Grace Liu, MD

Dr. Liu is our lead anesthesiologist. She provides general anesthesia for our lovely surgical patients. Dr. Liu was born and raised in Hawaii and went to UH Manoa for her undergrad and John A. Burns School of Medicine. She did her anesthesiology residency at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, CA. Dr. Liu loves animals. She has 4 fur babies at home: 3 pit bulls and a terrier. She and her husband just welcomed their daughter Addison James to the world in January 2019. She loves to run and attend yoga sculpt classes in her free time. Dr. Liu is inspired by the hardworking and committed team at Asia Pacific Plastic Surgery. She loves being a part of a driven and motivated staff that puts patient care as their utmost priority.

Dr. Liu’s Favorite

SkinMedica’s TNS Essential Serum is her must-have skincare product. It provides her skin with a youthful glow.

Rita Abreu, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC

Rita is an aesthetic nurse specialist and board-certified esthetician with over 20 years in the aesthetic industry. She earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and she is studying to become a nurse practitioner. After beginning a career as a make-up artist, Rita decided to attend school to become a nurse injector. At our practice she merges her passion for beauty and science as an aesthetic nurse.

She focuses on anti-aging fillers, injectables such as BOTOX® and Dysport®, acne treatments, and laser procedures. Rita’s priority is to ensure patient safety while providing excellent aesthetic outcomes.

Words to Live By

“I’m extremely passionate about helping my patients feel more beautiful and confident on the outside, which builds them from the inside.”

Rita's Favorite

BOTOX and medical-grade skin care!

Brittney Whalen, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, CCRN

Brittney is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner. Her nursing career started in 2010 when she worked in various hospitals, including the Intensive Care Unit and the Recovery Room. In 2018, she began her journey here at Asia Pacific Plastic Surgery as a pre-and post-operative nurse and then trained and transitioned into one of our aesthetic nurse injectors.
 
Brittney believes true beauty lies in embracing and accentuating one’s unique features. Her plan of care focuses on the idea that less is more and aims to create a refreshed and youthful appearance without altering a patient’s natural beauty. With Brittney’s array of nursing experience, she’s passionate about safety, subtle and natural enhancements, and encouraging her patients to feel confident and beautiful in their skin through aesthetic medicine.
 
When not in the clinic, Brittney enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters. She enjoys working out, traveling, and eating good food!

Brittney's Favorites

Laser hair removal and Hydrafacials with Dermaplaning!

Chloe Celusnek, PA-C

Chloe is a board-certified Physician Assistant from Miami, Florida. Named a “Top 100 Injector in America,” she is known as a master injector and aesthetic specialist with over 5 years of experience and thousands of injections under her belt. She earned her Masters degree from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 2016, and she later relocated to Hawaii to enjoy the outdoors and spend more time in nature.
 
Her core practicing values include gentle artistry with dedication to natural beauty and transformative results, she strives to create a personalized experience for each individual patient. Chloe enjoys staying abreast of the latest technologies, techniques, and trends in order to deliver the best results possible, having trained from the top leaders in the industry.Chloe’s expertise is in methodical facial balancing, evaluating each individual as a whole to enhance the natural features. She also specializes in face and body contouring, and treating difficult skin conditions like acne and melasma.

Words to Live By

“Beware of Tunnel Vision. In medicine and in life, if you focus on one blade of grass, you will miss the big picture.”

Chloe's Favorites

Facial Balancing and Harmonization! Her must have product is Daily Power Defense by ZO Skin Health.

Kristine Vadisirisak, CCMA

Kristine, our Clinical Nurse Assistant, has been with Dr. Ching since 2016. Kristine is a graduate of Honolulu Heald College with an Associate of Science degree. She is a mother of 3 children who are the light of her life that brings her joy and laughter. Kristine enjoys spending time with family and relaxing in the comfort of her home. As the saying goes, “Life is like a camera; you focus on what’s important, capture the good times, develop from the negatives, and if things don’t work out, take another shot.”

Kristine’s Favorite

Her go-to treatments are Hydrafacial and Chemical Peel, and her favorite skin care product is Even and Tone from SkinMedica.

Jennel Membrere, CMA

Jennel is a Medical Assistant and our former Body Contouring Specialist. She’s been working at Asia Pacific Plastic Surgery since 2015 and has treated many of our patients with expert care and outstanding results. Prior to that, she attended Heald College and received her associate degree in medical assisting in 2009. She previously worked at a skin cancer dermatology office where she gained knowledge in skin care and cosmetic laser treatments. In her spare time, Jennel enjoys shopping for great deals, going on food adventures, and binge-watching Netflix and reality T.V. shows. Jennel says, “No worry, no rush, just flow. Rushing things ruins things.”

