At aNu Aesthetics & Optimal Wellness, we believe beauty and wellness aren’t separate goals—they’re part of the same journey.
Welcome to aNu Aesthetics & Optimal Wellness
Where science meets self-care, and transformation starts within.
At aNu, we believe beauty and wellness aren’t two separate goals—they’re deeply connected. That’s why we take a whole-person approach to how you age, heal, and thrive. Whether you're here for Botox, burnout recovery, or both, you're in the right place.
Founded by double board-certified Dr. Cristyn Watkins, our team blends the best of medical aesthetics and functional medicine—so you don’t have to choose between looking better and feeling better. From hormone therapy to cosmetic injectables, IV drips to advanced skin treatments, we personalize every care plan to support the real you beneath the symptoms.
For over a decade, we’ve helped thousands in Kansas City reclaim their energy, restore balance, and return to themselves. This isn’t just a med spa. This is your space for real, lasting change.
Let’s meet the aNu you.
Meet Dr. Watkins
Founder, Owner, and Medical Director
Dr. Watkins is a nationally recognized leader in aesthetics and regenerative medicine. She trains other professionals, pioneers innovative treatment protocols, and continues to push the industry forward—right here in Kansas City. But what really sets her apart is how she listens. She’s built aNu as a place where people feel heard, empowered, and supported on every level: inside, outside, and in between.
Meet Our Staff
Dr. Michelle Retz
Board Certified Naturopathic Medical Doctor
Certified Acupuncture and ….
Dr. Michelle Retz, NMD, is a board certified naturopathic physician. Her specialties and areas of focus include GI issues from top to bottom, mental emotional concerns like anxiety, depression, PTSD, hormonal issues including those of the thyroid, adrenals, and women’s health, as well as autoimmune diseases. She taught gastroenterology and advanced gynecology at Sonoran University for 7 years and is also very well-versed in drug-drug, drug-herb and drug-nutrient interactions. She aims to treat the cause of illness, restore vitality, and preserve health using homeopathy, herbs, nutrition, acupuncture, and detoxification. She wants to hear your story and help you remember what you’re here to do!
Dr. Heather Isom, MD
Board Certified Medical Doctor
Aesthetic Master Injector
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Dr. Heather Isom, MD is a Master Aesthetic Injector with over 14 years of experience. She trained alongside Dr. Watkins in 2010 and has been with aNu Aesthetics™ and Optimal Wellness since its inception.
In addition to her work at aNu, she practices full-time at the University of Missouri-Kansas City/Truman Medical Center since 1998 and also serves there as the assistant professor of Emergency Medicine.
Dr. Isom believes that feeling good about how you look is paramount to feeling good in general, which fuels her passion to provide advanced injectable treatments at aNu.
Dr. Isom is available to new and existing patients and she would love to take care of you!
Beth Watkins
Staff Manager
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Beth is an experienced leader who has worked in diverse healthcare environments and is devoted to patient-focused care. She believes that building trusting relationships is key to creating a safe, welcoming space where people can flourish and reach their fullest potential. As a certified Resiliency Coach, Beth strives to empower others through a culture that promotes self confidence and self compassion, and aligns with aNu’s Core Values: Quality, Integrity, Teamwork, Professionalism, and Growth.
Nicole Bandera
Director of Operations and Practice Administration
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Nicole believes wellness begins with people feeling truly seen, supported, and cared for. She brings a calm, thoughtful presence to her work and is intentional about creating environments where patients feel comfortable, providers feel supported, and teams feel genuinely connected. She approaches her role with empathy, organization, and deep respect for the trust patients place in their care teams. Nicole values clear communication, consistency, and kindness, and is passionate about helping practices operate in a way that is both efficient and deeply human—ensuring care never feels rushed, impersonal, or transactional. Outside of the practice, Nicole is married and a proud mother of three daughters—Milani, Florence, and Rome. She double majored in Science and Psychology at the University of Kansas, completed nursing school through KU, and is currently pursuing her Doctorate. She enjoys cooking for the people she loves, traveling whenever possible, cheering on her favorite teams, experiencing live music, and spending quality time with her family and friends.
Cassidy Bowman
Director of Marketing and Brand Communications
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Cassidy has always been drawn to the aesthetics and wellness industry, where her passion for beauty, client experience, and brand development naturally align. She earned her degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing from Park University in 2022, laying the foundation for her career in the industry.
