Your GJ Skin Experts
About MWDA
Mountain West Dermatology Aesthetics originated as part of Mountain West Dermatology when Dr. Amy Paul joined the practice in 2009. She introduced expert Cosmetic Dermatology services to the medical and surgical practice. As the Aesthetics practice grew with expanded services, including lasers, MiraDry and FemiLift, Dr. Paul and her team of highly trained and experienced Aesthetic professionals moved to a beautiful location at 611 24 Road in the summer of 2018. Today, Mountain West Dermatology Aesthetics continues to remain the premiere award-winning laser, aesthetics and injectable practice in Western Colorado.
Dr. Amy Paul, DO, FAAD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Amy Paul graduated from the United States Military Academy, West Point, and completed her Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Following internship in Washington D.C., she was accepted into an extremely competitive Dermatology Residency in San Antonio, Texas. Upon serving as a military dermatologist and deployment to Afghanistan, she and her family moved to Grand Junction to join Mountain West Dermatology. She and her talented team of certified laser specialists and licensed aestheticians provide compassionate and professional beautiful aesthetic results . Dr. Paul specializes in customized injectable treatments with Botox, masterful injections of dermal fillers, and customized laser treatments.
Outside of the office, Dr. Amy Paul enjoys spending time with her husband and four kids. Her hobbies include hiking and spending time in the beautiful area around the Grand Valley.
Caroline W. Laggis, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Caroline Laggis completed a four year Dermatology Residency at the University of Utah. There, she learned basic and advanced cosmetic techniques with Dr. Erika Summer and Dr. David Smart. She's attended several conferences through the American Academy of Dermatology for additional training. Dr. Laggis and Dr. Amy Paul are both a part of the caring and medical professional team at Mountain West Dermatology.
Dr Laggis lives in Palisade, with her husband and two toddlers. She enjoys camping, mountain biking and Palisade farm life.
Dr. Rachael H. Kappius, MD, FAAD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Rachael Kappius completed her medical degree at the University of Florida College of
Medicine and dermatologic residency training at the Medical University of South Carolina.
Dr. Kappius joins the MWDA medical professional team alongside Dr. Paul and Dr. Laggis after
extensive training under top medical and cosmetic dermatologists.
Dr. Kappius chose the field of dermatology because she loves connecting with patients and
making them feel better about living in their skin. She enjoys working with patients to solve
problems that may be ailing their skin or to create a powerful anti-aging plan. She also enjoys
helping patients repair the skin after UV damage with botox, fillers, and skin resurfacing
solutions.
Dr. Kappius is married to a retired professional cyclist and Colorado native. Outside of work, she
enjoys playing tennis, hiking and camping with their two dogs, drawing, painting, and keeping
their goats out of the garden.
Jennifer Heckman, C.L.S., L.E., CoolSculpting Master
Certified Laser Specialist
Jen is a Colorado Native who grew up in Fort Collins, CO. She graduated from Cosmetology School in 2006. After her own journey of hair loss, Jen started her short career in the hair industry. Her goal was to make her clients feel beautiful even with hair loss. She soon found her passion in aesthetics, igniting a sentiment for patient care that transpired into her love for laser aesthetics. Jen is a Certified Laser Specialist, licensed Aesthetician and Cosmetologist. As a member of American Society of Laser and Medicine, she takes pride in continuing her education in the industry, with ongoing courses, conferences, and additional certifications to stay knowledgeable with the ever-evolving aesthetic industry. Jen joined MWDA in 2019 adding another dimension of excellence to the care of our beloved patients. Prior to MWDA she was the Lead Laser Specialist at Le MedSpa. Jen enjoys working individually with clients to find the treatments best suited for their skin and educating them on professional products and proper home care. Jen's montra is "an educated patient is a successful patient".
With time away from MWDA, her husband and son keep her busy with all that Grand Junction activities have to offer. Even though she prefers to keep both feet on the ground, with no reservations she is willing to try anything at least once!
Haley Gross, C.L.S., L.E.
Certified Laser Specialist
Haley is a licensed aesthetician, certified laser specialist and is a member of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. Her passion for the medical side of aesthetics started at a very young age and brought her to MWDA in 2018. She is dedicated to advancing her certificates and skills by going to conferences and continued education courses. Haley has worked to gain knowledge and training that rivals her peers that have 10+ years in the industry and her passion only continues to grow. She excels as a valued member of the MWDA team.
When she's not in the office or trying new skincare, Haley enjoys spending time outdoors with her dog, Bella. One of her many favorite weekend activities, is hiking the beautiful mountains that surround Grand Junction; especially hikes that go to a lake and she can fish. She is an avid traveler and has had the opportunity to experience many different cultures and cuisines. Her bucket list is never ending and is full of adrenaline inducing activities, like skydiving and swimming with sharks.
Emily Garcia L.E.
