Meet the Team

PHYSICIAN/OWNER

Dr. Karleé Heffner

Dr. Karleé Heffner, NMD is a licensed physician with a passion for aesthetics. She graduated, with Honors, from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and has been in the aesthetics field for over 13 years. 

Dr. Heffner has had the pleasure of sharing her advanced expertise by continuing to train other injectors across the country in the art of aesthetic medicine. She received “The Most Caring Physician” award and finds that, most importantly, the needs of her patients are best understood simply by listening to them and figuring out together the best treatment plan.

Her goal is to always stay informed of the latest techniques available, all the while helping her patients achieve natural looking results and continued confidence. Dr. Karleé Heffner lives in Scottsdale with her husband, Sam, her adorable daughter, Savannah aka “Savvy,” handsome son Miles, and her dogs, Lucy and Chilly.

“My husband and I started Skin Savvy Aesthetics with the mindset that we wanted to work in a place that we loved. We both left high pressured, sales type jobs and decided we just wanted to be real and genuine to real people. I laugh with my patients. I know their kids. Sometimes, I even cry with my patients. I make myself accessible to my patients for questions. We are here to talk about what YOU want, and we are here to talk about life goals–not just to sell you on a service. We want to boost happiness and confidence. My patients are bombarded every day with ads for Botox and fillers, as well as being afraid of the “overdone” look. This can make it difficult to know who to trust as their physician. I strive to make all my patients have the best experience possible. I enjoy learning about my patients and creating long term relationships with them. If this is important to you, then our office may be the right choice for you.”

PHYSICIAN

Dr. Elizabeth Nikolic NMD

Dr. Elizabeth Nikolic graduated from Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington with Bachelor of Science in Health Psychology and Human Biology in 2005. It was there her passion for medicine grew. She received her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2010 and is licensed physician in the state of Arizona. She has completed various advanced and master aesthetic injector courses through Galderma, Allergan and Merz Aesthetics.  As well as training with some of the world’s most well-respected injectors. 

She completed a preceptorship with one of the valleys premier medical spas, where she also mentored and trained naturopathic students and physicians. She went on to work at the largest cosmetic surgery and fellowship training centers in Arizona, where she worked closely with some of North America’s  best surgeons in the field of cosmetic and plastic surgery. Dr. Nikolic has also appeared on local radio programs discussing cosmetic procedures and aesthetic medicine.

“Patient care is first and foremost and is essential to beautiful outcomes and happy patients.   I believe by recognizing that patients want to feel just as good on the outside as they do on the inside, can change how they perceive themselves. Through patient education and treatment, I love to see how the perception of one’s self can change for the positive and give them the confidence to take the next steps in the journey to a healthy life.

My philosophy on injectables is “less is more”, no one wants to walk around overdone, we should be the best version of ourselves.  I love to learn. Any opportunity that I can take to perfect my skills and learn the latest, excites me.  I’m passionate about art and science and practicing aesthetics affords me to do both.

I wake up everyday with two things on my mind: Be thankful and Be Grateful.  I’m originally from Calgary, Alberta, Canada and a prairie girl at heart but I wouldn’t give up Arizona’s beautiful sunny days and amazing winters. In my free time, I love exploring Arizona and going to concerts and other shows in the valley”

AESTHETICIAN/TECHNICIAN

Marissa Wooldridge

Marissa Wooldridge is a Licensed Aesthetician and Cosmetic Laser Technician with a passion for corrective skincare. She graduated from Penrose Academy and Clear Skin Institute of Laser Aesthetics. Marissa has been involved in the aesthetics industry since a young age and found her home quickly into her schooling. From the beginning of her training she was most excited about the medical aspects of aesthetics and dreamed of working for a medspa. She finds her passion in results-driven treatments to improve individual skin concerns. Marissa enjoys exploring the outdoors, adventuring with her son and going to concerts!

“To me, aesthetics is about finding your confidence and helping you feel your best self. I want to help each client find their unique needs and educate them on how to achieve their skin goals. Self-care is vital to our well being and I desire for my treatment room to be a positive and welcoming environment for every person. Through my love for this industry, I hope to gain loyalty and lasting rapport with my clients.”

certified cosmetic nurse injector

Anna Leep BSN, RN

Anna was born and raised in Bozeman, Montana and has been in Scottsdale for the last 7 years pursuing her nursing career. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Brookline College and began her professional journey at Banner University in the Emergency Department. She quickly identified that her passion is making people feel their best. 

Before practicing at Skin Savvy, Anna worked as an aesthetics injector for another reputable, high volume Medspa and continues to receive training from top injectors in the valley, as well as Allergan and Galderma national trainers. A firm believer in continuing education, Anna furthers her aesthetics skill set by regularly attending trainings and seminars to provide the most up-to-date, natural looking care with safety as a prioritization. Her multiple certifications and in-depth knowledge of anatomy, coupled with her gentle demeanor, compassionate heart and artistic eye elevate her patient care. 

“My promise to you is that I will never make you not look like yourself, I will always enhance your confidence and your already beautiful natural features. My goal is to give you that ‘I just got back from the best vacation of my life’ look.”

When Anna is not working with her patients to achieve their glow-up you can find her trying new restaurants, cooking, spending time with family, and going on adventures with her boyfriend, Kyle, and her Malti-poo, Baby.

Office Manager

Kelly Brainard

Kelly has been in the aesthetics and dermatology industry for the past 8 years. She understands the needs of our patients, having worked in the treatment rooms and on the administrative side. Patients of ours always know her name and can be found chatting away and laughing with Kelly in the waiting room. 

After raising two kids in beautiful Sedona, she moved to Scottsdale in April of 2019 and joined the team at Skin Savvy Aesthetics. On the weekends you will find her hiking, paddleboarding, swimming, camping and country dancing!

Aesthetican

Sierra Christensen

Sierra graduated from Penrose Academy in 2022 with her certification in aesthetics. Sierra’s passion for skin stemmed from her own struggle with acne. She empathizes with those who have been through or are going through similar skin conditions. She wants every client to feel beautiful and confident in their skin, no matter where they are at in their journey. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing facial or a medical grade treatment, she is here to help!

“My passion for skin stemmed from my own struggle with acne. I empathize with those who have been through or are going through similar skin conditions. I want every client to feel beautiful and confident in their skin, no matter where they are in their journey. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing facial or a medical grade treatment, I am here to help!”

When Sierra’s not working, she loves to explore new coffee shops or go to local farmers markets!

get to know us

about skin savvy aesthetics

At Skin Savvy, we offer state of the art injectable, facial and laser treatments to help you look and feel your best. Our medical aesthetics procedures are unique in that our team is constantly training to keep their skills sharp while staying on top of the newest, cutting-edge technology and treatments.

“My husband and I started Skin Savvy Aesthetics with the mindset that we wanted to work in a place that we loved. We both left high pressured, sales type jobs and decided we just wanted to be real and genuine to real people…we wanted to boost happiness and confidence in others. I strive to make all my patients have the best experience possible.”

-Dr. Karleé Heffner
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