MEET OUR ELMHURST TEAM
Melissa Judeh, MSN, MBA, CANS
Aesthetic Nurse and Managing Partner
Meet the “M” to our JEM- Melissa Judeh MSN, MBA, CANS is one of JEM Medspa’s Managing Partners and one of our expert aesthetic nurse injectors. Melissa has been a RN for 21 years and has been performing aesthetic injections for 10 + years. Starting her career in the PICU, she simultaneously earned 2 Master’s Degrees in Business Administration & Healthcare Administration, with a focus in Safety & Quality Outcomes. Shortly after, Mel secured an executive role as the Director of Patient Safety at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. It was also during this time that she discovered her love and aptitude for aesthetics. Prior to JEM, Mel intensely studied & perfected her skills under well-known plastic surgeons and dermatologists. Mel is internationally trained, prides herself on practicing safely, and is an accomplished Injector. She has been described by many as a true artist & perfectionist, and is grateful to be a leader in an industry that equally embraces science, wellness and beauty. Melissa is a national trainer for the Allergan Medical Institute, Galderma Aesthetic Injector Network, Cellular Medicine Association and Plasma Concepts. She is also the co-founder of JEM Education and one of only 27 Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialists in the state of Illinois. Her teaching style to both aesthetic providers, as well as to her clients, has been described as easy, relaxed and informative. Through her work at JEM, Mel combines every skill set she has obtained over the past 21 years to help create an inviting, effective, tailored and affordable client experience. Mel focuses on assuring that every procedure is performed safely, and results in exceptional & reliable outcomes.
When Mel isn’t at JEM Medspa you can find her w/ her family, or her friends who are like family, liv’in it up in the ‘burbs, at Starbucks, on her Peloton bike, or running around doing “Boy Mom” stuff.
Jeanine Graham, RN, CANS
Founder and Managing Partner
Meet the “J” to our JEM, Jeanine Graham, RN, CANS, managing partner and expert aesthetic nurse injector of 16 years. Jeanine has been an RN for over 30 years. She began her nursing career as a cardiac nurse working in telemetry and then graduated to the Step-Down ICU. From there, she worked in a liver transplant unit. She loved nursing but decided to take time off to be a stay-at-home mom. After her last ones were in school full time, she found her true calling in aesthetics in 2005, and in 2006 she took a leap and opened Envy Medspa, which was located in Homer Glen, IL. It was there that she began to perfect her injecting skills and mastered the different facets of the medical spa business. In 2009, she decided to forego the business portion of her spa temporarily to focus more on her family of four young boys. She continued to perform aesthetic treatments and also managed other area Medspas from 2009 – 2018. In January 2018, Jeanine began a new chapter in her career by partnering with Melissa Judeh and Dr. David Dreyfuss to create JEM Medspa. Here, she brings forth the culmination of 16 years of experience and expertise and demonstrates why she has been so successful in the medical aesthetic field. Jeanine is a straight talker, sets realistic expectations, and values the trusting relationships she has created over the years.
During her career, she has become one of the most sought-after aesthetic nurses in the Chicagoland area, performing thousands of safe and artistic aesthetic procedures. She enjoys using a full array of state-of-the-art products, including neuromodulators, hyaluronic acid fillers, collagen-producing products, platelet-rich plasma, laser treatments, and PDO threads to achieve the best and most natural-looking results.
Jeanine’s passion for the aesthetic field is evident in the constant pursuit of her own education. She frequently attends national programs, conventions, and trainings to ensure she provides the most current aesthetic treatments and so that she is able to maintain excellence in terms of the newest, safest, and most advanced techniques in her training.
Jeanine is a national trainer for Allergan and National Laser Institute. She also trains new and advanced injectors at JEM Education, a training center she helped create. She finds training and sharing her knowledge with both novice and advanced injectors one of the most satisfying aspects of her career thus far.
With all that she has accomplished in her career, Jeanine feels her biggest accomplishment in life is the upbringing of her four boys with her husband. She loves spending time with family and friends, traveling, opening herself to new experiences, and her admitted addiction - shopping.
