Meet our Team
Katie Montagne, MD, is a Board-Certified Anesthesiologist who specializes in the practice of aesthetic medicine. Dr. Montagne obtained her Bachelor of Nursing and worked as a public health nurse for eight years with a focus on women’s health and family wellness prior to pursuing a career in medicine. She obtained her medical degree from the University of Vermont, College of Medicine and completed her residency at the University of Vermont Medical Center.
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As a working mother of four daughters, and one son, Dr. Montagne is aware of the stressors of everyday life, and how this impacts how we, as a society, take care of ourselves, including our skin, health and overall wellness. This, coupled with the lack of access to trained medical professionals in the field of aesthetic medicine in Northern Vermont, led her to further her education in minimally invasive cosmetic procedures to help her patients look and feel great about themselves.
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As an anesthesiologist, she was specifically trained on aseptic standards, injection techniques and the neuromuscular system, all relevant and helpful in refining her clinical skills in aesthetic medicine. At Empower MedSpa, she is focused on providing an atmosphere where patients feel comfortable conveying their concerns and are able to express their desired outcomes, so that as a provider-patient team, an individualized plan can be developed to help achieve optimal results in enhancing their natural beauty.
Kathryn Montagne, MD
Medical Director, Owner
Kim has a passion for health and wellness. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Central Connecticut State University while working full time in the Medical/Surgical, Cardio-Thoracic Intensive Care Units. After 9 years in the ICU she went back to school and received her Master’s in Biological Science/Anesthesia.
Kim has enjoyed working as a Nurse Anesthetist for the past 10 years. Her interest in Aesthetics and Wellness compelled her back to school to obtain certification in various aesthetic procedures. Kim is a member of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetist and the American Nurses Association.
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Kim is trained and certified in cosmetic injectables, laser treatments, and advanced facial aesthetics, she believes it is possible to have aesthetic treatments while maintaining a “natural” look. She believes there is a strong correlation between emotional and physical health. When you look and feel good, both physically and mentally, you feel good about yourself. She establishes a trusting provider-patient relationship and Empowers her patients with the knowledge necessary to make healthy decisions about their treatments.
Kim has raised two children that are off in the world loving what they do. She volunteers at her local church, Habitat for Humanities, Mercy Ship and her local Planning Commission. She loves to travel, meet new people, and experience different cultures. When not helping people, it is her little farm on the hill where she loves to be most.
Kim Cotnoir, APRN
Nurse Practicioner, Owner
Emily Pardee
Emily came to Empower MedSpa in 2021 with previous experience working in a medical administration and customer service position.
Emily obtained her Nursing Assistant License in 2017 and worked as a LNA for 3 years before moving to an administrative management position within a medical facility allowing her to advance in her career. You will often find Emily at the front end of Empower MedSpa assisting patients with appointments, billing, answering product and treatment questions as well as guest services.
With Emily’s experience working in medical administration, she is always excited to assist patients here at Empower MedSpa! Emily currently resides in the Islands with her significant other and their dogs. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, going out with friends, traveling, and being outside.
Spa Manager
Jennifer Baker, RN
Lead Aesthetic Nurse, Allergan Master Injector
Jen is a Registered Nurse with over 25 years of nursing experience. She began her career at UVMMC in cardiology and Intensive care nursing. Spending over 11 years in Intensive care Jen found that she was passionate about caring for her patients and families in their time of hurt and need. Jen has a passion for helping patients find their confidence. With numerous trainings under her belt, Jen is one of the top Nurse Injectors in Northern Vermont.
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Jen specializes in injectable services and enjoys empowering women to be strong and feel beautiful. Jen has many certifications under her belt including advanced injectable techniques, PDO Threads, Sculptra Aesthetic, the well-known Million Dollar Consultation and most recently, Jen completed her Master Expert Series with Allergan Aesthetics certifying her as a Master Injector in the United States.
