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.
Maria Schroeder, Rn
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!
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!
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.
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.
Grace Brockman
Concierge
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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