Katrina Savage
VP of Operations
Meet Katrina! Katrina is our operations and marketing manager. Katrina received her bachelor's degree in industrial/organizational psychology from Saint Xavier University. After graduating, she and her husband owned and operated a successful local trucking company. Then, in 2014, Katrina came across an opportunity to work at another medical spa as a part-time receptionist. For three years, she juggled both jobs, falling more in love with the medical spa industry with each passing month. Her passion for the industry and business acumen led her to a full-time assistant manager position. Through this experience, Katrina easily took on the role of operations and marketing manager at JEM Medspa. Katrina excels in business operations, client satisfaction, and multi-source marketing strategies. She has helped pave the path of JEM to becoming the number one Medspa in our area.
Outside of work, Katrina enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends. She loves decorating, trying new restaurants, and traveling. She also has a love for learning and is currently exploring graduate programs to enhance her impressive background further.
Nicole Pope, FNP-C, CANS, CPSN
Aesthetic Nurse Injector & Clinical Manager
JJoining our expert injector team in 2020, Nicole is a board-certified family nurse practitioner, a certified plastic surgery nurse, and a certified aesthetic nurse specialist. After receiving her Master of Science in nursing from Loyola University, Nicole worked at a level I trauma center but soon shifted her focus to the field of aesthetic medicine. With over 10+ years of experience in plastic surgery and aesthetics, Nicole constantly seeks out training opportunities to advance her expertise, which will better help her clients. Nicole has also committed her time to educating future aesthetics providers through JEM Education. Nicole has trained with top plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and other accomplished injectors. She is an active member of the International Society of Plastic and Aesthetic Nurses and the American Medical Spa Association. Nicole utilizes her advanced knowledge and expertise to individualize treatment plans for her patients. She strives to bring out a patient’s inner confidence by enhancing their natural beauty.
Michele Knappe, APN-BC,DNP,CEN
Nurse Practitioner and JEM Health Specialist
Michele Knappe, APN-BC, DNP, CEN is not only a Nurse Practitioner but also a dedicated specialist at the realm of JEM Medspa’s Health & Wellness. With an impressive 22-year tenure as a Registered Nurse, including 17-years as a Nurse Practitioner, she brings a wealth of experience with her. Michele earned her Master of Science in Nursing as well as her Doctor of Nursing degrees from Loyola University in Chicago, beginning her career in the Emergency Room before establishing a consistent presence in Acute Care and Emergency Medicine. Michele transitioned her focus to Wellness and Obesity medicine a few years ago and, in 2022, became the Health & Wellness specialist at JEM. Her expertise is centered around obesity management, IV vitamin therapy, and hormone replacement therapy. Michele is also certified through BioTE Medical, specializing in Bio-Identical hormone replacement therapy for both men and women.
Corey Blackwell
Practice Manager
Corey joined our team as a client care coordinator in 2020 and quickly became an integral part of JEM Medspa, eventually rising to her current role as Practice Manager. A native of Massachusetts, she graduated from Southern New Hampshire University in 1998. Before moving to Chicago in 2007, Corey was a top producer for Konica Minolta and the founder of Therapy Beauty Bar. Therapy Beauty Bar is a luxury beauty boutique and spa located in Providence, RI. After a brief hiatus as a stay-at-home mom, she is thrilled to be back at JEM Medspa! Here, she greets customers with her million-watt smile and bubbly personality. Corey is happily married with two children and a French bulldog named Blue.
Mary Cofran
Social Media & Marketing Manager
Mary joined the JEM team in September 2021. She has a passion for digital media & design and aims to bring light and life to everything she creates. After graduating from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2008, Mary took every opportunity to create, design and gain experience in digital media which led her to working with several renowned brands and having her work featured on HGTV.com and Good Housekeeping. She also designed, created & co-wrote a healthy living inspired cookbook for Real Housewife of Beverly Hills star, Teddi Mellencamp. Mary is very excited to now be highlighting this wonderful world of medical aesthetics and help showcase the talent and flawless work that each team member at JEM provides. She loves traveling and staying active with her husband, Joe, and two kids. She values her time together with her family and is always up for an adventure!
