Hi, I'm Gretchen!

I am a Nationally certified and Master Esthetician with 30 years experience working in the field. Skin is my absolute passion and I love seeing the changes that we can achieve together as a team, both client and esthetician, to develop routines, proper care, and develop treatment plans to bring your best skin to the surface.

Growing up in the Kansas City area, I was always drawn to beauty industry. I graduated from esthetician school way before people even knew what estheticians were about, let alone what services we provided. We have come a long way over the years. There are many estheticians to choose from these days but my extensive and varied experience is really what sets me apart from the others.

Though I worked in luxury spas in the Midwest, I fell in love with the Pacific Northwest when visiting friends over 20 years ago. I moved to the Seattle area and went back school to become a medical assistant. My intent was to broaden my understanding of the medical side of esthetics, and once I graduated, I began working with a plastic surgeon as a medical assistant. This also included assisting in facial plastic surgery. I also performed skin treatments and laser procedures. I loved the vast experience I gained in this position over the 3 years I worked alongside of her.

Leaving Seattle, I moved to Portland, where I’ve been ever since, where I began working for an allergist, gaining an even more varied breadth of experience. I was his Medical Assistant and Spa Manager, and through this time, honed my expertise working with various lasers and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy treatments, all while studying allergens and how they affect the skin.

Additionally, I have extensive experience working with clients during and post-cancer treatment, and have even completed a specialized oncology class for estheticians. There is so much to know when treating a client who has, or has had, cancer. This experience helps me guide you in the right direction for your skin, and I work closely alongside local dermatologists and a medical director if there is ever a skin concern outside of my purview.

When I’m not doing my passion or continuing my education, I love to read, cook, try new restaurants and do art. I love comedy, dancing and getting to know people and how they tick. I also have pet hedgehogs that keep me endlessly entertained.

My heart belongs to the LGBTQ ETC and I am a Sister of Perpetual Indulgence here in Portland. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organizaiton that believes all people have a right to express their unique joy and beauty. We give back to the community by providing grants to often under-served and under-funded non-profits in our area. For more info you can visit our website at portlandsisters.org.