Shellie Norman, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, DCNP

Koru Founder/lead injector & Dermatology Certified Nurse Practitioner

Shellie is a Board Certified Family Nurse  Practitioner and a Dermatology Certified Nurse Practitioner in Kailua-Kona with over 30 years of experience in the fields of nursing and  healthcare. She graduated top of her class as a Registered Nurse in 1986, obtained her undergraduate degree from Lewis and Clark State College in Idaho, and obtained her Doctorate of Nursing Practice at the University of Utah in 2014. Shellie has worked in many aspects of healthcare from hospital and homecare nursing, owning her own elderly care home and daycare, to hospice care and school nursing eventually operating Idaho's first school-based health clinic. 

As  a child growing up in Southern California with Vitiligo, Shellie experienced first hand how skin health can effect a person's life. As a result, Shellie chose to focus her advanced practice in the field of Dermatology so she could help others that struggle with skin diseases. Shellie has been practicing in the field of dermatology since 2012, both at a progressive North Idaho Clinic and here on the Big Island of Hawaii. She opened her own Dermatology Clinic, Island Dermatology LLC, in 2017.

Shellie has always been passionate about helping her patients achieve their best. Her medical practice is focused on treating the whole person and not just the health issue or problem, as well as educating and giving her patients the tools to keep themselves looking and feeling great. In her spare time, Shellie enjoys spending time with her loved ones and her two fur-babies. With a passion for the outdoors and traveling, she spends as much of her free time staying active and amazed by the natural world.

Leah Onstott, RN, MSN

Registered Nurse

Leah brings over 25 years of experience in aesthetics, with a background spanning dermatology, plastic surgery, and integrative aesthetic practices. Her expertise with advanced injectables and a wide range of laser technologies allows her to create customized treatment plans that deliver optimal results. Leah has a passion for combining therapies—such as pairing PRP/PRF with lasers or microneedling—for enhanced outcomes and long-lasting benefits.

She values educating her patients and building collaborative relationships, ensuring each individual feels confident and supported in achieving their aesthetic goals.

After years of vacationing in Hawai‘i, Leah made Kailua-Kona her home in 2023, along with her black lab, Riley. Outside the clinic, she enjoys soaking up the island lifestyle—whether at the beach, paddling, snorkeling, or simply watching the sunset. A dedicated gluten-free baker for over 15 years, Leah also loves creating breads, muffins, and scones to share with friends and family.

Emily Burkman - MPAS, PA-C

Dermatology Physician Associate & Koru Injector/Laser Technician

 Emily is a Board-Certified Physician Associate with over 8 years of experience in the field of Dermatology. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and her Master's degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Saint Catherine University in Saint Paul, Minnesota. During her Master's degree training, she also received a notable amount of Dermatology specific training.

Emily has experience in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology. She has a passion for developing individualized treatment plans, tailored to meet her patients’ unique dermatologic needs and concerns. Emily’s goal is to help each of her patients achieve their desired outcomes, while assisting them on a lifelong journey to healthier, better functioning, more vibrant skin. 

Emily grew up on a farm in southwest Minnesota. Her and her husband now live in Kailua-Kona where they enjoy paddling, diving, hiking, exploring the island on their motorcycle and staying involved with their local church community. 

Nicole Friedley, RN

Registered Nurse

Nicole moved to Kona with her family at the age of 3 and grew up between San Diego and Hawaii. Graduating from Cal Poly Humboldt State University with her bachelors of Science in Nursing, she has been an RN for over 25 years. She has enjoyed a varied career, focusing on a range of disciplines from Cardiology to Aesthetics. She joined the Koru team in early 2023 and  believes that combining multiple modalities, such as injectables, lasers and medical grade skincare is the key to aging gracefully. Nicole enjoys helping people feel and look their best.

 Nicole is a new empty nester, with two beautiful girls who are pursuing their educational goals on the mainland. In her free time she enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, working out, concerts, and all the outdoor activities the Big Island has to offer. 

Sierra Robertson

Licensed Aesthetician

Sierra is our full-time aesthetician who has been licensed since 2018. She originally received her license in the state of Texas where she was born and raised in a very small town.

She moved to Hawai’i Island in 2020 with her husband and four fur babies and fell in love with the island. Her hobbies include hiking, beach days, and snorkeling.

Jen Jensen

Office Coordinator

Jen is the coordinator at Koru Medical Spa.  Originally from Oregon, she has gained a wide range of customer service experience over the years with different job opportunities and has been specifically involved in the spa and wellness industry since 2012 when she began working at a day spa in Eugene. She really loves being a part of guests’ paths to self-care and is happy to be in the background helping in any way needed to facilitate those journeys.  

She moved to the Big Island in 2018 after many visits and is so happy to call such a beautiful island her home.  When she isn’t working or plotting her next overseas adventure with friends, it would be pretty easy to spot her at a concert, play, Broadway musical or any type of stage performance!