At aNu Aesthetics & Optimal Wellness, we believe beauty and wellness aren’t separate goals—they’re part of the same journey.
Welcome to aNu Aesthetics & Optimal Wellness
Where science meets self-care, and transformation starts within.
At aNu, we believe beauty and wellness aren’t two separate goals—they’re deeply connected. That’s why we take a whole-person approach to how you age, heal, and thrive. Whether you're here for Botox, burnout recovery, or both, you're in the right place.
Founded by double board-certified Dr. Cristyn Watkins, our team blends the best of medical aesthetics and functional medicine—so you don’t have to choose between looking better and feeling better. From hormone therapy to cosmetic injectables, IV drips to advanced skin treatments, we personalize every care plan to support the real you beneath the symptoms.
For over a decade, we’ve helped thousands in Kansas City reclaim their energy, restore balance, and return to themselves. This isn’t just a med spa. This is your space for real, lasting change.
Let’s meet the aNu you.
Meet Dr. Watkins
Founder, Owner, and Medical Director
Dr. Watkins is a nationally recognized leader in aesthetics and regenerative medicine. She trains other professionals, pioneers innovative treatment protocols, and continues to push the industry forward—right here in Kansas City. But what really sets her apart is how she listens. She’s built aNu as a place where people feel heard, empowered, and supported on every level: inside, outside, and in between.
Meet Our Staff
Michelle Retz, NMD
Board Certified Naturopathic Medical Doctor
Michelle Retz, NMD, is a board certified naturopathic physician. Her specialties and areas of focus include GI issues from top to bottom, mental emotional concerns like anxiety, depression, PTSD, hormonal issues including those of the thyroid, adrenals, and women’s health, as well as autoimmune diseases. She taught gastroenterology and advanced gynecology at Sonoran University for 7 years and is also very well-versed in drug-drug, drug-herb and drug-nutrient interactions. She aims to treat the cause of illness, restore vitality, and preserve health using homeopathy, herbs, nutrition, acupuncture, and detoxification. She wants to hear your story and help you remember what you’re here to do!
Heather K. Isom, MD
Board Certified Emergency Medicine Doctor
Aesthetic Master Injector
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Dr. Heather Isom, MD is a Master Aesthetic Injector with over 14 years of experience. She trained alongside Dr. Watkins in 2010 and has been with aNu Aesthetics™ and Optimal Wellness since its inception.
In addition to her work at aNu, she practices full-time at the University of Missouri-Kansas City/Truman Medical Center since 1998 and also serves there as the assistant professor of Emergency Medicine.
Dr. Isom believes that feeling good about how you look is paramount to feeling good in general, which fuels her passion to provide advanced injectable treatments at aNu.
Dr. Isom is available to new and existing patients and she would love to take care of you!
Erin Gallardo
Back Office Concierge
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Erin is our delightful Back Office Concierge. She works remotely behind the scenes to take care of all patient needs! After several years as a Licensed Real Estate Agent in California, Erin pursued a career as a certified Medical Billing Specialist. She is now the backbone of aNu’s back office and we are so lucky to have her!
Beth Watkins
Staff Manager
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Beth is an experienced leader who has worked in diverse healthcare environments and is devoted to patient-focused care. She believes that building trusting relationships is key to creating a safe, welcoming space where people can flourish and reach their fullest potential. As a certified Resiliency Coach, Beth strives to empower others through a culture that promotes self confidence and self compassion, and aligns with aNu’s Core Values: Quality, Integrity, Teamwork, Professionalism, and Growth.
natalie bull, Rn
Advanced Aesthetic Injector
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Natalie Bull, RN began her nursing career at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Labor and Delivery. Alongside this role, she independently obtained her training and certification as an aesthetic nurse injector. Natalie is passionate about helping patients look AND feel their best! Her expertise in injections at aNu includes advanced neurotoxins, fillers, biostimulators, PRP, and PRF. Additionally, she loves offering services such as Ozone, NAD+, Ketamine, and Nutritional IVs to help patients achieve their optimal well-being. She is dedicated to providing personalized care that enhances natural beauty, increases patients' confidence and helps them experience their best selves!
Crystal McClain, LPN
Advanced Nurse Injector
Body Contouring and Laser Specialist
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Crystal has been working in the aesthetics and skincare field since 2013, starting as a Medical Assistant in a Dermatology practice and advancing to an Aesthetic Nurse at Ameliore Medispa and Laser in St. Joseph, MO in 2017. Crystal joined aNu in partnership with Ameliore where she still works 4 days a week. Patient education is a priority for her. She is passionate about all things skin-related and enjoys discussing skin care products and treatments with her patients, ensuring that they are comfortable with their plan. Crystal finds joy in connecting with people and hearing their stories. She specializes in laser treatments, body contouring, ThermiVa, neurotoxins, fillers, and biostimulator treatments, including PRP, PRF, and Sculptra. Crystal is available on Mondays at aNu and would love to help address your aesthetic, body contouring and sexual wellness concerns!
