Meet our renowned faculty of dermatology & aesthetic experts. We thank you for sharing your knowledge with our members.
Sylvana Brickley, DNP, FNP-BC, DCNP, is a doctorally prepared, fellowship-trained, dermatology-certified nurse practitioner with over seven years of dermatology experience. She completed her dermatology training at University of Rochester Medical Center and practices at Lahey Clinic in Massachusetts. She is a published author and has lectured about various dermatology topics on the national, virtual and local stages, including dermatology for primary care providers, skin cancer, psychocutaneous disorders, and writing for publication.
Tracee Blackburn is a Board-Certified Physician Assistant, nationally certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and licensed by the state of Illinois. She has been serving in the healthcare industry since 1998 and has specialized as a PA in Dermatology since 2005. She also had the privilege of practicing in Adolescent and Pediatric Health and enjoys interacting with and treating children and teens. Tracee graduated from Midwestern University in Downers Grove, Illinois in 2005. She has worked in several entities of healthcare, but found her passion in Dermatology where she has extensive experience in general, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. Her special interests are anything that has to do with skin and hair, but specifically; acne, alopecia, eczema, psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and skin lesions. Tracee likes to focus her attention on patient education, as she believes it is a vital part to every patient’s recovery. She also holds a Masters degree in Integrative Medicine and specializes in Integrative Dermatology, She is an active member of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants, and an active member and former President and Director at Large of the Illinois SDPA. She enjoys volunteering her time where needed, such as the National Eczema Association, and has also participated in medical mission trips with CHAI to Haiti. Currently she is serving as the Co-chair of Integrative Dermatology for Diversity in Dermatology.
Tracee is a published author and has written three childrens’ books entitled “Wally The Wart”, “Xzema, A Children’s Guide to Happy Skin”, and “My Eczellent Day at Camp” ( in collaboration with Sanofi-Regeneron.) She is also a speaker, mentor, and creator of Project Skin-X, her passion project to help those in need of their dermatologic concerns, while helping to boost their self-confidence.
When she is not at work or driving her daughter around to social events and auditions, she loves to travel and is completing assignments for her DMSc, expected in 2025
Co-Chair of Aesthetics
Nicole Chevalier is a highly skilled aesthetics injector who has dedicated herself to helping individuals enhance their natural beauty and boost their self-confidence. With a career spanning over five years, Nicole has established herself as a respected professional in the field, providing top-notch services and delivering exceptional results to her clients.
Nicole’s journey into the world of aesthetics began with a deep passion for helping others feel comfortable and confident in their own skin. Her fascination with dermatology and the transformative power of non-surgical cosmetic procedures led her to pursue a career in the field.
Nicole’s extensive training and mentorship with renowned experts have played a pivotal role in shaping her skills and expertise. She had the privilege of training under esteemed professionals such as Pawnta, a pioneer in the field of aesthetics and celebrity injector in Beverly Hills, Scott Callahan, known for his meticulous approach to facial threading and owner of Dolce Vida Medspa, Anita Wolf, a master of aesthetic education, Dr. Doan, a respected physician famously known for her full facial balancing, and Ruma Aesthetics, renowned for their comprehensive approach to under eye rejuvenation.
Chair of Professional Development
Ellie Christianson APRN is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner with almost 10 years of medical and cosmetic dermatology experience. Ellie received her Bachelor’s of Science degree as a registered nurse from the University of Iowa graduating with honors in 2005.
Ellie then worked at Norwalk Hospital Emergency Department for many years prior to receiving her Master of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner in 2012. Ellie was elected to the International Honor Society of Nursing in 2004 and is also a member of the Society of Dermatology Nurse Practitioners and Dermatology Nurses’ Association. Ellie has many years of experience injecting Botox and fillers as well as vast laser experience.
In 2014 Ellie was selected from an esteemed group of dermatology providers to treat skin diseases in Africa. Ellie also treated the New York Rangers hockey team early in her career. Ellie is married with 5 children and resides in Wilton, CT. Ellie is currently practicing dermatology at Brookside Dermatology Associates in Bridgeport and Integrated Dermatology in Waterbury.
Victor Czerkasij (Chur’ka-see) is a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Dermatology for the last 23 years. He is senior provider with Skin Cancer & Cosmetic Dermatology, a privately-owned corporation of ten offices in two states. An author and prolific writer, he has conducted original research in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, edits the dermatology chapter of the NP Certification Review volume, and is a busy adjunct professor at Vanderbilt University, where he is leading out in creating a sub-specialty certification in dermtatology for NP graduates. He was alumnus of the year at another university this past fall and has traveled to Ukraine 4 times to work in front-line hospitals since the war began. Married 43 years to his high school sweetheart,
Victor has two sons, a nurse and engineer.
