Meet our Team
At Awaken Medical Aesthetics
Meet Our Founder & Visionary
Founder & Lead Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner
Kati Howard, MSN, FNP
Kati Howard has spent nearly two decades mastering the art and science of aesthetic medicine. As the founder of Awaken Medical Aesthetics, she's built more than just a practice—she's created a space where clinical excellence meets genuine care, and where every treatment is grounded in safety, precision, and an eye for natural beauty.
Expertise That Goes Deeper
With 18 years of hands-on experience, Kati specializes in advanced cosmetic injectables, regenerative aesthetics, and comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Her approach goes beyond technique, it's about understanding facial anatomy at the deepest level, anticipating how treatments will age with her clients, and creating results that feel like you, just refreshed.
Kati's clinical expertise includes:
-Advanced neuromodulator and dermal filler techniques
-Regenerative aesthetics (PRP, PDGF, biostimulators)
-Full-face balancing and treatment planning
-Laser and energy-based device protocols
-Aesthetic complications management and patient safety
From The O.R. to Medical Aesthetics
Before founding Awaken, Kati honed her clinical skills as a Family Nurse Practitioner in women's healthcare and as a Registered Nurse in surgical settings; experiences that gave her a surgical eye for detail and an unshakeable commitment to patient safety. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from West Texas A&M University and is board-certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Building Something Bigger
What started as a vision in 2007 has grown into one of Amarillo's most trusted aesthetic practices. But Kati's impact extends beyond her treatment room. She's passionate about elevating the field itself, mentoring nurse practitioners and RNs, developing safety protocols, and sharing what she's learned through nearly two decades of practice.
As the aesthetic industry continues to evolve, Kati is committed to leading with integrity, education, and clinical excellence. She regularly attends national conferences, participates in advanced training (including cadaver labs and facial anatomy courses), and stays at the forefront of emerging techniques and technologies.
A Philosophy Rooted in Care
For Kati, aesthetics has never been about chasing trends or cookie-cutter results. It's about helping people feel confident, comfortable, and completely themselves. Every consultation, every treatment, every follow-up is guided by one question: What does this person truly need?
That philosophy has shaped everything about Awaken, from the treatments offered to the culture of the practice itself.
Connect with Kati
kati@awakenmedicalaesthetics.com
IG: @injectionsbykati
For Training And Mentorship Inquiries
Kati is available for clinical mentorship, advanced injector training, and aesthetic practice consulting.
Inquire via email for more:
Leadership Team
Clinical Director & Lead Laser Professional
Jazi Romero, APRN, FNP
Jazi is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner and the Clinical Director and Lead Laser Practitioner at Awaken Medical Aesthetics. Since 2021, she has dedicated herself to mastering advanced laser aesthetics and has become known for delivering transformative skin correction results in West Texas.
Her nursing background includes experience in labor and delivery, NICU, and vascular surgery, providing a strong clinical foundation for her work in aesthetics. She has trained under some of the country's most talented plastic surgeons and laser professionals, specializing in aggressive resurfacing, pigmentation correction, acne and scar revision, skin tightening, and long-term skin restoration.
As Clinical Director, Jazi oversees all laser protocols and personally trains the Awaken staff on laser safety and techniques. All aggressive procedures and deeper resurfacing treatments are performed exclusively by Jazi to ensure the highest level of precision and care.
Advanced laser correction and helping patients restore healthy, radiant skin. For Jazi, aesthetics is another form of self-care—restoring the skin after years of sun exposure, stress, or neglect.
Her Signature Treatment
The "Triple Threat": Multi-Laser Custom Skin Correction, a customized session using three different lasers to target multiple depths of the skin for dramatic transformation. Her favorite skincare product is Brightalive by ZO® Skin Health.
Get In Touch
Office Administrator
Ashley Lewis
Ashley Lewis serves as the Practice Administrator at Awaken Medical Aesthetics, bringing a strong background in leadership, business development, healthcare, sales, and marketing to the practice.
Throughout her career, Ashley has led teams and helped grow multiple businesses, with a particular strength in sales strategy, consumer psychology, team development, brand growth, and creating an exceptional client experience. She has a strong understanding of what drives purchasing decisions and how to build trust, communicate value, and develop sales strategies that feel both intentional and authentic.
Prior to entering the aesthetics industry, Ashley worked as an orthopedic trauma representative with Stryker, where she gained valuable experience working alongside physicians and surgical teams in a fast-paced medical environment. Her background in medical sales, leadership, and business development gives her a unique perspective on both the clinical and operational sides of a growing aesthetics practice.
Highly driven and growth-minded, Ashley plays an active role in the day-to-day operations of Awaken, including team leadership, sales development, marketing strategy, business growth, and the overall patient experience. She is passionate about building strong teams, creating effective systems, and helping Awaken continue to grow while maintaining the elevated level of care and experience its patients expect.
Get In Touch
ashley@awakenmedicalaesthetics.com
Front Desk Coordinators
Natalie Hodge
Natalie brings five years of front office coordination experience to our practice, where she is passionate about creating a welcoming and positive experience for every client.
Natalie leads with warmth and genuine connection, making sure each person feels comfortable, cared for, and valued from the moment they walk through the door. She loves being part of a team and helping clients feel confident throughout their aesthetic journey.
When asked about her favorite treatment, Natalie recommends microneedling. For her daily skincare routine, she swears by SkinMedica® Tinted Sunscreen for a little extra protection and glow. Outside of the practice, Natalie also works for the Amarillo Sod Poodles and enjoys staying active by running.
