Staff
Wendy Krause, Patient Care Coordinator
Wendy is MAE Plastic Surgery’s Patient Care Coordinator. She joined our practice in 2003 with over 14 years of experience in the field of plastic surgery. Wendy is very knowledgeable with regard to various procedures and surgeries, and she looks forward to answering any questions you may have. She is absolutely incredible when it comes to explaining each procedure in detail and can also assist you with the various payment options we offer. Wendy’s focus is to make sure our patients achieve their desired results, feel comfortable within our practice, and have all their questions answered, making the process as smooth as possible. Wendy enjoys helping to improve both the inner and outer beauty in you!
Beth Harris, BSN, RN
Bachelor of Science/Nursing, Registered Nurse
Beth joined our practice in 2006 as one of MAE Plastic Surgery’s Aesthetic Nurse Specialists. She has been a registered nurse for over 23 years and has worked in the field of plastic surgery for 15 years. Beth originally obtained her experience in Los Angeles where she worked with some of the top plastic surgeons in Beverly Hills. Her client list included many of Hollywood’s top stars!
Beth takes the time to develop an individual treatment plan for each of her patients that addresses their areas of concern. Her nursing philosophy emphasizes patient interaction, education and satisfaction. Beth’s dynamic personality, attention to detail, and expertise in facial shaping contributes to her patients overall happiness with their results. Be sure to ask her about the Transcend “liquid” Facelift. The results are incredible!
Beth looks forward to meeting with you and servicing all of your injectable needs.
Nicole Cain, BSN, MSN, RN
Bachelor of Science/Nursing, Master of Science/Nursing, Registered Nurse
The most recent addition to the MAE Plastic Surgery team, Nicole joined the practice in 2007. With over 15 years of nursing experience (working within Chicagoland’s most respected hospitals), Nicole has further developed and expanded her skills by undergoing extensive training in injectables and non-surgical aesthetic procedures. As one of MAE Plastic Surgery’s Aesthetic Nurse Specialists, her responsibilities include administering the various FDA-approved injectables, treating patients with LipoDissolve (a non-surgical procedure for melting away fat), and working with one of the most exciting breakthroughs in skin rejuvenation called DOT Laser Therapy. She also offers a new procedure called Sonic Therapy, a therapeutic ultrasound which promotes healing, decreases pain and reduces swelling in post-operative patients.
Nicole loves what she does! She makes every patient feel comfortable and at ease by getting to know them, understanding their specific goals, answering all questions, and thoroughly explaining each procedure and treatment being done. She looks forward to meeting you!
Erin Catanese, BSN, RN
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Registered Nurse

Erin obtained her nursing degree from the University of Iowa in 2002. She started her career as an emergency room nurse and was introduced to Dr. Epstein in 2005, when she changed her specialty to Peri-Anesthesia nursing. Erin was immediately impressed with the family-like atmosphere of Dr.Epstein’s practice and the way in which he interacted with his patients and became Nurse Manager of Northbrook Plastic Surgery in January 2011. Erin provides dedicated one-on-one care for all surgical patients (both pre-operatively and post-operatively) and is in charge of maintaining the facility’s accreditation with the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery (AAAASF). Always wanting to learn and give even more to her patients, Erin is in the process of becoming certified in Plastic Surgery Nursing.
Laine Broder, RN, BSN
Laine is an accomplished aesthetic nurse who earned her nursing degree at the University of Iowa College of Nursing. She has been in the plastic surgery field for over 15 years and brings over 10 years of experience injecting Botox, Juvederm, Radiesse and Restylane. Laine is also a National Trainer for Allergan who educates physicians and nurses with the latest injection techniques. She also has an array of experience with the latest laser procedures including laser hair removal, photofacial treatments and fractional lasers. Laine has proudly traveled to 3rd world countries to help correct deformities, mainly cleft lip palates for children in under-served areas of the world. This has been a humbling experience for her, and she is grateful to be able to volunteer her time for such an amazing cause.
Kerry Angle, Transcend MedSpa Coordinator
Before joining the staff of Transcend MedSpa in 2009, Kerry spent over 15 years working in the field of plastic surgery assisting a variety of surgeons with running their practices and interacting daily with their patients. It was the work she did at a MedSpa in Louisiana back in 1994 that sparked her passion and interest in non-surgical procedures including cosmetic injectables, laser treatments, anti-aging skin care, chemical peels and other skin rejuvenation processes. As Transcend MedSpa’s Coordinator, Kerry not only manages the MedSpa’s day to day responsibilities, but she is also very involved with each of the patients and the treatments they receive, ensuring that their Transcend experience exceeds their expectations.
Marta Kwiatkowska, Licensed Aesthetician
Marta K. is a licensed aesthetician with over 10 years of experience. She has always believed that skin care is her future. Taking care of people’s needs and making them feel better about their appearance has always been her goal. She is excellent at treating different skin conditions and helping our patients choose the right skin care regimen. Superb training for medical-grade skin treatments, along with many years of experience, has made Marta K. extremely comfortable with her knowledge and techniques. Her motto is and always will be, “always learning, always professional, and always there for you.”
Edith Slawniak, Licensed Aesthetician

Drs. Epstein and Gutowski are pleased to welcome Edith Slawniak to Transcend MedSpa. A licensed aesthetician for over 9 years with a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience, Edith specializes in microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, and chemical peels to help beautify the skin and minimize fine lines and wrinkles. She is also skilled in the use of cosmetic lasers and enjoys eye brow waxing and shaping.
A consummate professional, Edith takes her time with each and every patient, ensuring that they are treated thoroughly and professionally to achieve the results they both want. Educating her patients about the latest treatments and the most innovative skincare regimens, and helping them look and feel their very best, is her ultimate goal. Knowing that her patients are happy with the results is among her greatest achievements. Her desire to continue learning about the medical skincare field, along with her need to keep current with the latest treatments and products, contributes to her incredible success with patients.