Angelina Pavlova, LE
Licensed Aesthetician
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Angelina has been a licensed aesthetician since 2020. She has dedicated her time over the last several years at aNu in advanced training on MOXI, Hair Regeneration, RF Microneedling, CoolTone and ThermiSmooth. She loves corrective treatments to help her patients feel more confident in their skin AND to promote emotional and physical wellbeing. Angelina is bilingual and enjoys connecting with people and learning about their culture!
Emily Jones, LE
Licensed Aesthetician
Body Contouring and Laser Specialist
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Emily has a passion to provide the highest quality personalized care as well as education to each client to help them feel their best every day. Emily LOVES all the services she provides at aNu, but her favorites truly GLOW as she has continually expanded her service offerings by receiving advanced training in:
Sciton and INMODE Lasers for Pigment and Resurfacing
CoolSculpting, CoolTone, ZWave and EVOLVE for Body Contouring
ThermiVa for Female Sexual Rejuvenation
Hair Regeneration with Keravive, Exosomes and PRP
Microneedle and RF Microneedle (Vivace and Morpheus) with Hyaluronic Acid, Growth Factors, PRP AND for the ULTIMATE anti-aging and collagen stimulation.
KErrigan Meehan, lE
Licensed Aesthetician
Laser Specialist
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Kerrigan wears many hats and loves to learn! She started with aNu as Front Office Concierge, then Lead Concierge and now is a Licensed Aesthetician as well as one of our marketing gurus!
In addition to her aesthetician training, Kerrigan has received advanced training at aNu in:
IPL, BBL, and MOXI Lasers for Pigment and Resurfacing
Hair Regeneration with Keravive, Exosomes and PRP
Microneedle and RF Microneedle (Vivace and Morpheus) with Hyaluronic Acid, Growth Factors, PRP AND for the ULTIMATE anti-aging and collagen stimulation.
Her passion is creating customized treatment plans for her patients to ensure she is giving them the results they desire - for years to come! Some of her other favorite procedures are facials with gua sha for lymphatic draining/detoxing, dermaplane, Moxi/BBL, and microneedling. Kerrigan’s goal is to ensure all of her patients have a holistic treatment plan that focuses on inner wellness and beauty.
Sara Marron, MA
Medical Assistant
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Sara is a dedicated medical assistant with over 12 years of experience. Her goal is to positively impact the health, beauty, and self-care industry by providing high-quality patient care and expanding her knowledge. A first-generation Mexican American, Sara is driven by determination, resilience, and a desire to create new opportunities. She is currently pursuing a business degree and is passionate about combining her interests in aesthetics, wellness, and entrepreneurship.
SISI Canales, MA
Medical Assitant
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Sisi brings over 6 years of experience within the healthcare industry and is driven by a profound passion for patient care and overall health and wellness. Originally from El Paso, Texas, she studied at Southwest University and the University of Texas - El Paso. She relocated to Kansas City in 2021 and is actively pursuing her RN licensure, demonstrating her strong commitment to expanding her expertise and positively impacting the lives of patients. Outside of professional and academic pursuits, Sisi enjoys an active lifestyle that includes spending time outdoors, swimming, travel, and unwinding with a good book. Quality time with her friend and her two beloved Maltipoos, Chloe and Charlie, is also a cherished part of Sisi’s life, providing her balance and joy.
Leila Williamson
Front Office Concierge
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Leila is originally from Seattle and relocated to Kansas City in 2018. She has a passion for wellness and skincare, and loves sharing her knowledge with our patients. Leila is pursuing her education in cosmetology.
Hannah Kouns
Front Office Concierge
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Hannah is originally from a small town in Kansas. She is passionate about learning and expanding her skill set within the industry and is currently in aesthetician school! This educational opportunity will elevate her knowledge about skincare and prepare her for a long term career in aesthetics and wellness. Hannah’s wish is to empower others to feel confident and beautiful in their skin.
Kayla Fine
Front Office Concierge
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Kayla received her Bachelor of Science in nursing from Graceland University and practiced as an orthopedic nurse for 15 years. Her role in aesthetics now combines her love of beauty & wellness. Kayla enjoys getting to know each patient at aNu, and is dedicated to providing them with excellent customer service. She believes that our health is a gift and a journey.
Kyla Guyette
Back Office Concierge
Leads Specialist