MaKaylee Kirkland
MaKaylee is a dedicated member of the team at Awaken Medical Aesthetics, where she enjoys creating a welcoming experience for every client. She graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, giving her a strong foundation in anatomy and the human body. She loves bringing that knowledge into the setting and continuing to learn within the industry.
MaKaylee leads with kindness making each client feel at ease. She enjoys getting to know each person, understanding their aesthetic goals, and being part of a team that helps them look and feel their best.
Outside of work, MaKaylee loves spending time with her husband, family, friends, and her dog, Lulu. She loves to travel, is always up for an adventure, and will never turn down an opportunity to explore somewhere new.
Medical Assistant
Paloma Granados
Paloma brings two years of aesthetics experience to our practice, and she
specializes in helping clients navigate financing options with ease.
Paloma leads with heart and values genuine connection,
she puts people at the center of everything she does.
When asked about her favorite treatment, Paloma recommends the HydraFacial,
and she swears by our ZO® Complexion Clarifying Serum for daily skincare.
Paloma is fluent in English and Spanish.
Connect with Paloma here:
paloma@awakenmedicalaesthetics.com
Meet Our Registered Nurses
Amanda Sanders, RN
Amanda Sanders, RN, is an Aesthetic Nurse Injector with more than 15 years of nursing experience, including three years dedicated to medical aesthetics at Awaken Medical Aesthetics. Her extensive nursing background and advanced training in aesthetic injectables enable her to provide thoughtful, personalized care.
Amanda believes aesthetic treatments should enhance each person’s unique beauty—not change who they are. She specializes in creating natural-looking results through facial balancing and customized treatment plans tailored to each client’s features, concerns, and goals.
She is passionate about helping clients feel confident, refreshed, and like the best version of themselves. Outside the treatment room, Amanda is a proud boy mom who enjoys working out, traveling, and watching her two boys play baseball and football.
Connect with Amanda here:
amanda@awakenmedicalaesthetics.com
IG: @amanda.aestheticnurse
Vanessa Turner, BSN, RN
Vanessa is a licensed Nurse Injector with her ADN, BSN, and advanced certifications including BLS, ACLS, and PALS. She is passionate about helping patients feel confident, refreshed, and naturally enhanced.
Her favorite treatment is Botox® for its subtle, confidence-boosting results, and her go-to skincare product is Hydrinity Retaxome for collagen support and radiant skin.
Outside of work, Vanessa enjoys reading, exercising, and
spending time with her husband.
Connect with Vanessa here:
vanessahuaracha@awakenmedicalaesthetics.com
IG: @vanessa.aestheticnurse
Meet Our Licensed Medical Aestheticians
Kaylen Mendoza
Kaylen has four years of medical aesthetics experience and is certified in Hydrafacial, DiamondGlow, BARE HR Laser Hair Removal, Chemical Peels, Dermaplaning, and skin health management with our skincare portfolio.
Kaylen's favorite treatments are the HydraFacial and Microneedling with PDGF, and her go-to products are Hydrinity Hyacyn Active Mist and SkinBetter AlphaRet Overnight Cream.
Outside work, she enjoys traveling and time with loved ones.
Kaylan is also fluent in English and Spanish.
Connect with Kaylen here:
kaylen@awakenmedicalaesthetics.com
IG: @aestheticswithkaylen
Mikayla Vanover
Mikayla brings four years of beauty industry experience, including three years specializing in medical aesthetics. Mikayla holds certifications in Laser Hair Removal, Microneedling, and ZO® Skin Health, and is Oncology Aware trained, meaning she's specially educated in providing safe, supportive skincare for clients undergoing cancer treatment.
Mikayla is passionate about educating clients on at-home skincare.
She loves seeing the results skin can achieve with the right products used consistently. Her favorite treatment is Microneedling with PDGF, and her go-to product is the ZO® Gentle Cleanser. Outside the office, Mikayla enjoys arts and crafts, baking, and spending time with her husband and animals.
Connect with Mikayla here:
mikayla@awakenmedicalaesthetics.com
IG: @mvskinco
Clarissa Jennings
With over six years in medical aesthetics, Clarissa specializes in facials, laser hair removal, BBL & MOXI, microneedling, and body sculpting. She’s passionate about helping patients feel confident in their skin through personalized treatment plans and a warm, attentive approach.Outside the treatment room, Clarissa loves relaxing with her dogs, reading, watching Netflix, and spending time with her husband and family.
Get in touch with Clarissa here:
clarissa@awakenmedicalaesthetics.com
IG: @skinbyclarissaConnect with
Pennie Devore
With over 23 years in medical aesthetics, Pennie brings deep clinical experience and a results-focused approach to every patient. Originally from New Jersey, she began her career in dermatology before moving to Amarillo and joining Awaken in 2010.Pennie is certified in chemical peels, laser hair reduction, and trained in multiple medical-grade skincare lines, allowing her to create personalized, effective treatment plans. She’s known for her warm, patient-centered care.
Get in touch with Pennie here:
pennie@awakenmedicalaesthetics.com
IG: @skinbypen
We're Here To Serve You
Whether you're seeking strength, balance, confidence, or total-body renewal, your next chapter starts here.
Book your consultation today and experience the perfect blend of luxury medical care and West Texas hospitality.
Schedule A Consultation
Join A Membership Today
Call Us Here