Meet the Staff

Morgan Gavalas

Nurse Practitioner

Morgan was born and raised in Tampa, FL. She is a board-certified Advanced Practice Registered Nurse and received her Doctorate in Nursing Practice from the University of South Florida. Morgan joined our team in May 2022 after obtaining 5 years’ experience as an Interventional Cardiology Nurse Practitioner to pursue her passion in plastic surgery and aesthetics. She now specializes in neurotoxin injections, fillers, Morpheus 8, CO2 laser, IPL, and laser hair removal. Morgan also helps care for our surgical patients throughout their preoperative and postoperative phases in our office.

Morgan recently welcomed her first baby Chloe. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, their newborn and two dogs as well as traveling and attending group fitness classes.

Emily DeNisco

Nurse Practitioner

Emily is a native of Tampa and attended Tampa Catholic High School. Emily received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Florida State University, with a minor in Family and Child Sciences. She then studied at the University of Miami and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Emily worked locally as a Registered Nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Tampa Outpatient Surgical Facility while earning her Master of Science in Nursing from The University of Tampa.

Emily is a Nurse Practitioner, board certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Emily has been with Dr. Aya-ay since 2018 and specializes in non-invasive in office treatments as well as assisting Dr. Aya-ay in surgery. She is a skilled injector of Botox, Dysport and other neurotoxins as well as full facial filler and Sculptra. She also performs a wide range of laser therapy for skin resurfacing, permanent hair reduction, Morpheus 8, vascular lesions, and sun damage removal.

In her free time, Emily enjoys exercising, traveling, and spending time with her husband, family, and friends.

Denise Westbrooks

Practice Manager

Denise is a Florida native, born in Miami and raised in Tallahassee, FL. She moved to Atlanta, GA where she raised her 3 kids, and recently moved back to Florida to join Dr. Aya-ay’s practice & Med Spa as a Practice Manager here in Tampa, FL.

Denise brings over twenty years of experience in the medical Aesthetics industry with her. She is board certified licensed massage therapist, licensed Medical Esthetician, and laser certified. Denise worked as a Patient Care Coordinator and in medical sales for over ten years. She studied Psychology and Sociology at the University of North Georgia.

In her leisure time, Denise loves to spend time with family, traveling, exercising, and enjoys anything that takes her outdoors.

James Aya-ay

CFO

James is a former biomedical scientist for Shriner’s Hospital and Moffitt Cancer Center and currently teaches biology and anatomy at Sickles High School and Hillsborough Community College. He manages the financial duties of Dr. Aya-ay’s practice. He is happy to support his wife, Dr. Melanie Aya-ay in this great endeavor of her medical career. James enjoys working out, boating, traveling, hunting, teaching. and spending time with family.

Gina Aya-ay

Insurance Coordinator

Gina moved to Tampa in 2014, from Myrtle Beach, SC. She feels blessed to have this opportunity to support the practice of her talented sister-in law and loves living close to family. She is educated in healthcare with a degree in medicine and comes with work experience from several medical practices. When not at work, Gina cherishes family time, especially with her 3 children, and cuddle time with two shitzus.

Anita Watts

Patient Care Coordinator, CST - SA

Anita is a native of Ohio and has resided in Tampa since 2004. She has been a part of Dr. Aya-ay’s team for over 12 years. She has worked in various roles in the company; assisting in the operating room, post operative office clinics and front office administration.

 Anita has recently moved into the role of Dr. Aya-ay’s Patient Care Coordinator. She is dedicated to ensuring that all our patients have everything they need when considering, planning, or undergoing a cosmetic procedure with our practice. Anita is here to ensure that your patient experience is of the highest quality.

Anita has an excellent knowledge base of the surgical/healthcare industry and has experience working with surgeon’s, patients, and staff throughout the Tampa Bay area.

In her free time, Anita enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.

Laura Mendez

Aesthetic Coordinator & Marketing/Social Media Specialist

Laura was born in Colombia and raised in Tampa. She graduated in 2016 from the University of South Florida with a bachelor’s degree in public health. Laura has been a part of our team since 2018. Laura enjoys traveling and spending time with her dogs, family, and friends.

Lisa Mallory 

Certified License Massage Therapist

Lisa is an experienced licensed massage therapist and brings over 16 years of experience with her to our practice. She specializes in Ashiatsu Barefoot massage, Bamboo massage, Body wraps, Cupping therapy, Hot stone massage, MPS, Needleless acupuncture, Therapeutic ultrasound & Deep tissue massage. Lisa attended Klose training in Jacksonville, Florida where she received her certification in Manual lymphatic drainage and specialized in The Vodder technique.

Lisa is originally from Tennessee and has lived in the Tampa Bay area since 1996. She attended Everest University where she received her license in Massage Therapy. Next year, Lisa plans on pursuing her certification in Oncology/Hospice therapy.

In her free time, Lisa enjoys spending time with her daughter. She also loves to travel, being outdoors and visiting family in St. Augustine and Tennessee. 

Emily Rogers

Licensed Esthetician

Emmy is a Licensed Esthetician and has been practicing for the last 5 years. She grew up in upstate New York where she attended the State University of New York at Potsdam and received her Bachelor of Science in Public Health. She then attended the Aesthetic Science Institute studying esthetics before obtaining her Esthetics License in the state of New York. Since then, she has taken additional courses and become certified in Microneedling, Microcurrent, and Spray Tanning. She has also received training with ZO Skin Health, Skinceuticals, and Hydrafacial. Emmy moved to St Pete 3 years ago where she obtained her Esthetics License in the State of Florida. In her off-time, Emmy loves to spend time with her friends and her Goldendoodle, Lucy. She also loves traveling and seeing her family!

Emily Parker

Back-Office Coordinator

Parker was born in South Carolina and has lived in Tampa Florida for over twenty years. Parker is currently enrolled in the Radiology program pursuing her certification as an Ultrasound tech. Parker enjoys going to concerts, working out, and spending time with her family and friends in her free time.

Heather Barker

Front Desk Coordinator

Heather is a 5th generation Florida born and raised in Tampa. She is a seasoned professional with a wealth of knowledge in healthcare. She has a strong background in medical billing, scheduling and in sales. In her off time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Yenika Conde

Medical Assistant

Yenika was born in Cuba and was raised in Tampa Florida. Yenika is currently enrolled at St. Petersburg College working on her Bachelor’s degree in Biology. Yenika enjoys and takes pride in proving excellent care to our patients.  Yenika enjoys traveling, going to concerts, yoga and spending time with her family and friends in her free time.

Molly Flanagan

Medical Assistant

Molly was born and raised in the Tampa Bay Area, she graduated in 2023 from Norwich University with a bachelor’s degree in health science with a minor in Biology. Molly plans on continuing her education in the medical field by pursuing her master’s degree and becoming a Physician Assistant. Molly enjoys spending time with her family and friends and loves to run and enjoys playing hockey.

Nicole Brown

Office Assistant

Nicole (also goes by Nikki) was born in Texas, raised in Virginia, and moved to Florida in 1994. She is very excited for the opportunity to be working with Dr. Aya-ay and helping with the growth of her practice. Nicole enjoys spending time with her husband and children and exploring new journey in life with family and friends.