Karen Albright

President

CoolSculpting University Certified

Karen Albright is the founder of BodyLase®, a medical spa with two locations in the Triangle. She is a graduate of Dartmouth College and University of Connecticut School of Law. After practicing law with a large firm in Connecticut for several years, Karen moved to Raleigh in 1994 with her husband and children. Soon after coming to Raleigh, she taught legal writing at the University of North Carolina School of Law and Duke Law School.

In 2002, Karen opened BodyLase Laser Hair Removal with her husband, Dr. Daniel Albright. Karen has grown and expanded the company into a million-dollar business. BodyLase now has two locations and offers a multitude of cosmetic medical and traditional spa services.

In 2009, Karen was awarded the Women in Business Award by the Triangle Business Journal. In June of 2010, Karen was honored as Business Woman of the Year by the National Association of Women Business Owners Greater Raleigh Chapter. In 2011 and 2013, Karen was awarded the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce Steady Growth and Profitability Award for the success of BodyLase. In 2011, Karen was named a Woman Extraordinaire by Business Leader Magazine. In 2012, Karen received the distinguished Top 50 Entrepreneurs. Karen was honored in 2016 with the NAWBO-Greater Raleigh Corporate Partner of the Year Award for her longstanding and proven commitment to the success of women‐owned businesses in our local area. She was also recently awarded the 2019 Enterprising Woman of the Year award. In 2023 Karen was appointed as President of the Entrepreneurs Organization, Raleigh Durham Chapter.

She currently resides in North Raleigh with her husband and rescue dog, Bear.

Cary

Alexandra Asciutto

Aesthetician
CoolSculpting University Certified

Alexandra was born in Hungary, Budapest, and moved to New York in 2014 where she attended Aesthetics school. In New York, she worked for White Orchid MedSpa in Brooklyn and specialized in laser hair removal, HydraFacial®, and Microneedling.

Alex loves to help people feel good and confident about themselves. She cannot wait to start your skincare journey together to achieve your best skin yet! In her free time, she loves working out, traveling, exploring different cultures, and being creative in the kitchen trying new healthy recipes!

Terri Fleenor

Cary Spa Manager

Terri is originally from Bristol, Tennessee and relocated to North Carolina in 2017 to pursue her passion in the cosmetic industry. Terri has spent the majority of her life training others on how to deliver the best guest experience and making clients feel like their most beautiful self.

This passion led her to BodyLase in which she easily became inspired by medical aesthetics. In her spare time Terri enjoys yoga, hiking, reading, and experiencing local shops and cuisine. Her favorite part about working for BodyLase is interacting with guests and witnessing their aesthetic journey. 

Anais Olivero

Physician Assistant

Anais, originally from Long Island, NY moved to NC in 2003 and received her Bachelors of Science in Biology from East Carolina University in 2011. She continued her education to receive her Masters of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies in 2016 and began her career in the Urgent Care setting.

Anais wanted to use her training and medical expertise to focus on helping others find their confidence and thus themselves by joining the aesthetics industry. She loves building amazing relationships with BodyLase clients and addressing all of their injectable needs.
In her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids (Elias and Elani), as well as traveling, and exercising.

Emily Stein

Spa Concierge Specialist

Emily is originally from Warwick, NY, and moved to Wiesbaden, Germany when she was 12 years old where she finished her schooling through high school. In 2019, she moved back to the U.S. and currently attends North Carolina State University majoring in Biochemistry.

Emily enjoys being part of the team and assisting clients and providers within the spa and at the front desk. During her free time, Emily loves to travel and play the violin.

Stacie Velez, PA-C

Physician Assistant
Coolsculpting University Certified

Stacie is a board-certified Physician Assistant from New York City, where she practiced Obstetrics & Gynecology for 8 years.

