About Our Staff
The Metropolitan staff consists of the most qualified, trained and passionate experts in anti-aging, beauty and wellness to ensure your experience is personalized and positive. Our staff listens, educates and then guides you toward the service(s) and product(s) that are right for you and your desired results.
Suzanne St. James
Licensed Clinical Esthetician, Anti-aging Technician and Certified Permanent Cosmetic Technician
Suzanne St. James is a licensed Certified Instructor in Cosmetology, Permanent Cosmetics, skin care analysis and application. She is also certified in Laser Technology. Suzanne has been in practice for more than 24 years. Suzanne has taught some of the best technicians and instructors in the Twin Cities and has served on the Board of Laws and Rules for Cosmetology. Suzanne believes as we journey through the process of aging, we should strive to restore our youthful radiance inside and out, without looking artificial, but rather as a refreshed version of ourselves.
Dr. James Ackelson
Chiropractor
Dr. James Ackelson received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College. Dr. Ackelson is a primary health care provider who has spent the past 15 years as clinic director for Eagan’s Care Chiropractic Body Wellness Center. He has worked with post-doctoral programs in orthopedics, nutrition, pediatrics, sports injury as well as injuries to the spine from work and auto accidents. Dr. Ackelson is proficient in Gonstead, Diversified, Activator and Palmer Package techniques. Dr. Ackelson speaks regularly to both patients and doctors on the benefits of chiropractic care in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Dana Orr, RN
Aesthetic Nurse Specialist
Dana has been a nurse for over 15 years and has turned her passion for the aesthetic industry into an exciting career with advanced training in Botox, Dysport, Juvederm, Restylane, Perlane, Radiesse and Sculptra. She has served as a Director of Nursing, an Educator, worked at two local hospitals as a Staff RN and is an active member of the Dermatology Nurses’ Association (DNA).
Dana’s gentle touch combined with her detailed aesthetic eye consistently provides her patients with positive outcomes. With a love of education and training, Dana will create a treatment plan best suited to each individual.
Lisa Dryden, RN
Aesthetic Nurse Specialist
Lisa is a Registered Nurse with over 18 years of experience.
She is a member of AORN in Peri-Operative Nursing beginning 2003 and has worked extensively in all specialties of surgery, with a great focus on plastic surgery procedures (cosmetic as well as reconstructive}.
In addition to practicing as a Peri-Operative nurse, Lisa has extensive experience as a Labor & Delivery nurse.
Lisa has extended her practice to include injections; both neurotoxins and fillers. Because of her experience in the operating room with plastic surgeons, she quickly found a passion for the aesthetic industry. Lisa completed a comprehensive program and received the title as Certified Nurse Injector in 2008. She has consistently achieved excellence by continuing her education in the aesthetic industry by attending seminars and educational events surrounding the latest techniques in injection of the face.
Lisa has been referred to as a “visionary and great listener, always putting the patient first”. To that she says “I, first and foremost, am called to be a nurse. The patient’s desires, expectations and health always come first. Together we communicate and coordinate a plan that ensures their optimum satisfaction and health. I have always been a seeker and giver of knowledge and have had amazing teachers along the way who have taught me what great responsibility and honor it is to be a nurse.”
Tiffany Gagstetter
Licensed Clinical Esthetician, Certified Anti-aging Technician and Makeup Artist
Tiffany Gagstetter is a licensed clinical esthetician with over 10 years of experience in the skin care industry. Tiffany is also certified in microdermabrasion and provides outstanding waxing and tinting services. You will find Tiffany’s skin care treatments to be extremely results driven, yet relaxing and rejuvenating at the same time! Tiffany provides all of her clients with excellent product knowledge so they are aware of what she is using during the treatment as well as what they are taking with them for at-home care. Tiffany is also certified in Laser Technology, and enjoys working with all skin types & achieving outstanding results! Tiffany has been doing makeup for 10+ years and is truly a Master of the craft. Tiffany is exceptionally knowledgeable regarding mineral makeup and its skin care benefits!
Nathan Jesh
Licensed Clinical Esthetician and Certified Anti-aging Technician
Nathan is a licensed clinical esthetician with over 4 years of experience in the health care industry. He is certified in skin care and Laser Technology and is advancing his knowledge as he progresses towards completion as a RN. He has experience working with lasers on all skin types and tones with fantastic results. Every skin care and laser treatment is custom tailored to meet the specific needs of the client. Nathan’s dedication and caring personality allows the client to feel comfortable as he helps them look their very best.
Holly Walker
Licensed Clinical Esthetician, Certified Anti-aging Technician and Certified Massage Therapist
Holly Walker is a Licensed Clinical Esthetician with many years of experience in the skin care industry. Holly strives to help her clients get the results they are seeking through customized treatments. She approaches skin health as a whole by taking a close look at lifestyle along with at-home regime. Holly feels education is key because “How do you know, if you don’t know?”. Her other lists of services includes microdermabrasion, chemical peels, dermablading, full body waxing, and mineral makeup application. Holly is also certified in Laser Technology. She has experience working with and treating various skin types and tones with incredible results.
Holly is also a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist with training in Cranial Sacral Therapy, Spring Forest Qigong, Deep Tissue, Pre and Post Natal, Myofascial Release, Trigger Point Therapy, Lymphatic Drainage, and Sports Massage using advanced techniques. Holly has a passion for Cranial Sacral Therapy and Energy Bodywork. She completed her training in 2004 through the Upledger Institute. Holly feels the human body is fascinating and complex and loves having the privilege of guiding clients through the process of positive changes that occur.
