Meet the Experts Who Keep Atlanta Young
Dermatology & Skin Care
Ashley R. Curtis, M.D.
Board-Certified Dermatologist
Dermatology Associates of Atlanta
How did you become interested in your profession?
What originally inspired you to pursue this field? As a child, I actually went to the dermatologist quite often because I had a family history of skin cancer, and because I have a lot of moles, I was at a high risk for developing skin cancer. Over the years, I developed an interest in being a dermatologist myself.
Tell us about your professional background.
My undergraduate degree is actually in Industrial Engineering from Georgia Tech, and I went to medical school at Medical College of Georgia before completing my residency with Wake Forest University’s Department of Dermatology. During my residency, I developed a special interest in hair loss, and in my continued experience, I have also gained a passion for other aspects of skin care, such as antiaging treatments, laser procedures, etc.
What were you surprised to learn about your work once you got into it?
I knew that I would enjoy caring for my patients as a dermatologist, but I was pleasantly surprised by just how well I would get to know them. As passionate as I am about the medicine itself, my favorite part of my job is getting to know my patients. In some cases, I watch families grow and I love seeing what my patients do with their lives.My regular patients have become like family to me, and it’s so rewarding to see them feel confident in their skin.
Who are your professional/personal mentors and what have they taught you?
My first professional mentor was Dr. Amy McMichael, who I worked with during my residency at Wake Forest University. She is an incredible physician to learn from, as is my other mentor, Dr. Edmond Griffin, whom I now work with at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, and The Griffin Center of Hair Restoration and Research.
What is your professional philosophy?
My overall philosophy as a physician is to put the interests of my patients first. I’ve found that the best care comes from a combination of thorough medical knowledge and a genuine concern for every patient, so that is what I strive for.
What keeps you motivated? Being motivated is just a part of my nature. I have a background in efficiency as an industrial engineer, so as much motivation as my patients themselves give me, I also enjoy being busy and efficient.
What are some of your ultimate goals in your line of profession?
Ultimately, it’s all about improving quality of life. I love helping patients manage chronic skin conditions as well as find self-esteem that they’ve lost or, in some cases, that they’ve never had before.
How do you stay on top of the cutting-edge trends in your industry?
My practice is very active in a variety of medical organizations and in staying on top of all the latest medical advancements. Some of the best learning experiences I’ve had include meetings for the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, the American Academy of Dermatology, and other organizations.
Out of all of the other people in your field, why should people turn to you?
What makes you and your practice unique? One piece of feedback I repeatedly hear from patients is that they feel very at ease in our office. Dermatology Associates of Atlanta is a down-to-earth practice where we truly pride ourselves on caring for our patients and giving them a comfortable experience.
What do you want to be known for?
As a doctor, I strive to be someone who goes the extra mile and who always looks for ways to improve my patient’s care. And as an everyday person, I hope to be seen as someone who is just a caring and good-hearted person.
Describe yourself in three words.
Motivated, compassionate, and an effective multitasker.
Is there any other information about you and your business you would like to highlight?
Our motto at DAA is “great skin care from head to toe,” and that is truly the way we operate. We treat all of our patients’ needs for their skin, hair, and nails, to help them both look and feel their best.
Ear, Nose & Throat
Aaron Fletcher, M.D.
Board-Certified Head and Neck Surgeon
Georgia Center for Ear, Nose & Throat
How did you become interested in ENT? What originally inspired you to pursue this field?
Actually, my background is in English as a writer. My father is a carpenter by trade and my father’s father was a barber. I come from a long line of Fletcher men that work with their hands and I wanted to carry on that tradition in some way.
Tell us about your professional background.
When I decided to become a surgeon, I trained all over the country in general surgery, ear, nose and throat surgery, and in plastic surgery. I’m pretty well-rounded.
A lot of my background in English is brought forth in my practice of medicine, especially as it relates to the way I teach patients. I pride myself on my bedside manner and being thorough. I want patients to understand what is going on before we agree to do any type of treatment. I have also written patient education materials and textbooks. I was a teacher in a former life. I used to teach ninth grade biology. I also bring my life experience to the table. People are usually pretty surprised that I am even a doctor. I have to show them my gray hair to prove I have the experience and the training under my belt.