Upon moving to North Carolina in 2009, she transitioned to gynecological cancer surgery. Stacie later entered into Primary Care, where she developed a deep interest in health, nutrition, and alternative medicine. This passion for overall health and wellness led her to the Duke Center for Integrated Medicine where she became a Certified Integrative Health Coach. Inspired by the anti-aging effects of good health and wellness, Stacie wanted to advance her career into beauty and aesthetics and pursued training in Cosmetic Medicine. She fell in love with the industry and finds joy in restoring her client’s confidence by helping them look and feel better with the use of injectables and skincare. In her free time, Stacie practices yoga, enjoys entertaining, traveling, spending time with her husband and twin boys, and most of all living mindfully.

Melanie Walden, PA-C

Physician Assistant
CoolSculpting University Certified

Melanie was born in a small town in Illinois and relocated to North Carolina in 2019 with her husband. She completed her undergraduate degree In Health Sciences at Aurora University in Illinois and went on to obtain her Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Nova Southeastern University in Florida.

Melanie spent several years working in Emergency Medicine/Urgent Care as a board-certified Physician Assistant but always felt like there was something missing from her career. She has a true passion for medical aesthetics, combining her love of science and beauty. Melanie feels very lucky to work in such a rewarding field and help clients feel confident and beautiful in their own skin. In her free time she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and puppy, hiking, traveling, boating, and checking out new restaurants/breweries!

Abby Whitescarver

Aesthetician
CoolSculpting University Certified

Abby has North Carolina roots and grew up in Southern Pines, located just outside the Triangle-area. She has a passion for all things skin-related.

Abby loves perfecting her personalized skincare routine with BodyLase’s medical-grade products. Her favorite treatments at BodyLase are the different levels of HydraFacial, Dermaplaning, and Microneedling. When Abby is not at work, she enjoys hiking, hanging out with her family and friends, and trying new foods.

Raleigh

Brittany Bulzan

Raleigh Spa Manager

Brittany has been dedicated to her career at BodyLase since 2008. As the Raleigh Spa Manager, Brittany loves to make sure every client has a wonderful experience while addressing all of their needs and concerns.

She feels blessed to be a part of a team that strives for excellence and builds a positive family spirit. When she is not working, Brittany loves beach weekends on the boat with her husband, traveling near and far, and hanging out with her miniature Dachshund, Pickle!

Andrea Cabrera

Marketing Specialist

Originally from Guayaquil, Ecuador, Andrea earned her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism in her home country where she worked as a journalist for several years before joining the communications department of her city’s Destination Marketing Organization.

She moved to the US in 2018 to further her education at the William Paterson University of New Jersey and obtained an M.A in Professional Communications. Since then, she has honed her skills in customer service and marketing roles within the medical field, nurturing her passion for healthcare communications.

In 2021, she relocated to Raleigh to be closer to family. Her fascination for skincare and professional treatments drove her to join the BodyLase team in 2023, bringing in diverse Communications knowledge and fluency in Spanish and English. At BodyLase she has found a community of empowering, kind and outstanding women who motivate her to become the best version of herself.

Outside work, Andrea enjoys travel, family time, and leisurely walks with her husband and mini Schnauzer, Arya.

Lauren Carbone

Spa Concierge Specialist

Lauren was born in Jupiter, Florida and has been living in Raleigh since 2005.  She began her studies in Communications in Wilmington, NC and is now back in Raleigh continuing her education, and working at BodyLase. Lauren is very passionate about skin care due to her own struggles with acne. She loves to witness the excitement and happiness clients exude after receiving their treatments. In her free time, she enjoys shopping, cooking, and going out with friends

Desiree Frizzell

Treatment Consultant

CoolSculpting University Certified

Desiree was born and raised in Sarasota, Florida. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida in speech pathology. While she has always enjoyed helping others, the speech field wasn’t where she felt completely fulfilled.

In 2017, she moved to North Carolina where she now loves getting to know each of our new clients, introducing them to BodyLase, and helping them decide what treatments will best meet their needs. In her spare time, she loves being with her family. Her husband and two little girls are the light of her life.

