DR. AVA SHAMBAN
FOUNDER
“WE DESIGNED SKIN FIVE AROUND THE ‘GREATEST HITS’ PRINCIPLE IN CHOOSING OUR MOST FAVORED SKIN-RENEWING TECHNOLOGIES.”
Dr. Ava Shamban is a board-certified dermatologist who believes that appearance and self-esteem are one in the same. She dedicates herself to helping patients worldwide heal their skin to live happier lives. A California native, Dr. Ava graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University and earned her medical degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. She is currently a member of the ASDS, the AAD and serves on the editorial board for The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. In addition to her practices in Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and Pacific Palisades, Dr. Ava is also an Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the UCLA-Geffen School of Medicine, lectures internationally and serves as a principal investigator on many clinical and FDA trials. She is the author of Heal Your Skin: The Breakthrough Plan for Renewal (Wiley, 2011), makes regular television appearances on CBS’s The Doctors and ABC’s Extreme Makeover, and is a frequently quoted health and beauty expert in magazines all over the world.
CHRISTINE NELL, FNP
MANAGING PARTNER
“WE DESIGNED SKIN FIVE AROUND THE ‘GREATEST HITS’ PRINCIPLE IN CHOOSING OUR MOST FAVORED SKIN-RENEWING TECHNOLOGIES.”
SkinFive managing partner and co-owner Christine Nell, F.N.P., Christine Nell, F.N.P., has worked with Dr. Shamban since 2000. A nurse since 1997, she graduated with her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) certificate in 2002 from Azusa Pacific University. During graduate school, she was mentored by Dr. Shamban and in 2007, partnered with her to open Ava MD Beverly Hills. In 2016, she and her sister KarriAnn Khalil – also a top practitioner at AVA MD Beverly Hills – formed their company, Skin Sisters of Beverly Hills, whose first enterprise was launching SkinFive alongside Dr. Shamban. Christine believes that truly effective treatment requires personalized programs monitored with great care. By combining the best of both medical dermatology and aesthetics, Christine is able to offer her patients unsurpassed results.
KARRIANN KHALIL, FNP
MANAGING PARTNER
“DOING WHAT WE DO REQUIRES A KEEN EYE, STEADY HAND, LIVELY INTELLECT AND A BIG HEART.”
KarriAnn Khalil was born and raised in Wisconsin and received her undergraduate B.A. in History at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She worked as a behavioral therapist for autistic children followed by three years as a psychiatric nurse, which were incredibly rewarding. KarriAnn’s always insatiable interest in dermatology and science only grew when she started her internship with Ava MD in 2008 while finishing up her studies. A member of Sigma Theta Tau, the International Honor Society of Nursing, she became a permanent part of the AVA MD team in 2010. In 2016, KarriAnn and Christine Nell formed their company, Skin Sisters of Beverly Hills, teaming up with Dr. Shamban to launch SkinFive. So she couldn’t be happier to deliver the most transformative skin services to patients at AVA MD and SkinFive.
PRUSHA CONNORS, PA
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
Prusha is a board-certified Physician Assistant. She received her undergraduate degree in Biology at the University of South Carolina before attending PA school at Keck School of Medicine of USC. Upon graduation, she worked in Emergency Medicine and Plastic Surgery, developing a diverse clinical background, focusing on underlying health conditions to provide a comprehensive approach to skin care and aging. She has a passion for keeping herself abreast of the latest research in dermatology to provide the best care for her patients. Her aesthetic practice is based around an individualized approach to helping patients embrace and enhance their own unique beauty, while facilitating safe, healthy, and graceful aging. She is a member of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants, through which she is completing a Diplomate Fellowship. When she’s not at Ava MD or Skin Five, Prusha enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, concerts, cooking, and traveling the world. She looks forward to meeting you!
