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About

Welcome

to the office of Dr. Monica Scheel, Board Certified Dermatologist. We are a skin wellness
center located in Kailua-Kona, and Waimea Hawaii, offering skin, hair, and nails treatments.

Our highly-trained dermatology team provides expert and personalized genuine care to our island community.

It is the goal of our entire staff to make sure our patients are treated as part of our family and provided with the latest in high-quality skincare services, customized to fit each patient’s needs.

We pride ourselves on thorough skin examinations and listening to our patients’ needs. We have all the latest equipment for detecting, diagnosing, and preventing precancers and skin cancer.

We provide diagnosis and treatment of all dermatological conditions. We treat chronic conditions such as psoriasis, rosacea, skin allergies, and eczema as well as acne, melasma, hair loss, and nail fungus. We highly promote overall wellness and skin damage prevention.

We also offer a full range of cosmetic dermatological services that assist in skin rejuvenation. With the best treatments available to date, we assist in the reduction of brown spots and wrinkles, improvement in skin tone and texture, and give your skin that healthy glow!

We’d love to help you turn back
the clock and find that radiant,
smooth, plumper skin that you
remember!

Meet Dr. Monica Scheel

Dr. Monica is a Board Certified Dermatologist with over 20 years of experience in skin conditions and treatments for the skin, hair, and nails. She began her Skin Wellness Center in Kailua Kona, Hawaii, out of a desire to offer patients a personalized expert visit for their skin concerns. Dr. Monica’s vision has been achieved by creating a practice that includes state-of-the-art technology, a caring staff, a beautiful office, time to listen to her patients’ concerns, and customized treatment plans. Her initial dermatology consultations are 25 to 40 minutes versus the national average of only 7.5 minutes.

Dr. Monica was professionally trained through the University of Texas system. Her undergraduate degree was in Pharmacy from UT Austin. She was Pharmacy Council President and gained admission into the Rho Chi Pharmacy Honor Society. She won awards at graduation for the most contributions to the College of Pharmacy and Outstanding Student at the University of Texas in 1990.

Her Medical Degree was obtained at the University of Texas Southwestern/Parkland Hospital. While in medical school she volunteered with the Christian Medical and Dental Society, working as a pharmacist. As a pastime, she enjoyed running with her girlfriends. She graduated at the top of her class earning her admission into the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society and a coveted spot in a dermatology-training program.

She did an internship in Internal Medicine and her Residency in Dermatology at the University of Texas Medical Branch. She thrived on a wide variety of training in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. She was Chief Resident and passed her Board exams in dermatology in 1999, the same year she ran her first marathon.

Dr. Monica practiced Dermatology in Dallas, Texas with a group medical practice before moving to Hawaii to follow her dream. She initially worked part-time with Kaiser Permanente while setting up her own Dermatology office in Kailua Kona.

Dr. Monica stays active in her field by attending national conferences and advanced training seminars to ensure that she brings the latest in skincare to our Big Island. She completes over 50 hours in continuing education each year to stay current; a value well above the minimum required standards.

Dr. Monica speaks at local and national meetings on many aspects of dermatology. She has given presentations about skin cancer, psoriasis, exercise in medicine, acne, and more. She is a recognized speaker and physician trainer for Allergan, the makers of Botox and Juvederm and Galderma, the makers of Restylane and Dysport. She has recently become a physician trainer for QWO for cellulite treatment.  She trains other dermatologists and cosmetic injectors in Hawaii, California, & Texas on cosmetic dermatology with fillers and relaxers.

Dr. Monica is on the faculty for the University of Minnesota Medical School and has medical students intern in her office twice a year. She also hosts high school students, dermatology residents, medical students, and PA students who seek her out for her dermal expertise.

Dr. Monica has been recognized by the national media and has written articles and has been quoted for Oprah, Marie Claire, Sun Precautions, Fox News, and Triathlete magazine. She is profiled in New Beauty Magazine as an “Expert Injector” and is listed as one of the Top Doctors in the Honolulu Magazine for 6 years in a row.