What were you surprised to learn about your work once you got into it?
We study medicine as a science, but I think it is equal part art as it is science. I have learned a lot about people and the human condition—what people are like, what they feel, what they fear, what they are anxious about, and what they are looking for when they go to the doctor. Every time I am with a patient, I come away feeling that I have learned as much as I have taught.
Who are your professional/personal mentors and what have they taught you?
One of the major ones is Dr. Duane A. Sewell. He is the person who got me interested in ear, nose and throat. He has since passed on, unfortunately, but he was probably the biggest influence on me deciding to have a career in this specialty. He taught me everything I know about professionalism, dedicating yourself to your craft, and perfecting the way you approach patients.
My undergraduate mentor was a man by the name of “Dean” Thomas J. Blocker. He is the one who convinced me to pursue medicine.
My father was a big intellectual who inspired me to push the limits of my knowledge. He encouraged me to layer different life experiences to become more well-rounded.
What is your business philosophy?
Define your own parameters. Don’t let anyone tell you what you should do business wise.
What keeps you motivated?
I constantly want to improve. I recognize my limitations. I am pretty young in practice and I know there is still a lot to learn. The field is always changing and there is a lot of information to wrap your head around. I try to be a resource for people and do the best I can. You can’t be a resource unless you are motivated to be your best. The things I don’t know probably motivate me
the most.
How do you stay on top of the cutting-edge trends in the industry?
I do a lot of reading. I go to a lot of courses to try to perfect my surgical skills. I search for other doctors in my field that are doing cutting-edge work. I try to find things from other disciplines and things that people aren’t doing that I can apply to medicine to make my job easier or better.
What do you want to be known for?
I try to treat every patient like a family member. A lot of patients come in to talk to me about their heart or something not ENT related because they feel so comfortable talking to me. I have put together a staff that shares this family environment philosophy. From the minute you come in the door to the minute you leave, we try to cultivate that experience.
Fitness
Karen Foley
General Manager
Windy Hill Athletic Club
How long has Windy Hill Athletic Club been in Atlanta?
Although our club was built in 1989, it has been part of the Midtown Athletic Clubs since 2008. The club is formally known as Sporting Club at Windy Hill and Midtown Athletic Club at Windy Hill. Our owners understood the importance of the name change here in Atlanta, and so while we are still a Midtown club, our name changed two years ago to Windy Hill Athletic Club.
What are some of Windy Hill’s ultimate goals in the fitness industry?
We want our members to move in whatever way that works best for them … and we want them to have fun too. Our goal is to truly inspire through movement, community, and personal attention. We want this location to be a destination and we want our members to feel like they are part of this community. We want to be known for recognizing them not just as members but for who they are as individuals. We hope to capture that essence through our campaign called slash everything.
What keeps your team motivated
Knowing that they make a difference and seeing the results of our members. They love what they do and they are amazing at that. I’m extremely proud of our team at Windy Hill and couldn’t ask for a better group of people to work with me every day.
How does Windy Hill stay on top of cutting-edge trends in the industry?
Our company isn’t afraid to take a risk to see if something works. Steven Schwartz, our CEO and owner, believes in what our promise is to the members and empowers the teams in the field to make it happen. It’s a family-owned business. Our staff is empowered to find what is working in the industry, in our local area and give it a try. For instance, boxing and kickboxing have become huge at our club because we were allowed to create this experience for members by building a small studio, hiring instructors and designing a program.
Out of all of the other fitness clubs out there, why should people turn to Windy Hill?
What makes Windy Hill unique? Our club has it all. Any way that you want to move, we are going to provide that element and do it well. Most importantly, we have the people that are the heart behind it all. Our coaches, staff, and team believe in our members and want to see them succeed. You will be part of a community and part of a family. Plus, we have awesome events and it’s always a good time hanging out in our full-service café.
Are there any causes, initiatives or philanthropies Windy Hill is a part of?
