Team

MEET OUR AMAZING TEAM

ALEXANDRIA KITCHENS MONITTO, NP-C

FOUNDER & ADVANCED NURSE PRACTITIONER AT MERAKI AESTHETICS AND COMPANY

Alexandria “Ali” Kitchens, MSN, FNP-C, began her career in aesthetic nursing within the world of cosmetic and plastic surgery, working alongside both facial and body plastic surgeons. In those early years, she provided comprehensive perioperative care and assisted in surgery, gaining a deep understanding of anatomy and the structures that shape natural beauty. While mastering the operating room, Ali’s true passion for facial aesthetics flourished. She trained extensively to become a Nurse Injector, refining her artistry while simultaneously earning her Master of Science in Nursing from Loyola University.

Now a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner, Ali specializes in facial rejuvenation and non-surgical enhancements, focusing on restoring a youthful, balanced appearance through advanced injectables and regenerative treatments. Her approach emphasizes subtle, natural results that enhance each patient’s confidence and individuality.

Among her favorite tools of the trade are Botox®, Dysport®, and Xeomin®, as well as dermal fillers like Restylane®and Revanesse®, and biostimulatory injectables such as Radiesse® and Sculptra®. These treatments allow her to smooth fine lines, restore volume, and rejuvenate the skin while maintaining a refreshed, naturally beautiful look.

OFFICE MANAGER, Director of Operations

Shannon is our Director of Operations and truly the go-to person for anything and everything at Meraki Aesthetics and Company. Originally from Frederick, Maryland, Shannon knew early on that she wanted to pursue a career in healthcare. While in school, she gained valuable experience working both in customer service and at a plastic surgeon’s office, where she discovered her passion for medical aesthetics.

After earning her Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration, Shannon found Meraki through a social media job posting, and the rest is history. As Ali’s very first employee, she has been with Meraki since the beginning, helping to build the team, refine our operations, and curate the exceptional experiences and services that define who we are today.

Shannon is a true people person with an incredible ability to connect with everyone she meets. She’s detail-oriented, compassionate, and deeply believes in the transformative benefits of the services offered at Meraki. When she’s not at work, you’ll find her spending time with her family, friends, and her beloved fur babies.

ASHA BARUA, FNP-C

LEAD AESTHETIC INJECTOR, NURSE PRACTITIONER

With over 7 years of advanced injecting experience, Asha, a board certified nurse practitioner, brings both expertise and artistry to every treatment she performs. As Meraki’s Lead Aesthetic Injector, she specializes in delivering natural, undetectable results that enhance your features – never mask them. Her calm, confident approach and eye for detail make her a trusted favorite among clients seeking a refreshed, timeless look. Born on Christmas Day, Asha is a true gift to everyone she meets. Outside of Meraki, you’ll find her spending time with her husband and their sweet daughter, cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers, or supporting her daughter at lacrosse games. Asha also has a passion for hosting, baking, and creating warm, welcoming spaces for family and friends. She’s thrilled to bring her expertise to Lake Norman and looks forward to helping each client feel confident and radiant in their own skin.

ELIZABETH “LIZ” FALES, LME

LEAD MEDICAL AESTHETICIAN

Elizabeth is a Licensed Esthetician who found her calling after being inspired by a close friend in the same field. What sets her apart is her ability to create a comfortable and trustworthy space for her clients that prioritizes their best interests. Her excellence in care was recognized when she was voted “Best Esthetician/Skin Care Specialist” in the 2015 Best of Bluffton Awards. Trained at the International Spa Institute in Bluffton, SC, she’s been licensed for over a decade and now provides her expertise to patients in North Carolina. Elizabeth lives in Cornelius with her husband, their daughter, and their one-year-old pit bull. She enjoys spending her time off reading, gardening, doing DIY home projects, being outside, and doing yoga and Peloton workouts.