ELEN COSTA, RN
SKIN FIVE PACIFIC PALISADES
Elen has been an RN at Providence St. John’s pre-op surgery units for over 25 years and has been a practicing nurse for 43 years. She raised four beautiful daughters in Pacific Palisades where she still lives. Elen was delighted to join the esteemed practice of SKIN FIVE four years ago and loves the satisfaction her clients experience from her attention and technique. Elen may look familiar to some, as she also played a nurse on the TV series “Untold Stories of the ER”.
ELISABETH
DZHANDZHIKYAN, RN
REGISTERED NURSE
Elisabeth is one of the Registered Nurses at SKIN FIVE. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she has always had a passion for aesthetics. Her vision arises from the perfect balance of nursing, beauty, artistry and science. Elisabeth’s goal is to bring light to each individual’s inner self by enhancing her clients’ own beautiful natural features. Elisabeth is currently earning her master’s degree, with a focus in Family Nurse Practitioner. Call our office today to schedule with Elisabeth, she looks forward to meeting you!
RADA LEESE, RN, CANS
SKIN FIVE PACIFIC PALISADES
With over 20 years of experience in cosmetic dermatology, Rada is a highly regarded certified aesthetic nurse specialist. Known for her artistic eye and acute attention to detail, she is recognized for her ability to provide natural-looking results. To date, Rada has performed over 30,000 aesthetic treatments including: numerous dermal fillers (Juvederm, Restylane, RHA), Sculptra and Radiesse for face and body, neuromodulators (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau), IPL/BBL, various lasers (Lumenis, Sciton, Solta, Sofwave), PRP, Microneedling, and radio-frequency skin tightening procedures (Thermage, Scarlet RF Microneedling, Accent, Vivace). Having trained numerous nurses in the aesthetic field, Rada is renowned for being thorough, caring and very passionate about her work. She takes the time to listen to her patients and understand their goals in order to determine their best possible treatment plan. Her goal is to help every patient feel beautiful on the inside and out.
CHERI MOI
MEDICAL AESTHETICIAN, SKIN FIVE PACIFIC PALISADES
Cheri Moi is our new aesthetician and skincare expert at SKIN FIVE Pacific Palisades, providing you with over 25 years of experience in the cosmetic surgery industry and 15 years working as a licensed medical aesthetician. Over the course of her career, Cheri has been considered a pioneer in her field by providing cutting-edge skincare treatments with a strong emphasis on anti-aging and skin rejuvenation. Cheri is devoted to providing her clients with a customized in office treatment and educating clients on how to effectively care for their skin at home. One of the most satisfying aspects of Cheri’s work is providing her clients with beaming confidence and exceeding skincare expectations. Some of her most popular custom facials include: Cleopatra Gold, Pearl and Caviar Facial, Neck and Décolleté Tightening Facial, Age-Reversing and Brightening Facial, Ultimate 3 Layer Stem Cell Treatment, and Triple Oxygen Facial. Call our Pacific Palisades location to schedule your appointment with Cheri!
ALEXIS YORK
PRACTICE MANAGER
With several years of experience in the aesthetic industry, Alexis is the Practice Manager for both of our SKIN FIVE locations. Having always desired to work in the business side of the medical industry, Alexis moved to Los Angeles from Nebraska to pursue her bachelors degree in Health Administration many years ago. From daily office interactions, patient events, community involvement and staff education, Alexis is always working behind the scenes to ensure the best possible patient experience at SKIN FIVE.
KATE SPARE
PATIENT COORDINATOR
Kate is our Patient Care Coordinator for SKIN FIVE Pacific Palisades who started with our company in 2018. A huge fan of Dr. Shamban and the Skin Sisters, Kate takes great pride in being a member of the SKIN FIVE family. Her ambition is to help new and returning clients reach their aesthetic goals. Kate is also a working actress, so she knows what it is like to be in front of the camera and wanting to look your best! It’s no surprise her favorite part of the patient experience is facilitating consultations with our providers and to help educate every patient on a custom skin care routine. Call the Palisades location with any questions and booking needs, and Kate will happily assist you!
GET EXCLUSIVE OFFERS
Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly beauty and skincare insight, offers, and features! You’ll love our
monthly features, flash sales, and other special offers.
