When you visit VIVIFY plastic surgery & medspa, you'll feel as if you're visiting an upscale boutique and will be greeted by our team of incredibly skilled employees. Our trusted staff works together to keep our practice running smoothly and meet all of your aesthetic and wellness needs. When you're in our office, you can trust that you're in safe, capable, and friendly hands.
Team VIVIFY
*Real Patient
Denise Malavé-Hand, BS
Practice Manager
Denise is the practice manager at VIVIFY plastic surgery & medspa. She was born and raised in the Tampa Bay area, fluent in both English and Spanish. Her academic background includes a bachelor's degree in Biology with a Pre-Medicine concentration. However, her passion for the beauty and aesthetic industry led her down a different path. Denise’s journey in plastic surgery commenced in 2013 when she started as a Patient Care Coordinator in Fort Myers. Over time, she has honed her skills in patient-centered care, helping individuals achieve their transformation goals, be it surgical or non-surgical, as a Marketing Director, Patient Care Coordinator, and now, Practice Manager.
What draws Denise to this industry is the beautiful collaboration of art and science. Witnessing the transformational journeys of individuals and empowering them to lead a life with renewed mental health and confidence fills her with immense joy. Her interests beyond work are varied and include spending quality time with her loved ones, exploring new areas of knowledge and learning new skills, indulging in the companionship of her furry friends, traveling, volunteering, advocating for mental health awareness, visiting theme parks, animal rescue, and content creation.
Jessica Shefman, BS
Patient Care Coordinator
Jess graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Biology and a minor in Behavioral Sciences. After years of customer service jobs and two years of working in operating rooms with orthopedic surgeons, she came to the conclusion that patient care is her passion. Jess loves being a part of her patient's aesthetic journey! Helping patients be more comfortable and confident in their skin is the reason she absolutely loves what she does. Think of her as your concierge, your advocate, your advisor, and your biggest fan! Outside of work, Jess loves working out and spending time with her two doggos.
Gia Sangosti, BS
Patient Care Coordinator
Gia is our newest Patient Care Coordinator who just recently moved back to the Sunshine State! She graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management and was able to fulfill her lifelong aspiration of being part of a nationally ranked collegiate cheerleading team … GO KNIGHTS! Throughout her professional career, she has had the privilege of working alongside some of the most talented ENT surgeons, Ophthalmologists, Dermatologists, & Plastic surgeons in the industry. After many years of providing technological support to providers and working for two major aesthetic laser companies, she realized that her passion is for helping patients look good & feel good! Speaking from her own experience, Gia has a deep understanding of the life-changing impact that cosmetic procedures can have on your self-confidence and your emotional well-being. She finds true happiness in helping patients achieve their aesthetic goals and will be there to support you during your entire journey … she will without a doubt be your biggest cheerleader, literally! During her free time, Gia enjoys working out, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with her beloved fur baby, Cooper. Whether she’s out walking on the Riverwalk, catching a Lightning game, or soaking up the sun at the beach, you can always count on her to be living her best life!
Marlie Marino, BA, LME, CCE, CME, LSO
Practice Coordinator
Marlie is a little bit of everything at VIVIFY plastic surgery and medspa. She started her higher education at Florida Atlantic University in South Florida, where she first became enamored with the aesthetics industry. After moving to Tampa to be closer to family, she graduated from the University of Tampa with a Bachelor’s in Communications. She worked in customer service for many years before deciding that aesthetics was where she wanted to be. Marlie returned to school to become a Medical Aesthetician and graduated with her laser and electrology licenses from The Beauty and Health Institute. After many different roles in the medspa space, she has learned that her passion lies with the patients. She aims to help her patients feel their best. Whether that is helping them choose the best treatment to meet their goals, holding their hand during injections, or answering questions about their prescriptions, she wants to be there. Outside of work, Marlie thrives on family time with her husband and their German Shephard, Mya. She spends all her days off with her sister doing some form of circus art, and if it’s sunny, you’ll never catch her inside.
DeeDee Tschuor
Front Office Coordinator
DeeDee brings over 20 years of customer service experience to her role. Originally from Indiana, DeeDee graduated from Ball State University before embarking on her career in customer service.
DeeDee has thoroughly enjoyed learning about the latest advancements in plastic surgery and meeting the patients at VIVIFY, which she believes are the best due to the exceptional care provided by the doctor. As the Front Office Coordinator, DeeDee is responsible for ensuring that patients receive a warm welcome and that their appointments are handled efficiently and effectively.
When she is not working, DeeDee enjoys practicing yoga, reading, and taking long walks with her dog. She is also a proud grandmother and loves traveling back to North Carolina to spend time with her grandsons. DeeDee has been married for 39 years and feels truly blessed to have such a wonderful family and career.
Kristin Drake, CST
Surgical Assistant
Kristin graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Surgical Technology from Keiser Career College in St. Petersburg. Every aspect of surgery has always fascinated her since she was in elementary school. For 13+ years, Kristin has assisted in different surgical specialties, but plastic surgery has always been her strength and passion. Then she met the best surgeon she had ever worked with and decided to operate with him full-time! Besides her job, Kristin loves ALL animals, hip-hop music, and anything that sparkles. Her hobbies include biking, walking her doggies, watching sports with her husband, and loving on her beautiful cat, Killa.
Alexandra Morales, LE
Medical Assistant
In high school, Alex suffered with bad skin, which catapulted her interest in skincare. She loved trying new products and learning what did and didn't work. Alex was soon hooked on skincare and was very dedicated to learning. It was her goal to help educate others and herself. She wanted to give confidence through treatments to anyone that needed help with their skin.
Alex attended esthetician school after high school to further her education. After receiving her esthetics license, she was fortunate enough to get an esthetician position in the plastic surgery industry. Over time she found herself wanting to become more involved with patient care. So, she became a medical assistant and found her passion in supporting patients’ needs. It gives her enjoyment to make others smile and make them happy. Her hobbies outside of work include anything active! Alex loves going to the dog beach with her little big-boy Belgian Malinois. They are like two peas in a pod!
Ashley Mitchell, BS, MS
Medical Assistant
Ashley is our newest medical assistant from Nashport, Ohio. She graduated with her Bachelors of Science in Biology from The Ohio State University. She then continued her education and research as she obtained her Masters of Science in Biomed from Nova Southeastern University. She is in the process of applying to medical school currently. She enjoys learning everything she can from Dr. Buchanan and Michelle to gain knowledge for her future. She has always been interested in plastics and aesthetics, so this job fits her perfectly. She loves seeing patients feel good and look good. She has lots of experience in the medical field as she was an anesthesia tech at a children's hospital, an anatomy and physiology adjunct professor for nursing students, and led her own research project as a graduate student. Ashley is involved in volunteering and enjoys helping and caring for others in the surrounding communities. Ashley can be described as our biggest book nerd and is fascinated with all things science and medical. She enjoys spending her free time exploring new cities and restaurants. Ashley enjoys going to Orange Theory and spending time with her fiancé and her dog, Ollie.
