Meet the Team at Smith Plastic Surgery Institute
When it comes to providing the highest level of patient care no other surgical practice compares to the team here at Smith Plastic Surgery Institute.* Our entire staff is highly trained and dedicated to ensuring that every single patient gets the most out of their experience with us, from start to finish. The Smith Plastic Surgery Institute team comes from all over the country and brings with them the devotion to our patients that we value above all else. We have in-practice anesthesiologists, nurses, surgical and medical assistants, patient coordinators, and office management staff, all dedicated to ensuring that your experience with Smith Plastic Surgery Institute is perfection, from your initial consultation to your procedure and all the way through your recovery.*
Nothing is more important to our Las Vegas Plastic Surgery Institute Team than helping you become and embrace a more youthful, beautiful, and confident appearance.*
Our Clinical Team
Desiree
CEO
With a career spanning over two decades in the medical field, Desiree brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for her work to her role as CEO. Desiree’s journey in the medical profession has been characterized by a commitment to excellence, compassion, and a drive to enhance the well-being and confidence of individuals. Having dedicated her career to the field of plastic surgery, Desiree has honed her skills and knowledge, staying at the forefront of advancements in the industry.
As the CEO of Smith Plastic Surgery, Desiree is poised to lead our team towards new heights of success. Her vision is rooted in providing personalized and cutting-edge solutions to our patients, ensuring that each individual receives the highest standard of care. Desiree’s leadership style is marked by a collaborative spirit, fostering a culture of innovation, integrity, and patient-centered care within our practice.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Desiree is known for her genuine warmth and dedication to building lasting relationships with both our team and our valued patients. She understands that each person who walks through our doors has a unique story and desires a tailored approach to their aesthetic journey.
Jessica
Patient Coordinator
Jessica Gonzalez has been an integral part of Smith Plastic Surgery since 2015, bringing over a decade of dedication, compassion, and expertise to her role as Patient Coordinator. With her warm demeanor and meticulous attention to detail, Jessica ensures every patient feels seen, supported, and cared for throughout their entire aesthetic journey.
Her deep knowledge of the practice and her commitment to exceptional service make her a trusted guide for patients—from the first consultation to post-operative care. Jessica takes pride in helping individuals feel confident in their decisions and excited about their transformations.
Outside of work, Jessica’s greatest joy comes from being a proud and devoted mother to her three amazing daughters. Balancing her busy home life with her professional passion, she remains a steady and positive presence both in the office and at home.
Brittany
Patient Coordinator
Brittany Duncan has been a valued member of the Smith Plastic Surgery team since 2017. With a background as a medical assistant and a naturally versatile skill set, Brittany has taken on many roles within the practice—always stepping up wherever she’s needed.
Known for her calm, caring nature and patient-focused approach, Brittany’s sweet demeanor immediately puts those around her at ease. Whether she’s assisting in consultations, coordinating surgeries, or helping patients navigate their post-operative care, she brings professionalism, empathy, and warmth to every interaction.
As one of the key patient coordinators helping hold the surgery center together, Brittany plays a vital role in making sure every detail of the patient journey is smooth, supportive, and seamless. She truly is a gem, and her dedication continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of our patients and the strength of our team.
Natasja
Lead Medical Assistant to Dr. Lane Smith
With more than two decades of experience in the medical field, Natasja Rinaldi serves as the lead medical assistant to Dr. Lane Smith, playing a vital role in patient care and post-operative support at Smith Plastic Surgery. Her well-rounded expertise and warm, professional demeanor make her a cornerstone of the clinical team.
Since joining the practice in 2019, Natasja has become known for her exceptional bedside manner, in-depth procedural knowledge, and ability to anticipate the needs of both patients and surgeons. She is deeply involved in the post-surgical process, ensuring each patient feels supported and confident through every stage of recovery.
Outside of work, Natasja is a devoted mother who values time with her daughter and enjoys quick getaways to California to reconnect with loved ones. Her passion for plastic surgery, combined with a continuous drive to learn and grow, ensures that she remains a trusted and irreplaceable member of the Smith Plastic Surgery team for years to come.
Valeria
Medical Assistant to Dr. Lane Smith
Valeria is a dedicated and highly skilled medical assistant with over seven years of experience in the fields of plastic surgery and medical aesthetics. As a key member of Dr. Lane Smith’s clinical team, Valeria plays an essential role in both the surgical and medspa sides of the practice, where her deep understanding of pre- and post-operative care directly contributes to optimal patient outcomes and satisfaction.
