Introducing Nova
Meet Our Owner
Sarah Crocker, RN, Master Nurse Injector
Nova MedSpa was created through Sarah’s vision for blending science, artistry, and personalized care in aesthetics. With more than 15 years of experience as both a Certified Cosmetic Nurse Injector and Licensed Aesthetician, she has devoted her career to helping patients achieve natural, timeless results.
Her expertise centers on designing graceful aging plans that combine multiple modalities—Botox®, dermal fillers, biostimulants, facial balancing, and advanced medical aesthetic protocols. Trained by top experts across the country, Sarah continues to expand her knowledge to stay at the forefront of the evolving aesthetics field.
As Nova’s founder and clinical leader, Sarah pairs technical mastery with an approachable, patient-first philosophy. She is not only committed to her own patients’ success but also to mentoring and empowering the Nova team—instilling the same dedication to education, excellence, and client care that defines the Nova standard.
Ankeny, IA & Dubuque, IA, Polk City, IA
Dr. Emma Culbertson, DNP, ARNP-BC
Aesthetic Nurse Injector, Medical Director
Ankeny, IA & Dubuque, IA, Polk City, IA
Emma Culbertson is a board-certified family nurse practitioner with a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Clarke University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a holistic specialty from Florida Atlantic University.
With five years of medical aesthetic experience and mentorship under top injectors, she specializes in advanced treatments including Botox®, dermal fillers, biostimulants such as Sculptra®, facial balancing with cheek and chin enhancement, and lip restoration—always with a focus on graceful, natural-looking aging.
What sets Emma apart is her whole-person approach. Beyond aesthetics, she integrates functional medicine, hormone therapy, and lab analysis to create detailed treatment plans that support both outer beauty and inner wellness. She believes confidence is built on balance, and treats every patient with the same care she would give her own family—thoughtful, honest, and invested in their long-term success.
Paige Trunnel, LE
Ankeny & Polk City, IA
Paige is one of Nova MedSpa Ankeny’s expert medical aestheticians, known for creating skin that truly shines and features that feel effortlessly polished. From advanced facials, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels to flawless lash extensions and brow artistry, Paige brings both precision and creativity to every service. Clients love her for the way she personalizes each treatment—transforming routine self-care into a luxury experience. What makes Paige special is her eye for detail and her ability to make every client feel like their best features have been brought forward, leaving them glowing with a confidence that feels completely their own.
Emma Cox, LE
Ankeny, IA
At Nova MedSpa Ankeny, medical aesthetician Emma Cox brings her unique blend of West Coast freshness and Midwest warmth to fuel her passion for helping clients feel their best through personalized, results-driven care. She specializes in the Nova Signature, tailoring each treatment to her clients’ unique skin needs while blending advanced protocols with relaxation. Known for her thoughtful approach and amazing massage, Emma ensures every appointment feels both rejuvenating and restorative.
Her clients value the extra care and intention she brings to every visit, and Emma values creating a welcoming space for clients to feel heard and supported and she helps them reach their goals.
Aestheticians
Doug Dollison, Licensed Massage Therapist
Ankeny & Polk City IA
Doug Dollison is a licensed massage therapist at Nova MedSpa Ankeny, bringing a warm and intuitive approach to every session. Skilled in hot stone, neuromuscular, lymphatic, prenatal, and deep tissue massage, he creates customized treatments tailored to each client’s needs. Doug focuses on muscle recovery, stress and pain relief, and mind-body balance, ensuring every session leaves clients feeling restored. Committed to integrated care, he collaborates closely with other health professionals and Nova experts to support overall wellness. As an appointed LMT Member of the Iowa Board of Massage Therapy, Doug combines expertise and compassion to deliver a therapeutic experience that truly makes a difference.