Dr.Monica loves the ocean, athletics, community service, her girlfriends, and dogs! She came to Kona to scuba dive but also found joy in learning to kayak, swim, and stand up paddleboard.

It wasn’t long after arriving in Kona that the triathlon bug bit her. She began doing triathlons when she turned 40. She was able to meet her goals of completing Ironman Canada and the Ironman World Championship race in Kona before 45 years old.

She was the Board President for PATH, Peoples Advocacy for Trails Hawaii, and one of her passions is to see greenways preserved on our island.

She lives with her long-time fiance and their animals in the hills above Kona Town. They currently have 2 dogs and a cat and some wild chickens. Adam is the president of the HI Island Humane Society and they share a passion for bringing animals to their people and having a green space for that in the Animal Community Center in Holualoa.

Other charities that she heavily supports include the Daniel Sayre Foundation, the American Cancer Society, Hospice, More than Sport, Kona Hospital Foundation, the Melanoma Research Foundation, the Skin Cancer Foundation and the American Academy of Dermatology Free Skin Cancer Screenings.

Dr. Monica spends several days a year offering free skin cancer screenings and talks in our community. Her office also donates services to fundraising auctions for over 45 different island charities each year.

She is grateful for her thriving practices in Kona and Waimea where she is able to employ over 30 employees. Dr. Monica Scheel and her staff are passionate about her mission, “genuine caring for patients, community, and each other.”

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Certified Physician Assistants

Patricia Gannon Achay, PA-C

Patricia “Tricia” Gannon Achay is a nationally board-certified Physician Assistant. Tricia has been a PA at Dr. Monica Scheel Dermatology since 2014. She takes pride in providing top-level care to our patients. Tricia has trained extensively in Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology and Mohs Surgery. Additionally, she attends annual Dermatology conferences and training to stay on the cutting edge in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. She has experience in all realms of dermatology and values her aesthetic eye for injectable procedures. She has attended many advanced injector training and is considered an advanced injector.

Tricia received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Biological Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2007. Tricia went on to work for several years in the Emergency Department at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital where she gained valuable experience in emergency medicine.

Tricia received her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, CA in 2014. She graduated top of her class with honors, was on the Dean’s Honor List, and was appointed a member of the Alpha Eta Honor Society. She was also nationally recognized for scholastic and leadership abilities by Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. Tricia was born and raised in Kailua-Kona. She grew up on a coffee farm in Keauhou with her three siblings. She enjoys all the outdoor activities that Hawaii has to offer such as surfing, fishing, diving, running, swimming, and playing soccer. She married her husband, Logan Achay, also from Kailua-Kona, in 2012.

Tricia has always dreamt of returning to her hometown to work in medicine and serve the community that raised her. She was beyond thrilled to be given the opportunity to join Dr. Monica Scheel Dermatology. She is an advocate for community service, sharing much of the same values as Dr. Scheel. Tricia is a member of Hawaii Dermatology Society (HDS) and Society of Dermatology PA’s (SDPA).

Patsy Colvin, PA-C

Patsy Colvin is a nationally board-certified Physician Assistant. Physician assistants are highly qualified health care providers trained to perform medical examinations, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret medical tests, provide counsel on health care issues, do minor surgery independently, first assist in major surgery, and write prescriptions. Patsy partners with Dr. Scheel to bring you the highest possible level of care. Patsy is licensed in the State of Hawaii to provide medical and aesthetic services.

Patsy graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in Occupational Therapy. She went on to train as a Physician Assistant at the prestigious University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine PA program, graduating in 1983. She spent many years working in Hand Surgery and Rehabilitation in Los Angeles, Oahu, and Maui.

20 years ago she turned her attention to the art and science of Aesthetics and Anti-Aging Medicine. She completed a 2-1/2 year Fellowship in Anti-Aging medicine through the School of Biomedical Sciences at the University of South Florida School of Medicine and is certified in this specialized area of medicine. She is a Certified Advanced Injector as well, having completed rigorous training programs from the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. She took specialized training in Laser Scar Revision from the Department of Defense and completed a preceptorship at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego. She has extensive experience in improving the appearance of unsightly scars. She has 9 years of experience in medical and surgical dermatology. She is a Diplomate of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants, having completed a fellowship in Dermatology.

