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Madilyn Sonter - Founder and Dermal RN
Madilyn is the Founder of The Functional Skin Studio and the creator of The Functional Skin skincare line. With more than 15 years of hands on experience across spas and advanced cosmetic clinics, she has built her career on genuine clinical practice and a deep understanding of skin health.
Her own journey with reactive, eczema prone skin ignited her passion for treating the skin as a functioning organ rather than applying surface level solutions. This led her to become a Paramedical Dermal Therapist and later a Registered Nurse, completing further studies in Integrative Health and Dermatology.
Madilyn created The Functional Skin Studio as a safe, supportive space for clients seeking real, long term change. As a Registered Dermal Nurse, she is known for her no bandaid approach, blending science, skin physiology and holistic principles to restore healthy, functioning skin from the inside out and the outside in.
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Kathy Cao - Cosmetic/Dermal RN
Kathy is a highly experienced Registered Nurse and Midwife with over six years of nursing expertise. Kathy has been our go to Dermal Nurse at The Functional Skin Studio for over 3 years now.
Kathy's journey into skin and aesthetics was inspired by her personal battle with adult acne, which deepened her understanding of holistic and integrative health. She holds a Graduate Diploma in Cosmetic Nursing and further treatments and is dedicated to delivering treatments that prioritise skin health while addressing underlying factors.
Kathy is known for her gentle and natural approach to cosmetics, prioritising treatments that enhance her clients’ features rather than altering them. She combines her clinical expertise with an eye for subtle, balanced results, ensuring every treatment looks natural and refined.
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Leiha Heap - Cosmetic RN
Leiha Heap is a highly experienced Registered Nurse with over a decade of expertise in the field of aesthetics. She has built her reputation working in prestigious clinics and high end medispas alongside some of the industry’s top doctors, refining her skills in advanced facial rejuvenation and non surgical treatments.
As a National Injector trainer, Leiha is at the forefront of treatment innovation, training other cosmetic nurses in the safest and most advanced techniques. Her deep understanding of facial anatomy and aesthetics allows her to deliver personalised treatments that enhance her clients’ natural beauty with precision and care.
Known for her warm, friendly, and approachable demeanor, Leiha takes the time to guide her patients in achieving a soft, natural aesthetic that complements their unique features.
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Alisha Hearne - Cosmetic RN
Alisha is Cosmetic Nurse at Functional Skin Studio and for one of Australia’s leading Dermatology companies. This role affords her the daily opportunity to guide and mentor healthcare practitioners in the treatment and care of patients in the areas of dermatology and aesthetic medicine. She possesses a Bachelor of Nursing along with post graduate qualifications in Scheduled Medicines and Education.
Alisha understands the balance between art and science necessary to refine the individual beauty of her patients. You are in very skilled hands.
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Paige - Holistic Facialist
Paige has been our resident facialist at The Functional Skin Studio for 3 years. Her deep interest in skin, lymphatic health and wellness grew from navigating her own acne journey, which shaped her passion for supporting clients through similar experiences.
Her background in holistic and naturopathic therapies both personally and professionally, enriches her approach and aligns seamlessly with the way we treat skin at The Functional Skin Studio.
Paige is dedicated to creating a nurturing and results driven experience. She understands that every person’s skin has its own story and treats with empathy, care and personalised planning.
With her expert knowledge and signature ‘empress energy and magic hands’, you’re in safe, capable and genuinely thoughtful care from your first consult to treatment bed and through your tailored home care regimen.
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Dr. Alex Ha - Cosmetic Doctor (MBBS BSC(MED) FRACGP) Medical Director
Dr Alex joined The Functional Skin Studio in 2019 and has been an integral part of our clinical team ever since. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Medicine, a Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Surgery, and is a professional member of the Australian College of Aesthetic Medicine. Alongside his work with us, he travels Australia injecting in some of the country’s most prestigious clinics.
We are incredibly fortunate to have him as both one of our prescribing doctors and treating physicians.
His approach is gentle, precise and deeply considered, always prioritising natural, subtle and harmonious results that enhance each person’s unique features.
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Stephanie Schrader - Holistic Facialist
With a deep passion for skin health and holistic wellness. Stephanie brings with her over 6 years of experience in Massage, Lymphatics and Dermal Therapies.
Combining advanced skin science with a nurturing and client-focused approach, Stephanie offers treatments that are tailored to not only aesthetic concerns, but also the body’s natural healing and detoxification processes.
Having completed her studies in massage/beauty and skin in Edinburgh prior to returning home to Melbourne, to work as a Dermal & Massage Therapist. She has spent the past 6 years Developing her skills and growing passion for treating the skin in a holistic and intuitive way. Stephanie has had extensive training in treating a multitude of skin conditions, facial sculpting, and whole body Lymphatic wellness.
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Molly Webb - Clinic Manager
Molly is the full-time Clinic Manager at the Functional Skin Studio, where she brings over five years of experience managing health clinics. With a deep passion for holistic wellness, Molly is dedicated to supporting clients on their individual skin and health journeys, ensuring that every experience at the studio is welcoming, personalised, and grounded in care. Her background in health-focused environments allows her to approach clinic operations with a balance of professionalism and compassion.
In addition to managing day-to-day operations at the studio, Molly also plays a key role behind the scenes with the Functional Skin Collective, where she assists Madilyn in the wholesaling process.
Molly’s commitment to wellness, attention to detail, and warm client care make her an integral part of the Functional Skin team.
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Annalise - Holistic Facialist & Reception
Since joining TFS, Annalise has quickly become a calming, familiar face for our clients. Starting in reception and admin, she has now begun stepping into treatment rooms, bringing with her a unique blend of knowledge, empathy, and lived experience.
With over five years of combined experience in retail and the beauty/wellness space, Annalise is currently completing a Dual Diploma of Beauty Therapy and Salon Management at The French Beauty Academy, alongside holding a Certificate III in Beauty Therapy. Her approach is grounded in holistic wellness, recovery, and creating memorable, high-quality client experiences.
Having navigated her own skin journey as a teenager, Annalise deeply understands the emotional side of skin concerns. She brings this understanding into every interaction, making clients feel seen, supported, and genuinely cared for.