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Team
Meet our founder
Maria Deprang-Klein
Founder, Nuyu Med Spa
Maria is the founder of NUYU Medspa in Albuquerque She is a board certified nurse practitioner with a Undergraduate Bachelors of Science degree from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth Texas and then received her graduate training from Simmons College in Boston Massachusetts.
Maria is a skilled cosmetic injector and known for producing natural and transformative results, Maria has had a love for art and owned a Faux Finishing restorative painting company in the 90’s. It was suggested to her that since she was an RN and had a love for art that the cosmetic aesthetic industry would be a fulfilling career move. She has not looked back since and continues to learn, grow and improve on her aesthetic skills.
Along with the love of aesthetics she also focuses on the wellness of each patient and maximizing their quality of life Hormone replacement therapy and weight loss management are also offered.
Maria enjoys designing anything, gardening and flying small aircraft. She received her pilot’s license in 2002 but finds little time to fly these days. She has 3 sons and grew up in 5 different countries and now calls Albuquerque New Mexico home.
Meet our amazing team
Sheila Candelaria
Medical Assistant
Meet Sheila Candelaria. She is a skilled Medical Assistant bringing a wealth of expertise to our team in New Mexico. With a strong foundation in patient care, she has completed advanced training in aesthetic procedures and energy-based technologies, equipping her to support a range of cosmetic treatments. Passionate about enhancing patient outcomes, Sheila combines her technical knowledge with a compassionate approach, making her an invaluable asset to our practice.
Sheila has become a true luminary in the world of aesthetics and possesses a remarkable skill set in corrective skincare, coupled with a deep understanding of laser theory and knowledge. Her philosophy revolves around focusing on simple yet effective routines as the cornerstone of maintaining healthy skin.
Sheila Candelaria
LASER TECHNICIAN & LICENSED AESTHETICIAN
Joan Hurst
OFFICE ADMIN & HUMAN RELATIONS
Joan Hurst brings a wealth of diverse experience and a passion for community engagement to her role as Business Development and Manager at Nuyu MedSpa. With a dynamic background spanning multiple industries. Prior to joining Nuyu MedSpa, Joan was a successful entrepreneur, owning her own commercial embroidery business. Her creative flair and attention to detail made her a standout in this field, where precision and artistry are paramount. Joan’s venture into real estate further showcased her versatility. As a licensed real estate broker, she not only navigated the complexities of the real estate market but also provided top-notch administrative services to other real estate brokers . Her commitment to excellence and ethical practices earned her a reputation as a trusted advisor in the real estate industry. Now, as a key member of the Nuyu MedSpa team, her unique combination of skills and experiences make her the ideal leader for business development, ensuring that Nuyu MedSpa continues to thrive and expand its reach. We are thrilled to have her on board as we work together to redefine beauty and wellness.
Lucas Galle
RN,EMT, Nurse injector
Lucas Galle is an aesthetic nurse injector with a diverse and impressive background spanning 17 years in emergency medicine. Throughout his career, he has worked in various high-pressure settings, including ambulances, firefighting, emergency rooms, urgent care, and critical care, where he honed his skills in providing exceptional care under intense conditions.
In addition to his medical expertise, Lucas is a former professional boxer and personal trainer, driven by a deep passion for promoting both physical and mental health. His extensive experience in the fitness and healthcare industries has given him a unique perspective on the importance of wellness, which he integrates into his aesthetic practice.
Having pursued additional training in aesthetic medicine, Lucas obtained his certification in neurotoxins and dermal fillers at the National Laser Institute in Scottsdale, AZ, where he gained the specialized skills needed to offer safe, effective, and results-driven treatments. With a commitment to enhancing his clients’ well-being inside and out, Lucas Galle blends his medical expertise, fitness knowledge, and passion for health to deliver personalized, transformative care as an aesthetic nurse injector
Gillian Hartsell
Front Desk Receptionist, Event Coordinator
With 25 years of experience as an educator, Gillian has always had a passion for learning and connection. After retiring from teaching, she spent five years at Anthropologie, embracing creativity and customer engagement. Now, at NUYU, Gillian has found a new passion in building meaningful relationships with clients and helping them feel their best.
Rachelle L. Alumbaugh
Medical Assistant, Director of Business Operations
Rachelle is a highly experienced Medical Assistant and aesthetics professional with over 25 years in the beauty and wellness industry. She currently serves as the Director of Business Operations at Nuyu Med Spa, where she oversees day-to-day operations, supports staff development, and ensures a seamless client experience. Rachelle also provides hands-on care in a variety of treatments, including body sculpting, skin rejuvenation, and hormone support therapies. Her background in both clinical care and business management allows her to bridge the gap between patient care and operational excellence. With a deep passion for helping others feel confident in their skin, Rachelle is dedicated to delivering personalized, high-quality care and contributing to the ongoing success and growth of the Nuyu team.
Kathy Nguyen
Medical Assistant
Kathy is a dedicated nursing student at the University of New Mexico, with a special interest in women’s health and hormone replacement therapy. As an essential team member at Nuyu Med Spa, Kathy assists with a variety of advanced aesthetic and wellness treatments. Her hands-on experience allows her to support clients in their journey toward enhanced well-being, ensuring they receive the highest level of care. With a strong foundation in medical aesthetics and a passion for empowering others, Kathy is driven to become a Nurse Practitioner specializing in women’s health and aesthetics, where she can continue to make a meaningful difference in her patients’ lives.
Leyna Tran
Medical Assistant
Leyna is one of our Medical Assistant here at Nuyu. As a dedicated medical assistant, she is currently pursuing a biology degree at the University of New Mexico with the ambition of becoming a dentist and eventually owning her own practice. Leyna’s passion lies in helping
others boost their confidence, which she finds incredibly rewarding, especially in the transformative environment of med spas. Leyna’s journey in the medical field has reinforced her commitment to providing compassionate care and making a positive impact on the lives of her patients.
Kristen Cooper
Medical Assistant
Kristen, originally from West Texas was brought to New Mexico on a Division I athletic scholarship to dive for the University of New Mexico. She proudly represented UNM as a collegiate diver for four years, balancing the demands of high-level athletics with rigorous academics. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, where she developed a strong foundation in human anatomy, physiology, and wellness.
Her experience as an athlete sparked a deep interest in health and performance, which naturally extended into a passion for medical aesthetics. Kristen was recently accepted into nursing school and will begin working toward her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, continuing her path toward a career in healthcare. She brings a compassionate, detail-oriented approach to patient care and is proud to be part of a team that empowers clients to look and feel their best.