After working for eight years in Aesthetic Medicine and Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, Patsy returned to Hawaii, practicing on the Big Island. She joined Dr. Monica Scheel Dermatology in 2013 to bring her expertise and share her skills with our community. Her work has been published in New Beauty Magazine and presented at the American Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology national meeting.

Patsy loves aesthetics and has an artistic eye. Her focus is on Aesthetics and on Optimal Health and Wellness. She will be able to assess your needs and provide services for you with grace, ease, and comfort. She focuses on minimizing any discomfort associated with aesthetic services using a combination of topical numbing and cold. She is an expert at minimizing bruising as much as possible using the AccuVein vein finder which allows her to see blood vessels through the skin and thus avoid them during treatment.

Patsy shares Dr. Scheel’s views on Integrative Dermatology and the importance of providing compassionate and comprehensive skincare, spending time with her patients, and focusing on the whole person.

After graduate school, Patsy took a backpack and spent a year traveling around the world. As soon as her two beautiful daughters were old enough they began to join her in her travels. Together they have had many excellent adventures, with many more to come!

“Patsy is an amazing PA and I feel fortunate to have someone of her caliber and experience at our practice. I have the utmost confidence in Patsy. She and I will work together to bring you the latest and best dermatological care! While I hired Patsy for her brains, you can’t help but notice her good looks. If you are ready to learn what to do to keep looking good at any age, Patsy has the experience to create a year-long treatment plan for your rejuvenation.”

– Dr. Monica Scheel

Registered Nurse

Stephanie Ayau, RN

Stephanie is a Registered Nurse, Certified Nurse Injector, and a Certified Laser Nurse.

Stephanie has worked for Dr. Monica Scheel Dermatology for 7 years. She started as our Laser Nurse, treating our patients with cosmetic treatments, including ablative and non-ablative laser procedures.

Stephanie has completed her certifications in cosmetic injections including Botox, Dysport, Juvederm, and Restylane. She has been trained by Dr. Monica who is also an Expert Injector and trainer for Allergan and Galderma, the companies behind Botox and Dysport. She sees both Cosmetic Injectable patients and Aesthetic Laser patients on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays in our Kona office and Wednesdays in our Waimea office. She is currently enrolled in the Masters of Nursing program and once graduated she will be a Nurse Practitioner and will be able to care for our medical patients in the community.

Originally a California native, she brings her sunny disposition to the team. When not working, Stephanie enjoys spending time with her two little girls and husband David hiking, camping, running with her dogs, and traveling the globe.

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Aestheticians

Each of our staff members has been selected to provide expertly personalized skincare. Our team of talented licensed professionals provides a variety of services, procedures, products, and consultations to help improve and maintain the appearance and health of our patient’s skin. Our team has a remarkable passion for what they do. You can expect quality care, as they work together to help you achieve your skincare goals.

Casey Gavoni

Casey was born and raised in Plymouth, Massachusetts, where she attended the Aesthetics program at Spa Tech Institute. She is a licensed Aesthetician in the state of Hawaii and Massachusetts.

From a young age, Casey always knew she would have a career in the beauty industry. She is passionate about making people look and feel their best. It has been a dream of hers to work in the medical side of esthetics. When she is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her fiancé and dog.

Casey is certified in DiamondGlow Facials, Dermaplaning, PCA Chemical Peels, Hydrojelly Mask’s, Microneedling,Teeth whitening and the following Cynosure Lasers- Icon IPL, 1540 Fractionated Light, Picosure Facial and Laser Tattoo Treatments, Vectus Hair Removal, and Potenza radio frequency micro needling. She primarily works out of our Kona and Waimea locations.

Dayna Lee

Dayna was born and raised on the Hamakua Coast of the Big Island.

Dayna studied Esthetics in Northern California and worked at luxury spas in Napa Valley for years. She is a licensed Aesthetician in the state of Hawaii and California & also has a certification in cosmetic tattoo and micro-blading in California. Her background is in high-end luxury spa and wellness centers located in the Napa Valley region. So she was the perfect fit for Refresh by Dr.Monica.

