Emily Nardiello, Physician Assistant Certified
Emily Nardiello joined CSDI in 2016 and has developed a loyal following because of her pleasant demeanor and thorough explanation in visits. Patients routinely comment on this in the office or google reviews along with her medical assistant who make up a great team.
Emily’s journey to becoming a PA-C began with an interest in biomedical sciences. She chose dermatology because the field has such a broad scope of conditions and she recognized how patient’s lives are affected by having skin problems. “The skin is the first thing you see on a person, conditions affecting the skin may not only be uncomfortable but almost always affects a person mentally and socially. Therefore for me, improving the skin can greatly enhance a person’s happiness in life”.
Emily has her own personal reasons for a passion for dermatology, growing up in Florida with little education at the time about UV sun damage; she has seen the negative impact first hand. Educating patients of all ages on how to better protect their skin from sun damage is something she really enjoys.
Cosmetic dermatology is another part of Emily’s scope of practice. She is excited about how technology can be utilized to treat patients in a way that couldn’t be done in the past. Fraxel, and Vbeam, are just a few of the services Emily performs here.
Emily has been practicing dermatology for 2 years prior to joining Dr. Michalak. She attended Grand Valley State University and holds a Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant studies. Her affiliations are the Washington Academy of Physician Assistants (WAPA) and American Academy of Physician’s Assistants AAPA.
Ashley Wu, FNP-BC
Ashley Wu, FNP-BC, joined CSDI in October 2021.
Before joining CSDI, Ashley practiced as a dermatology advanced nurse practitioner for three years in New York City. She received her Master of Science Degree in Nursing from Columbia University, her Bachelor of Science in nursing from Villanova University, and Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Rutgers University in New Jersey. Ashley became immediately interested in dermatology while in graduate school after attending a dermatology lecture, grabbing any chance she could to get a dermatology rotation. What drew her to the skin was “the quick improvement that can be visibly seen after treatment. The skin also has such a large psycho-social impact, and I love helping patients feel whole and confident again.” This is a philosophy she shares with all the advanced healthcare providers in practice.
Ashley will be seeing patients for general dermatology including skin cancer screening, acne, rashes, hair loss, cysts removal, and other conditions. She especially loves to help children and teenagers.
On a personal note, Ashley had spent 9 years of her childhood in Taiwan and thus is fluent in Mandarin Chinese. When she is not in the clinic, you can find Ashley crocheting her next amigurumi and climbing.
Ashley is taking new patients for general dermatology, Botox, Fraxel, VBeam, and Laser Dynamic Therapy.
Gigi Rusnak, ARNP
CDSI is pleased to introduce Gigi Rusnak, the newest member to join the advanced healthcare team in 2022. Gigi brings some of her skill in dermatology from working as a registered nurse where she was able to gain experience from several advanced practitioners and dermatologists prior to her start at CSDI.
She became interested in dermatology at age 11 while frequenting a dermatology clinic for her severe, stubborn acne. Her provider at the dermatology clinic, a Family Nurse Practitioner inspired her to pursue a career that would impact the lives of people like herself. Gigi also has a family history of malignant melanoma, making both cancer prevention and detection even more important to her practice.
Gigi graduated magna cum laude from Emory University with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, and from Georgetown University with her Master of Science in Nursing Degree. She also worked as a traveling nurse on medical-surgical, long-term acute care, and oncology hospital floors.
When not working at the clinic, you will find Gigi training for triathlons or face timing her family located on the east coast.
Gigi is accepting new patients for general dermatology , Botox, Fraxel, Vbeam, and LDT.
Leslie Carney, Master Aesthetician
Licensed Master Aesthetician, Leslie Carney performs many of the aesthetic treatments offered at CSDI.
She has a background in women’s health and nutrition that became the perfect segue into aesthetics. She enjoys helping patients who are interested in rejuvenating their skin or are struggling with acne. It’s not uncommon for patients with skin problems to ask about how diet can affect their skin.
Leslie has a passion for aesthetics that is undeniable when you meet her. She is refreshingly knowledgeable drawing upon her years of experience and training. She has been practicing aesthetics for over 15 years here, and holds advanced laser training certificates in addition to the high level of training provided by Dr. Michalak.
Leslie does Ultherapy for skin tightening, Ultrashape for body contouring, two custom treatments using the Fraxel® laser; Fraxel Facial and Fortified Fraxel Facial and Microneedling. She also offers Vitalize, Rejuvenize, and glycolic acid peels. If you’re being treated for acne, the glycolic acid peels can be sometimes covered by insurance.
For those interested in skincare, Leslie can develop a customized skincare program for home use that is effective and complementary to in-office treatments. She offers complimentary skincare consultations, and is happy to discuss any of the treatments offered.