Licensed Esthetician
Emily graduated from the Salon Professional Academy of Cosmetology in 2008, as a certified cosmetologist. Although Emily has built a successful business serving people in the Grand Valley, it was time to focus on her passion. For the last six years, she has turned her focus to Esthetics. She has worked with professionals who offer both medical and spa services, and she has immersed herself in studying all the components of skincare, health, and is invested in seeking opportunities for further education and certifications. Emily understands there’s more to skincare than a one-size-fits-all approach. “I feel it’s important to listen to patients’ concerns, to be candid and honest, so we can work together to identify the best treatment plan. My goal is to help patients love the skin that they’re in.”
Emily is a mother of two beautiful daughters. She and her girls enjoy spending time biking, hiking, and exploring the lakes around Mesa County. She loves all things leopard print, champagne and her cat Harley.
Danielle Vargas L.E.
Licensed Esthetician
Danielle is a licensed esthetician and certified dermatology technician. Danielle graduated from Technical College of the Rockies as an esthetician in 2020. Danielle has worked with Dr. Amy Paul since 2020 at Dr. Paul’s Medical Office and transitioned to Mountain West Dermatology Aesthetics to pursue her passion in skin care and cosmetic dermatology.
Danielle also owns and operates her own eye lash business when she is not busy in a treatment room at MWDA. Danielle enjoys spending time with family and friends and activities that the beautiful Grand Valley has to offer.
Claudia Gomez L.E.
Licensed Esthetician
Claudia is a first generation Mexican American and was born and raised in Grand Junction.
She graduated from the Avalon Institute in Denver, in March of 2022 and received her license for Esthetics in May of 2022. After suffering from severe cystic acne while in high school in 2014 and trying a variety of different products that did not help, she sought out help with Dr. Amy Paul at Mountain Western Dermatology.
Claudia’s skin journey has not been easy, but worth while as it has guided her to her passion in aspiring to help others that are on their own skin journey. Claudia is hard working and a driven individual who is continuously building her aesthetics knowledge by attending online courses, and obtaining additional certifications to help best inform her clients and stay up to date with the ever changing industry of the beauty world.
When Claudia is not hard at work, she enjoys spending time at the ranch with her fiancé, family, friends, multiple dogs and chickens. She is a true native and enjoys anything outdoors and loves learning and trying new things.
Rachael Counts
Administrative Assistant and
Front Desk Coordinator
Rachael has worked with Dr. Paul since 2011 in her in her dermatology practice as her medical assistant and is a certified dermatology tech. When Mountain West Dermatology Aesthetics opened, she was excited to accept this new role and continue working with Dr. Paul. Rachael has previous medical experience and is highly knowledgeable in answering questions about various procedures, sunscreen and skin care products. Rachael enjoys the friendships that she forms with patients and loves that our practice is dedicated to educating our patients on sunscreen and maintaining healthy skin.
Rachael is a Grand Junction native who enjoys spending time with her family, paddle boarding, baking, traveling and hiking.
Martha Kudasik, CDMP
Front Desk Coordinator
Marketing and Social Media Manager
Martha joined Mountain West Dermatology Aesthetics as front desk coordinator and social media manager in 2020. Martha graduated with a Bachelor's in Business from Colorado Mesa University with a concentration in Hospitality Management in 2017. Upon graduating and working in the hotel industry, she quickly learned she had a deeper passion for make-up and skincare and stepped away from travel and tourism and started her career in cosmetic dermatology. Martha joined Le MedSpa and started her career in marketing and social media management there. She was able to put her passion for skincare and marketing together. She has completed numerous skin care product brand programs and continues her education on medical marketing best practices. In 2022, Martha completed additional schooling to become a Certified Digital Marketing Professional and also received her MBA from the CoolSculpting University Masters Business Course.
Outside of the office, you will find Martha shopping, on the lake, partaking in small adventures with her rescue Yorkies, Maciek and Mila. Martha believes that a perfect day is one with lots of sunscreen, laughter and good friends. Martha also speaks Polish fluently.
Alex Lozano
Front Desk Coordinator
Alex joined the MWDA team in 2022. She was born in Miami FL and grew up in the Grand Valley. Upon graduating high school, she joined her mother in helping take care of her older brother who suffered from an undiagnosed connective tissue disorder, and soon discovered her passion for helping others. In 2021, when her brother passed, she continued her passion and became certified in caregiving, taking on new clients. While Alex is still deeply passionate about caring for others, she has always had an interest in the dermatology and the aesthetic industry and is eager to become knowledgeable and experienced so she can continue her growth in a new aspect. Since joining MWDA, Alex jumped right into her new role and is focused on learning all she can about our practice, providers, treatments and the products we have to offer. She has completed numerous skin care product brand training programs, including ZO Skin Health, AlumierMD, CoolSculpting, Glytone and Colorescience trainings. Alex is so excited to grow with us and continue learning about skincare.
In her free time, Alex enjoys being around her family and always likes traveling back to Florida to visit the rest of her relatives. Alex loves tea, reading and animals! Be sure to ask Alex her favorite animal fact next time you're checking in!