About our Staff
Katie Kaffai, Owner/ Director
As owner of LivingYoung, Katie has created an oasis of relaxation and serenity where beautiful things happen every day. The facility itself reflects her passion to provide exceptional treatments in an atmosphere that is both exhilarating and soothing. A model for ten years, Katie knows the importance of beautiful skin and has acquired the skills and training to enable others to look their very best. She is a licensed Medical Esthetician and Electrologist (License EO 182), a certified IPL Technician and has her CME in Advanced Laser. She is also a member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine.
Karen Singer, M.D., Medical Director
Karen Singer, MD, is well aware of the artistry involved in enhancing a person's appearance. Before coming to LivingYoung, Dr. Singer has practiced plastic surgery in Pinellas County since 1984. Her formal training and experience are quite impressive, but it is her artist's eye that has made her so well-respected among both her clients and the medical community. "I always consider form, proportion, design, color and symmetry when treating a client," says Dr. Singer. "Whether a client is seeking noticeable changes or subtle refinements, it's the combination of skill and artistry that produces success. You can't have one without the other."
At LivingYoung, Dr. Singer facilitates our weight loss and hormone therapy programs and adds her artistic eye to Botox and Dermal Filler treatments as well as offering her full range of plastic and cosmetic surgery services.
Dr. Singer earned her undergraduate degree at Harvard University, graduating magna cum laude with Highest Honors. After earning her MD at Harvard Medical School, she received training in general surgery in New York City at Roosevelt Hospital and at St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, New Jersey where she completed specialized training in plastic surgery. She is the recipient of numerous awards and her list of professional achievements is long. She is Board Certified in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Board Eligible in Anti-Aging Medicine. More about Dr. Singer.
Her personal life is just as creative as her professional life. An accomplished ballroom dancer, Dr. Singer regularly competes in major dance competitions. "Dancing requires the same artistic sense as plastic surgery," she says. "Both produce visual results that add joy to life."
Dr. Ernie McDowell
Dr. McDowell is an expert in facial anatomy, having performed thousands of Botox and dermal filler injections. He understands both the science and the art involved in successfully using these techniques to create a natural look, rather than a dramatic change in a person's appearance. "I err on the side of caution when treating a client with Botox or dermal fillers," he says. "More can always be added."
Linda Rhodes, Head Medical Esthetician/Manager
A licensed Medical Esthetician, Linda offers our clients soothing esthetic treatments and is attentive to the smallest details. "I have the best job in the world," says Linda. "I am very passionate about skin care. Every day I get to indulge my passion by pampering clients with the very best skin care treatments."She has advanced medical training in the latest anti-aging treatments and will help guide you through the maze of products and skin care modalities to customize a treatment plan for optimal results. A graduate of the American Institute of Beauty, Linda continues her education to stay abreast of current trends in the skin care industry. A former make-up artist and Beauty Specialist at Victoria's Secret, she looks forward to meeting your skin care needs. License #FB9724987
Jeannine Erlandson, M.A., Dir, Proven Weight Loss
As director of Proven Weight Loss at LivingYoung, Jeannine knows just what it takes to be successful at losing weight. "With an excellent program like Proven, losing weight is really not that difficult," she says. "But the real measure of success is keeping the weight off for good." Helping clients maintain weight loss after the program ends is where Jeannine excels. Knowledgeable about nutrition and the value of exercise, Jeannine helps clients make lifestyle changes through education, motivation and through the personal attention she gives each client. "People can learn to live without cookies and chaos," she often quips, noting that stress often can be as fattening as food. She is never satisfied until each client reaches his or her goal weight and she does what it takes to make that happen.
Rachel Morells, Front Desk Coordinator
Rachel is the pleasant voice on the phone and the smiling face behind the front desk at LivingYoung. She is an efficient multi-tasker charged with keeping the office running smoothly, even on days when the printer breaks down when it's needed the most. "I really think I have the best job here," Rachel says. "Everyday I get to greet smiling clients as they arrive, and then see them leave after their appointment with even bigger smiles. Staff and clients ... everyone is so upbeat. Where else could I spend my days surrounded by this much positive energy?"
