Our Staff

Dr. Jewell, Dr. Newman, Dr. Burrell, Dr. Liang, and the staff of South Bay Plastic Surgeons and The Spa at South Bay Plastic Surgeons continuously strive to offer the best in patient care and expert results at our plastic surgery practice in Torrance, CA. Whether you live in Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach, Lakewood, or another South Bay community, this is your opportunity to meet all of the people who support our surgeons and aid them in providing their unique combination of personal care and surgical expertise.

If you would like to learn more about our plastic surgery staff, request a consultation online at South Bay Plastic Surgeons or call us at (310) 784-0644 and we will schedule your appointment.

South Bay Plastic Surgeons Staff

Camille Rapaport: Director of Operations

Camille received her Bachelor of Science degree in marine biology from UC Santa Cruz. After graduating she relocated to Los Angeles and immediately started her career in healthcare. She managed a radiology and female imaging facility as well as helped to start a pain management practice. When she began at South Bay Plastic Surgeons in 2014 she utilized her management, team-building, and negotiation skills to build a new practice and surgery center. She was responsible for the securement, construction and accreditation for our surgery center and currently oversees the day-to-day operations of our entire practice and staff. As a member of the Medical Group Management Association, Camille actively works to ensure that South Bay Plastic Surgeons is on the cutting-edge of patient care and employee satisfaction.

Camille gave birth to a baby boy in early 2017 and her mommy makeover journey can be found on our blog.

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Stephanie Perez: Patient Care Coordinator

Stephanie joined our practice in 2020 with an extensive background in the fitness and aesthetics industry. She has always enjoyed helping people improve their lives and feel better about themselves. After having her own cosmetic surgery, she knew she wanted to work in this field. She loves being able to take a patient from start to finish in their transformation journey and ensuring they have a seamless experience with our practice is her highest priority.

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Claudia Hernandez, CMA: Back Office Supervisor

Claudia has been a certified medical assistant since 1996. She has worked with plastic and reconstructive surgeons since 2000. She has assisted doctors with minor cosmetic procedures and enjoys seeing the happiness in patients after going through a surgical procedure. Claudia joined our practice in February 2009 and we are lucky to have her on our great team of staff members and physicians. Claudia is also bilingual and assists our Spanish-speaking patients.

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Jennifer Berman: Director of Surgery Scheduling

With more than 10 years of experience at our practice, Jenny’s main focus is to ensure that each patient knows what to expect before, during, and after their surgery procedure and that everything is in place for the surgery to occur. She is one of the most important points-of-contact for patients and takes pride in extending great customer service as she knows surgery can be a stressful time for a patient. Jenny’s goal is to make it as easy and comfortable as possible for all patient and family members alike.

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The Spa at South Bay Plastic Surgeons

Michele Florez, RN, BSN, CANS: Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist

Michele is a graduate of University of Pittsburgh. Her move to SoCal in 1998 launched a new direction into dermatology/aesthetics marketing and sales, working for Medicis, the manufacturers of Restylane, Restylane Lyft and Dysport. It was here that she honed her craft as an aesthetic injection specialist and educator, training doctors and nurses in proper dermal filler and neurotoxin injection technique.

For Michele, when it comes to finding the perfect balance of neurotoxin (BOTOX® Cosmetic) and fillers, there is no such thing as a cookie-cutter approach. Every face is a fresh palette with unique anatomy, musculature and quirks. Each appointment starts with a full-face assessment, with Michele analyzing the patient’s anatomy and thoroughly educating them on the science of the aging face. She then customizes a step-by-step treatment plan to gracefully restore a more youthful look. Michele’s goal is to listen to each patient’s individual concerns and bring her expertise and eye into alignment with them. She believes in achievable, realistic goals.

In addition to injectables, Michele performs the very popular PDO Thread Lift and various laser treatments for anti-aging and skin resurfacing.

Stephanie Lapham, RN, BSN

Stephanie Lapham has a genuine passion for the art of plastic surgery. After gaining several years of experience as a nurse injector, she decided to join the aesthetic team at the Spa at South Bay Plastic Surgeons. Stephanie specializes in the use of BOTOX, dermal fillers, skin resurfacing, and laser hair removal. Her artistic eye, personal approach, and focus on enhancing natural beauty has made a lasting impression on her clients. As an ICU nurse, Stephanie brings a compassionate heart and attention to detail in everything she does. Stephanie is a California girl, born and raised in the South Bay. She received her first bachelor’s degree in human development from Cal State Long Beach and her second bachelor’s degree in nursing from Mount St. Mary’s College. Stephanie believes in the value of personal growth and is always looking to advance her practice by learning new injection techniques and aesthetic procedures.

Jeramie Bhatia, PA-C: Physician Assistant

Jeramie is a California licensed and NCCPA-certified physician assistant who joined the team at the Spa at South Bay Plastic Surgeons in 2020. She graduated from the University of Southern California with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and then completed her graduate degree at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine in 2001.

Jeramie is an expert cosmetic injector with over 15 years of cosmetic dermatology experience along with general dermatology experience. She specializes in a variety of laser and skin treatments that she integrates seamlessly into her patients’ care. Jeramie also speaks Spanish, which allows her the opportunity to connect with an even more diverse patient population.

