About Skin Ritual
WELCOME TO SKIN RITUAL
We dreamed of offering an all-inclusive and collaborative approach to treatment in a modern, relaxing atmosphere. The journey of creating Skin Ritual began as a space for patients across the Valley, from stay-at-home mamas to small-business entrepreneurs to self-care minded men, and everywhere in between, expecting the best outcomes for all of their aesthetic goals.
meet the skin ritual team
meet the skin ritual team
At Skin Ritual, we are a team of highly trained aestheticians, laser technicians, and physician assistant injectors who are committed to enhancing beauty through a combination of results-driven aesthetic treatments, natural-looking injectables & medical-grade skincare to help you recapture your confidence.
Matthew Woods, MD, FAAD
MEDICAL DIRECTOR, CO-FOUNDER
Dr. Woods attended the University of Arizona, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Biochemistry as an Honors student. He then attended medical school and performed an Internal Medicine internship at the University of Arizona. He graduated from medical school in the top tier of his class, being inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society.
He was also awarded the Outstanding Academic Achievement Award at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. His scores on the United States Medical Licensing Exam placed him in the top 1% of all physicians. Dr. Woods then went on to complete his Dermatology residency training at Oregon Health & Sciences University and subsequently was accepted into a coveted fellowship in Dermatopathology at the University of Alabama-Birmingham.
Dr. Woods practices general, surgical and aesthetic dermatology at his state-of-the-art office, Desert Sky Dermatology, in Gilbert, Arizona. The success and rapid growth of the practice led to the need for our aesthetic operations to be moved to a separate building. Neighboring Desert Sky Dermatology, Skin Ritual has flourished into one of the leading aesthetic clinics in the Valley.
Ashley Conway, PA-C
CLINICAL DIRECTOR, CO-FOUNDER
Ashley Conway graduated Summa Cum Laude with her bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University and completed her master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies at A.T. Still University in 2013. Since then, she has been practicing medicine in the field of dermatology. She values hard work, safety, and continuing education. Her love for learning led to the development of her Instagram account, The Derm Girl, where she shares her life as a dermatology physician assistant and aesthetic injector. She loves that as an aesthetic injector she is able to create beauty & symmetry by blending both science and art.
Ashley is a charcuterie board queen, party planner, self-proclaimed interior decorator, and dreamer. The BIGGER the dream, the better. All organized on her vision board, of course! Plus one for every member of the family. She lives in Mesa with her husband and two kids.
Rachel Valverde, LA, CLT
AESTHETIC DIRECTOR, CO-FOUNDER
AESTHETIC DIRECTOR,
CO-FOUNDER
Rachel graduated from the National Aesthetics Institute of Scottsdale in 2005 and has since been practicing skin care and aesthetics in the Phoenix Valley. She spent four years serving as the lead aesthetician for one of the largest spas in the Southwest. Her desire to provide dramatic results for her patients led her to specialize in aesthetics in a dermatology setting.
Rachel was one of the first aestheticians in the country to establish her aesthetic presence in the Instagram world. Most know her as The Aesthetician, a name that embodies her years of expertise and experience. Her rapid growth as an aesthetician in Gilbert, Arizona opened up the opportunity and necessity for her to grow her aesthetic practice. In partnership with board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Matthew Woods, and dermatology physician assistant, Ashley Conway, she created Skin Ritual — a modern aesthetic clinic that believes there is beauty in ritual and combines dermatology and aesthetics to provide patients with the best care possible.
Brittany Foster, PA-C
Brittany Foster graduated magna cum laude with her bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University and completed her master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies at A.T. Still University in 2017. After completing her education, Brittany relocated to Santa Monica, CA to fulfill her dream of working in dermatology under the legendary Dr. Ava Shamban. Brittany’s love for skin led her to create her own Instagram account, the Bossy Derm, which she uses to connect with patients and share her passion for dermatology and aesthetics.
Brittany focuses on full face restoration, with goals of enhancing her patients’ natural and unique beauty. Having practiced both medical dermatology and emergency medicine, Brittany has knowledge in all things skin. She has seen firsthand how the power of aesthetics and dermatology can boost her patient’s confidence and improve their lives. It is Brittany’s mission to make her patients look and feel like the best version of themselves.
In her free time, you will find Brittany on the pickleball courts, eating sushi, reading romance novels, and traveling to far and away places. She is getting married in Italy this fall and could not be more excited!
Jenna Yount, LA, CLT
LEAD AESTHETICIAN
Jenna graduated from IMAj Institute of Medical Aesthetics & Laser in 2011, and spent the first 7 years of her career working for a top medical & cosmetic dermatologist in Scottsdale. Jenna has a passion for helping her patients achieve results and educating them along the way. She has advanced training in procedures like microneedling, chemical peels, photo rejuvenation, laser hair reduction, and skin rejuvenation.
Prior to her aesthetics training, Jenna graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in Psychology. She moonlights as our office mental health specialist and overall office mama — you won’t find anyone with a bigger heart. She tries to make it up to the Rocky Mountains when possible to ski and enjoy all that the mountains have to offer. She also has a passion for overall wellness of the mind + body, pilates, and yoga.
Lexi Horn, LA, CLT
Lexi has been working under Dr. Woods as a medical assistant since 2016 and has extensive experience in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. She was inspired to become an aesthetician while working alongside Rachel and went on to complete her aesthetic and laser education at Penrose Academy. Lexi is passionate about helping her patients accomplish their skin goals and watching their transformations.
Her favorite titles (aside from licensed aesthetician & certified laser technician) are Dog Mom to her Husky Rex and Auntie to her 3 adorable nieces.
Kristi Vudrag
FRONT OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
Kristi uses her knowledge as a licensed aesthetician and laser technician to effectively coordinate care for our patients. Her five years working in the cosmetic industry enables her to provide a unique aesthetic experience from beginning to end. She’s passionate about skincare and loves helping patients with product selection throughout the day.
Kristi is the biggest Taylor Swift fan and lover of all country music. You won’t be able to miss Kristi’s bubbly personality!
Karla Vudrag
PATIENT CARE COORDINATOR
Karla was introduced into the aesthetic world through her work as a freelance makeup artist. Her passion for makeup and skincare, mixed with her friendly & helpful disposition, make her a delightful addition to our team!
On the weekends, you can catch Karla cooking her favorite vegan meals, attending a concert, or hiking any of Arizona’s beautiful mountains.
Mel Wilde, MA
Medical Assistant
Mel graduated from Iowa State University in 2017 with a B.S. in Kinesiology and Health and is attending nursing school. Mel’s love for medical aesthetics has grown over the last few years as she has assisted and learned from some of the most talented injectors in the industry.
Mel is passionate about connecting with patients; her superpower is keeping providers on schedule (being a Time Gremlin). Mel enjoys reading books for book club, watching movies, or hiking in her free time.
