AmSpa Aesthetic Safety Council

George Baxter-Holder, ARNP, DNP, CANS

George Baxter-Holder, ARNP, DNP, CANS, has first-hand knowledge of how beauty-obsessed today’s Hollywood actors are. As a child actor in Hollywood he played the role of a genetically perfect boy on Star Trek: The Next Generation. His “bad boy” character made all around him start to age prematurely. In real life, Baxter-Holder plays the “good guy” role. Trained as a board-certified aesthetic nurse practitioner and doctor of nursing practice, he helps patients reverse the signs of aging at SkinSpirit Medical Spa in Austin, TX. Additionally, he is the most utilized trainer with Galderma Aesthetics and is also one of three faculty at Academy for Injection Anatomy with Chris Surek, MD. He holds a doctorate from Duke University and a Masters from the University of Washington. And while he is no longer, “genetically perfect,” he is working on aging well.

Alexander Blinski, MD

Alexander L. Blinski, MD, known to many as “Dr. B,” has been practicing cosmetic medicine since 2011; previously, he trained with his father—plastic surgeon Darryl J. Blinski, MD—and in general surgery/primary care through his residency. Blinski educates and oversees the team at Plump Cosmetics & Injectables in New York.

Jay Burns, MD

A. Jay Burns, MD, has enjoyed a prestigious academic career and has operated a successful, busy clinical practice during the last 30 years. He has had his work featured on Oprah Winfrey’s Medical Miracles show and has served in many prominent national plastic surgery society positions, including president of the American Society for Lasers in Medicine & Surgery. Burns is best known for facial and skin rejuvenation. He has a unique surgical perspective, passion and skill set that allow him to surgically address challenging consequences of facial aging. He remains a world leader, researcher, educator and champion for patients who desire non-surgical or minimally invasive solutions with reduced downtime. He recently opened a premier facility under his sole guidance and direction, Resurrect Skin M.D.

Nicole Chiaramonte

Known for her business philosophies of “profits with integrity” and “profit optimization through collaboration,” Nicole Chiaramonte is CEO of TWG Consulting Corp., founder of Synergy MedAesthetics, co-founder of Aesthetic Investments, LLC, and a private investor in more than a dozen medical spas. She has 25 years of experience in startup management, with 15 years of management services organization (MSO) ownership in the legal and medical industries, now specializing in non-surgical medical aesthetic practices. Chiaramonte has partnered with numerous respected facial plastic surgeons, as well as family practice physicians and independent advanced practice providers (APPs), by providing startup capital, guidance and comprehensive oversight of their entry into the medical spa space.

Warren Danforth

Warren Danforth entered the medical spa industry in 2006 excited about the emerging opportunity of delivering elective cosmetic medical services in a consumer-oriented retail environment. Spa 35 was selected as the name based upon the premise 35 is the perfect age – old enough to be considered an independent adult, but not yet considered “old”. By delivering outstanding services, working with great people, and leveraging digital marketing Spa 35 has earned more than four hundred five-star customer reviews, and created a reputation for excellence among its clients having been voted the #1 Medical Spa in Idaho. Spa 35’s has gained national recognition in the industry. Warren was selected by Candela as a Key Opinion Leader to assist medical spa owners discover, select and market energy-based cosmetic devices. Prior to joining the medical spa industry Warren was a pioneer in the cellular telephone industry rising through sales, marketing and operations positions that included general manager.

Joshua Davis, RN, BSN

Joshua Davis, aka “Tox” Josh, received his bachelor of science in nursing from Belmont University, and a bachelor of musical arts degree from Vanderbilt University. Past experiences include multi-specialty critical care, trauma intensive care, cardiac critical care, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and aesthetics/cosmetic dentistry. In addition to an impressive educational and medical background, Davis has an artistic eye for aesthetics and takes great pride in providing the very best services to his clients. He describes himself as an artist, an educator, and a perfectionist.

Leslie E. Harmon, BSN, RN, CANS, CPSN, PSNCB Board Member

Leslie E. Harmon, BSN, RN is a Certified Plastic Surgery Nurse, a Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist, and serves on the Plastic Surgery Nurse Certification Board (PSNCB). Leslie is an active member of the International Society of Plastic Surgical Nurses and works with multiple organizations as a nurse consultant in Aesthetic Surgery.

Leslie brings an overwhelming wealth of knowledge to the table as exemplified by her training and experience in Aesthetic Surgery. First and foremost she has over 15 years of clinical experience as an aesthetic injector. With safety and quality as her guiding principles she has been able to develop office based protocols, which have helped numerous physicians.

In addition, Leslie has over 17 years of aesthetic management experience. She has successfully opened and certified multiple outpatient ambulatory surgery centers; revamped and streamlined office based spas and facilitated integration of spas within the clinical environment. Leslie has shown herself to be a detailed oriented leader with expertise in team development, risk management, employee efficiency, and infection control.