Arianne Binder, Licensed Massage Therapist, CPT
Ankeny, IA
Arianne Binder is a licensed massage therapist at Nova MedSpa Ankeny, offering an intuitive and results-driven approach with highly customized sessions. Skilled in deep tissue, neuromuscular, lymphatic, cupping, salt stones, orthopedic, and therapeutic massage, she designs each treatment to meet the unique needs of her clients. Arianne focuses on stress reduction, pain relief, muscle recovery, improved mobility, and neuromuscular balance, helping clients feel restored and supported. She collaborates closely with the Nova team and other healthcare providers to provide integrated, whole-body care. As a Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach, Arianne combines expertise in movement, wellness, and massage to deliver a truly comprehensive and therapeutic experience.
Massage
Brianna Walker, LE
Ankeny IA
Brianna Walker is a licensed esthetician at Nova MedSpa with 9 years of experience, bringing an intentional, results-driven approach to every treatment. She specializes in medical-grade skincare, customized facials, Moxi/BBL laser treatments, and laser hair removal, tailoring each service to meet the unique needs and goals of her clients. With advanced knowledge and attention to detail, Brianna focuses on improving skin health, correcting concerns, and creating long-term results through thoughtful treatment planning. She pairs her expertise with warmth, humor, and an approachable energy, helping clients feel comfortable, confident, and supported throughout their experience.
Alison Knight, Licensed Massage Therapist
Ankeny, IA
Alison Knight is a licensed massage therapist and Doctor of Chiropractic at Nova MedSpa Ankeny, offering a relaxing, intuitive approach with client-guided sessions. Skilled in cupping, hot stones, active release stretching, cervical spine mobilization, and Reiki/energy work, she creates treatments that address both body and nervous system needs. Alison focuses on stress relief, tension release, mobilization, and nervous system regulation, helping clients feel balanced and restored. She fosters a safe, supportive space where every client feels fully seen, heard, and held. With over 20 years of experience in bodywork, Alison combines her expertise and compassion to deliver a therapeutic experience that truly transforms how clients feel.
AestheticiaN
& Massage
Kylee Ploessl BSN, RN
Dubuque, IA
Kylee is a highly skilled nurse injector, local to our Dubuque office. She specializes in advanced aesthetics including Botox®, dermal fillers, and ultrasound laser treatments. She also addresses skin concerns with medical-grade protocols such as microneedling + PRP and deep corrective treatments, helping clients achieve natural, long-lasting results. Known for her bubbly personality and dedication, Kylee makes every visit comfortable, uplifting, and confidence-boosting. She has a genuine gift for making people feel seen and celebrated, leaving her patients not only looking their best but glowing with confidence from the inside out.
Emma Mook, LE
Dubuque, IA
Emma Mook is Nova MedSpa Dubuque’s medical esthetician, specializing in advanced skin treatments that merge beauty with clinical expertise. From corrective facials and chemical peels to tailored skincare protocols, she delivers results that go beyond the surface—helping clients achieve long-term skin health and confidence. Known for her sweet personality and dedication to her clients, Emma is equally skilled in creating rejuvenating experiences as she is in performing advanced protocols to meet client goals.
Dubuque, IA
Brook Culbertson, Director of Operations
All Locations
As Spa Director of Nova MedSpa, Brook brings over a decade of managerial expertise and a true passion for patient-centered care. She is the backbone of daily operations— leading the Nova team, strengthening client communications, and cultivating meaningful community partnerships that expand Nova’s reach. Passionate about creating a supportive and professional environment, Brook ensures both clients and staff feel cared for and connected. Her steady leadership and dedication make her an essential part of what keeps Nova running smoothly and delivering the high-quality experience our patients know and love.
Madeline Miller, Assistant Director,
Spa Coordinator
All Locations
Madeline is Nova MedSpa’s Spa Coordinator and Assistant Director, where she plays a key role in ensuring a seamless client experience from start to finish. With a focus on polite, accommodating care, she helps create the welcoming and professional environment that defines every Nova visit.
In addition to supporting daily operations, Madeline lends her creative eye to Nova’s marketing efforts and is known as our in-house Canva wiz. Her mix of organization, client service, and design talent makes her an invaluable part of the team—helping both clients and the brand shine.