Our Guest Speakers
Our Guest Speakers
Dr Naveen Somia
phD, MBBS, FRACS - Specialist Plastic Surgeon
THE AUSTRALASIAN SOCIETY OF AESTHETIC PLASTIC SURGEONS
Dr Somia is known for his unyielding dedication to his patients. Dr Somia takes considerable time to discuss options available with his patients before embarking on treatment to restore freshness, function and aesthetic balance. His unique approach combines personal attention and clinical expertise with warmth, compassion and care.
Dr Somia is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) and a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and Immediate Past President of The Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS).
Liz McGowan
Researcher & Health Professional
THink AESTHETICS
Liz is the Managing Director for THink Aesthetics. She is passionate about driving improvement in cosmetic tattoo industry standards, in everything from education to the quality of equipment and supplies, to the treatments technicians deliver.
Liz is a fully qualified occupational therapist and has a Bachelor of Applied Science degree from Curtin University. Liz also studied in the USA and conducted research at the University of Queensland and University of Western Australia.
After years practicing as a health professional Liz continues to provide a friendly face, professional service and serves as a weath of knowledge for the Cosmetic Tattoo industry.
Vivien Gardiner
RN BA GAICD
Registered Nurse
JAN MARINI
Vivien is a public hospital trained registered nurse with many years experience in operating theatre management, surgical assisting and managing a plastic surgical practice.
Vivien volunteered for Interplast Australia for 19 years, working mainly in Indonesia and as patient coordinator for cases brought to Australia for surgery. She carried out the inaugural Interplast post-operative patient study in the interior of Indonesian Borneo. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Monash University (Majors in History & Indonesian Language & Literature) and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Vivien is Managing Director of Erase Aesthetic Services in Melbourne (founded in 1997) and JMSR Australia, Australian distributors for Jan Marini Skin Research (San Jose, USA).
Sarah Hughes
Training Manager
DERMALOGICA PRO
Sarah Hughes is the Mediclinic Training Manager for The International Dermal Institute. Sarah has been a therapist for over 25 years with her area of expertise lying in skin science and skin health, this being the catalyst that led her to gain her associate degree as a Dermal Therapist.
Sarah’s passion for skin therapy is infectious, her knowledge of clinical skin analyse is second to none. If you are like Sarah and are always inquisitive to learn then sign up today and join her engaging, informative and high energy session.
Kai Atkinson
Beauty Therapist
DERMAVIDUALS
Having completed his Diploma of Beauty therapy in 2017, Kai Atkinson has since further grown and developed his skills focussing on Medical Microneedling, Oncology Aesthetics, Light Emitting Diode (LED), Understanding Corneotherapy: Skin Anatomy & Physiology, and Pastiche Training of Advanced Skin Analysis amongst other areas of continued study.
In 2018, Kai was given the opportunity to assist with critiquing and proofreading the new Pastiche Advanced Skin Analysis distance learning program alongside creator, Florence Barrett-Hill. This opportunity offered Kai an irreplaceable level of professional development and further developed his post graduate knowledge of the integumentary system.
In June 2022, Kai was a guest speaker on behalf of Derma Aesthetics at the Non-Surgical Symposium in Queensland, where he lectured on the subject of Medical Microneedling and Dyspigmentation, based on the clinical findings of Professor Dr. Mateus Aust and others.
Kai’s writing for Derma Aesthetics has also been featured in numerous professional beauty magazines in Australia and New Zealand. With his extensive experience and a keen interest in researching, learning, and writing, Kai joined the Education Department at Derma Aesthetics in September 2020, where he works to create content, educate, and inspire the next generation of professionals working within the aesthetics industry.
Jacintha Murphy
Registered Nurse
DERMOCOSMETICA + BEAUTY TECHNOLOGY
I’m a Master Clinician, an Advanced Injector, a Registered Nurse, and a mother of two beautiful school-aged children. This means that I understand how hectic and exhausting life gets through the seasons – and the effects that our appearance can have on not just our confidence but our mental health!