Jennel’s Favorite

Her favorite product is the SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator because it leaves her face and lips feeling amazingly smooth, like silk! It smells great too! She mentioned that applying hyaluronic acid will help plump your skin and make any fine lines less visible.

Erin Faust, OR Nurse, BSN

As our lead operating room nurse, Erin provides quality care to patients before, during, and after surgery. She started as a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) nurse at Asia Pacific Plastic Surgery in 2016 before transitioning to her current position.

Erin began her nursing career in 2006 as a licensed practical nurse. After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, she practiced in many settings such as geriatrics, medical-surgery, telemetry, and intensive care. After her years of bedside care, she set her sights on plastic surgery.

Born and raised in Kaimuki, Erin enjoys spending time with her 2 dogs, a Doberman Pinscher and a Miniature Pinscher (she loves having the best of both worlds). Erin is newly engaged and excited to start her life with her soon-to-be husband, Scott.

Erin’s Favorite

PicoSure® laser

Nicole Navarro, RN, BSN

A member of Dr. Ching’s team since 2016, Nicole manages the overall function of our accredited ambulatory surgery center. Nicole has 15 years of nursing experience as a telemetry nurse.

Married with 3 children, Nicole and her family love to rescue animals. They currently have a dog, a cat, and a rabbit. On her days off, she enjoys hanging out with her family, including beach days and Sunday family dinners.

Nicole is passionate about caring for people in need and helping people feel as beautiful on the outside as they do on the inside.

Nicole’s Favorite

AquaGold Microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

“I love how my skin glows after this treatment.”

Lorene Glisson, RN

Lorene, also known as Lo, is the director of nursing here at Asia Pacific Plastic Surgery. Her primary role is the management of all clinical operations of the surgery center to ensure that all general anesthesia cases are done safely and effectively. Lo has been with Dr. Ching since the beginning of 2012. She has been a nurse for more than 15 years, with experience working in telemetry, ICU, ER, and perioperative settings. With her many specialties, the surgical arena has always been her passion. Lo was born and raised in Waimanalo, on the Windward Coast of Oahu, and currently resides in Pearl City. She married her husband in 1998 and has 3 adult children and 2 beautiful grandchildren: a grandson and granddaughter. She enjoys spending time with her family, especially her grandbabies. When she is not working at our surgery center, she helps her husband run a successful rain gutter business. Lo has the innate ability to care for others without hesitation and with unconditional compassion. Her inspiration comes from her faith in God and always remembering to attend to others as if they were family because, in her eyes, everyone is special in their own unique way and deserves the best possible care.

Lo’s Favorite

Her favorite treatment is the Soprano Laser Hair Removal because since she was a child, she has dealt with excessive, unwanted hair on her face and legs. Not anymore! Her face and legs are not only silky and smooth, but the laser treatments have improved her skin’s overall appearance by decreasing the size of the pores.

Laura Lenharr, RN, BSN

Laura, an experienced board-certified registered nurse since 2004, brings over 15 years of exemplary experience as an ICU nurse, where she gained a breadth of knowledge and cultivated a plethora of skills. Recently returning to her roots in Hawaii with her devoted husband and two cherished boys, Laura has seamlessly transitioned into her role at Asia Pacific Plastic Surgery since 2023. As a pivotal member of the team, Laura's responsibilities extend beyond patient care. She meticulously assesses patients during their preoperative consultations, offering compassionate support and guidance as they navigate their surgical journey. Laura utilizes her extensive expertise to educate patients on their procedures, address any concerns, and coordinate with medical professionals to secure necessary clearances. Additionally, Laura oversees the scheduling of surgeries, methodically organizing each procedure to optimize efficiency and patient safety. Laura's role at Asia Pacific Plastic Surgery exemplifies her as a trusted and invaluable asset to the healthcare team. Outside of work, Laura enjoys caring for her lively household, which includes two tortoises, three chickens, and three beloved dogs.

Laura’s Favorite

Her favorite treatment is the Morpheus8 with PRP

Words to Live By

"Embrace transformation, radiate confidence, and sculpt your life with purpose."