Jen currently resides in Swanton, Vermont with her husband and two children. Jen is very passionate about exercise. In Jens free time, she enjoys running, CrossFit, boating, and snowmobiling with her family. She looks forward to working with you to begin your Empower MedSpa journey!
Nicole Messier, RN
Laser Nurse
Nicole Messier, a long time Registered Nurse, earned her associate’s degree in nursing from the University of Vermont in 1995. In 2006, she completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Regis College. Following that, she earned her Master of Science in Nursing through online classes at Walden University, while completing clinicals locally. Nicole has nearly 30 years of nursing experience across various settings. She began her career on a medical-surgical floor, then transitioned to an Intensive Care Unit, which eventually led her to the Operating Room. Most of her career has been spent in the OR, where she became a certified OR nurse and later a surgical first assistant. In 2022, she began teaching nursing at Vermont Technical College, now Vermont State University, and continues working in the local ICU to stay current in the field.
When asked what made her pursue a career in esthetics, Nicole notes her longtime fascination with the human body. After years of working on the inside of the body in the OR, she became interested in enhancing the outside. She believes that when people feel good about their appearance, it boosts their confidence and overall happiness. You will most frequently see Nicole performing laser hair reduction services in our St. Albans office!
Nicole currently resides in Swanton with her significant other, and two children. In her free time, she enjoys being outside soaking up the sun, working in her garden, and reading!
Heather Deslauriers
Heather Pinette Deslauriers, CMT, specializes in the practice of deep tissue massage with over 20 years of experience. Heather graduated from the Wellness Massage Institute in Vermont. She began her career at a traditional spa, where she built her confidence and perfected her techniques. It was the traditional spa setting that made her realize her true passion and focus with massage was to assist in helping others in their own body ailments. Heather also spent 6 years practicing massage with a local chiropractor, Dr Sean Mahoney, helping patients of all ages with pain and stress relief.
Heather is a native Vermonter and lives in her hometown of St. Albans with her husband and daughter. She possesses a natural ability to make others feel welcomed with her trusting and nurturing demeanor. She is always excited to implement her expertise at Empower MedSpa and help others with their overall health and wellness.
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Heather is typically only available for massage at Empower MedSpa on Thursday's. If you find this day does not work for your schedule, please call the facility and we will do our best to accommodate a different day.
Certified Massage Therapist
Allison Bushey
Allie Bushey, Licensed Esthetician, found a passion in makeup, skincare, and beauty when she was young. It didn't take her long to realize that what she does on herself every day, she can do for other people to help make them feel beautiful and confident in their own skin! She graduated high school from BFA St. Albans in 2023, where she participated in many sports, before furthering her education in esthetics at O'Briens Aveda Institute. Allie's favorite services to offer are anything brow waxing, laminations, and lash lifts!
In addition to her busy schedule at Empower, Allie also works at a local nursing facility helping to care for the geriatric population. During her free time, Allie enjoys spending time with her family and significant other, Liam, going on adventures, and loving on animals, including her chocolate lab Nala!
Allie grew up in St. Albans and is excited to turn her passion into her career in her local community! Allie offers all things esthetics including facials, waxing, lash lifts, brow/lash tinting, brow lamination, HydraFacial, skincare consultations, and more!
Licensed Esthetician
Morgan Burns
Morgan Burns comes to Empower MedSpa as a Licensed Esthetician from Waddington, NY. She graduated high school from Madrid Waddington Central School in 2019. From there she went on to obtain her bachelor's degree in biomedical sciences with a minor in chemistry at SUNY Plattsburgh where she graduated in 2023.
Morgan struggled with her own skin insecurities growing up which triggered her passion for esthetics and encouraged her to further her education. After college, she attended Elegance College of Healthcare Services & Cosmetology in Cornwall, Ontario. Shortly after finishing her esthetics program, Morgan moved to Burlington, VT and began her first job in esthetics. Her favorite services to offer are HyrdaFacial's, traditional facials, and waxing.
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During her free time, Morgan enjoys spending time with her family on the St. Lawrence river, going on long walks, shopping, and watching reality tv.