It’s an honour to spend my days helping men and women feel confident and beautiful. I have a burning passion for educating young adults about how taking those small steps to look after their skin now can greatly impact their skin health in the future.
I’m always learning, training and brainstorming new techniques and ways that the team and I, can help serve you better.
Sarah Hudson
AESTHETIC PRACTITIONER
Sarah Hudson is an Aesthetic Practitioner who, for over twenty-five years, has provided aesthetic skin services to valued clients and been a leader in aesthetic skin therapy. Frequently invited to share her knowledge at industry events, work groups, seminars and panels, Sarah is renowned for her expertise in the field of RF Skin Needling, IPL and Medical Grade Laser, LED Light Therapies and Plasma Pen Therapy, and has also been featured across industry and consumer media from print to television.
Sarah’s reputation for excellence stems from her best practice procedures. Attributed to continued investment in high-level training and qualifications, Sarah ensures she maintains a broad and in-depth knowledge of skin physiology and conditions. She is also trusted by well- known Dermatology and Plastic Surgery clinics to complement and advise on best practices in skin health, and as an industry educator, Sarah is spokesman for the latest advances in aesthetic skin care.
Sarah’s success however is largely attributed to working closely with clients. Through active listening and learning about the behavior of unique skin types and conditions, Sarah has developed a specialised culture within her clinic which has afforded her cult status. Proving her professional skills as both aesthetic practitioner and clinical educator, skin rejuvenation and transformation are the hallmarks of Sarah Hudson.
Bronwyn Page
Clinical Educator and qualified Registered Nurse,
Bronwyn has extensive experience training and working closely with medical personnel and ensuring therapists are knowledgeable, safe, and achieving maximum results for their patients and clients.
Nicki Belle
Respected specialist Cosmetic Injector and leading expert in holistic and clinical anti-ageing techniques.
With over 25 years’ experience and one of the most respected specialists in medical injectables, her dedication to her work has been recognised amongst the world’s top experts and has presented at conferences in Venice, Hong Kong and Sydney, demonstrating her techniques and sharing her knowledge.
Nicki continues to be dedicated to advancing and applying her knowledge of combining technologies for superior treatment results. Nicki’s core belief is that how we age is a choice and adopts an inside-outside approach with a focus on regenerative treatments.
Our Panelists
Dr Naveen Somia
Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) and a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and Immediate Past President of The Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS).
Dr Frank Lin
Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Dr Lin specialises in facial aesthetic surgery and injectable treatments, with a special interest in the treatment of Asian patients. He is a regular speaker at international conferences, and is a key opinion leader in injectable and minimally invasive aesthetic treatments. Dr Lin currently serves on the executive board of the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) and the Membership Committee of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ISAPS) representing Australia.
Dr Cara McDonald
Renowned Dermatologist and KOL for La Roche-Posay Australia & NZ, Allergan Aesthetics, Skin Ceuticals Master Physician & KOL.
Highly trained specialist dermatologist and cosmetic injector and Co-Director and Principal Dermatologist at Complete Skin Specialists.
Dr David Kosenko
Cosmetic Physician and Owner of Impress Cosmetic Medicine. President of Cosmetic Physicians College of Australia. Dr David Kosenko is a founding member and the Vice President of the Cosmetic Physicians College of Australasia, a member of the Medical Advisory Committee to Beleura Private Hospital and a clinical supervisor for the Eastern Victorian General Practice Training Program.
Mike Clague
Vice President, Cosmetic Nurses Association & Aesthetic Nurse, BSc
Over 15 years of experience in the medical aesthetic industry, Mike has trained over 1000 doctors and nurses in the art of injecting muscle relaxants and dermal fillers across Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, India, Malaysia and the Philippines. Majoring in Anatomy in his Science degree, Mike is passionate about natural, undetectable results for all his clients.