Donna Paver, MSN, FNP-C, CANS
Aesthetic Nurse Injector
Donna is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and a Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist. She attended Chamberlain University School of Nursing to pursue a master's degree in nursing and graduated in 2018 with a specialty in family practice. Donna has 24 years of nursing experience. She worked as a ER nurse for 16 years then began her career in aesthetics in 2014. Like her peers at JEM Med Spa, Donna believes in delivering safe, natural, and effective results with cosmetic injectables and other nonsurgical cosmetic procedures. Donna is very passionate about cosmetic medicine and prides herself on staying on top of current trends, advanced cosmetic techniques, and combining treatments for superior, natural results. She takes every opportunity to educate herself on facial anatomy and products that will result in positive and safe outcomes for her clients. Donna is an active member of the International Society of Plastic and Aesthetic Nurses, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, and the American Nurses Association. When Donna is not working, she loves the outdoors, traveling, and being surrounded by her family.
Lauren Fishback RN, MSN, FNP-C
Aesthetic Nurse Injector
Lauren is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She began her education at Saint Xavier University, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and went on to earn her Master of Science in Nursing from their Family Nurse Practitioner Program. She has 14 years of nursing experience ranging from hospital and private practice work to medical aesthetics. Lauren worked as a Certified Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurse and a Certified Chemotherapy/Biotherapy provider for ten years at Advocate Children's Hospital.
She began her career in aesthetics 4 years ago working as an aesthetic and vein specialist, later becoming clinical manager of the cosmetic practice. She performs a range of aesthetic treatments such as neurotoxin, dermal filler, and platelet-rich plasma. She also performed sclerotherapy and ambulatory phlebectomy, a surgical treatment for varicose veins in the lower extremities.
She is an active member of the International Society of Plastic and Aesthetic Nurses and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. She takes pride in building a trusting relationship with her patients and believes continuing education and staying on top of new trends and practices allows her to give her patients the outcome they expect and deserve. Lauren values safety and a realistic and natural approach to aesthetic treatments. Her favorite part of being a nurse injector is helping patients feel like the best version of themselves by enhancing their natural beauty, without taking away from what makes them unique.
Tanvi Patel, MSN, FNP-BC
Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner
Tanvi graduated with her Master’s degree from Saint Louis University. She then worked as a Registered Nurse in the operating room, before shifting into facial plastics. Working with an established facial plastic surgeon allowed Tanvi to gain an aesthetic eye to give her clients natural and tasteful results. She is well trained in in all aesthetic treatments, and takes pride in ensuring her clients feel comfortable and at ease when visiting JEM MedSpa. She focuses on providing an individualized aesthetic plan to help her clients achieve their aesthetic goals. Tanvi takes pride in continuing education and staying updated on aesthetic advancements and techniques.
Gianna Giovenco, RN
Aesthetic Nurse Injector
Gianna has earned her Bachelors of Science and Nursing degree from Chamberlin University. Gianna’s journey from nursing to specializing in aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery showcases her dedication to expanding her skills and passion for enhancing her patients' natural beauty. Her experience in intensive care provided her with a strong foundation in patient care and medical knowledge, which she now applies in her cosmetic practice. Her eagerness to continue evolving with advanced techniques demonstrates her commitment to staying at the forefront of her field.
Annalisa Jelonek, BSN, RN
Aesthetic Nurse Injector
Annalisa has been a Registered Nurse for 5 years and her background specialty is Critical Care. She completed the JEM internship in 2023 as well as Botox/Filler novice courses here at JEM! In January 2023 she began the master's program with a focus in Family Nurse Practitioner! Her projected graduation is September 2025! She has been married for 2 years and welcomed her baby girl in September 2023! In her free time, she enjoys reading, yoga, pilates, spending time with her golden retriever, traveling, and chasing her baby girl!
Amanda Fornal
Licensed Aesthetician & Body Sculpting Lead
Amanda joins JEM with nearly 5 years of experience as a Medical Esthetician. Formally trained at the Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology and Esthetics, she obtained an abundance of knowledge in understanding how skin functions, acts & reacts. Amanda quickly distinguished herself as a lead esthetician in Charleston, South Carolina where her passion for her work translated into exceptional patient outcomes. Her southern charm and finesse with customizing individual treatment plans are just a few of the things that make her an incredible addition to our team.
