smith, PA-C

Director, Spa 3:16 Erika Smith, MS, MMSc, PA-C, earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of West Georgia, where she attended on a soccer scholarship. She later completed a Master of Science in Biology with a concentration in microbiology before attending the physician assistant program at Mercer University. Since graduating in 2014, Smith has been practicing family medicine while also pursuing her passion in aesthetic medicine starting in 2017.

Jennifer Walden, MD, FACS

Owner, Dr. Jennifer Walden Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and Founder, The Medspa Austin Jennifer Walden, MD, FACS, is a board-certified plastic surgeon, innovator and thought leader in the field of aesthetics who is fellowship-trained in aesthetic plastic surgery at The Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital, where she previously served as its program director. Dr. Walden broke the glass ceiling for women in the field of plastic surgery and aesthetics in general when she became the first female president of The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (The Aesthetic Society) in the organization's 56-year history. She is consistently ranked one of Newsweek's top facelift surgeons, as well as a Texas Super Doctor and Castle Connelly Top Doc. She has also been named one of the nation's Top Beauty Surgeons by Harper's Bazaar. Dr. Walden practices in her hometown of Austin, Texas, where she owns and operates her own accredited office surgical center. She holds dual academic titles of adjunct assistant professor of plastic surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern and adjunct assistant professor of surgery at Baylor College of Medicine. Dr. Walden has a special interest in facial aesthetic surgery, minimally invasive aesthetics and medical wellness, and she lectures internationally on these topics. Dr. Walden's vision in the medical spa industry aligns with that of Formula Wellness, the organization for which she serves as a medical director and on its dlinical advisory board. She has built a reputation for delivering state-of-the-art, minimally invasive treatments that prioritize patient safety and results. Dr. Walden is a single mother by choice after doing IVF at age 39 and is a testament to women dreaming big. She resides in Westlake Hills, Texas, with her twin sons, Houston and Rex, who are freshmen in high school and the loves of her life.

Sharonda Walton, ANP-BC

Owner, Royalty Wellness Spa Sharonda Walton, ANP-BC, is a board-certified adult nurse practitioner. Her passion for wellness and beauty sparked her interest in the medical aesthetics industry in 2017. Since receiving her certification in cosmetic injectables nearly eight years ago, she has completed multiple advanced trainings. A Memphis, Tennessee, native, Walton was moved by the lack of representation in medical aesthetics in the Mid South. This led her to open Royalty Wellness Spa in Memphis in 2018. Walton understands the importance of having well-trained and knowledgeable cosmetic injectors in the rapidly growing medical aesthetics industry. She finds joy in providing beginner injector certification training for medical professionals nationwide through MedAesthetics Training. She also provides advanced trainings, shadowing and mentorship opportunities at her med spa. As a leader in Mid South medical aesthetics, Walton has contributed to multiple articles and forums educating women and men on anti-aging and wellness therapies, including a frequent feature in Memphis Health and Fitness Magazine; published an ebook titled Say it Ain't So: Black Does Crack, Here's What to Do About It; and presented a workshop on anti-aging options for women of color at the 2023 Southern Black Girls and Women's Consortium. A huge proponent for partnership, service and community, Walton is a member of the BOW Collective, the Black Business Association of Memphis and the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce. Walton was voted Memphis Best Injector for 2025 in the Memphis Health and Fitness Readers Choice Poll. She is also a 2024 Power 30 honoree and 2023 recipient of the Comcast RISE grant. Each year, Walton and Royalty Wellness Spa coordinates a fundraising event for Sister Network and an essential items drive for House of Grace Domestic Violence Shelter.

Chakika Williams, DNP, FNP-BC

CEO and Founder, SkyRose Rejuvenation Clinic & Spa Chakika Williams, DNP-L, MBA/HCM, APRN-FPA, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, is a powerhouse in modern health care—a dual board-certified family and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, award-winning entrepreneur, and the visionary behind SkyRose Rejuvenation Clinic & Spa and SkyRose RCS Medical Aesthetics Academy. With more than a decade of experience, she fuses mental health, aesthetics and wellness to deliver transformative care that heals from the inside out. A nationally recognized speaker, trainer and mentor, Dr. Williams has empowered thousands through her signature Injector Confidence Gap method and has personally helped launch more than a dozen thriving med spas across the country. She's fiercely committed to creating space for diverse providers to build wealth, confidence and community in an industry that hasn’t always reflected them. More than a medical leader, Dr. Williams is a proud single mom of three, balancing motherhood and mogul moves with grace, grit and God at the center. Her culturally grounded, heart-led approach is shifting the beauty and wellness industry, elevating faces, futures and a movement rooted in purpose, power and legacy.