Robyn McAlpine
Robyn aka Expert Skin Therapist is a skin therapist, business owner, author, speaker, and mentor. She’s been featured in magazines as one of Australia’s leading aestheticians and has taken care of the skins and faces of celebrities you’d recognise on TV.
Gay Wardle
Internationally recognised keynote speaker and ABIA Hall of Fame inductee. Gay is an experienced skin clinic owner, committed to motivating and teaching others and is one of the most respected icons in our industry.
Chiza Westcarr
Nutritional Medicine Practitioner, skin specialist, Health Coach and Menopause Coach.
Chiza has a real passion for all things skin and nutrition, recognising the real connection between gut health and skin health.
Dr Donna Lee Marcal
Scientific Director in Human Biochemistry and specialising in inflammation and how the body reacts to foreign materials. Her work on specific human proteins and their functions in human inflammation awarded her an Endeavour Research Fellowship from the Australian Government.
Prof. Terry Everitt
Professor of Aesthetic Sciences since 2019, and a long history in academia. Terry has assisted with the development of the curriculum for Bachelor of Applied Health Science (Clinical Aesthetics) and the Associated Degree in Applied Health Science (Dermal Therapy). He is currently the Head of Academic Development at the Australasian College of Health and Wellness, while running his own educational consulting company.
Rhiannon Mitsopoulos
Clinical laser and energy-based device specialist, qualified Dermal Therapist and Vocational Education and Training lecturer. Rhiannon has received many accolades during her 15-year international career focusing on specialised laser training and business support within the aesthetic, dermatology, and cosmetic surgery sectors.
Karen Geiszler
Clinical Educator and Founder of KG Beauty & Modality Training. Over 30 years experience having run two successful clinics, as a Beauty Therapist, Laser and IPL Practitioner and Clinic Educator. She understands the needs of running a business, being a clinic owner and expanding your skillset to build your business.
Jennifer Byrne
Dermal Clinician and lecturer of Dermal Therapies for the College of Health & Biomedicine. Chair of The Australian Society of Dermal Clinicians (ASDC). Jennifer has a special interest in developing expertise and specialisation in the ares of skin integrity management and client education, particularly related to chronic disease and cancer.
Alex Pike
Registered Nurse with added clinical experience in Plastic Surgery Nursing. Founder of Face Clinic in Albury NSW. As a former model, Alex has practical insight into the importance of achieving our best appearance and how it can enhance our everyday and professional lives.
Paige Barrand
Dermal Therapist with over 10 years experience and specialising in Cosmetic Tattooing, Scar Correction and all things skin. Paige is passionate about education and maintaining high standards within the industry.
Taneesa Williamson
Award-winning Dermal Clinician & Clinical Educator within the Dermal Sector. Chairperson, Education Board of The Australian Society of Dermal Clinicians (ASDC). Her commitments are firmly rooted within the health sciences, evidence-based and multidisciplinary practice, and education within the dermal field.
Vera Koslova-Fu
Medical Laser Clinical Educator and Lecturer in the higher education industry. Skilled in Medical Devices, Sales, Lecturing, and Laser Physics.
Tara Shaw
With over 20 years of experience in the salon, clinic and spa industry, Tara is known in the salon industry as an expert business owner, manager, beauty therapist and coach.
Dr Naveen Somia
Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) and a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and Immediate Past President of The Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS).
Dr Frank Lin
Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Dr Lin specialises in facial aesthetic surgery and injectable treatments, with a special interest in the treatment of Asian patients. He is a regular speaker at international conferences, and is a key opinion leader in injectable and minimally invasive aesthetic treatments. Dr Lin currently serves on the executive board of the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) and the Membership Committee of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ISAPS) representing Australia.
Dr Cara McDonald
Renowned Dermatologist and KOL for La Roche-Posay Australia & NZ, Allergan Aesthetics, Skin Ceuticals Master Physician & KOL.
Highly trained specialist dermatologist and cosmetic injector and Co-Director and Principal Dermatologist at Complete Skin Specialists.
