President & Founder
Lindita Vinca, DNP, APRN, is a doctoral-prepared Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of experience in dermatology. Based in Hamden, Connecticut, she practices at Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut, where she specializes in the management of conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and acne.
As the founder and president of the Connecticut Dermatology Organization and the Northeast Dermatology Conference, she has made significant contributions to advancing dermatology education and collaboration in the region. Her expertise is also reflected in her scholarly work, including a published chapter in an advanced practice provider health assessment textbook.
She serves as a peer reviewer for esteemed journals, including the Journal of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis and the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. In addition to her clinical and academic achievements, she is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals, regularly acting as a preceptor for Nurse Practitioner students at both Yale and Quinnipiac Universities.
Vice President
Jennifer Silva, APRN, DNP received her undergraduate nursing degree from the University of MA, Dartmouth. She worked over ten years as a critical care registered nurse in both Boston and New York at some of the country’s most prestigious hospitals, such as Mass General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s, and Memorial Sloan Kettering.
After moving to Connecticut, Jennifer attended Quinnipiac University where she obtained her Doctorate in Nursing Practice in 2016. At the same time, she became an ANCC board certified family nurse practitioner. She focused her doctoral thesis on vulnerable populations and created innovative ways through clinical studies, in which changes could be made to help those who are vulnerable in our medical system. It was during one of her clinical rotations at Hartford Hospital Dermatology Clinic where she realized that Dermatology was her passion.
Jennifer believes in a strong collaboration amongst dermatology providers in order to provide the best care to patients. Her belief is through professional growth, education, research, and leadership, we are able to provide our patients with the highest level of care.
Jennifer treats both adult and pediatric patients and is dedicated to providing patients with the highest quality of care in addressing their specific dermatologic needs and concerns. She provides comprehensive dermatological care to include evaluation and treatment of hair loss disorders, acne, rashes, eczema, psoriasis, and full body skin exams.
In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and exercising.
Secretary
Kayla Curtis, APRN-DNP is a Board -Certified Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. She received her Doctorate of Nursing Practice degree and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Quinnipiac University.
Kayla previously worked at Gaylord Hospital for many years gaining experience and management in extensive wound care, stroke rehabilitation, brain & spinal cord injuries, dialysis, hospice care and chemotherapy. Kayla was also a charge nurse and new employee preceptor.
Kayla is passionate about dermatology and continuous education. She has become a director of operations for the CT NP and PA Dermatology organization whose goal is to cultivate professional growth, education, research, and leadership.
Kayla prides open communication, honesty, ensuring continuous care, and developing relationships with her patients. Kayla believes it important to understand the emotional and physical aspect of skin conditions effecting patient lives. She treats a variety of conditions including psoriasis, eczema, acne, hair loss and provides full body exams.
Kayla enjoys spending time with her husband (Tommy), dog (Leo) and cat (Louie). She loves to go antiquing, refurbish old furniture, and travel in her free time.
Chair of Mentorship & Social Media
Donna Lam, MS, PA-C, is a board-certified Physician Assistant specializing in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. She currently practices at The Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic, Laser & Surgery in Mount Kisco, NY, where she treats a variety of skin conditions, performs skin cancer screenings and excisions, and offers cosmetic procedures including lasers, neuromodulators, and fillers. Donna earned her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Saint Elizabeth University and her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Fairfield University, where she was a Division I swimmer and team captain.
Fluent in both English and Chinese, Donna is passionate about patient care and values the importance of teamwork and community. She supports growth and connection within the dermatology field through her role as Chair of Mentorship & Social Media for CTDermNPPA. She’s dedicated to helping patients feel confident in their skin and enjoys mentoring fellow providers along the way.
Outside of work, Donna loves to travel and enjoys eating and trying new foods. She stays active and values spending time with friends and family. She values balance, connection, and contributing positively both inside and outside of the clinic.
Co-Chair of Education
Deirdre is a board-certified Physician Assistant. Deirdre, received her bachelor’s degree in health science from Quinnipiac University in 2004, followed by her master’s degree in physician assistant studies in 2006 also from Quinnipiac University. Deirdre has been working in private practice dermatology since 2006. Deirdre enjoys treating a wide array of skin conditions including acne, eczema, and skin cancer. She aims to educate her patients on general skin health and skin cancer prevention. Philanthropy is very important to Deirdre. She has spent time in both Kenya, as well as India, providing diagnosis and treatment of dermatology conditions in rural communities, education to community members, and training the local clinicians to be able to diagnose and treat.
Deirdre is also an adjunct professor in the Physician Assistant program at Quinnipiac University.
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.
Chair of Education
Lynn Smith DNP, DCNP is a dedicated nurse practitioner with over ten years of experience in medical and cosmetic dermatology. As a clinical adjunct faculty at Quinnipiac University, she is passionate about educating the next generation of nurses and nurse practitioners by teaching on campus and taking on nurse practitioner students for clinicals. Her role on the Education Advisory Council (EAC) for the Dermatology Nurses’ Association allows her to influence educational development and promote evidence-based practices in dermatology nursing education. She received her Dermatology Nurse Practitioner Certification (DCNP) in 2022 through the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC). Lynn has been working as a nurse practitioner since 2012 after receiving her master’s in nursing and then completing her doctorate (DNP) from Quinnipiac University in 2022. She has worked at Essex Dermatology since 2019 with her amazing staff providing medical and cosmetic dermatology full-time. She lives on the shoreline with her husband and three children and is an avid reader in her spare time.
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.
Co-Chair of Aesthetics
Juliana Spagnuolo is a skilled Physician Assistant with over a decade of experience. After earning her Master’s of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Marywood University in 2012, Juliana honed her clinical expertise through a Postgraduate Surgical Residency at Montefiore Medical Center, gaining a deep understanding of surgical procedures and patient care.
Her passion for aesthetics began in 2018, when she completed a specialized Beauty Metrics Training under the mentorship of Dr. Lara Devgan, a renowned board-certified plastic surgeon. This course, which focused on facial anatomy, complication management, and the principles of facial beauty, laid the foundation for her career as an aesthetic injector. Juliana further advanced her expertise by participating in a comprehensive Cadaver Course led by Dr. Jonathan Sykes in 2024. This immersive experience not only refined her injection techniques but also deepened her understanding of facial anatomy, allowing her to improve patient outcomes with precision and artistry.
Juliana combines her advanced medical background with a passion for creating natural, rejuvenated looks. Whether working in dermatology or providing injectable treatments, she is dedicated to enhancing her patients’ confidence and well-being through individualized care, cutting-edge techniques, and a deep appreciation for facial aesthetics.