Milly Versalles
Licensed Clinical Esthetician, Certified Anti-aging Technician and Makeup Artist
Milly Versalles is a licensed clinical esthetician, laser technician, and make-up artist. Having vast experience and knowledge in both the skin care and body work industries, Milly loves to educate guests in order to achieve the long lasting results they are searching for, which includes suggesting products that will continue to work for them at home. Being a part of their journey to physically and emotionally feeling and looking their best is the greatest reward! Milly’s passion is to help guide her guests to appreciate and love the skin and body that they are in. Milly believes that truly listing to her guest’s needs, in order to create a customized plan, is the key to long lasting, successful results.
Jayne Lonergan
Licensed Cosmetologist, Stylist, Appearance Consultant
Jayne is a licensed cosmetologist and salon manager and an award-winning stylist with more than 20 years of beauty industry experience that includes managing a national salon chain and training and directing a staff of more than 35 stylists. Jayne is also a jewelry designer who works with semi-precious gemstones in sterling silver and gold.
Erin Morningstar
Stylist
Erin Morningstar is an experienced stylist with years of education in her background. Erin believes that continuing education in this industry is key to technical excellence. Being a color and cutting educator both in the salon and at academies, she has a wide range of technical abilities allowing her to provide a wide array of options to her clients. Erin has experience styling for weddings, photo shoots, and fashion show. As a guest of The Metropolitan, when you sit in Erin’s chair, you will be provided with an exceptional experience. She will give you the best education on products and how to use them in styling your hair at home, as well as different options for your hair style and color to best match your face shape and skin tone.
James Stolz, LICSW
Certified Wellness Coach
James Stolz is a licensed Clinical Social Worker, a certified Wellness Coach, and holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. James has a private psychotherapy practice in Minneapolis where he treats anxiety disorders, addictions and eating disorders through a combination of traditional mental health approaches and motivational enhancement. In addition, James is currently the Clinical Director for Assistance in Recovery and an adjunct faculty member at the School of Social Work for St. Thomas and St. Catherine’s Universities. He is also one of the founding faculty for the Interprofessional Center for Counseling and Legal services at St. Thomas University.
Levi Hedine
Certified Massage Therapist
Levi is a Certified Massage Therapist with several years of healing experience in the state of Minnesota. Levi is an experience professional in Deep Tissue, Swedish/Relaxation, Hot Stone, Pre/Post Natal, and Aromatherapy. Levi has a passion for body work and has a special gift for working with guests who suffer from headaches and/or neck pain. He listens to your body and works with you to come up with the best method of treatment customized to you and your body’s needs.
Zoe Vaughter, LCMT
Certified Massage Therapist
Zoe is a Certified Massage Therapist with over 20 years of healing experience in the state of Minnesota. As the Massage Director, she facilitates the education and development of the Care Chiropractic and Metropolitan massage teams ensuring that each massage is customized to the guest’s needs. Zoe recently was the Department Chair at Bryman Institute in Eagan. She has taught massage classes at Minneapolis School of Massage, Minnesota School of Business, the Aveda Institute, and currently, is providing the practical exam testing for the City of St. Paul-DSI for Massage Therapy Licensing. Zoe is an experienced professional in Deep Tissue, Sports, Rehab, Swedish/Relaxation, Pre and Post Natal, Hot Stone, Aromatherapy, Qigong, Reiki, and stretching.
Susan Markey
Wardrobe Consultant
Susan is an experienced personal stylist who strongly believes in the transformative effect of flattering clothing. She has extensive experience working with clientele of all ages and body types. Susan can help you put together outfits including for both day and evening looks. Looking your best will help you succeed in all of life’s challenges; many of Susan’s clients credit her with new romances, better jobs, and increased self-esteem. Susan learns about each client’s unique needs and lifestyle before helping them find their signature look. Susan has experience styling everything from business and casual attire, to evening looks for first dates or black tie galas. She also performs wedding styling, for guest or bridal party members. Susan’s gift is helping clients look and feel their best, each and every day.
Ryan Jensen
Operations Manager
Ryan has been with the Metropolitan since its inception. Ryan’s many talents helped to create the stylish, yet comfortable setting at the Metropolitan. From the wall color, to the furniture and accessories, Ryan had a hand in it all.
Ryan’s background in the Anti-Aging, Beauty and Wellness industry began in 1998, working as the Assistant Director of the ANARA spa at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. From there, Ryan returned to Minnesota and continued his career in the industry as the Spa Manager of the flagship location of the Sanctuary Salonspa in Eden Prairie, MN. Ryan went on to become the Assistant GM at Spalon Montage in Edina, later moving to the Chanhassen location before moving on to the Ivy Spa at the Hotel Ivy in Downtown Minneapolis, as Operations Manager.
Ryan’s passion is working with staff and clients to create an overall experience that is above and beyond. Ryan loves working with the clients of the Metropolitan because “they feel like family, so every day at work feels like you are home visiting with family, catching up on life stories, and helping them on their Metropolitan journey, each step of the way.” Whether a client’s goal is to look refreshed, to relax, or to create a new look, Ryan’s goal is that the entire staff of the Metropolitan provide each and every guest with an experience and to provide the information necessary for the guest to make an informed and educated decision, while feeling safe and comfortable in our surroundings. Ryan wants all clients to feel that their personal care at the Metropolitan is above and beyond all others.
Dr. Christopher Tolan
Medical Director
Dr. Tolan is a 1991 graduate of the University of Minnesota Medical School. He is board certified in both facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology. He is active in the Minnesota Medical Association and nationally serves on the Infectious Disease Committee for the American Academy of Otolaryngology.