Diana Dawson
Licensed Aesthetician & Body Sculpting Specialist
Diana has been in the Aesthetics industry for 20+ years. Proficient in laser, skincare & body contouring, Diana is excited to bring her expertise to Elmhurst & the surrounding areas. Her compassion, direct communication, and willingness to go above and beyond contributes to the comfort patients feel when being cared for by Diana
Beth Rack
Licensed Aesthetican & Body Sculpting Specialist
Beth has been in the beauty industry for 15 + years and a licensed medical aesthetician for the last 6. She is driven by her desire to help clients feel their best. Her background in plastic surgery has helped her developed the skills she needs to work with clients with all different skin types and textures not only for facial concerns but also with body sculpting as well.
Emily Mariscal-Martin
Licensed Aesthetician & Body Sculpting Specialist
For more than 12 years, Emily Mariscal-Martin has been a prominent figure in the aesthetic industry. Not only does she excel as an expert aesthetician at JEM Medspa, but she is also a certified laser specialist and body contouring master. Her dedication to skincare is evident in her involvement in clinical studies, commitment to utilizing cutting-edge modalities, ongoing pursuit of knowledge, and steadfast dedication to offering clients comfortable, results-oriented, multi-modality skincare plans to achieve optimal skin outcomes. Emily is a mother to three beautiful kids- Henry, Vivienne Rose, and Ophelia Inez. Per her husband, she is an incredible wife! In her spare time, she loves hanging with family, tending to her garden and chickens, running on her Peloton, and cooking Mexican food.
Cristina Leguizamon
Client Care Coordinator
Cristina is a client care coordinator who joined our team in 2023. She has over 11+ years working in a plastic surgery office. She is passionate about this industry and loves learning about all the new advances in technology we have to offer, while providing the best quality customer service.
Alexis Gallego
Client Care Coordinator
Alexis is our amazing client care coordinator who joined our team in July of 2023. She is dedicated to building client relationships and making everyone feel welcomed and comfortable. She is most passionate about skin care and living a healthy lifestyle. In her personal time, she enjoys going to the gym and spending quality time with her husband and four beautiful children.
Gabriella Bucaro
Client Care Coordinator
Gabby has been a client care coordinator with JEM since 2022. After graduating from the University of Missouri with a degree in hospitality management Gabriella gained 5 years managerial experience in the private club industry. Gabriella strives to brings professionalism and high quality customer service to our clients. At a young age Gabriella has always had a love for the aesthetic industry and even has an active Illinois esthetician license with special certifications in medical Aesthetics. In her free time she loves to be active in the gym, travel, and spend quality time with her pets, family, and friends.
Ruth Merczak
Client Care Coordinator
Meet Ruth! She has been in the beauty/service industry for over 15 years! She prides herself on giving you the best customer service experience from the start all the way to the end! Outside of work, Ruth wears many hats, as she is a wife, a mom to her beautiful son Rocky, and an aunt to several nieces and nephews.
Kelly Rountree
Client Care Coordinator
Meet Kelly! Kelly is one of our excellent client coordinators who has over 5 years of experience in the customer service industry. At JEM Medspa, Kelly strives to ensure each client feels welcome so they feel comfortable, pampered, and look forward to visiting again. Kelly prides herself on providing professionalism and ensuring each client has an excellent experience, and leaves with a smile at each appointment. Kelly also works in the fitness industry at a women's owned boutique gym in Chicago. When Kelly is not warmly greeting you at JEM Medspa, she enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and her dog, Duke. Kelly is also a home decor lover and spends her extra time DIY-ing projects around her house, working out, or going for a walk.
Gianna Solita
Client Care Coordinator
Gianna enjoys meeting and talking with new people, and will ensure your experience at JEM is nothing less than exceptional, from the time you walk in our doors. She strives to ensure that everyone feels welcomed and comfortable, and is given the highest level of customer service. Her interest and passion for aesthetics and skincare started at a young age, which fueled her desire to help people feel beautiful. When Gianna is not warmly greeting you at JEM MedSpa, she enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 kids. Gianna also enjoys party planning, good food, interior design, and crafting. She loves traveling with her family and cooking.