Erin Hennessey, APRN, DNP

Erin Hennessey is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Case Western University with a doctor of nursing practice degree. Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner, she worked for 12 years treating trauma and burn patients in the pediatric intensive care unit, which further sparked her passion for and expertise in skin recovery and repair. To continue her education, Hennessey completed her masters of science in nursing at Case Western Reserve University with a focus on a family nurse practitioner certification. Her clinical rotations included Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals in Cleveland, and St. Vincent Mercy Medical in Toledo, Ohio. Hennessey completed her advanced education with a doctorate in nursing practice (DNP.) with a specialized fellowship in dermatology. Hennessey is certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. A national trainer for MedAesthetics and a luminary for Sciton, and shares her expertise and techniques all over the United States. She is an active member of the following organizations: Ohio Association of Advanced Practice Nurses, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, AmSpa, Sigma Theta Tau, and the Dermatology Nurses Association.

Lynn Heublein

Lynn Heublein is the CEO and co-founder of SkinSpirit Holdings, LLC. Heublein launched SkinSpirit in 2003 with Dr. M Dean Vistnes, MD – a Stanford-educated, board-certified plastic surgeon – as the first of its kind to offer comprehensive medical aesthetic services. Today, SkinSpirit is the No. 1 provider of Botox and dermal fillers in the United States, with locations across California, Texas, Utah and Washington. Heublein is also the Chairwoman of Foxeye Robotics, a company focused on automation within the beauty category. Prior to SkinSpirit, she served as president and COO of Hearme.com, EVP of business development and co-founder of Catapult Entertainment, VP of Marketing at THQ and Brand Manager at Procter and Gamble. Heublein received a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Washington and MBA from Stanford University.

Maegen Kennedy, PA-C

Maegen Kennedy has more than 11 years of experience in integrative family medicine, medical and aesthetic dermatology. Kennedy has a unique approach to aesthetics that focuses on “facial micro-optimization,” where minor changes are made to improve one’s overall appearance in a subliminal way. She was hand-selected to be a national trainer for Galderma. In 2019, she went to Galderma’s manufacturing warehouse in Uppsala, Sweden to sit on the elite advisory board. Through advisory boards, on-stage lectures and peer-to-peer trainings she is helping shape the future of the aesthetic industry. Her training takes her around the country to collaborate with top plastic surgeons, integrative family physicians, dermatologists and likeminded aesthetic providers. She’s passionate about the patient experience and results along with teaching other health care professionals the art, education, and safety of aesthetic and wellness medicine.

Grace McLaurin, PA-C

Grace McLaurin, PA-C, has 23 years of experience as a physician assistant, and has extensive experience in internal medicine, women’s health, bio-identical hormone replacement, thyroid disorders, and non-surgical aesthetics. She founded Vitality Anti-Aging Center in 2006 because she felt a more integrative approach to health and wellness was her passion. She has special advanced skills in non-surgical aesthetics. She has extensive experience with multiple laser devices, neurotoxins, dermal fillers, skin care, vein therapy, PRP, Novathreads, and more. She is a certified instructor for Allergan, the makers of Botox, Juvederm, Kybella, and SkinMedica. She has trained over 3000 providers in laser, injectables, hormones, thread lifts, vaginal rejuvenation, PRP, and more. She is licensed to practice in North Carolina and maintains her certification through the NCCPA. She is an active member of the AAPA, ACAPA, and North Carolina Medical Society. She is also a partner in Vitality Surgical Center and V-Infusion Hydration Center.

Gerrie M. Obi, MSN, ARNP, AGPCNP-BC, CPSN, ISPAN-F

Gerrie M. Obi brings more than three decades of plastic and aesthetic experience. She earned a master’s degree in nursing with a specialty in adult and geriatric primary care. Gerrie is a master level injector and has held positions in several of the major aesthetic corporations serving as an educator and physician liaison providing clinical and scientific support for various products. Gerrie is also an international trainer; she trains the trainers as well as other master injectors, both nationally and internationally. She was the first Certified Plastic Surgical Nurse (CPSN) in Northeast Florida and serves on the Board of Directors of the International Society for Plastic and Aesthetic Nurses (ISPAN). Gerrie has trained thousands of aesthetic providers globally over the past decades, as well as provided innovative aesthetic care in our area for countless patients.

Stanley Okoro, MD, FACS

Internationally renowned double board-certified Atlanta plastic surgeon, Dr. Stanley Okoro, graduated from Meharry Medical College, completed surgical training at Emory University, then an additional three-year training in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center. He served in the U.S. Navy, achieving the rank of commander and was the Chief of Plastic Surgery. He is the medical director of Georgia Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Abuja Plastics, Amachi Medspa and Asuch Surgery Center. Dr. Okoro is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and the American Board of Surgery. He is a member of many prestigious and exclusive organizations in plastic surgery.