Nancy Madrigal, RN

Nancy is a registered nurse with over 5 years of experience in aesthetics. With an extensive background in laser treatments, she works with her patients to create a customized treatment plan based on their goals. Her artistic approach to dermal fillers leaves patients looking natural and refreshed, while never overdone. Nancy is a mom of five and bilingual in Spanish.

Damaris Vidal, RN

Damaris is a Los Angeles native with over 18 years of experience as a registered nurse. She is passionate about connecting with people and helping her patients be the best version of themselves. She has extensive experience with injectable and laser treatments and closely connects with her patients to develop customized treatment plans to meet their aesthetic goals.

Adriana Frederiksen, RN

Adriana was born and raised in the South bay and has been an aesthetic nurse for nearly five years. Her goal is to establish long lasting relationships with patients, providing them with high quality, safe, and incredible care. Her primary focus is on facial balancing, natural facial rejuvenation, restoration, preventative treatments, and correcting poor aesthetic results. Adriana strives for perfection and has continually attended courses to gain additional knowledge and skill in the aesthetic space.

Valerie Gilbert Esthetician, Permanent Makeup Artist, CoolSculpting Master

Valerie has worked in the beauty industry for more than 20 years. She is trained and knowledgeable in many aspects of the business, including restorative cosmetic tattoo procedures that benefit cancer survivors who have undergone reconstructive breast surgery. In addition to offering our reconstruction patients a beautifully completed process in their recovery from breast cancer, Valerie’s talents extend to helping patients who want permanent eyebrows or camouflage. Valerie also is a CoolSculpting master and an incredible esthetician with years of experience with skincare. 

Angelique George

With over two decades of experience as an esthetician, Angelique is an expert when it comes to skin health. Her extensive experience includes consulting for medical spas across the South Bay as well as being a ZO Skin clinical educator. When it comes to skin health, Angelique’s philosophy is patient-specific and results-driven. Her approach is simple: educating each patient individually with a clear, cohesive plan using the most current technology and science. Certified in reflexology and lymphatic drainage, Angelique places a special emphasis on a holistic approach, incorporating acupressure massage for the face, neck, and hands into the skin health treatment.

Frida Conkling: Esthetician and CoolSculpting Master

Swedish-born Frida’s passion for skincare is a consequence of her own skin issues. Since becoming a licensed esthetician in 1999, she has attended numerous skincare and aesthetics courses, and holds several certifications in aesthetic skin care. Frida has also undergone extensive training for CoolSculpting and completed CoolSculpting University to offer our patients the best care and results with this nonsurgical fat reduction treatment. Frida’s goal is to provide our clients with unparalleled service and quality, based on her belief that skin health and wellness is both internal and external.

Raquel Zerenga: Esthetician

Raquel has been working in the beauty industry for more than 10 years and has extensive knowledge in clinical skincare. She is trained in numerous treatments and loves working with patients to create a skincare regimen that meets their needs. Raquel continues to pursue her education and loves making her clients look and feel their best.

Jessica Younis: Esthetician

Jessica is a South Bay native who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. Coming from the health and fitness industry, she’s always had a passion for skincare and beauty. She obtained her state license through SABA School in Orange County and continues to educate herself with the science of skincare. As an aesthetician, her goal is to simply enhance patient’s natural beauty and promote healthy glowing skin by individualized skincare treatments. She strives to build self confidence in men and women of all ages.

Megan Leal: Esthetician

Megan joined our practice in 2020 and has been an esthetician for eight years. She began her career as a professional makeup artist but realized that her true passion was overall skin health. She is a specialist in using facial pressure points and lymphatic drainage massage; her main objective is to educate patients on how to address their skin concerns from the inside out. Megan works with each of her clients to give them a customized treatment and skincare regimen putting them on the path to clear, healthy skin.

Katie Mishima, Certified Massage Therapist (CMT)

After receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, Katie enrolled in the National Holistic Institute where she obtained her certification in massage therapy. She received an additional Certification for Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) which allows her to help patients post-surgery. (https://www.plasticsurgerysource.com/spa/massage-services/)Through massage, Katie strives to provide relaxation as well as promote health, wellness, and body awareness. She encourages and teaches her clients to form positive habits and correct posture, so they can feel their best in between visits. Katie works to customize each massage to meet the needs of her clients while creating a safe space to insure the highest level of comfort and satisfaction.

The Aesthetic Institute

Krishna Patel

Originally from Florida, Krishna made the big move to California in 2016. She joined our team in May of 2016. Krishna attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham where she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Health Sciences. Since 2010, she has been working in the ambulatory surgery center setting and over the years has gained much experience in the medical administrative field. She enjoys working with patients and guiding them through a positive surgical experience when they visit The Aesthetic Institute.

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Mimi Williams, RN, Clinical Supervisor

Originally from Ohio, Mimi graduated in 2012 with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing. She provided 10 years of excellent direct patient care as an Intensive Care Nurse, and was a finalist in 2017 for Ohio Nurse of the Year. In 2018, she moved to California with her husband and one year ago, she left the ICU to join our team at The Aesthetic Institute. She now works as our lead Perioperative Nurse with responsibilities including Infection Control Coordinator, Safety and Quality Improvement Officer, and Clinical Supervisor. With her constant optimism and energetic personality, she believes that her patients should be treated with dignity and respect, and that everyone deserves to feel beautiful. Mimi strives to exceed patient’s expectations and provide the highest level of care at The Aesthetic Institute.