Meet the Staff

At Destin Plastic Surgery, we believe exceptional results are achieved through a combination of expertise, personalized care, and partnership.

Our staff plays a significant role in our reputation for excellence. Made up of highly skilled clinical professionals—including physician assistants, registered nurses, and estheticians—and our knowledgeable administrative staff, our team is dedicated to providing an exceptional patient experience for our plastic surgery patients from Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach, Miramar Beach, Niceville, Panama City, and beyond.

With a commitment to staying at the forefront of the industry, our providers pursue advanced training and education to ensure you receive the most innovative and effective treatments available. Whether you are seeking plastic surgery or nonsurgical enhancements, they are here to assist you every step of the way.

At Destin Plastic Surgery, we understand that looking and feeling your best is essential to living a fulfilling life. We are passionate about helping you achieve your aesthetic goals and discovering the best version of yourself.

Learn more about the team of professionals behind our exceptional care and results. 

Joan Pleat, RN, BSN, Clinical Director

Joan, BSN, RN graduated from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. Joan worked in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Step Down Unit with critical care patients at Peninsula General Hospital in Salisbury, MD. Joan then moved to Baltimore, MD, where she worked in the OB/GYN and Newborn Nursery Unit at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Her critical care experience at Johns Hopkins and other hospitals allowed her to gain much medical experience and knowledge.

Joan moved with her family to Rockville, MD. to assume a position as the head surgical nurse for the Podiatric Surgical Center. She also worked in the Community Health and Maternal Child Units at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital where she taught classes in childbirth, breastfeeding, and American Heart Society Life Support Training. Joan is certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support.

Joan is experienced with all aspects of facial, breast, and body contouring procedures. She has assisted in surgery, she has performed the anesthesia, and she has taken care of thousands of patients after surgery. She understands what you need before, during, and after surgery, and is your advocate.

In the fall of 1995, Joan moved to Destin prior to Hurricane Opal. Dr. Burden was looking for a nurse with an advanced degree in nursing, as well as someone with comprehensive experience. He wanted to have medical staff that would complement his experience and enhance the knowledge of the facility. Joan joined Dr. Burden within two months of starting his now world-famous practice, and she has had a great adventure ever since.

During her 40 years of nursing experience, Joan has made time to raise four children: Candace, Nicholas, Austin, and Cassandra. If you want to make her day, let her know how young she looks or ask about her four children and nine grandchildren. In the office, Joan will assist Dr. Burden in obtaining your medical health history to ensure that you are properly prepared for your planned surgery. She will also arrange your pre-operative and post-operative care with the proper medications, garments, and supplies, in addition to your instructions to assist in a smooth recovery.

Should you have extensive medical problems, we may ask your permission to request medical records from your physician. This is to ensure good quality medical care.

[email protected]

Tagline: “Beauty fades but class last forever.”

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Bill Edelman, PA-C, “BOTOX Bill”

Bill, PA-C graduated as a Surgical Physician Assistant from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, one of the few such schools in the country, and joined our staff in 1998.

Bill Edelman aka BOTOX Bill, has a large amount of experience and is an expert in BOTOX, Dysport, Juvéderm, and Restylane injections.

Dr. Burden, Mr. Edelman, and Joan Pleat, the practice nurse, work as a team throughout your surgical procedures. They meet multiple times daily and weekly to discuss patient interventions.  [email protected]

Tagline: “Real men do not wear pink.”

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Trish Sgobba, Master Esthetician

Patricia, known to her clients as “Trish,” is our very own British import. Her long skincare career spanning 27 years, started back in 1996 in the UK, where she completed a 3-year esthetics program. For several years, Trish spent an extensive period traveling the globe working as an esthetician and facialist trainer. During that time, she met her husband. They found the perfect place to call home when they moved to Destin and have been here for over 22 years.

Trish began working at Destin Plastic Surgery’s skincare clinic in 2006. Her diverse clientele over the years has included celebrities and dignitaries. Many of her loyal clients have been with her since she first started here at Destin Plastic Surgery.

In 2021, she became a SkinCeuticals Ambassador and, in 2022, she won Best Esthetician in Destin. Her clients trust her extensive skincare knowledge, attention to detail, and her calming demeanor. Her goal is to educate her clients and provide exceptional care, without the feeling of pushy sales tactics. She loves specializing in Obagi Blue peels, Microneedling, and HydraFacial treatments. [email protected]

Tagline: “I like things that are elegant and sophisticated, just like me.”