Her expertise spans a wide range of responsibilities, including assisting in surgical procedures, coordinating post-operative treatment plans, and delivering compassionate, one-on-one care to patients during every stage of their transformation. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and calming bedside manner, Valeria helps ensure that each patient’s experience is smooth, safe, and supportive.
Valeria’s passion for aesthetics, combined with her hands-on experience in fast-paced, high-level medical environments, has made her a trusted figure among patients and colleagues alike. Her commitment to continuous learning and excellence in patient care reflects the high standards of Smith Plastic Surgery Institute.
Elana
Front Office Coordinator
Elana Cordero is a proud mother of two with a warm, approachable personality that shines through in every patient interaction. For the past three years, she has been a vital part of Dr. Smith’s team, specializing in scheduling consultations and ensuring a smooth experience from the very first call. Elana genuinely enjoys being on the phone and connecting with patients, offering both empathy and efficiency in every conversation.
Outside of work, Elana loves to read, try new restaurants, and spend time with animals. Her compassionate nature and love for communication make her an essential member of the practice and a favorite among patients.
Valerie
Front Office Coordinator
With over 12 years of customer service experience, Valerie brings warmth, professionalism, and a personal touch to every patient interaction at Smith Plastic Surgery. As our Front Office Coordinator, she plays a key role in scheduling consultations and ensuring each patient feels welcomed and cared for from the moment they walk through our doors. Valerie values teamwork and strives to create a supportive, family-like environment with both her colleagues and patients. She’s currently pursuing a degree in nursing, driven by her passion for helping others. Outside of work, Valerie enjoys spending time with her corgi, Rocky, staying active at the gym, and cooking delicious meals
Andrea
Medical Assistant & Front Office Coordinator
Andrea brings nearly three years of experience in the medical field, beginning her healthcare journey with a deep passion for patient care and a strong work ethic developed during her high school years in the restaurant industry. In 2022, while pregnant with her second child, she made the life-changing decision to pursue a career in healthcare and began studying to become a Medical Assistant.
Andrea joined Smith Plastic Surgeryas an intern and quickly impressed the team with her dedication and skills. She was hired immediately after completing her externship and started her role as both a Sterilization Technician and Medical Assistant, supporting surgical and clinical operations. After welcoming her third baby, Andrea returned to work with even greater drive, now contributing at the front desk while continuing to assist the Medical Assistants as needed.
Her adaptability, compassion, and commitment to learning make Andrea a valued member of the team and a dependable presence for both patients and colleagues.
Surgical Staff
Dr. Michael Fortunato
Lead Anesthesiologist
Dr. Michael Fortunato serves as the lead anesthesiologist at Smith Plastic Surgery, where he plays a vital role in ensuring patient safety, comfort, and peace of mind during every surgical procedure. With years of experience in anesthesiology and a deep understanding of the intricacies of plastic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Fortunato is an indispensable part of the surgical team.
Known for his calm demeanor, precision, and attentiveness, Dr. Fortunato oversees every aspect of anesthesia care — from pre-operative evaluations and customized anesthesia plans to intraoperative monitoring and smooth post-operative recovery. He specializes in general anesthesia, IV sedation, and advanced airway management, and remains current on the latest advancements to offer the safest and most effective techniques available.
Patients often remark on Dr. Fortunato’s ability to ease their anxiety with compassion and confidence. Behind the scenes, he collaborates seamlessly with the surgeons and nursing team to create a smooth surgical experience from start to finish. His presence is not only comforting for patients but also provides critical support for the entire operating room.
Whether you are undergoing a complex cosmetic procedure or a minimally invasive surgery, Dr. Fortunato’s expertise and attention to detail help ensure that your experience is as safe and comfortable as possible. His dedication to excellence in anesthesia is just one of the many reasons Smith Plastic Surgery is recognized for outstanding surgical care.
Margaret
Director of Nursing
Margaret is a dedicated healthcare professional with over 20 years of frontline medical experience in Las Vegas. She began her career as a paramedic, serving the community for five years before transitioning into emergency nursing. For the next decade, Margaret worked in adult emergency departments, where she honed her clinical skills and developed a deep understanding of acute patient care.
Her commitment to excellence and leadership led her to the University Medical Center (UMC) Children’s Hospital, Nevada’s only designated pediatric trauma center. There, she served as a charge nurse in the Pediatric Emergency Department for another decade, overseeing clinical operations and mentoring nursing staff. UMC Children’s Hospital is renowned for providing the highest level of pediatric care in the state, offering specialized services including a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Margaret then changed paths into aesthetics and took a position at Smith Plastic Surgery, providing extended overnight care for post-operative patients. Over the next five years, she worked her way up through the organization and now serves as the Director of Nursing, where she leads clinical operations and ensures the highest standards of patient care in a premier aesthetic practice.