Alejandra Garcia 

Spa Assistant

Alejandra ‘Ally’ was born in Zephyrhills Florida and moved to North Carolina in 2008. She has always been passionate about the skincare industry and loves helping clients feel good about themselves while ensuring all their needs are met. Ally feels blessed to be part of a unique and hardworking team at Bodylase. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her 7yr old daughter Jasmine along with their two dogs Kalib and Chloe.

Rhonda Gately, NP

Nurse Practitioner
CoolSculpting University Certified

Rhonda has been working as a Nurse Practitioner in Massachusetts since 2000 and has recently relocated to North Carolina. She completed her undergraduate education at the University of Rochester in New York and went on to obtain her Master’s of Science in Nursing from the MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston.

She is a certified Adult and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and has completed the CoolSculpting® Certification. Rhonda has always loved the beauty industry and has a passion for aesthetics, and is so happy to be providing these services as a part of the BodyLase team! When not at work, Rhonda enjoys hiking, exercise classes, taking walks with her husband and Golden Retriever, Gracie, and going to the beach.

Brenna Gribbon

Spa Concierge

Brenna, a native of Cary, North Carolina, is driven by her passion for empowering others and creating a positive impact. With a background in the hospitality industry, her true passion lies in the beauty industry. Joining BodyLase has transformed her perspective, emphasizing the importance of medical-grade skincare alongside professional treatments. Inspired by her own confidence boost, she is committed to helping clients achieve the same level of self-assurance.

In her free time, Brenna enjoys reading, exploring local trails, practicing yoga, and spending quality time with her cat, Gidget, and close-knit family. She actively volunteers with Healing Transitions of Raleigh and the Wake County SPCA, finding fulfillment in giving back to the community.

Elizabeth Gunter

Executive Assistant
Facilities Manager

Elizabeth is a native North Carolinian and has lived in Raleigh since 1997. She joined BodyLase in 2019 as an executive assistant and has since moved to the role of Facilities Manager; utilizing her skills in organization systems and strategies to keep the spas neat and orderly. In her free time, she enjoys gardening with her daughter Mae.

Rita Hiester

Aesthetician
CoolSculpting University Certified

Rita, who joined the BodyLase team in 2014, was born in Lima, Peru, and has lived in Raleigh, NC most of her life. She is fluent in both English and Spanish and is happy that she can work with Spanish-speaking clients.

Rita’s natural attention to detail began with her prior experience as a freelance make-up artist. As a licensed aesthetician from Miller-Motte College, Rita is passionate about skin health and treating skin conditions. She believes that everyone deserves to be the best version of themselves, and it all begins with self-confidence. In her free time, Rita enjoys yoga and fitness, traveling with her husband, and spending time with family, friends, and her 2 kitty cats, Pookie and Pheebee.

Taylor Jones

Spa Assistant Supervisor

Originally from Roanoke, Virginia Taylor relocated to Raleigh in 2020. Taylor has always enjoyed the aesthetic industry and is happy to be able to assist the providers as they help our clients feel like the best version of themselves. She enjoys spending time with her dogs, doing anything by the water, and being surrounded by friends and family creating memories in her free time. 

Rachael Lucas, PA-C

Physician Assistant

Originally from Nevada, Rachael moved to North Carolina to further her career and fell in love with the beautiful climate and state. She graduated from Duke University with a Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies and worked for nearly a decade in thoracic surgery in Raleigh. 

Although this was a rewarding career, she was drawn to the aesthetics field as it combines her love of medicine, procedures, and art. Rachael enjoys getting to know clients as individuals and designs tailored plans to reach personalized outcomes as each person has a unique beauty that needs to be celebrated. She feels aesthetics helps people enhance and embrace their natural beauty to feel more confident and empowered. She loves spending time with her family including her husband and two young children as well as time outside, exercising, and traveling.