Dr. Erik Domingues, a board-certified dermatologist, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Dermatology at UMass Chan Medical School where he serves as a medical student preceptor and lecturer for the residents. He is also founder and CEO of Modern Dermatology of Massachusetts in Fall River, MA, where his office serves as a community Dermatology clerkship site for UMass Chan Medical School.
His previous research includes working on an educational intervention developed to enhance the ability and willingness of medical students to examine the skin for melanoma. He is a recognized national expert in the treatment and management of
vitiligo, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and alopecia areata, lecturing both regionally and nationally on these topics.
Dr. Domingues is also co-host of “Business Unblemished,” a new ongoing business focused-video series sponsored by Dermsquared, where he discusses the business-related topics for running a Dermatology practice with practice owners and thought leaders.
He is chairman of the Southcoast Community Foundation Scholarship Committee and a previous board member. Since 2009, he has volunteered for the American Academy of Dermatology’s Camp Discovery in Pennsylvania, a camp for children with various skin disorders. He is currently one of the activities co-directors for this Camp.
Jennifer Flynn, CPHRM, is Vice President of Risk Management for Nurses Service Organization in the Healthcare Division of Aon’s Affinity Insurance Services, Inc. Specializing in risk management and having worked in the health care insurance
business for over 21 years, Jennifer is dedicated to educating nurses and health care professionals on professional liability risks and offers strategies to mitigate those risks by supporting patient safety principles and developing quality management programs. In addition to being a frequent national speaker on healthcare risk and liability, Jennifer is also a published author on various risk management topics. Jennifer is a Certified
Professional in Healthcare Risk Management and is a licensed Property Casualty agent. She earned a BA in Psychology from Arcadia University in Glenside, Pennsylvania.
Tristan received his undergraduate degree from Florida State University and then graduated from Nova Southeastern University PA program Fort Lauderdale campus in 2012 with a Masters of Medical Science. He joined Dermatology Associates as a Physician Assistant in 2012. Tristan is on faculty at Florida State University PA program and has lectured on various dermatological topics at conferences and at FSU’s PA program. He was previously education and journal chair of the organization Diversity In Dermatology and has recently joined Dermsquared organization as part of their steering committee/advisory member. . He is on the editorial advisory board for the Journal of Dermatology Nurse Practioners and Physician Assistants. Tristan is an active member of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants and holds the highest distinction of “Diplomate Fellow.” His special interests include inflammatory skin diseases such as AD, psoriasis and alopecia areata as well as detecting/managing/treating skin cancers.
Tristan Hasbargen, MMS PA-C
Diplomate Fellow-SDPA
Clerkship faculty FSU PA Program
Dr. Jellinek graduated from Brown University and earned his medical degree from the University of Massachusetts School of Medicine. He completed his Dermatology residency at the Massachusetts School of Medicine Division of Dermatology, followed by a fellowship there in Mohs Micrographic Surgery, Cutaneous Oncology, and Nail Diseases under the direction of Mary Maloney, MD.
Dr. Jellinek is a trained and experienced skin cancer and reconstructive surgeon. He is nationally recognized as a leading nail expert. He is board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology, a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, and the American College of Mohs Surgery. He serves on the Board of Directors of the American College of Mohs Surgery and is president of the Council for Nail Disorders.
In addition, he has served as an associate editor of the American Academy of Dermatology, is the author of numerous scientific manuscripts and book chapters, and is an invited lecturer nationally and internationally. He recently finished work as editor/author of the textbook, 4th edition of Scher/Daniel’s Nails.
Dr. Jellinek has two children who are his pride and joy. He loves to cook, run, bike, hike, read, travel, and share wine with family and friends.
Jessica Manges is an advanced registered nurse practitioner specializing in aesthetic and bio-regenerative medicine. With over a decade of experience in dermatology and aesthetic injectables, she is an expert in PDO threads, dermal fillers, Radiesse, Sculptra, neurotoxins, PRF, Lasers and RF microneedling.
Internationally recognized by peers and celebrated on social media for her transformative results in PDO threads and facial balancing, Jessica is a pioneer in combining innovative treatments to achieve natural, harmonious outcomes. She has been enhancing results with polynucleotides and PRF for years, driven by her passion for cutting-edge advancements in the field.