Windy Hill participates in giving back to the community on many levels. Our most cherished cause is our work with the Special Olympics. We are also involved in charity events throughout the year in the local communities of Smyrna, Vinings, Marietta, and East Cobb. We love to participate with the Angel Tree program, which benefits the Ronald McDonald House during the holidays and provides the best holidays for the families in need. In addition, we also do events in honor of our armed forces and work with the local Army recruiting office, Dobbins Air Reserve Base and the Wounded Warrior Project. For 10 years, Windy Hill was the sole location of the Atlanta Ovarian Cycle ride, which helped support the awareness of ovarian cancer.
Is there any other information about your team or Windy Hill Athletic Club that you would like to highlight?
We are just as much about moving and working out as we are about being social. We offer social events each month for many occasions. We offer themed parties for the holidays, breakfast events for member appreciation, networking functions, tennis socials, family-friendly activities and more.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Dina J. Giesler, D.D.S., M.A.G.D.
Master General and Cosmetic Dentist
Atlanta Smiles & Wellness
How did you become interested in your profession?
I began working at an orthodontic practice in 1980 when I was a 17-year-old senior in high school. Then, I worked as a dental assistant in a multidisciplinary practice before becoming a hygienist. In 1984, I graduated as a hygienist. When I began dental school in 1987, I had worked with over 55 dentists, so I saw many types of practices and specialized dentistry. I knew I wanted to be a cosmetic dentist.
What were you surprised to learn about your work once you got into it?
I was surprised by how much time, dedication and sacrifice it really takes to become a Master Dentist (there are currently only 2,200 in the country). The 10,000-hours concept is true for whatever you do. I never stop learning and evolving. The best dentists are true entrepreneurs who have to be efficient in business as well as clinical dentistry.
Who are your professional/personal mentors and what have they taught you?
There have been so many! In Houston, it’s Drs. Roy Bell, Eddie Lee, and Susana Paoloski. In New York, it’s Dr. Larry Rosenthal.
What is your business philosophy? I treat my patients the way I would want to be treated. I am honest and forthcoming. I believe in helping others out of a loving heart and doing what is right and ethical.
What’s the most satisfying part of your job? What do you love most about your work?
I love that I’m serving others. I’m not only passionate about helping people achieve the smile of their dreams, but I also enjoy spreading health and nutrition education so people can live a more productive and healthy life.
What keeps you motivated? My family, my business partner—Dr. Marianna Kovitch, my fellow colleagues, my patients, and my soul sisters all keep me motivated.
What are some of your ultimate goals in doing this work?
I want to help as many people as possible achieve their ultimate goals in health and aesthetic dentistry.
What’s the most commonly requested service or procedure you perform for clients over the age of 40?
Smile makeovers are very popular. They include teeth whitening, teeth straightening, metal-less crowns and porcelain veneers. Our patients also love receiving Botox® and other fillers. It works out perfectly because they’re coming in every six months to have their teeth cleaned anyway.
How do you stay on top of cutting-edge trends in your industry?
I mentor and I teach. I spend a lot of time at New York University giving back and mentoring younger dentists who aspire to be leaders in the field of cosmetic dentistry. Plus, I learn and share with the other instructors.
Out of all of the other people in your field, why should people turn to you? What makes you and your practice unique?
We get to know our patients. We are not a clinic or a corporate office where you have to go to the dentist on your plan. We are a private practice where we become family. We give you many options. We listen to what our patients want and help educate them on doing what’s best for them at this time in their lives. We work with the best specialists in Atlanta. We are not pushy. My goal as a cosmetic dentist is to give you a great smile with natural, beautiful teeth.
What do you want to be known for?
I want to be known for inspiring others to be the best they can be while being a faithful servant and doing what God has called me to do. I want to spread education and joy and take care of my fellow man, no matter who they are.
Is there any other information about you and your business you would like to highlight?
We have a domestic violence foundation called the Atlanta Smiles Foundation (atlantasmiles.com). We serve survivors of emotional and domestic abuse recommended to us by law enforcement and staff at local shelters. We help them regain their self-esteem and get back into the workforce.
Hair Restoration
Ken Anderson, M.D.
Founder
Anderson Center for Hair
How did you become interested in your profession? What originally inspired you to pursue this field?