Dr David Kosenko
Cosmetic Physician and Owner of Impress Cosmetic Medicine. President of Cosmetic Physicians College of Australia. Dr David Kosenko is a founding member and the Vice President of the Cosmetic Physicians College of Australasia, a member of the Medical Advisory Committee to Beleura Private Hospital and a clinical supervisor for the Eastern Victorian General Practice Training Program.
Mike Clague
Vice President, Cosmetic Nurses Association & Aesthetic Nurse, BSc
Over 15 years of experience in the medical aesthetic industry, Mike has trained over 1000 doctors and nurses in the art of injecting muscle relaxants and dermal fillers across Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, India, Malaysia and the Philippines. Majoring in Anatomy in his Science degree, Mike is passionate about natural, undetectable results for all his clients.
Robyn McAlpine
Robyn aka Expert Skin Therapist is a skin therapist, business owner, author, speaker, and mentor. She’s been featured in magazines as one of Australia’s leading aestheticians and has taken care of the skins and faces of celebrities you’d recognise on TV.
Gay Wardle
Internationally recognised keynote speaker and ABIA Hall of Fame inductee. Gay is an experienced skin clinic owner, committed to motivating and teaching others and is one of the most respected icons in our industry.
Chiza Westcarr
Nutritional Medicine Practitioner, skin specialist, Health Coach and Menopause Coach.
Chiza has a real passion for all things skin and nutrition, recognising the real connection between gut health and skin health.
Dr Donna Lee Marcal
Scientific Director in Human Biochemistry and specialising in inflammation and how the body reacts to foreign materials. Her work on specific human proteins and their functions in human inflammation awarded her an Endeavour Research Fellowship from the Australian Government.
Prof. Terry Everitt
Professor of Aesthetic Sciences since 2019, and a long history in academia. Terry has assisted with the development of the curriculum for Bachelor of Applied Health Science (Clinical Aesthetics) and the Associated Degree in Applied Health Science (Dermal Therapy). He is currently the Head of Academic Development at the Australasian College of Health and Wellness, while running his own educational consulting company.
Rhiannon Mitsopoulos
Clinical laser and energy-based device specialist, qualified Dermal Therapist and Vocational Education and Training lecturer. Rhiannon has received many accolades during her 15-year international career focusing on specialised laser training and business support within the aesthetic, dermatology, and cosmetic surgery sectors.
Karen Geiszler
Clinical Educator and Founder of KG Beauty & Modality Training. Over 30 years experience having run two successful clinics, as a Beauty Therapist, Laser and IPL Practitioner and Clinic Educator. She understands the needs of running a business, being a clinic owner and expanding your skillset to build your business.
Jennifer Byrne
Dermal Clinician and lecturer of Dermal Therapies for the College of Health & Biomedicine. Chair of The Australian Society of Dermal Clinicians (ASDC). Jennifer has a special interest in developing expertise and specialisation in the ares of skin integrity management and client education, particularly related to chronic disease and cancer.
Alex Pike
Registered Nurse with added clinical experience in Plastic Surgery Nursing. Founder of Face Clinic in Albury NSW. As a former model, Alex has practical insight into the importance of achieving our best appearance and how it can enhance our everyday and professional lives.
Paige Barrand
Dermal Therapist with over 10 years experience and specialising in Cosmetic Tattooing, Scar Correction and all things skin. Paige is passionate about education and maintaining high standards within the industry.
Taneesa Williamson
Award-winning Dermal Clinician & Clinical Educator within the Dermal Sector. Chairperson, Education Board of The Australian Society of Dermal Clinicians (ASDC). Her commitments are firmly rooted within the health sciences, evidence-based and multidisciplinary practice, and education within the dermal field.
Vera Koslova-Fu
Medical Laser Clinical Educator and Lecturer in the higher education industry. Skilled in Medical Devices, Sales, Lecturing, and Laser Physics.
Tara Shaw
With over 20 years of experience in the salon, clinic and spa industry, Tara is known in the salon industry as an expert business owner, manager, beauty therapist and coach.
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