Jessica is the founder and practitioner of Luxinjectables, a boutique medspa in Clearwater, Florida, offering a first-class experience in advanced aesthetic treatments. She has treated thousands of patients and built an extensive portfolio showcasing her dedication to individualized care and transformative results. By pairing patient comfort with the latest techniques, Jessica ensures her clients achieve natural, refreshed appearances tailored to their unique goals.
As an educator and speaker, Jessica trains medical providers both nationally and internationally on combination treatments for leading aesthetic companies. Her focus on medical artistry and innovation reflects her commitment to helping clients look and feel their best while maintaining a natural aesthetic.
Dermatologist
Dr. Ashfaq A. Marghoob is a dermatologist with expertise in the diagnosis and management of patients at elevated risk for skin cancer. He serves as the director of the Memorial Sloan Kettering regional skin cancer clinic in Hauppauge, New York, and is deeply committed to patient care, research, and education.
Dr. Marghoob has published more than 450 peer-reviewed articles, contributed over 50 book chapters, and lectures widely on national and international stages. His research focuses on nevogenesis,melanomagenesis, and improving the early detection of skin cancer by leveraging imaging technologies
and dermoscopy to distinguish malignant lesions from benign mimickers.
Meagen McCusker M.D., M.S., FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist. Dr. McCusker completed her medical education at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine (UConn). She also completed her residency education in dermatology at UConn in 2011, where she served as chief resident in her final year. Afterwards, Dr. McCusker joined the UConn faculty as an Assistant Professor, where she divided her time taking care of patients and teaching medical students and residents. In 2013, Dr. McCusker helped create an inpatient dermatology consult service at Hartford Hospital.
Dr. McCusker became the Medical Director of Integrated Dermatology of Enfield in 2015. In 2018, she expanded her practice to Simsbury. Dr. McCusker specializes in all aspects of dermatology, including medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. She has a special interest in complex medical dermatology and is an expert in managing systemic therapies and the use biologic therapies.
Dr. McCusker also has a special interest in nutrition for the skin. She has appeared on several occasions on NBC Connecticut for segments such as Superfoods for the Skin and Natural Sun Protective Products. She was also interviewed by the Washington Post to discuss Probiotics for Skin Health. Dr. McCusker has published in multiple peer-reviewed journals, has authored text-book chapters, and she participates in lectures for medical students, residents, and physicians.
In her free time, Dr. McCusker enjoys spending time with her family and dogs. She enjoys cycling, hiking, antiquing, traveling and cheering for her kids.
Dr. Payette received his B.A. in Biochemistry from Dartmouth College in 2002. In 2008, Dr. Payette earned both his M.D. and M.B.A. from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine (UConn), where he continued to complete his dermatology residency in 2012. Prior to co-founding Central Connecticut Dermatology (CCD), Dr. Payette served
as Chief Resident, Assistant Professor, and Associate Residency Program Director at UConn. Dr.Payette’s specialties include general dermatology, inflammatory skin disorders (especially atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and hidradenitis suppurativa), application of biologic medications, and diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer. Dr. Payette has served as a reviewer for several journals and has authored book chapters and numerous peer-reviewed publications. Dr. Payette has co-authored a medical textbook and is an associate editor for the Dermatology In-Review.
Dr. Payette was born and raised in Berlin, CT. Well before college, he always knew he wanted to practice medicine, and in particular dermatology, as he was intrigued by the complex nature of skin diseases and the impact of immunology on the skin. What
inspires him the most? His patients. Being able to care for his patients and their families is what motivates him each day.
Dr. Shahriari is Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Yale University School of Medicine, Associate Director of Clinical Trials at CCD Research, a member of the NPF medical board, and Senior Editor for the Journal of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis. She is also the immediate past president of the Connecticut Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery. Prior to co-founding Central Connecticut Dermatology, Dr. Shahriari was assistant clinical professor of dermatology and associate director of the clinical trials unit at the University of Connecticut Department of Dermatology where she completed both her medical school and residency training.
Her clinical and research interests include inflammatory skin conditions and the study of novel therapeutics for skin disease in particular in those with melanin rich skin. She has served as principle investigator and sub-investigator for numerous multi-center clinical studies, published articles in well renowned peer-reviewed journals and served as an invited speaker at local, national, and international conferences.
Dr. Song is the director of clinical research and serves as the chief medical officer for Frontier Dermatology. His area of interest is in immune-mediated and inflammatory skin disorders. Dr. Song is an International Psoriasis Councilor and serves on numerous editorial boards, including senior editor of the Journal of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis, Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, Journal of Dermatology Nurse Practitioners & Physician Assistants, and associate editor of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Dr. Strober earned both his medical and his doctorate degrees from Columbia University in New York, New York. He subsequently completed his residency in dermatology in the Department of Dermatology, New York University School of Medicine in New York, New York. He is board certified by the American Board of Dermatology and a Fellow in the American Academy of Dermatology.