Ana Sagastume, Lead Surgical Tech

Ana is Dr. Ching's Surgical Technician for Minor Surgeries and Hair Transplant procedures. She specializes in patient care for surgical procedures here at Asia Pacific Plastic Surgery. She started her medical career right after high school in 2006 and has an Associates Degree in Science. She went from Medical Assistant to Certified Nursing Assistant in phlebotomy onto Operating Room Tech. She has assisted with major surgical procedures including open heart, total knee and total hip replacements, C-sections, and all general surgery cases. She is originally from Honduras and moved to Hawaii from Arizona in 2020 during the pandemic. The islands have accepted her as one of their own, she believes Hawaii is home for her. In her spare time you can find her kayaking, hiking, chasing sunsets and gazing at the moon and stars.

Ana’s Favorite

Her favorite treatments are ZO Hydrating Cleanser and Hydrating Creme, HydraFacial, Laser Hair Removal, and PRP

Words to Live By

"Pura vida."

Mie Miyazaki, Esthetician

Mie is one of our estheticians and a patient coordinator for our Japanese-speaking patients. She has been working for Dr. Ching since 2007. Mie was born and raised in Saitama Prefecture, Japan. She moved to Hawaii in 1999 and has a son in high school. Mie says that she has a sweet tooth. She loves to eat chocolate, donuts, cookies, and cake. To balance her diet, she packs a healthy salad and fruits for lunch every day. She gets through every day by going with the flow. She believes in doing what you need to do and your wishes will come true.

Mie’s Favorite

Mie loves the RevLite Laser treatment because it helps target her melasma, evens her skin tone, and produces collagen for an anti-aging glow.

Joleen Carmichael, Esthetician

As one of our top-notch estheticians, Joleen pursues her passion for skin care and other esthetic treatments. She brings self-discipline, a thirst for knowledge, and an unwavering attention to detail to our Asia Pacific Plastic Surgery team. She’s motivated each day by seeing the simple joy that radiates from the faces of her happy patients. She’s continually learning about the latest procedures and techniques.

Traveling is another of Joleen’s passions, and she’s both inspired and humbled by exploring new cultures. At home she enjoys the beach (slathered in sunscreen, of course!), getting lost in a good book, working out, and making jewelry. As a self-proclaimed foodie, Joleen doesn’t hesitate to take on a crab Oscar-style porterhouse steak.

Words to Live By

“Taking care of your skin is more important than covering it up.”

Joleen’s Favorites

Laser hair removal & Skinceuticals® Physical Matte UV Defense Sunscreen

Shayna Sanidad, Esthetician

Shayna Sanidad comes from a deep rooted aesthetics background. From growing up in her Grandmother’s beauty salon, she was always surrounded by beauty and wellness. Influenced by this and fueled by a passion for skin health, she attended the Skin Institute Internationale and became a licensed aesthetician in 2018. Since then Ms. Sanidad has held multiple prominent positions, such as working in a world renowned hotel spa and other med spa practices. Shayna brings care, compassion and a gentle touch to each patient experience. Her warm nature, passion for helping others to lead happier lives, and her reputation for going above and beyond has made Shayna a valuable addition and asset to the Asia Pacific Plastic Surgery team.

Shayna is an adventurer at heart and enjoys being outdoors spending time with her fur babies.

Shayna’s Favorites:

Picosure laser and Enlighten peel.

Ana Nicole, Esthetician

Ana is one of our lovely estheticians here at Asia Pacific Plastic Surgery. She is originally from Guam, but spent the majority of her life in Hawaii. Ana is passionate about helping you achieve your best skin. Her unique background and expertise to our clinic. Ana’s goal is to provide result-driven treatment plans tailored to your unique skin type and condition design to deliver the results you desire.

Words to Live By

“What if it can turn out better than you can imagine.”

Ana’s Favorites:

Enlighten Peel and SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense.

Sasha Kamalitdinova, Lymphatic Drainage Specialist

Jade Hinsdale, Practice Manager

Jade is our Practice Administrator who joined the practice in 2023. Jade received her degree in Public Health Administration and Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. An Oahu-native, she found the east coast winters to be too cold and returned to the island where she began her career in healthcare with a focus on value-based programs.

Jade is an animal-lover and has fostered over 100 puppies with the Hawaiian Humane Society. In her free time, she makes leis and loves to keep her hands busy doing crafts.

Words to Live By

“Be you. The world will adjust.”

Jade’s Favorites:

Neocutis Bio Serum Firm.

Noel Gittleman, Executive Assistant

Noel, who joined Asia Pacific Plastic Surgery in 2019, has more than 20 years of experience in the medical field and is extremely proud to be part of such an amazing team. She specializes in dermatology and has also worked in oncology and internal medicine. Noel’s goal is to provide the best possible environment for both patients and staff members.

