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!
April Patino is a nurse injector and certified nurse practitioner with extensive background in the medical and aesthetics field. She is a native of South Florida and a former Miami Dolphins Cheerleader where she appeared across the state at charity events representing the team organization's charities. She received her bachelor’s degree in science and a master’s degree in Nursing Science from the Florida International University of Miami. She graduated top of her class from the University and was the recipient of The Ruth L. Kirschstein-National Service Research Award.
She is board certified by The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and is highly trained in general medical and cosmetic dermatology specializing in skin care and facial contouring. She is an aesthetic consultant dedicated to the treatment of dermatological and aesthetic conditions including scientific strategies in prevention of many skin conditions contributed to sun exposure including melasma.
Professional Affiliations
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
Erin, a clinical registered nurse, has been working for Dr. Ching since 2018. Erin’s goal is to establish lasting relationships with patients, providing them with quality, safe, and satisfying care. Erin’s understanding of the diversity of treatments offered coupled with her professional knowledge makes her an asset to our practice. Known for her calm and gentle touch and clinical expertise, she is the total package when it comes to patient care. Born and raised in Honolulu, Erin graduated from Hawaii Pacific University with her BSN in nursing in 2009. Being a telemetry RN for 8 years, she found a passion for cosmetic and reconstructive surgery at Asia Pacific Plastic Surgery. A mommy of 4, Erin is kept busy. In her spare time, she loves cheering at her sons’ football and basketball games and her daughters’ wrestling and volleyball matches—she’s a very proud mother. Spending time with family is always an important part of her life. Her children are her inspiration and her constant positive force that keeps her going every day. Erin says, “Every day is a new beginning. Take a deep breath, smile and start again.”
Erin’s Favorite
Her favorite treatment is the HydraFacial; she loves that it rejuvenates and restores the skin. Its instant gratification makes her skin feel amazing and healthy. Adding on the HydroJelly mask seals the deal, finishing it off with a cool, clean feeling on your face at the end of your treatment.
Tera, our lead surgical technologist, has been assisting Dr. Ching in the operating room since 2014. She has been a certified surgical technologist for 24 years. Tera brings with her a great deal of experience in areas like cardiac trauma and general surgery, and now loves being able to put that experience to work for patients at Asia Pacific Plastic Surgery. Tera moved to Oahu from Kentucky in 2010 and is a proud mother of a doctor-in-training at Stanford Medical School. When not in surgery, she can be found binge-watching shows on Netflix and spending quality time with friends and family. Her favorite inspirational quote is by R.S. Grey: “She believed she could, so she did.”
Tera’s Favorite
She loves the TempSure Envi because the results are amazing and it’s also a very relaxing treatment.
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
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.
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.
Jennel is a Medical Assistant and our one and only ThermiVa Technician, and CoolSculpting® and truSculpt Specialist. She rejuvenates lady parts and lavishes everyone with a slimmer summer body—all year long. 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.
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.
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.”
Kristine, our lead surgical technician, has been with Dr. Ching since 2016. Kristine wears many hats; she is his right-hand woman when it comes to all minor surgeries and regularly makes appearances to assist with general surgeries as needed. When she is not handing Dr. Ching a scalpel, she is at his side documenting his work via social media. Kristine is a graduate of Honolulu Heald College with an Associate of Science degree. She is a mother of 1 son who is 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 product is the SkinMedica Lytera 2.0, which gives her a radiant and vibrant complexion.
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 isn’t rehearsal people. This is your life.”
Some of Noel’s Favorites
Hanna joined our team in May 2019 as our social media specialist. She keeps our social platforms educational and engaging, which is vital as many patients find us through Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and other social platforms. Originally from the East Coast, Hanna landed in Hawaii when her family packed up and moved to Maui in 2014. In her spare time, you can find her testing new recipes or hunting down the best vegan eats on the island.
Hanna’s Favorites
BOTOX injections to level out her eyebrows
Environ Youth EssentiA®
Patient coordinator Hekili is one of our newest additions to the practice in this role. Joining us at the end of 2018, she brought with her more than 11 years of sales experience in cosmetic dentistry and plastic surgery. Her eagerness to constantly learn new things, along with her contagious laughter, makes it a joy to work with her. Hekili is not shy about meeting new people and will always start a conversation. Travel and every form of the arts keep her interests piqued. Healthy living is high on her list, as well as spending time with her 3 children, along with family. Hekili’s favorite quote is, “Stop looking for happiness in the same place you lost it.”
Hekili’s Favorite
Her favorite skincare product is the Environ Vita-peptide C-Quence Serum.
Patient coordinator Keri 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 is our lead receptionist and brings with her many years of customer service experience. She was born and raised in Kalihi and loves outdoor activities, especially hiking. Leslie also enjoys socializing with her friends and meeting new people. We recently welcomed Leslie to the practice and we are thrilled that she has joined our team. Her mother is her number one inspiration because she taught her to never give up on what you love to do.
Leslie’s Favorite
She is excited to experience our HydraFacial treatment and get herself on an excellent custom skincare regimen.
Maria, our director of client services, has been with the practice since 2014. With decades of successful experience in hotel sales and marketing, she also has a knack for developing internal campaigns for team building in the workplace. Maria is an avid recreational reader and novice writer. She enjoys a good Netflix binge but also has the bug for traveling abroad. This self-proclaimed whiskey connoisseur also enjoys a few rounds on the craps table when in Vegas. Maria is full of sayings, but her favorite is, “Stay focused and extra sparkly.”
Maria’s Favorite
Her favorite skincare product is the SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub along with her bi-yearly treatment of Ultherapy.
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