LAUREN HUMENSKY, BSN

ADVANCED AESTHETIC INJECTOR

Meet Lauren, one of our talented Nurse Injectors at Meraki Aesthetics and Company. Originally from Pennsylvania, she brings a well-rounded blend of medical experience, artistic eye, and genuine warmth to every patient interaction. Her career began as a bedside and travel nurse, taking her all across the U.S. before she settled in Charlotte and found her true passion in aesthetics. With a background in both dermatology and aesthetic medicine, Lauren has a deep understanding of skin health and facial harmony. She’s passionate about helping others feel confident and believes in creating a comfortable, judgment-free space where patients feel educated, empowered, and cared for every step of the way. Outside of the treatment room, she’s a Spenga regular, a proud dog mom to her corgi Lincoln, and always up for an adventure, she’s even traveled through Europe just for fun. Whether you’re new to injectables or refining your routine, Lauren is here to help you invest in yourself with intention and confidence.

EMILY DIAZ

FRONT DESK EXECUTIVE

Emily is our front desk executive who works hard to create a welcoming environment where our patients feel empowered and cared for. Originally, from Virginia, she attended Virginia Tech University, and decided to enter in the aesthetic space after seeing the confidence it can bring out in people. Emily loves working alongside the team at Meraki and enjoys using her organizational prowess to ensure everything is running smoothly within the office. She lives on Lake Norman with her husband, two children, and her great dane fur baby. When she’s not in the office, you can find her enjoying Burn Boot Camp, paddle boarding, completing escape rooms with her family, and doing anything with a competitive manner!

TORIE GORDON, MA

MEDICAL ASSISTANT AND ESTHETICIAN

Meet Torie, one of the friendly faces here at Meraki Aesthetics and Company! Originally from Colorado, Torie brings a unique blend of creativity, compassion, and curiosity to our team. Fun fact: she’s also an incredibly talented portrait artist and loves capturing people’s faces on paper just as much as she loves helping them feel confident in their own skin. Her passion for skincare began with a personal journey – having struggled with acne for as long as she can remember, she made it her mission to learn everything she could about what causes breakouts and how to treat them. That passion turned into purpose as she discovered just how transformative skincare treatments and the right products can be. What sets Torie apart is her deep empathy and understanding of what it’s like to feel insecure about your skin. She’s committed to helping others through their skincare journey with the same care, encouragement, and knowledge she wished she had when she first started. When she’s not at Meraki, you’ll probably find her sketching lifelike portraits, spending time with loved ones, or geeking out over skincare ingredients. She believes confidence is the most beautiful thing you can wear—and she’s here to help you find yours.

Danielle Lucchese MSN, FNP-C

Functional Medicine & Direct Primary Care Clinic Director

Danielle has been in healthcare since 2011, beginning her career as a Registered Nurse in critical care and later working as a travel nurse. In 2020, she earned her Nurse Practitioner degree and transitioned into family medicine.

After years of caring for critically ill patients and managing chronic conditions in primary care, Danielle began to notice a recurring pattern: patients were often prescribed medications to manage symptoms, but rarely given the tools or education to understand why their bodies were struggling. Witnessing the toll that chronic illness took on both patients and their families sparked her passion for prevention and root-cause medicine.

That passion led her to functional medicine, where she now helps patients maintain their quality of life and longevity by looking deeper, acting earlier, and supporting the whole person—body, mind, and lifestyle.

Outside of work, Danielle enjoys traveling, spending time with her children, and staying active—she believes that movement is one of the best forms of self-care.

Carina Clifton

Aesthetic Medical Assistant

Carina is one of our talented Medical Assistants here at Meraki Aesthetics and Company. She has been working in the aesthetics industry for over four years, though she’ll tell you her love for all things beauty started long before that. Her passion for skincare, injectables, and helping patients feel confident is evident in everything she does.

Known for her stunning amber-colored eyes, so rare that patients often joke she looks like a Twilight vampire, Carina brings both glow and a great sense of humor to the Meraki team. She’s always happy to share her favorite treatment tips and tricks (including how she gets well over 100 units of ‘tox at her own appointments, just ask her where next time you’re in!).

When she’s not assisting our providers, Carina loves learning about the latest trends in aesthetics and helping patients feel their absolute best.

Book An Appointment

704-280-4420