Bryan
Surgical Assistant
With over a decade of hands-on experience, Bryan is a cornerstone of the surgical team at Smith Plastic Surgery. Since 2010, he has worked side by side with Dr. Lane Smith, earning a reputation as a trusted and skilled surgical assistant who is truly indispensable to the practice.
Bryan holds a surgical technician certificate from Concorde Career College in California and additional training certifications as a lab assistant, EKG technician, and medical assistant from the College of the Canyons – Santa Clarita WorkSource. His diverse medical background and meticulous attention to detail make him an essential part of every surgical procedure.
Known affectionately as Dr. Smith’s “right-hand man,” Bryan is calm under pressure, focused in the operating room, and always willing to go the extra mile for patients and staff alike. His loyalty, professionalism, and willingness to continue learning year after year have made him a true fixture of our surgical center.
Outside of the OR, Bryan has a deep passion for music and brings that same creative spirit and discipline into his work every day. His presence is reassuring, his work ethic unmatched, and his contribution to the patient experience is invaluable.
Erin
Registered Nurse
Erin Sheehan is a highly skilled registered nurse with a strong foundation in intensive care and a heart set on the operating room. A proud graduate of UNLV, Erin brings both clinical expertise and a deep sense of compassion to her role at Smith Plastic Surgery.
Her passion for patient care shines through in every case—whether she’s scrubbing in or supporting a patient through recovery. Erin is committed to delivering safe, attentive, and collaborative care, and her calm presence brings comfort and confidence to both patients and colleagues alike.
With her ICU background and love for surgery, Erin is a vital part of our surgical team and a true advocate for excellence in every aspect of patient care.
Neli
Registered Nurse
Neli is a compassionate and highly skilled registered nurse with a dynamic clinical background that includes orthopedic surgery, aesthetic medicine, and plastic surgery. At Smith Plastic Surgery, she serves as a key member of the surgical team, where she circulates in the operating room alongside Dr. Smith—ensuring a seamless, sterile, and well-coordinated environment for every procedure.
Her extensive experience in both perioperative and post-operative care makes her an invaluable asset to our patients and staff. Neli is dedicated to patient safety and satisfaction, guiding each individual through a smooth surgical experience and a supported recovery.
As one of our bilingual nurses, Neli also plays a vital role in enhancing communication and comfort for our Spanish-speaking patients—ensuring every step of the journey is clearly understood and thoughtfully navigated.
Whether she’s circulating in surgery, assisting with recovery, or offering reassurance before a procedure, Neli is known for her professionalism, warmth, and commitment to clinical excellence.
Mallori
Surgical Technician/ SPD Tech
Mallori is a dedicated and detail-oriented Plastic Surgical Technologist with 4 years of experience supporting surgeons in cosmetic, reconstructive, and microsurgical procedures. Known for precision, efficiency, and a strong understanding of sterile techniques, Mallori plays a vital role in the operating room—preparing surgical instruments, ensuring patient safety, and assisting during complex plastic surgery operations.
Connie
Registered Nurse
Connie is an experienced and compassionate nurse with specialized training in both perioperative and post-operative care. Her deep-rooted passion for aesthetics and plastic surgery drives her commitment to ensuring every patient’s experience is safe, smooth, and exceptional.
Known for her gentle touch and calm presence, Connie goes above and beyond to make each patient feel welcomed, informed, and genuinely cared for. Her dedication to safety, comfort, and outstanding results shines through in every interaction—making her an invaluable member of the Smith Plastic Surgery team.
Whether she’s prepping patients for surgery or guiding them through recovery, Connie’s expertise and heartfelt care leave a lasting impression on all who meet her.
Valerie
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Technician
Valerie Fernandez is a dedicated Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Technician with a strong
foundation in patient care, backed by 20 years of experience as a Certified Medical Assistant.
With a deep commitment to healing and wellness, Valerie brings precision, compassion, and
clinical expertise to her role in delivering hyperbaric treatments for a variety of conditions,
including wound care, radiation injuries, and chronic infections.
Her journey in the medical field began over two decades ago, where she developed a broad
clinical skill set working closely with physicians and specialists. Her transition into hyperbaric
medicine was driven by her passion for advanced healing technologies and a desire to support
patients through complex recovery processes.