Cassidy spent four years with European Wax Center, where she advanced into a management role and cultivated a strong expertise in both client relations and strategic brand growth. In 2024, she transitioned into the medical aesthetics space, where she quickly found her niche.
With a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for elevated yet approachable branding, Cassidy is passionate about creating experiences that feel both refined and welcoming. She is inspired by environments that prioritize helping patients look and feel their best—inside and out—and takes pride in contributing to that mission every day.
Outside of her professional life, Cassidy enjoys spending time with friends and family, as well as with her two dogs, Scout and Chester.
natalie bull, Rn
Advanced Aesthetic Injector and Wellness Nurse
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Natalie began her nursing career at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Labor and Delivery. Alongside this role, she independently obtained her training and certification as an aesthetic nurse injector. Natalie is passionate about helping patients look AND feel their best! Her expertise in injections at aNu includes advanced neurotoxins, fillers, biostimulators, PRP, and PRF. Additionally, she loves offering services such as Ozone, NAD+, Ketamine, and Nutritional IVs to help patients achieve their optimal well-being. She is dedicated to providing personalized care that enhances natural beauty, increases patients' confidence and helps them experience their best selves!
Crystal McClain, LPN
Advanced Nurse Injector
Body Contouring and Laser Specialist
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Crystal has been working in the aesthetics and skincare field since 2013, starting as a Medical Assistant in a Dermatology practice and advancing to an Aesthetic Nurse at Ameliore Medispa and Laser in St. Joseph, MO in 2017. Crystal joined aNu in partnership with Ameliore where she still works 4 days a week. Patient education is a priority for her. She is passionate about all things skin-related and enjoys discussing skin care products and treatments with her patients, ensuring that they are comfortable with their plan. Crystal finds joy in connecting with people and hearing their stories. She specializes in laser treatments, body contouring, ThermiVa, neurotoxins, fillers, and biostimulator treatments, including PRP, PRF, and Sculptra. Crystal is available on Mondays at aNu and would love to help address your aesthetic, body contouring and sexual wellness concerns!
Breeanna Alaimo, RN
Advanced Aesthetic Injector
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Bree is a Registered Nurse with six years of experience and a deep passion for aesthetics. She recently moved to Kansas City and is excited to establish her practice here. Bree operates on the philosophy that boosting outer confidence significantly enhances inner well-being, and her greatest joy is guiding patients to achieve their most confident selves through personalized treatments. Committed to excellence, Bree prioritizes patient safety and continuous education on the latest techniques. She believes in a collaborative approach, ensuring every patient is well-informed and comfortable throughout their journey. Bree looks forward to connecting with the Kansas City aesthetics community and partnering with you to achieve your unique aesthetic goals.
Angelina Pavlova, LE
Licensed Esthetician
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Angelina has been a licensed aesthetician since 2020. She has dedicated her time over the last several years at aNu in advanced training on MOXI, Hair Regeneration, RF Microneedling, CoolTone and ThermiSmooth. She loves corrective treatments to help her patients feel more confident in their skin AND to promote emotional and physical wellbeing. Angelina is bilingual and enjoys connecting with people and learning about their culture!
Jacee Kaylor, LE
Licensed Aesthetician
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Jacee is committed to delivering exceptional care, helping every patient achieve their unique skin goals. Jacee’s philosophy involves continuous learning, translating advanced aesthetic knowledge into clear, empowering insights for her patients, and ensuring they understand the "why" behind every product and procedure thereby making them informed partners in their skincare journey. Jacee specializes in aNu’s signature GLOW services, customizing treatments for immediate, radiant results. She looks forward to professional development and ongoing training here at aNu, eager to expand her repertoire and introduce new, advanced aesthetic services.
Emily Jones, LE
Licensed Esthetician
Body Contouring and Laser Specialist
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Emily has a passion to provide the highest quality personalized care as well as education to each client to help them feel their best every day. Emily LOVES all the services she provides at aNu, but her favorites truly GLOW as she has continually expanded her service offerings by receiving advanced training in:
Sciton and INMODE Lasers for Pigment and Resurfacing
CoolSculpting, CoolTone, ZWave and EVOLVE for Body Contouring
ThermiVa for Female Sexual Rejuvenation
Hair Regeneration with Keravive, Exosomes and PRP
Microneedle and RF Microneedle (Vivace and Morpheus) with Hyaluronic Acid, Growth Factors, PRP AND for the ULTIMATE anti-aging and collagen stimulation.