Before I started specializing in hair restoration, I was a facial plastic surgeon. In 2003, I began a private practice in Beverly Hills. When I was in California, what really struck me was how happy the hair restoration patients were when they came back to see me. In 2009, the Emory Facial Center recruited me as a hair restoration specialist. I then went on to continue specializing in hair restoration and opened the Anderson Center for Hair.
Tell us about your professional background.
I’m the only facial plastic surgeon in the world who has exclusively practiced hair restoration surgery for over a decade. My boutique-style practice is 100 percent dedicated to treating hair loss in both men and women. It is one of the most prominent in the Southeast United States.
In 2013, we became the first, and only practice, in Georgia to receive the ARTAS® Robotic Hair Transplant System.
What were you surprised to learn about your work once you got into it?
What surprised me most was how much artistic talent it takes to sit in a chair and perform hair transplants. When I am creating hairlines, I am literally drawing on people’s foreheads. That is my canvas, if you will. I love it because I feel like I am doing one of my drawings. The results are very heavily dependent on the artistic talent and passion of the surgeon.
What is your business philosophy?
We put patient care and patient outcomes first. The consultations are very relaxed. I like to sit in my office and talk options with patients. Maybe platelet rich plasma (PRP) isn’t right for you. Maybe lasers or surgery are a better fit for your situation.
What’s the most satisfying part of your job? What do you love most about your work?
What I love most about the field of hair restoration surgery is how happy and satisfied the patients are when their hair grows in.
What are some of your ultimate goals in doing this work?
People are reluctant to come to a doctor for hair restoration surgery because they’re afraid of bad hair transplant jobs. I want to show people that this is not your father’s hair surgery. These are not hair plugs. It’s a hair-by-hair transplant, and looks completely natural—because it is. During private consultations, I show patients how we apply traditional medical principles and today’s technology to hair restoration surgery.
What keeps you motivated?
We have stem cells, lasers and robots. It is so much different now than it was five to 10 years ago. It continues to evolve at a rapid pace. It is really exciting to be on the cutting edge of some of these treatments. I love that I can utilize these new technologies to help people.
Tell us about your new office in Avalon.
We are very excited about it. The Anderson Center for Hair Restoration and Aesthetics is not only going to be the second location for the Anderson Center, but will also be the flagship location of the American Academy of Hair Restoration Surgery.
I founded a physician’s academy for doctors that want to learn about hair restoration surgery, not just using the ARTAS® robot, but all aspects—patient selection, patient counseling, how to do the surgery, and how to run a practice. Basically, I am going to give them lessons because years ago, I learned the hard way by doing it.
What would you tell someone dealing with hair loss?
I find that both men and women don’t want to go to the doctor because there are tons of products on the market for hair loss. However, topical products are generally not very effective. If you are struggling with hair loss and are looking for answers, you should find a provider you feel comfortable with. Pick someone that fits your needs and that you can trust. Check out their résumé online. Make sure they can perform both the linear strip and the follicular unit extraction (FUE) methods. Honestly, there has never been a better time to have hair loss. So, call a provider and get some help.
Facial Plastic Surgery
Elizabeth Whitaker, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Atlanta Face & Body Center
How did you become interested in your profession? What originally inspired you to pursue this field?
When I went to medical school, I fell in love with surgery. Facial anatomy, as the most complex, was the most interesting to me. Facial plastic surgery for me is a true blend of the artistic and the technical. It channels the creative aspect of my personality into what I do every day, and that’s a part of what makes me very good at what I do.
Tell us about your professional background.
I received my medical degree from Duke, did my residency training at Emory, and my facial plastic surgery fellowship at Tulane. I was Chief of Facial Plastic Surgery at Medical College of Georgia before moving back to Atlanta and into private practice. Having performed over 4,000 facelifts, I am one of the most experienced facial plastic surgeons in the field. I have been selected as one of the country’s Top Plastic Surgeons by my peers, which is a great honor.
What were you surprised to learn about your work once you got into it?
I was surprised by how significant of an emotional impact a procedure can have. You’re trained to focus heavily on the physical change—getting the right placement, the right pull, and all of that. But, it’s not just about how somebody looks. It is very related to how they feel.