Marria Pooya

Founder and CEO of Greenwich Medical Spa, Marria Pooya has grown the company from a two-person operation founded in 2005 to employ more than 30 staff members. Pooya attributes the success of all four Greenwich Medical Spa locations to the high level of service, continuously updated and upgraded treatment and product offerings, thorough client education, and customized treatment plans that the practices provide. It is dedication to this high level of service that has allowed Greenwich Medical Spa to treat 20,000+ satisfied customers and earn accolades like being one of the Top 1% of BOTOX and Fillers providers in the country. In 2019, Greenwich Medical was also recognized as one of the top medical spas in the country by American MedSpa Association (AmSpa), and Top 5000 fastest growing companies by Inc Magazine. Pooya’s vision for her business does not end with two successful locations. Her desire to support, influence, and help develop the women on her staff, as well as to be a role model for her daughter and within her community, drives her. She remains focused on knowing and delivering what her clients need and will want even before they realize it.

Susanne Schmaling

Susanne Schmaling is the President & Founder of the Esthetics Council, an education and advocacy organization for licensed estheticians. She is also licensed master esthetician, certified laser technician, and accomplished instructor with more than 28 years’ experience. Her career encompasses all aspects of the esthetic profession including medical esthetics, sales, spa ownership, and education development. Susanne has presented at elite conferences internationally, is part of Skin Inc. magazine's advisory board and helped lead Pivot Point International’s new esthetic fundamentals program, created ASCP’s Skinpro online education series (2012) and authored several books such as Milady’s Aesthetician Series: The Comprehensive Guide to Equipment (2008) and Aging Skin (2011), as well as contributor to Milady’s Professional Makeup-Aging Skin (2012). Susanne is widely published, contributing articles to prominent industry publications including Skin Inc., New York Times and other online providers. Her latest project is launching a new company within the Beauty Tech space for consumers.

Chris C. Surek, DO, FACS

Dr. Surek is a board-certified plastic surgeon and internationally recognized facial anatomist. He is an assistant professor of anatomy at Kansas City University and clinical assistant professor of plastic surgery at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Dr. Surek is the founder and director of the Academy for Injection Anatomy, a comprehensive CME-accredited hands-on cadaver injection anatomy course. Dr. Surek specializes in cosmetic surgery of the face, breast and body, as well as non-invasive facial rejuvenation procedures. He has co-authored several book chapters and published original research in facial cosmetic surgery, facial anatomy and filler injection. Dr. Surek is also the co-author of Facial Volumization: An Anatomic Approach, an anatomy-based textbook for filler injections. Dr. Surek serves as a key opinion leader for several companies within the aesthetic industry and teaches cadaver-based facial anatomy courses nationally and internationally.

Hermine Warren, DNP, APRN, CANS

Hermine Warren, a doctor of nursing practice (DNP), has been in nursing since 1974, with an advanced practice degree since 1980. She is also a certified aesthetic nurse specialist (CANS) in Southern California, an educational/clinical trainer both internationally and nationally, a GenNOW and P.A.L.E.T.T.E faculty member; and has maintained a clinical practice in the non-surgical cosmetic subspecialty field since 2004. Also, she is co-faculty for Academy for Injection Anatomy with Dr. Chris. Surek. Warren graduated with her master of science in nursing from the University of Colorado in 1979, and her doctor of nursing practice from Walden University in 2014. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau since 1979, and a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society since 2013. Lastly, she is a published author within the aesthetic arena.

Terri Wojak, LE

Terri Wojak is a medical aesthetic professional with more than 20 years of experience in the industry. She is the education director of GlycoAla and runs her own education company, Aesthetics Exposed Education. She is a respected authority on skin care in a medical setting, education and business development on multiple levels. Wojak has built more than 50 individual courses based on skin care in a medical setting. More than 100 articles by Wojak have appeared in a multitude of industry magazines, and she has published two books - Aesthetics Exposed: Mastering Skin Care in a Medical Setting & Beyond in May 2014 and Mastering Medical Esthetics in 2009.

Steven Yoelin, MD

Steve Yoelin, MD, is an ophthalmologist who practices in Newport Beach, California. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of California, Davis, and graduated with a medical degree from the University of California, Irvine, where he received numerous awards for his academic and research efforts. In his private practice, Yoelin emphasizes facial aesthetics using injectable neurotoxins, dermal fillers and collagen stimulators. He also conducts research in various FDA and investigator-initiated clinical studies pertaining to aesthetic products—he has been the lead investigator on several pilot studies and trials, including one that led to FDA approval of a new aesthetic product at the end of 2008. He is a teacher of injectable procedures and an advisor on integrating facial aesthetics into a clinical practice.