Dr. Young Cho, M.D., Ph.D
MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Dr. Young Cho is a Board Certified plastic surgeon who is dedicated to providing patients with the latest in surgical and non-surgical options to help them along their aesthetic journey. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree from McGill University in Montreal, Canada; a PhD from Cambridge University in Cambridge, England; an MD from Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, Ct.; and completed his plastic surgery residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.
Dr. Cho lives in The Woodlands with his wife, Dr. Melissa Chiang, a dermatologist, and lovely son and daughter.
SANDY BAGDAD
CERTIFIED LASER HAIR REMOVAL PROFESSIONAL
As a laser hair removal professional, Sandy holds the industries' highest level of education, CLHRP (Certified Laser Hair Removal Professional). With over 11 years of experience, proficiency in treating all skin types and hair color, performing over 25,000 treatments and continuing to maintain as well as grow a repeat clientele of over 200+, Sandy is one of Avante's leading professionals. Not only has she been an Aesthetician for 15 years but she is also an experienced Electrologist. Compassion, knowledge, and dedication for this industry are just some of the qualities that set her apart from others and allows her to continue successfully.
MICHAEL POOLE
MEDICAL AESTHETICIAN
Michael received certification at the Christine Valmay International School of Esthetics in New York. He has worked for Georgette Klinger of Dallas, and Charmelle and Entrehous of Houston, plus Urban Retreat of Houston. Michael has developed extensive experience in medical esthetics since1997, working with acids of all types for correcting all skin conditions. He is also experienced in microdermabrasion and many other modalities of skin care. Working for Avante Laser & MediSpa since 2010, Michael has mastered several new techniques and services, providing excellent client experience.
TAMARA COHEN
MEDICAL AESTHETICIAN, CERTIFIED LASER HAIR REMOVAL PROFESSIONAL
Tamara has a degree in Elementary Education from the University of Texas. She received esthetic training at the Institute of Cosmetology in Houston, and began her career at Urban Retreat of Houston in 2000, focusing on clinical skin care and waxing services, as well as lash and brow dyes. She also has developed extensive experience in medical esthetics with microdermabrasion, chemical peels, laser hair removal, and other esthetic treatments. Tamara joined Avante in 2010.
RODICA PETRESCU
MEDICAL AESTHETICIAN
Rodica is a Licensed Skin Care Specialist with over 30 years of professional experience providing skin care treatments to maintain and improve appearance. She specializes in Epidermal Leveling, High Tech Peels, sebaceous hyperplasia and Microderabrasion. Rodica focuses on a high-level of a client’s skin care to achieve best outcome results and highest expectations for professional care. Rodica has an Aesthetician’s Associate’s degree, and has completed numerous training and seminar courses in her professional field. Recognized by her clients and professional associates, Rodica strives to provide her clientele with continued care and service. She is well-versed in a number of skin care products and skin analysis techniques.
MIRELA IONESCU
CERTIFIED MEDICAL AESTHETICIAN
Mirela is a Certified Medical Aesthetician . She also practiced nursing for 5 years in an Obstetrics and Gynecology hospital prior to becoming an Aesthetician. She began her Aesthetician's career at Urban Retreat in Houston, and just recently joined the Houston staff of Avante Laser & MediSpa.
Mirela has developed additional skills through education classes and seminars. She specializes in microdermabrasion, chemical peels, epidermal leveling, waxing services, and clinical facials. Mirela focuses on a high-level of a client's skin care to achieve best outcome results and highest expectations for professional care.
She is well-versed in a number of skin care products and skin analysis techniques, and believes in a blend of holistic and medical modalities.
REBECCA VANDEBUNT
LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPIST
Rebecca has a degree in Business Management from Grand Valley State University, MI. She received her massage therapy license in 1993. She has over twenty years experience at a chiropractic office, and a major medical spa in Houston. Rebecca joined Avante Laser and MediSpa in 2012. She has taken numerous continuing education classes and specializes in reflexology, hot stone massage therapy, acupressure, deep tissue massage, sports massage and rehabilitation therapy.
Rebecca is a proponent of massage for relieving physical as well as emotional stress, and strongly believes in massage as a viable modality for enhancing overall health and well-being. She intentionally creates a massage that will suit your specific needs. Her serene approach offers harmony, balance, and ease to your busy life. She truly enjoys facilitating your personal goals towards wellness, empowerment and improvement!
RACHEL TATE-STUDY
MAKEUP ARTIST
Rachel is a licensed cosmetologist with 21 years of experience in the spa industry. She has been seen locally as well as nationally on TV shows such as E!'s "Fashion Emergency", in the publication "Bridal Star" magazine, as well as at the Emmy's, the Oscar’s, and numerous fashion shows and charity events. Rachel is certified to perform permanent makeup and paramedical camouflage (scar blending), Rachel's artistry includes brow shaping, lash dying, and eyelash extensions.
JOHANNES LEBLANC
Medical Esthetician, Licensed Massage Therapist
Certified Laser Hair Removal Professional
Johannes completed his cosmetology studies in 1988 at San Jacinto College, where his main focus was skin care. In 1989 Johannes attended the Winters School for massage therapy and became a Licensed Massage Therapist. He opened a full service studio in Houston, seeing clients privately for clinical skin care, massage therapy, waxing and other services.
From 2001 through 2007, Johannes worked at Urban Retreat as a Massage Therapist. He then began seeing clients privately in their homes until joining Avante full time in 2019. Johannes is trained and certified in Intense Pulse Light Photo Facial and Skin Tightening, Body Contouring, Microdermabrasion, Chemical Peel, Dermaplaning, Microneedling and Laser Hair Removal. Johannes believes in continuing education and prides himself in achieving the highest levels of customer service and satisfaction.
LEXIE BARTON
Lexie Barton, FNP is a 2013 graduate of Texas Woman’s University with a Masters Degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She has many years of extensive critical care experience as a Registered Nurse. She has vast experience as a Nurse Practitioner in bio-identical hormone replacement as she has received training through BioTe training series with Dr. Donovitz. Lexie also has a number of years of experience in aesthetics, including Botox, Dysport, Juvederm, and Restylane products. She has also trained under Dr. Runnels for the O-shot procedure.
Lexie has a passion for helping others improve their lives in all aspects, whether it be weight loss, hormone replacement, aesthetics, or sexual health. She was certified at the National Laser Institute for Advanced Injectables and sclerotherapy. She is also a certified BioTe practitioner with over 5 years of experience.