SISI Canales, MA
Medical Assistant
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Sisi brings over 6 years of experience within the healthcare industry and is driven by a profound passion for patient care and overall health and wellness. Originally from El Paso, Texas, she studied at Southwest University and the University of Texas - El Paso. She relocated to Kansas City in 2021 and is actively pursuing her RN licensure, demonstrating her strong commitment to expanding her expertise and positively impacting the lives of patients. Outside of professional and academic pursuits, Sisi enjoys an active lifestyle that includes spending time outdoors, swimming, travel, and unwinding with a good book. Quality time with her friend and her two beloved Maltipoos, Chloe and Charlie, is also a cherished part of Sisi’s life, providing her balance and joy.
Rosaria Greenberg, LE
Patient Care Coordinator and Laser Specialist
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Rosaria is a Licensed Medical Aesthetician who brings high-volume medical spa experience from New York City. She is passionate about serving as a true patient care consultant, believing that lasting results begin with strong relationships. Rosaria takes the time to listen and understand each client's goals to create fully customized treatment and skincare plans that enhance both how they look and how they feel. Blending clinical expertise with a luxury, supportive experience, Rosaria has a background in advanced treatments, including lasers, microneedling, IPL, body contouring, and medical-grade facials. She ensures every client feels confident, educated, and genuinely cared for throughout their journey. Her work focuses on long-term client relationships, personalized routines, and thoughtful treatment planning designed to achieve real, lasting results.
Rosaria views aesthetics as a form of empowerment—helping people step into their most radiant, confident selves with a plan tailored to their lifestyle, skin, and goals. In her personal time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, staying active with workouts, and recharging at home cuddling with her dog.
Erin Gallardo
Concierge
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Erin is our delightful Back Office Concierge. She works remotely behind the scenes to take care of all patient needs! After several years as a Licensed Real Estate Agent in California, Erin pursued a career as a certified Medical Billing Specialist. Erin is an invaluable member of the aNu Aesthetics team, serving as our dedicated Back Office Concierge. Though she works remotely, her impact is felt in every smooth transaction and satisfied patient interaction.
Erin’s professional journey is marked by a commitment to service and detail-oriented work. Prior to her career in the medical field, Erin gained extensive experience as a Licensed Real Estate Agent in California. This background honed her exceptional organizational skills, her ability to manage complex logistics, and her commitment to client satisfaction—all qualities she now applies daily at aNu.
Abriona Probst
Concierge
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Abriona is an integral member of the Back Office Concierge Team, where she supports patient coordination and oversees behind-the-scenes operations that keep daily workflows running seamlessly. Her attention to detail and organizational expertise help ensure a smooth and efficient experience for both patients and providers.
She is a graduate of the University of Missouri, where she studied Computer-Based Data Systems, Business, and Management. Abriona brings a strong background in member services within the financial industry, where she thrived in high-volume environments, guided clients through complex situations, and managed sensitive information with the utmost care and professionalism.
With a commitment to excellence and a patient-centered approach, Abriona plays a key role in creating a well-organized, supportive, and elevated experience across every touchpoint.
Kyla Guyette
Concierge
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Kyla is a Kansas native and proud KU alum with a passion for helping others feel their best - inside and out. With a heart for wellness and a people-first mindset, she's focused on creating positive, supportive, experiences. Outside of work, she's a concert lover, golfer, Chiefs fan, and a proud aunt to two amazing nephews.
Susie Johnson
Concierge
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Rooted in her Missouri upbringing, Susie is passionate about aesthetics and wellness, bringing genuine enthusiasm and care to every client experience. She began her formal introduction to the med spa and wellness industry in Dallas, Texas, where she gained valuable hands-on experience and built a strong foundation in the field. With over six years of customer service expertise, Susie is dedicated to helping clients feel confident, supported, and at ease. A graduate of Kansas State University, Susie continues to grow her knowledge in aesthetics with a thoughtful, client-centered approach. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, staying active, and caring for her beloved cats.
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