About Us
Our Story
Founded by Shellie Norman, DNP, Koru Medical Spa and Island Dermatology were created to bring elevated, expert skin care to Hawaii Island. Since opening in 2019, Koru has become known for thoughtful treatment plans, natural aesthetic results, and a patient-centered experience grounded in trust and education.
Our Approach
We take an integrative approach to skin health, combining advanced technology, medical-grade skincare, and individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s goals. Every service is delivered with a commitment to safety, expertise, and compassionate care.
Our Team
Dermatology-led experts dedicated to healthy skin and natural-looking results
Shellie Norman, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, DCNP
Koru Founder/Lead Injector & Dermatology Certified Nurse Practitionerhelie Norman, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, is a dermatology-certified nurse practitioner and founder of Koru Medical Spa and Island Dermatology LLC in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. With more than 30 years of experience in healthcare and over a decade specializing in dermatology, Shellie is known for her personalized approach to skin health and natural-looking aesthetic results.
After earning her Registered Nursing degree in 1986, Shellie completed her undergraduate education at Lewis-Clark State College and later earned her Doctorate of Nursing Practice from the University of Utah. Her extensive healthcare background includes hospital care, hospice, school nursing, and practice leadership before focusing exclusively on dermatology and aesthetic medicine.
Shellie’s passion for skin health began from personal experience growing up with vitiligo, giving her a deep understanding of the impact skin conditions can have on confidence and quality of life. That experience inspired her to dedicate her career to helping patients feel healthy, confident, and comfortable in their skin.
Since beginning her dermatology practice in 2012, Shellie has combined advanced medical expertise with an artistic eye and patient-centered care. She founded Island Dermatology in 2017 and later expanded her vision with Koru Medical Spa — creating a dermatology-led destination for advanced skin health, laser treatments, and aesthetic care on Hawaii Island.
Shellie is recognized for her thoughtful treatment approach, commitment to patient education, and focus on achieving refreshed, natural results that enhance each patient’s unique features.
Leah Onstott, RN, MSN
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.
Registered Nurse
Emily Burkman - MPAS, PA-C
Emily is a board-certified Physician Associate with over nine years of experience in dermatology. She earned 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 St. Catherine University in Saint Paul, Minnesota. During her graduate training, she completed extensive dermatology-specific education and clinical experience.
Emily practices medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology and is passionate about developing personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique skin concerns. Her approach emphasizes both clinical excellence and patient education, with the aim of helping individuals achieve optimal outcomes and maintain healthy, vibrant skin over their lifetime.
Originally from southwest Minnesota, Emily now lives in Kailua-Kona with her husband, where they both work in the medical field. In their free time, they enjoy paddling, diving, hiking, and staying actively involved in their local church community
Dermatology Physician Associate & Koru Injector/Laser Technician
Sierra Robertson
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.
Licensed Aesthetician
Jenny Moyer
Jenny Moyer is a skilled aesthetician with over 18 years of experience in both boutique and clinical skincare. Certified as a medical assistant, she blends beauty and science to offer personalized, result-driven treatments that enhance her clients' natural beauty. Jenny is dedicated to building strong client relationships and boosting confidence through her tailored skincare approach. Outside of work, she enjoys time with loved ones, beach outings, and walks with her Boston terrier.
Licensed Aesthetician
Nani Snodgrass
Licensed Aesthetician & Guest RelationsNani joined the Koru team after earning her aesthetician license 2023 from Big Island Beauty Academy. Born and raised on Oahu, she moved to the Big Island in 2018 and gained hands-on experience at two Kona spas before joining our team. She loves connecting with clients and seeing their excitement and glow after treatments. Outside of work, Nani enjoys quiet time at home, organizing for a fresh headspace, and exploring nature in remote spots.
Jen Jensen
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!
Office Coordinator
Liz Costigan
Liz is the Office Administrator at Koru Medical Spa. In this role, Liz brings her passion, insight, and over fifteen years of experience to foster a positive, supportive environment that ensures every patient receives exceptional care.
Outside of her professional role, Liz values quality time with family and friends, exploring new culinary experiences, and creating meaningful moments through shared gatherings. She believes that strong relationships—both in and out of the office—are the foundation of lasting success.
Office Administrator