Meet The Team
DR. JEFFREY A. AYERS
Jeffrey Ayers is excited to share his passion for non-surgical cosmetic services that maintain a natural yet youthful appearance. The field of aesthetics changes often and Dr. Ayers is a perpetual learner who also enjoys sharing what he learns with newer practitioners.
Dr. Ayers has practiced medicine in Utah for 26 years. While working for Intermountain Healthcare, he realized medicine would evolve, requiring professional diversity. As a result, he sought additional training and discovered medical aesthetics.
After joining the National Institute of Medical Aesthetics, he spent 12+ years as their medical director. While there, he continued developing his artistic skill for aesthetics and contributed to the professional training programs they offered.
Dr. Ayers has a bachelor’s degree in biology from Westmont College and completed his medical degree at Des Moines University. He then completed his family medicine residency at Camp Pendleton Naval Hospital and served as a staff family doctor in Sasebo, Japan as a commissioned naval officer for three years.
JULIE AYERS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Julie Ayers is an owner and co-founder of Gallery of Aesthetics. As a long-time student of health and wellness, she has a strong desire to help others uncover their inner beauty. Julie’s unique whole-person care approach of combining skin care with emotional and spiritual well-being promotes a welcoming, comforting environment at Gallery of Aesthetics.
Within her own family, Julie has watched many suffer from skin cancer over the years and is aware of the constant need for education in this area.
Julie is an Iowa girl, but before moving to Utah, she lived in Sasebo, Japan, where Jeff Ayers served as a staff family doctor and a commissioned naval officer. This is where Julie learned the true meaning of community. On the small base, everyone needed each other and the outreach to the Japanese people was a crucial responsibility.
When Julie and Jeff returned to the US, they moved to Utah. Julie played a pivotal role in their community as she led worship and organized events and retreats, connecting people emotionally and spiritually.
GRETCHEN FIGGE
Gretchen Figge is most known for her entrepreneurial spirit. Continually working toward growth both as a professional and individual, she is excited to work with the Gallery of Aesthetics.
After a few years working in the corporate world, Gretchen started her first company in 2002, Elf Works, Inc., which specializes in helping other companies grow. After her first two years of success, she hired her husband, and they are now business partners in many ventures. Over the years, she has had the opportunity to not only start several more businesses, but become an investor in others. She has also consulted with many entrepreneurs and given them guidance in starting their own companies. Most recently she became a general contractor, which will likely lead to many more new and exciting business ventures.
Gretchen has a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Utah. She is also an ICF graduate and has graduated from the Goldman Sachs small business program, where she is still an active alumna.
KARA RIPPLINGER, RN, BSN
Kara is an experienced labor and delivery nurse since 2014. She attended the University of Utah and obtained her bachelor’s of science in nursing as well as her bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies (child life specialist emphasis) and a minor in modern dance. Kara has always been artistic. Missing that outlet as a labor and delivery nurse, she started to dive into cosmetic injections, learning all she could. Kara quickly fell in love with the delicate balance of medicine and art that is inherent in cosmetic injections. Kara’s objective is not to change how you look but to enhance, balance and rejuvenate your natural beauty. Kara has three wonderful boys she spends her spare time with, and she loves a fresh, homemade chocolate chip cookie.
THE BEST WAY TO REACH YOUR GOALS?
Schedule a consultation with one of our master aesthetics artists to learn more about our services. We offer a high-end medical spa experience and curate a unique, custom treatment plan suited to reach your goals. We offer both in-person and virtual consultations for convenience and with your safety in mind.
