Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to start Maine Aesthetic Medicine?
I was raised in the small town of Lee, Maine and knew from 5 years of age I wanted to be a nurse. I graduated in 2015 from University of Maine at Fort Kent and immediately entered the workforce in both the hospital and aesthetic setting. After 5 years in acute care, working mostly in pediatrics and maternity, I was scouted by a local plastic surgeon’s office and went full-time in aesthetics for the following 4 years until opening Maine Aesthetic Medicine in May of 2023.
What inspired your interest in aesthetic medicine, and how has your journey evolved over the years?
Growing up, I was a 4-sport athlete, 7-time Maine state champion, and had little interest in fashion or the beauty industry. As I aged, I entered Miss Maine USA, winning and competing at Miss USA in 2017 where I learned to embrace both my femininity and love for beauty and fashion.
How would you describe your approach to aesthetic medicine?
I believe in a multi-faceted approach to aging and pride myself on having something to offer anyone looking to invest in themselves and their skin. I have trained with other providers from around the globe, ensuring the best in class machines, treatment options, and most up-to-date standards and approaches are used for our patients safety and well-being.
How do you balance the idea of self-enhancement with self-acceptance?
I am always willing to be honest with patients, even if that means telling them no. Trust is extremely important in this industry, and finding a provider willing to tell you both what will and won’t help you reach your goals is crucial. I will always be honest with my recommendations in a kind and clear way that is medically backed by scientific research and the most up-to-date approaches to aesthetic medicine. I tell all my patients they do not need anything to be beautiful, that their spirit and heart is what’s most important. That being said, understanding the importance of self-care in any form, including feeling good about what you present to the world, can impact our confidence, and for that I’m happy to offer assistance to those wishing to maintain a natural, yet refreshed look.
You actively work with HAND-Philippines, a nonprofit focused on providing healthcare access to underserved communities. How did you get involved, and what does this work mean to you?
HAND-Philippines is near and dear to my heart. In 2018, I went on my first medical mission trip with HAND-Philippines as a nurse volunteer and it changed my perspective forever. Since then, I have been back two more times and became chair of the board of directors. The most recent mission was this past March, where we treated 1493 patients in just 5 days and added a surgical arm to our efforts as well as community clinics and dental care. 1397 community members were treated at local clinics, 75 patients were given free cataract surgeries, and 21 underwent major elective surgeries. We will continue to grow as an organization and give what help we can to these amazingly resilient communities.
What impact have you seen through HAND-Philippines, and how can others support or get involved?
The impact on those in calamity-stricken, rural communities is most moving, often allowing those with no access to healthcare a chance to be seen by medical professionals for minor surgeries, specialist referrals, and necessary medications otherwise unavailable. We also fund community feeding programs and are aiding in the rehabilitation of a local preschool destroyed by typhoons. Those wishing to participate can join as medical or non-medical volunteers during our mission trips, financially support our feeding or rehab program online, or attend our annual HAND-Philippines Gala or Charity Golf Tournament. Being seen for treatment even helps—I am proud to donate 1% of all Maine Aesthetic Medicine proceeds to the HAND-Philippines organization.
Running a business can be all-consuming—how do you find balance in your own life?
I spend my free time preparing for the birth of my first child, and spending quality time as a newlywed with my husband Dylan, our two dogs Sheldon and Stu, our Maine Coon Henry, and our close group of family and friends. As a new business owner, the work never seems to be completely finished, but I pride myself on bringing quality care to New England in a space I can be proud to have created.
What do you love most about working in Maine and serving this community?
As a born and raised Mainer, I am proud to serve the community that has given me so much my whole life. I like to think Maine is more of a large town than a small state, and I often make quick and close personal connections with my patients because of this. Some of my patients have now been seeing me for close to a decade, and I love being a part of their journeys and having their support throughout my own.
Aesthetic Medicine is for Everyone
“Treatments can be used in a tasteful manner to ensure results are natural-looking, safe, and affordable. We offer the only FDA-approved dermal filler for dynamic wrinkles and folds, and the first (and only) vegan and peptide-powered neuromodulator on the market. We also carry common conventional neurotoxin, Botox Cosmetic, ZO SkinHealth, and an organic Swiss cellular skincare line.”
Trends on the Horizon
“The increase of regenerative medicine to heal aging skin from the inside out rather than mask it with filler and neurotoxins is exciting. Natural results come from a multi-faceted approach to wellbeing that includes using the healing capabilities of our own bodies to regenerate the skin. I currently use laser, advanced chemical peels, RF Microneedling, PDO threads, or plasma/exosome therapy on patients desiring a regenerative medicine-based treatment plan.”
Feeling good about what you present to the world can impact your confidence.
In 2018, I went on my first medical mission trip with HAND-Philippines and it changed my perspective forever.