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Melissa St. John, Master Esthetician

Melissa has been a licensed Esthetician since 2005 and has been voted Best Esthetician of the Emerald Coast in 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2020 by Emerald Coast Magazine. She was also voted Best Esthetician in Destin 2016, 2017 and 2020 by VIP Destin Magazine.

She began her career working for one of the top-rated resort spas in the state of Florida before transitioning to the exciting clinical side of skincare. Melissa has been employed at Destin Plastic Surgery’s Anti-Aging Clinic since 2011 and feels beyond blessed to do what she loves every single day. She has a true passion for the skincare industry, helping her clients achieve optimal results through clinical-grade procedures and products.

“The best part about my career is the fact that I love making a difference in the appearance and health of my clients’ skin. I love building relationships with my clients and tracking their skin’s progress as it becomes healthier through medial-grade products and procedures. Nothing is more rewarding and gratifying to me than seeing my clients’ skin rejuvenate into something beautiful while also improving their self-esteem.”

Born in Louisiana, Melissa moved to the area in 1994 and feels so blessed to call this beautiful town of paradise “home.” Melissa is happily married to her high school sweetheart, Chris, and loves spending her free time at the beach with their 2 daughters, Lillian and Ella.

Melissa’s sweet and bubbly personality will surely make your experience at Destin Plastic Surgery’s Anti-Aging Clinic a pleasant one.

Tagline: “People say I have a picture-perfect life, and I do.”

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Natalie Kline, Patient Care Coordinator, Facility Manager

Natalie joined the practice in June of 2008. She attended The University of North Florida and graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Management. She brings a wealth of customer service experience to our office and is always greeting our patients with a bright smile.

She started her career at Destin Plastic Surgery managing the Anti-Aging Skincare Clinic. Natalie demonstrated her management talent and has become the Patient Care Manager and Chief Operations Officer.

Natalie will endeavor to answer your questions about plastic surgery and assist you in scheduling your consultation and your surgery.

Natalie’s experience has benefited many patients not only with her professional managerial style but also with her experience with skincare, non-surgical, and surgical treatments.

Tagline: “My business is beauty, and I’m the Boss!”

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Alycia Hoggins, DPS Center Scrub Tech

Alycia, DPS Center Scrub Tech, is a surgical tech for DPS.  Even though she’s been a tech for six years, she has been in the health field for 15 years, starting out as a CNA.  She has a wonderful husband and two amazing kids that she loves!  Outside of her work/mom life she loves to do nails, hair, and DIY home projects.

Tagline: “A good set of lashes can fix anything.”

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Beth Grandgennett, CRNA, DPS Center Anesthetist

Beth, CRNA, DPS Center Anesthetist, has delivered anesthetics for over 25 years for a variety of surgical specialties. She is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) providing safe, high quality patient care. She has provided excellent anesthetist services in the outpatient surgical environment with Dr. Burden for 19 years.  She has great expertise in alleviating anxiety of the cosmetic surgical patient providing pain-free anesthesia with an emphasis on managing post-op nausea.

Beth has worked in critical care nursing for 35 years including pediatric and adult critical care patients.  She is a pediatric nurse practitioner and has an MS in anesthesia.  

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Whitney Whiting, Doctors Clinic Manager

Whitney is a seasoned professional with a background in medical insurance and a passion for injectables. With her extensive expertise, she is a force to be reckoned with in the industry. Whitney is dedicated to providing exceptional service and delivering outstanding results. [email protected]

Tagline: “I’m passionate about dogs but not crazy about bitches.”

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Corri Souther, DPS Skincare Clinic Manager

Corri is a highly qualified professional with a strong background in retail and a degree in Finance. With her extensive experience as a merchant on Amazon and in online retail, she brings a new level of expertise to the Anti-Aging Skincare Clinic of Destin. [email protected]

Tagline: “I’m like a fine wine. I get better with age.”

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Kim Lynch, RN, DPS Center PACU Nurse

Kim, RN, DPS Center PACU Nurse, is an experienced professional who has worked as a Registered Nurse for many years. She received her nursing degree at the University of Kentucky and later earned her bachelor’s degree in science with a focus on Organizational Leadership and Development at Wheeling Jesuit University. She has enjoyed a career in nursing for many years with skill in a variety of areas, including Emergency and Trauma, Oncology, Pediatric and Adult Critical Care, Case Management, and Recovery, to name a few. She is certified in ACLS and meets every challenge with expertise. She can apply her expertise in all situations and cares for her patients with empathy and knowledge.

Kim is happily married to her husband Mike and has one son, Eric, who is also in the nursing field. Kim is from Kentucky and has enjoyed life on the Gulf coast since 2015. She enjoys gardening, paddleboarding and motorcycle riding.