Originally from Oahu, Noel grew up in Norway. As a Bikram and Vinyasa yoga teacher, Noel is often found in a hot yoga room. She enjoys exploring the island with her friends and family and loves exercising, traveling, health, wellness, and a great cup of coffee.

Words to Live By

“Stop creating a life that you need a vacation from. Instead, move to where you want to live, do what you want to do, start what you want to start, and create the life you want today. This is not rehearsal people. This is your life.”

Some of Noel’s Favorites

• ZO Skin Health Products
• Botox
• IPL with Fractional Laser Treatment

Keri Choy, Director of Surgical Services

Keri is our Director of Surgical Services and has been with Dr. Ching since 2013. Early on, Keri realized that she had a passion for uplifting and motivating others which led her to pursue a BA degree from the University of Colorado and obtained a certification as a wellness consultant. Upon returning home to Hawaii, Keri decided to use her acquired knowledge and experience in sales and marketing. She is a devoted mother of 2 but still stays true to her guilty pleasures of dark chocolate and travel. The crème de la crème of her existence is to build lasting memories with her husband and family. Keri believes that life is an adventure.

Keri’s Favorite

You will almost always find Keri outdoors with her family, but not without her favorite SkinCeuticals Sheer Sunscreen.

Leslie Agustin, Patient Liaison

Leslie is our Patient Liaison and brings with her many years of customer service experience. She has been working with Dr. Ching since March of 2019. She was born and raised in Kalihi and loves outdoor activities, especially hiking. Leslie also enjoys socializing with her friends and meeting new people. Her daughter is her number one inspiration because it motivates her to work harder and be a good role model.

Leslie’s Favorite

All Injectable and Laser treatments.

She is in love with SkinCeutical products.

Kristy Laird, Surgical Consultant

Kristy is one of our Surgical Consultants and she has worked with Dr. Ching since February of 2021. She has nearly 20 years of experience in the beauty industry, specializing in leadership, education, and client service. Kristy is originally from the San Francisco Bay Area in California, and she made her permanent move to Hawaii in 2016. It is important to Kristy that our patients feel prepared in their surgical journey, and she will always go above and beyond to ensure she can provide an elevated experience. She is driven by helping others and constantly inspired by the confidence each unique patient exudes when they achieve their goals.

Outside of the practice, Kristy loves spending quality time with loved ones, going to the beach, music, supporting local businesses, traveling, and exploring unique places on the islands. She has always embraced a good skincare routine and enjoys learning about top tier products in the beauty industry. Kristy is grateful for the opportunity to work with our talented team and build relationships with the most incredible patients.

Kristy’s Favorites

Her favorite treatments are Microneedling and PRP.

Her favorite products are ZO Skincare: Exfoliating Cleanser, Hydrating Cleanser, Calming Toner, Growth Factor Eye Serum; SkinCeuticals: HA Intensifier; Environ: Vita-Peptide Toner and Hydrating Oil Capsules.

Words to Live By

"Cultivate an attitude of gratitude. When you are in a place of negativity, acknowledge your thoughts, forgive the thoughts, and choose again. There is always something to be grateful for and let go of the things you can’t control. When you focus on the good, miracles can happen."

Zoe Gensel, Surgical Consultant

Zoe is a seasoned professional in the beauty industry, with over 25 years of experience. She earned her Aesthetician CIDESCO certification in Toronto Canada before embarking on a successful career as a Fashion/Television Makeup Artist in New York and Los Angeles, where she honed her skills and developed a keen eye for aesthetics. For the past decade, Zoe has specialized in Plastic Surgery Patient Consulting, most recently working in Beverly Hills. In May 2024, she brought her wealth of experience to Hawaii, joining Asia Pacific Plastic Surgery. Zoe’s compassionate and patient-centered approach ensures every individual is genuinely cared for and supported. Her dedication to helping others and commitment to quality care drive her professional life.

Originally from Alaska, Zoe has always been drawn to the beauty of nature, which made her transition to life in Hawaii seamless. In her personal time, she enjoys an active lifestyle, practicing yoga, long-distance running, volunteering with local wildlife refuges, and exploring Hawaii's natural wonders with friends and family. Zoe finds joy in living a healthy and balanced life, and her passion for wellness inspires and enriches everything she does.

Zoe’s Favorites

Her favorite treatments are Lymphatic Massage and Microneedling with PRP.