Who are your professional/personal mentors and what have they taught you?
My fellowship director was a major influence. I was very lucky to train in New Orleans at Tulane University with Dr. Calvin Johnson. He is an internationally known facial plastic surgeon and one of the best technicians I’ve ever seen.
Locally, I was fortunate enough to work very closely with Dr. William Silver. I would visit his office when I was a resident at Emory. He helped me a lot professionally early in my career. It’s wonderful to have those relationships.
What is your business philosophy?
My biggest focus, and one of the things I think is most important, is that results look natural. I believe the best facial plastic surgery shouldn’t advertise itself. You should walk into a room and have everyone say, “How do they continue to look so great?” and not, “Oh, they had something done.” That naturalness is what I’m always striving for.
How do you stay on top of cutting-edge trends in your industry?
I spend a lot of time keeping up with journals specific to my profession. Once or twice a year I go to meetings such as the Vegas Cosmetic Surgery, State of the Art in Facial Rejuvenation, or American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery. Some of my favorite meetings involve multiple specialties. I love hearing from surgeons in other specialties and getting the perspective of someone in a different field. I’ll think to myself, “That’s actually a good idea. I’m going to incorporate that.” You want to bring back techniques and information that are going to help patients and enhance their results.
What’s the most satisfying part of your job? What do you love most about your work?
In an elective field like mine, I have the time to talk to someone to get to know them and understand what their personal motivations are. That is why most of us are in medicine in the first place—because we like caring for people. Also, as a surgeon, there is the immediate gratification of seeing the physical changes. But, what I really love about what I do is seeing the ongoing positive emotional impact.
What are some of your ultimate goals in doing this work?
What’s so gratifying to me is seeing the difference you’ve made in how someone feels about themselves and how that translates into making their life better.
Are there specific success stories you can share with us?
One face-lift patient brought in a picture from when she was in her 30s. She was so happy. She said, “I have my jawline back! I have my 30-year-old jawline back!” It was pretty amazing that she felt that degree of transformation.
What is a common misconception about your profession?
People may think they should go see a plastic surgeon only if they want to have a surgical procedure. I would like people to think about it as going to see someone that has the whole toolbox at their disposal—from injectables to noninvasive to surgical. If something in the toolbox isn’t the best fit for you, I’m going to be able to offer you something from that toolbox that is.
Media/Community Ambassador
Tom Sullivan
TV Host and Corporate Emcee
How did you become interested in your profession? What originally inspired you to pursue this field?
I’ve always loved radio starting with the “Gary McKee Morning Show.” Gary was my inspiration. My big break came when the same radio station, WQXI, hired me right out of high school to be their station mascot, The Quixie Quacker. I wore webbed feet for 11 years. Duck by day, DJ by night! I worked my way up from overnights on WQXI-AM to full-time and then transitioned over to WQXI-FM (94Q). I made my way to WSTR-FM (Star 94.1), where I eventually became a full-time member of the “Steve & Vikki Morning Show.”
Tell us about your professional background.
Thirty years in radio and my gift of adlib helped me easily transition to TV. I also continue my work as a corporate host and emcee (tomonair.com) and growing my love of photography with local professional Scott Reeves.
What were you surprised to learn about your work once you got into it?
When I started in radio, I was surprised by the fact that there was more work to do off the air. It led to a typical eight-hour workday.
In TV, I was surprised to learn how stressful it can be. Unlike radio, you are always on and have to adjust to that fact, which requires more energy. You have to balance producers talking in your ear while you’re interviewing guests, looking at the right camera, and dealing with a tighter time clock. In radio, you could drop a song or go a few extra minutes, but TV has a network programming clock built in and timing down to the second. Plus, in radio, I could wear anything and no one listening was the wiser.
Who are your professional/personal mentors and what have they taught you?
I am grateful to Kelly McCoy for mentoring me in radio. I grew up loving Rick Dees and Casey Kasem. Rick was entertaining and filled with personality. Casey was the master of the countdown. In television, it was David Letterman. His fun, engaging personality mirrored my own. I appreciated that he wasn’t afraid to knock the very network that hired him. He would always say what others wouldn’t and I loved that.