Tagline: “Dumb blondes get noticed. Smart blondes get everything.”

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Pam Burden, DPS Skin Care Clinic Director

Pamela Burden has a biomedical background in pharmaceuticals and medical-grade skincare products.  She attended BioMedic’s Masters Aesthetic Training in Scottsdale, Arizona.  She returned to Destin and founded the area’s first medical-grade skincare clinic at Destin Plastic Surgery.  As a cofounder of Destin Plastic Surgery, Pam has worked in all aspects of the skincare clinic and plastic surgery clinic. 

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Rachel Sanders, RN, DPS Center PACU Nurse

Rachel, RN, DPS Center PACU Nurse, has been a nurse for 13 years; she has an extensive background in outpatient surgery and providing individual care to all her patients. She has additional certifications in IV conscious sedation, ACLS, PALS, and wound care.  She enjoys being a part of the patient care at DPS where she can help with their care every step of the way. 

Rachel will make your telephone call days leading up to your procedure to confirm details and welcome you with a big smile and comfort the morning of your procedure. Rachel will help in the OR when needed and will be with her patients when they arrive in the recovery room.

Outside of DPS, Rachel is a very busy woman. She is happily married to her best friend, Benjamin.  They have 5 children together: Desi, Brodyn, Scarlet, Dean, and Deckard. She has shared her love of the great outdoors with her children, and they have an adventure planned every weekend.  Rachel is a Triathlete and has competed in many local and out-of-state races.  She holds the record completing a full Ironman while pregnant with twins and qualified for National Championships in 2018 to represent the great state of Florida.  Rachel accepts a challenge and will overcome any obstacle for those she loves and her patients.

Tagline: “The secret to this pretty face is staying in the shade.”

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Savannah Burden, Social Media Director

Savannah holds a degree in interdisciplinary medical sciences from FSU (Go ‘Noles’) and is pursuing a career as a Physician Assistant. Currently, she is interning and serving as the social media manager at Destin Plastic Surgery.  She is dedicated to utilizing her skills and expertise to create engaging content and foster meaningful connections with the community.

Tagline: “Don’t hate me because I have everything. Hate me because I’m beautiful.”

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Spencer Burden, Social Media & Facility Manager

Spencer Burden has been involved with Destin Plastic Surgery since he was a teenager.  He is very familiar with the maintenance of the facility as well as the day-to-day operations of the building. He is also involved in social media promotions of Destin Plastic Surgery.  All the while, he is working on his business administration degree.

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Shae Sisson, RN, DPS Center OR Supervisor

Shae, RN, DPS Center OR Supervisor, began her nursing career at DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa, AL, where she worked as a surgical nurse. She has experience in a wide range of surgical specialties, her favorite being plastics. During this time, she received the “I Care” award for compassionate patient care and the “Great Catch” award for patient safety. She is AORN trained and ACLS certified.

Shae has been with us at Destin Plastic Surgery for two and a half years where she serves as Nursing Administrator and our surgical nurse. She assists Dr. Burden with individualized patient care throughout the surgical experience. With a genuine passion for working with patients, she strives to make you feel comfortable while providing exceptional service and care. Her competitive nature is evident in the operating room as she strives for excellence with all tasks performed.

“I feel extremely blessed that my job allows me to play a role in boosting patients’ confidence and self esteem. I love meeting and building relationships with each and every patient.”

Tagline: “Pretty is smarter than you think.”

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Aubrey Hawks, RN, DPS Center PACU Nurse

Aubrey, RN DPS Center PACU Nurse, is a a Pre-Op/PACU nurse. She has a bachelors in nursing degree and over seven years of work experience: 3.5 years in the Emergency Room and over 4 years in outpatient Pre-Op/ PACU. She started her career at Fort Walton Beach ER before moving to Denver, CO. She then worked at Lutheran Medical Center in a fast-paced 54-bed ER. After her first daughter was born, she transitioned into the outpatient Pre-Op/PACU setting.

She has a passion to take care of others and ease patients’ anxiety prior to surgery. Always striving for the patient to have the best experience possible! 

Outside of work, she loves all water and outdoor activities! She has PADI scuba certification. She also enjoys boating with her husband and two young girls!

Tagline: “If You’re Going to Talk About Me Behind My Back, At Least Check Out My Great A**.”

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Request a Consultation

If you are ready to take the next step, we invite you to request a consultation online or call us at (850) 654-1194 to schedule. Let Destin Plastic Surgery be your partner in enhancing your natural beauty and achieving your desired results.