She has a background in art and fashion design with a BFA in fine arts, but her own experience and struggles with skin led her to dermatology, where she continues to evolve as an esthetician in advanced skin esthetics. In her free time, Dayna loves painting, nature, and hiking.

Dayna is certified in DiamondGlow Facials, Dermaplaning, PCA Chemical Peels, Hydrojelly Mask, Microneedling, Bodytone, Lymphatic Drainage Massage, and the following Cynosure Lasers- 1540 Fractionated Light, & Vectus Hair Removal. She primarily works out of our Waimea location.

Nala Foti-Cowan

Nala grew up in Kona, Hawai’i. She moved to Oahu to attend esthetics school and pursue a career in skin care and rejuvenation. After completing the required hours and training, she graduated from Makana Esthetics Wellness Academy. Nala is a licensed aesthetician in the State of Hawaii.

After graduation, Nala worked as a medical aesthetician at Aloha Laser Aesthetics in Honolulu for 4 years operating the following Cynosure Lasers: Picosure, Sculpsure, Tempsure, Flexure, Icon (1540 Fractionated light, Max G and Max R) and assisted in Smart skin CO2 treatments. Aside from Cynosure, she trained and certified to use the Collagen Pin Microneedle and Genius Microneedling with RF from Lutronic. She has experience as a medical assistant with injectables using Botox, Dysport and Restylane HA fillers.

Nala has moved back to the Big Island to raise her family. When she is not at work, she loves to be at the beach with her daughter and husband.

Nala is certified in Diamond Glow Facials, Dermaplaning, PCA Chemical Peels, Hydrojelly Masks, Microneedling, Bodytone, and the following Cynosure Lasers- Icon IPL, 1540 Fractionated Light, Picosure Facial and Laser Tattoo Treatments, Vectus Hair Removal, Sculpsure. She primarily works out of our Kona and Waimea locations.

Jenelle Marion

Jenelle is originally from Oregon, where she was professionally trained by Aveda in Portland, Oregon. She has been a licensed aesthetician for over 10 years. Jenelle moved to the Big Island in 2009 where she continued to work as an Aesthetican in prestigious spas on the island, along with owning her own business. But It has always been a dream of hers to work in a dermatology clinic to gain more education and experience.

Along with being a licensed aesthetician in the state of Hawaii, she is also NCEA Certified, which puts her at a Master Aesthetican Credentials. She has a true dedication & passion for skincare.

When Jenelle is not in the office she likes to adventure outdoors with her son and enjoys the diverse scenery that the big island has to offer. She also enjoys volunteering and supporting community projects and events.

Jenelle is certified in DiamondGlow Facials, Dermaplaning, PCA Chemical Peels, Hydrojelly Masks, Microneedling, Bodytone, and the following Cynosure Lasers- Sculpsure. She primarily works out of our Kona and Waimea locations.

Brittany Heu

Brittany was born and raised on the island of Maui and moved to Kona shortly after graduating high school. While always being passionate and interested in Dermatology and skin care, she’s decided to start her career in Esthetics. Brittany is a Licensed Aesthetician in the state of Hawaii and a certified Medical Assistant. After completing both programs she knew she wanted to work in a medical Spa setting. Having 1 year of experience working closely with providers as a Medical assistant, she gained knowledge and interest in medical dermatology, focusing on not only injectables and lasers but skin cancers and different conditions of the skin. This has helped her gain more knowledge of the skin and the importance of esthetics treatment and how medical and esthetics go hand in hand. When not at work Brittany enjoys visiting family on Maui. She loves spending time at the beach and being active outdoors.

Brittany is certified in Diamond Glow Facials, Dermaplaning, PCA Chemical Peels, Hydrojelly Masks, Microneedling, and the following Cynosure Laser Vectus Hair Removal. She primarily works out of our Kona and Waimea locations.

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Meet The Team

Testimonials & Reviews

One of the best things about Hawaii is the sense of community. People are welcoming, friendly and accept everyone as part of their family. We also think of our patients as family members and work hard to make them happy. Below are just some of the testimonials we’ve received from happy patients.