Dr. Strober’s research interests include the study of therapeutics, both old and new, for inflammatory skin disease, specifically interventions that help patients with difficult-to-treat psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and hidradenitis suppurativa. Additional research interests include elucidation of novel features of inflammatory skin disease not previously uncovered and assisting in the clarification of the pathophysiology of inflammatory skin disease. He has served as principal investigator or sub-investigator for numerous multicenter clinical studies.
Dr. Strober is Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Yale University School of Medicine. He is currently the Editor in Chief of the Journal of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis. Dr. Strober has served as a Section Editor for the British Journal of Dermatology, and an ad hoc reviewer for Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, JAMA Dermatology, British Journal of Dermatology, and the New England Journal of Medicine. He has published more than 190 book chapters and articles in peer-reviewed journals such as JAMA Dermatology, the New England Journal of Medicine, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, and the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, the Journal of the American Medical Association, among others. Dr. Strober also has frequently presented data to the FDA, including at the advisory committee for secukinumab, a novel IL-17 inhibitor for the treatment of psoriasis. He currently is the treasurer on the Board of the International Psoriasis Council and Scientific Co-Director of the CorEvitas Psoriasis Registry.
His primary clinical focus is the treatment of difficult-to-treat inflammatory diseases of the skin, such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and hidradenitis suppurativa.
Prior to co-founding Central Connecticut Dermatology, Dr. Strober was Professor and Chair in the Department of Dermatology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine in Farmington, Connecticut.
Throughout the week Dr. Strober can be found at the gym. In his downtime, he enjoys spending time with his family and watching his kids’ swim meets.
Dr. Swanson is a board-certified dermatologist and pediatric dermatologist. She was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and raised in Scottsdale, Arizona. She attended college at the University of Colorado at Boulder, graduating with honors as an English major. After that she obtained her medical degree from Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans. She performed her internship at Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona, and went on to complete her dermatology residency at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. After that, she completed a fellowship in Pediatric Dermatology at Phoenix Children’s Hospital in Arizona. She was in private practice in Colorado from 2011 thru 2020. She moved to Boise, Idaho in summer 2020 to become the first and only pediatric dermatologist in the state of Idaho.
She is active in local and national medical societies and organizations. She loves lecturing at conferences discussing pediatric dermatology with audiences across the country. She was selected as a “Top Doc” by 5280 Magazine every year from 2012 thru 2020. Since moving to Idaho, she works in private practice at Ada West Dermatology and she is on staff at St Luke’s Children’s Hospital where she sees hospital consults and performs procedures.
Theresa Talens DNP, FNP-C is a surgical dermatology NP for 12 years. She has worked at a Mohs practice throughout her entire career specializing, mainly, in Mohs reconstructions and cutaneous excisions.
She is also founder of P.U.L.S.E. Dermatology & Procedures where she serves as an instructor and mentor to dermatology NPs/PAs. P.U.L.S.E. is an acronym for – Precision. Ultimate Care. Leverage. Skills. Excellence. There, she offers workshops and courses teaching advanced suturing techniques and surgical pearls to, ultimately, help dermatology providers improve patients’ outcomes.
She is also the creator of the private community, Surgical Dermatology NP/PA Community, where she currently has more than 800+ members.
To connect, you can go to www.theresapulsedermatology.com! She would love to help empower you!
Melodie is a Nurse Practitioner at Mindful Dermatology and a partner and sub-investigator with Modern Research Associates, both of Dallas, Texas. She has been the Director of the Baylor Psoriasis Center and the National Psoriasis Tissue Bank, affiliated with the Baylor Health Care System.
Melodie was the first non-physician to serve on the Medical Advisory Board of the National Psoriasis Foundation, and a founding member of the International Psoriasis Council. In addition, she has served as President of the Dermatology Nurses’ Association, Chair of the Dermatology NP Society, and served with the AANP dermatology special interest group. She was among the first group to become a certified dermatology NP. She has participated on numerous committees for the NPF, IPC, DNA, and the AAD related to psoriasis and photoresponsive disorders as well as NP practice.
Melodie has presented at National and International peer and patient conferences, and has numerous publications in nursing, medical and scientific research journals. She has also participated in more than 75 clinical trials and research projects. Melodie obtained her BSN at William Jewell College in Liberty, MO, received her MSN at the University of Texas, Arlington where she double majored in Adult and Geriatric Advanced Practice with an educator emphasis.