Words to Live By

"No man steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man." -Heraclitus

Lise Arnesen, MedSpa Administrator

Lise is our MedSpa Administrator. She's originally from Norway but grew up moving between Norway, California and Hawaii. She specializes in International Business and Sustainable City Planning and has experience working in consulting, city planning and administration. Lise strives to ensure a positive experience for patients and staff through excellent customer service and enhanced operations.

In her free time you can find Lise at the beach, doing pilates, and baking fresh homemade bread.

Lise’s Favorites

Her favorite treatment is a Vampire Facial.

Her favorite product is SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF.

Words to Live By

"When you rest, you rust."

Olivia Owen, Office Assistant

Olivia is an Office Assistant here at Asia Pacific Plastic Surgery. She is from Boise, Idaho and moved out here to be closer with family. Olivia loves to connect with patients and help them meet their aesthetic goals. In her free time you can find her on a hike, relaxing at the beach, or lounging in her pool.

Olivia’s Favorites

Her favorite treatment is Laser Hair Removal.

Her favorite product is ZO Exfoliating Polish.

Words to Live By

"There is no cosmetic for beauty like happiness."

Faron Fukuchi, Patient Coordinator

Faron is part of our patient coordinator team and joined Asia Pacific Plastic Surgery in October of 2022 and has years of experience with customer services and communications.

Faron is often spending most of her time in the water diving and spearfishing, if not plopped on the beach all day long. She enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with her family.

Faron’s Favorites

Her favorite treatment is Morpheus8 because her skin has never felt more bright and tight.

Her favorite product is SkinMedica or ZO Tinted Sunscreen since a good daily sunscreen is crucial for your skin overtime.

Words to Live By

"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing."

Callista Hansen, Marketing & Social Media Specialist

Callista is the Social Media Marketing Specialist at Asia Pacific Plastic Surgery, where she leverages her expertise by blending a passion for beauty with strategic marketing skills. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Media Studies from San Diego State University, she excels in creating engaging social media content, enhancing brand awareness, and leading innovative marketing campaigns. Her deep interest in aesthetics, fashion, and styling finds a perfect match in the world of plastic surgery, allowing her to apply her talents to inspire and connect with the community.

Callista’s Favorites

Her favorite treatment is AviClear and SkinMedica HA5.

Her favorite product is SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum.

Words to Live By

"Will we see our challenges as setbacks & causes for suffering? Or as opportunities to strengthen and enrich our lives?" - Daisaku Ikeda

Jazlyn Baptista, Marketing & Social Media Specialist

Jazlyn is our Marketing and Social Media Specialist with a background in Fashion Design and Merchandising, having pursued her studies at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Drawing from her understanding of design principles and consumer behavior, she has honed her skills in photography & curating captivating content tailored specifically for fashion, skincare, and beauty brands.

She believes in the transformative power of self-care and wellness. As a fitness enthusiast, she prioritizes staying active, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle through weight training, yoga, and sunset walks with her French Bulldog.

Whether she's capturing moments behind the lens, or pursuing her own wellness journey, she remains steadfast in her pursuit of authenticity, creativity, and all things beauty.

Jazlyn’s Favorites

Her favorite treatment is Laser Hair Removal and Red Light Therapy.

Her favorite product is SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic.

Words to Live By

"You've gotta start romanticizing your life. You gotta start believing that your morning commute is cute & fun, that every cup of coffee is the best you've ever had. That even the smallest and most mundane things are exciting & new, because that's when you start truly living."

Star Dahl-Thurston, Receptionist

Star was born and raised in Kapahulu, Hawaii and graduated from Punahou School in 2016 and received her Bachelors in Business in 2020 from American University in Washington D.C.. She's driven by her passion for people and enjoys serving her community. Star reigned as Miss Hawaii 2023 where she spent her time pushing her platform of journal based self-discovery in young women.

In her free time you can find Star with her family at the beach, or doing arts & crafts on her lanai.

Star’s Favorites

Her favorite treatment is BOTOX.

Her favorite product is ZO Exfoliating Polish.

Words to Live By

"Lead with love, or get shoved."

Autumn Pracko, Receptionist

Addicted to making people feel beautiful in their own skin, and believe there’s nothing more important than self love and self care. My journey in the beauty industry has just begun and I’m so great full to be apart of Dr. Shin Ching’s practice, as I aspire to one day be an injector nurse myself. In my free time you will find me on a beach with a nice book or somewhere either in the ocean or up in the mountains enjoying nature.

Autumn’s Favorites

Her favorite treatment is a Morpheus8 Facial.

Her favorite product is ZO Exfoliating Polish.

Words to Live By

"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them."