Known for her calm demeanor, strong work ethic, and patient-centered approach, Valerie
consistently provides safe and effective care while maintaining compliance with all regulatory
and safety protocols. While playing a vital role in improving patient outcomes.
- Helping patients heal through oxygen therapy
- 20+ yrs in healthcare | Wound care & wellness
- Caregiver at heart | Always learning, always growing
- Faith. Purpose. Compassion.
- Healing one breath at a time
Heidi
Registered Nurse – Per Diem Surgical Team
With over 15 years of dedication to Smith Plastic Surgery, Heidi is a seasoned registered nurse who brings knowledge, flexibility, and compassion to every surgical case. As a trusted per diem nurse, she steps in wherever she’s needed most—offering seamless support and consistency to the surgical team.
Heidi holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Southern Utah University, where she graduated with honors and earned her RN credentials. A proud member of the Dean’s List, she was recognized early on for her academic excellence and commitment to nursing. After graduating in 2008, she relocated to Las Vegas and began working alongside Dr. Smith in the operating room in 2009, quickly becoming an integral part of the surgical process.
Trained and certified in both Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), Heidi is deeply committed to patient safety and surgical excellence. She finds great joy and purpose in assisting with life-changing procedures and takes pride in being part of a team that truly transforms lives.
Her steady presence, clinical expertise, and genuine passion for patient care continue to make her an invaluable member of the Smith Plastic Surgery family.
Admin Staff
Joseph
Operations & Systems Coordinator
Every successful practice needs someone behind the scenes making sure all the pieces fit—and at Smith Plastic Surgery, that someone is Joseph Smith. Joe is the go-to problem solver, the in-house tech wizard, and the reliable big brother figure who brings structure, efficiency, and a steady hand to the team.
Working closely with Dr. Smith and Desiree Collins, Joe manages a wide range of projects designed to streamline operations, modernize workflows, and keep the practice running like a well-oiled machine. From refining digital systems and developing internal policies to optimizing inventory management, Joe ensures that both patient care and behind-the-scenes logistics operate smoothly and cost-effectively. He regularly negotiates with vendors to maintain competitive pricing, helping the practice stay on top without overspending.
Need help with a tech glitch? Editing content? Navigating obscure software? Joe’s your guy. With an uncanny ability to find solutions to problems most people didn’t even know existed, Joe is a quiet force of innovation and support within the practice.
It must be a Smith thing… because when you need something done right, Joe’s already on it.
Barbara
Bookkeeper
Barbara Hardwick is the financial lifeline of Smith Plastic Surgery, serving as the practice’s dedicated bookkeeper and behind-the-scenes hero. With a sharp eye for detail and a passion for numbers, Barbara ensures the business runs smoothly, efficiently, and—true to her nature—balanced to the penny.
Originally from a large farm family in Iowa, Barbara brings her Midwestern work ethic and grounded personality to everything she does. Years ago, she took a leap of faith and moved to Las Vegas with a friend, a decision that eventually led her to join Dr. Smith’s exceptional team. Her deep appreciation for precision, shaped by years of experience (including her early career at a soybean processing plant), makes her an invaluable part of the practice.
Barbara takes pride in supporting her coworkers and thrives on keeping everything organized behind the scenes. Her quiet commitment and love for what she does don’t go unnoticed—Barbara is, without a doubt, the steady heartbeat of the office.
Frank
Custodian & Facilities Engineer
Frank Briggs is the backbone of Smith Plastic Surgery—a man whose dedication, work ethic, and heart have made him nothing short of legendary among the staff. Known affectionately as “the hardest working man you’ll ever meet,” Frank has been with the practice for over 20 years, showing up every single day without fail to keep the office spotless, safe, and running smoothly.
As the Custodian and Facilities Engineer, Frank takes immense pride in his work. His signature phrase, “Baby, it’s a tough job, but I don’t stop until it’s done right,” isn’t just a saying—it’s the code he lives by. From early mornings to late evenings, Frank ensures the environment is pristine and welcoming for patients and staff alike.
But Frank is more than just the man who keeps everything clean and functioning—he’s the glue that holds the team together. Whether you need a laugh, a word of wisdom, or a moment to reset during a tough day, Frank is the one everyone turns to. His presence is a daily reminder of what it means to love what you do and to give it your all.
Frank’s loyalty, kindness, and tireless commitment are woven into the fabric of Smith Plastic Surgery. He’s not just part of the team—he’s family.