Leah McCullen

Assistant Spa Manager

Leah is originally from Durham, NC, and most recently lived in Sarasota, Florida where she interned for USDA followed by working in real estate. Leah attended Appalachian State University for Public Health and has always been passionate about health care and customer service. She loves working in the beauty industry and is excited to expand her knowledge in healthcare management and operations at BodyLase. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, and being outside.

Andrea Palomino

Operations Manager

Andrea joined the BodyLase team in 2015, bringing with her years of Customer Service experience and fluency in both Spanish and English. She graduated from East Carolina University earning a degree in Communications.

In her spare time, Andrea enjoys working out, kayaking, and playing with her two dogs, Lola and Leo. Andrea enjoys assisting clients by recommending treatments and products to fit their needs. She not only loves to provide great customer service, but she also loves seeing clients happy with the results BodyLase helps them achieve.

Julia Pjetraj, NP

Nurse Practitioner

Julia is a North Carolina native who lives in Raleigh with her husband and three children. She attended UNC at Chapel Hill, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

She practiced as an RN at Rex Healthcare and then returned to UNC, where she earned her Master of Science in Nursing and completed the Family Nurse Practitioner program. She worked in the field of Dermatology at Duke and in private practice for several years before discovering her true passion for Aesthetics. Julia is a certified Advanced Injector and has been providing aesthetic services such as BOTOX®, Dermal Fillers, and Kybella® at BodyLase for more than 13 years! She loves working with her clients to help them look and feel better and attain the beautiful, natural results they desire. When Julia is not working at BodyLase, she is traveling, camping, hiking in the mountains, and spending time at the beach with her family.

Rhiannon Rupkey

Aesthetician
CoolSculpting University Certified

Rhiannon, born in Wilmington is a North Carolina native. She graduated from the Aveda Institute achieving her dream of becoming an Aesthetician.

Rhiannon’s own skincare journey allowed her to understand the unique challenges within skincare, and it became her goal to enhance the natural beauty in others. What she finds most rewarding about her career is bettering the experience, results, and confidence in her clientele.
In her free time, Rhiannon likes to take trips to the beach, create memories with family and friends, and enjoy the little things in life that are easily taken for granted.

Kelly Smith

Aesthetician

Kelly is a native of Raleigh, North Carolina. She graduated with honors from East Carolina University with a double major in political science and history. Immediately following college, Kelly worked as the transitional housing case manager for the Salvation Army Women and Children’s homeless shelter in Charlotte.

Although this was meaningful work, Kelly realized that her passion was skincare. She returned to Raleigh and attained her certificate in Esthetics Technology from Miller-Motte College.
Because Kelly struggled with acne as a teenager, she understands that how a person looks affects how they feel. She is committed to working with each client to help them utilize the services and products that will help them look their best in order to feel their best. As Lead Aesthetician at BodyLase, Kelly specializes in Skincare, Chemical Peels, Laser Hair Removal, Laser Skin Resurfacing, and Morpheus8.

Malarie Thompson

Aesthetician
CoolSculpting University Certified

Originally from upstate New York, Malarie moved to North Carolina in 2013. Starting out in cosmetology, she always loved the industry but found her true passion in aesthetics. She graduated in 2015 from Aveda and has since been continuously advancing her education.

She loves making clients feel confident and beautiful! In her free time, Malarie loves spending time with family, friends, and her goldendoodle, Rory.

Liz Todack

Business Development Representative

Liz was was born in New York and has lived all over the states throughout her childhood. She moved to Raleigh from Austin, Texas in 2021.

Liz has always had a passion for cosmetology and the desire to work in the beauty industry. After joining BodyLase, she has a newfound interest in the aesthetics field.
She enjoys seeing BodyLase clients ecstatic about their results and feeling their best. Liz enjoys spending her free time with family and friends, painting, and her cat, Penny.