As I grew in radio, I began to show others my craft. In 1992, I received a phone call from a young man attending Dunwoody High School. He told me he did the morning announcements and wanted to learn more about pop culture, see the Star 94.1 station, and learn about radio. I invited him up one Saturday afternoon. We quickly became friends and I began training him in all aspects of radio. Months later on Labor Day weekend, I had been working a long day and called him and said, “Buddy, you want to go on the air for me tonight?” He did. Thus began his amazing radio and TV career. His name? Ryan Seacrest! Oh, the days where he used to get my pizzas!
What’s the most satisfying part of your job? What do you love most about your work?
Every day is different. On “Atlanta & Company,” the stories I share with our audience and the games we play are always changing. Some of my favorite moments are when I’m interacting with Christine Pullara and Cara Kneer.
When I am hosting a corporate or charity event, it’s connecting with people and engaging them with my personality.
What keeps you motivated?
Life, new opportunities, meeting new people, exploring the world, and taking care of my body are my biggest motivators.
What are some of your ultimate goals in doing this work?
I would love to host a TV show that empowers others. I love giving. The feeling is so incredible. I call it joy rising.
What do you want to be known for?
I want to be known for being myself and making a difference in the life of someone else every day.
Who helps you become your best self?
First and most importantly, God helps me be my best inside and out. The Nouveau Clinic takes care of my face. The Functional Health Institute of Atlanta keeps me healthy. Scott Cameron at Buckhead Elite Training Studio keeps me fit. Cryo Elite Therapy, which involves standing in a nitrogen-filled tank with below zero temperatures, makes me feel great. And Dr. Angie of Esthetic Dental Solutions is on my smile team.
Hair and Makeup
Nyssa Green
Founder
The Green Room Agency
How did you become interested in your profession?
What originally inspired you to pursue this field? I started out as an award-winning hairstylist. Makeup was a natural progression for me. I’ve loved all things beauty since I was a kid. Thank goodness my parents were supportive because I played with dolls for way too long!
Tell us about your professional background.
I went to vocational school while I was in high school. I was determined to have enough hours to go straight to the Georgia Professional Licensing Board and take the exam to get my professional cosmetology license, which I did. Then, I went to Auburn University for two years. I was doing more hair than going to class! I ended up going home and opening a salon. Once I decided to move on to bigger and better things, I chose Atlanta because I wanted to be close to my parents.
What were you surprised to learn about your work once you got into it?
I was surprised to learn how unglamorous this industry is. There’s so much that goes on behind the scenes that’s not glamorous at all.
Who are your professional/personal mentors and what have they taught you?
One of my professional mentors is Gwynnis Mosby. She taught me all the basics of makeup and set etiquette. She continues to guide and mentor me. She now has a makeup school, Gwynnis Mosby Makeup Academy, where my first Emmy Award is displayed. My other mentor is Taffi Dollar. She’s one of my pastors and an amazing woman and wife. Both Taffi and Gwynnis are invaluable to
my success.
What is your business philosophy?
Everyone is beautiful. Everyone gets the celebrity treatment. We always work in the spirit of excellence.
What’s the most satisfying part of your job? What do you love most about your work?
I love meeting new people. I love showing people the true power of makeup.
What keeps you motivated?
The industry keeps me motivated. In this industry, you must stay current and relevant or you will not work.
How do you stay on top of the cutting-edge trends in your industry?
We stay on top of trends through research, social media, industry journals, and classes.
What are some of your ultimate goals in doing hair and makeup?
We want to help people update their look, boost their self-esteem, become their best selves, and be made aware of what makeup can do for them.
Out of all of the other people in your field, why should people turn to you? What makes you and your business unique?
People turn to me for the personalized service I provide. I am also known for my top makeup skills and diversity. I can do makeup on anyone and not all artists can confidently say that. I do not believe in segregated artistry. You should be able to do makeup on everyone.
What do you want to be known for?
I want people to know me for my diversity, creativity, and ability to create great makeup looks.
What types of events does The Green Agency provide hair and makeup services for?
We do proms, cotillions, and weddings year round. We also do celebrities, TV, and entertainers.
