Meet the Staff

Jennifer D. Hayhurst, DMSc, PA-C

Physician Assistant

Jennifer D. Hayhurst is a board-certified Physician Assistant specializing in cosmetic, general, and surgical dermatology. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Redlands, a Master's degree from Loma Linda University in Physician Assistant Sciences, and her Doctorate degree in Medical Science in Dermatology from the University of Lynchburg graduating summa cum laude.

Jennifer has over 15 years of experience in dermatology and plastic surgery. As a former full-time faculty member at Loma Linda University, she has held faculty appointments for the School of Medicine and the School of Allied Health.

She is an inducted member of the exclusive Pi Alpha Honor Society through the Physician Assistant Education Association. The Pi Alpha Honor Society recognizes Physician Assistants for their leadership, research, community, and professional service achievements.

With a trained artistic eye, she offers cosmetic treatments such as fillers and neurotoxins. She wants you to feel the best version of yourself and offers expert individualized treatment plans for every patient. To enhance the look and appearance of the skin she can also provide consultation on lasers, peels, medical-grade skincare, and surgical interventions available. She is well-known by her patients for her caring and individualized approach.

In her free time, she can be found with her husband cheering on their two teenage sons as they compete in their various sports!

Jon Poling

Physician Assistant

Jon Poling, PA, has been a Physician Assistant for 36 years, 20 of which he has spent specializing in Cosmetic Dermatology. He graduated from the Physician Assistant Program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 1975. He practiced in the USAF until 1988. As the retired USAF Captain, Jon ran rescue and recovery for the space shuttle efforts at Edwards Air Force Base along with being responsible for the Aerospace Medical Section. Following this career, he established a private practice in 1989. He has been practicing in the Coachella Valley for the last 22 years.

Jon Poling primary expertise is in the field of cosmetic laser technology and Dermatology. Jon has been a repeated guest lecturer at the meeting for Society of Cosmetic Laser Surgeons. Jon also has been an investigator and injector of facial fillers and neurotoxins for since 1996. His experience lies in the use of Botox and Dysport, along with cosmetic fillers including Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm and the volumizer Sculptra for use as a liquid facelift. He has trained with the experts from around the world including some of the product’s inventors.

Jon‘s expertise also lies in the practice of Dermatology, skin cancer and skin cancer surgery. He has over 43 yrs experience in Dermatology, 30 years in Cosmetic Dermatology and 15 years in Hair transplantation.

Cindy McElwian

Registered Nurse

Cindy is a seasoned surgical RN with 30 years experience in patient care before, during and after surgery. She is also a fully trained recovery nurse. In addition, over the last year, she has been trained in the use of Ultherapy, the first focused ultrasound therapy available in the United States.

I love seeing the results of Ultherapy. The patients have no downtime, require no recovery, have no incisions and have immediate results. It kind of seems like magic.

Kay Ward

Body Contouring Specialist

Kay’s personalized mission was created over 30 years ago when she was the Vice President of Nursing and a consultant for the Sisters of Mercy. Kay is an advocate for patients and in creating “abundance in the stewardship of others”. Kay’s vast experience also includes working in Critical Care, Emergency Room, and acting as a flight nurse.

With her passion for international travel and study abroad, Kay’s adventures lead her to the Middle East while she studied the Ancient Mystery Schools of Egypt. Her trip to Russia became a gateway for academic learning of behavioral science at the University of Moscow. The Russian revolution forced an escape plan to Paris and London where Kay enjoyed her new passion of studying fashion design. Having retired on three different occasions, Kay now enjoys the Lord’s work of melting fat in a collaborative practice of plastic surgery.

Susan Turner, RN, BSN

Cosmetic Laser Treatment Specialist
Plastic Surgery Circulator & Recovery Room Nurse

Susan earned her RN degree from Madonna University in Livonia, Michigan. She subsequently worked for 20 years as a critical care RN in ICU, Emergency, Heart Cath Lab, PACU, and Interventional Radiology. Additionally, Susan worked for 10 years at Somerset Plastic Surgery Center in Troy, MI, in the surgery area and assisted with cosmetic procedures.

Susan moved to La Quinta in 2021 from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, to be close to her family. She is certified in ACLS, BCLS, PALS, LASER IPL, Gentle Max Pro Hair Removal, Intracel Pro RF Micro-needling, and has been an active Community Response Team Member (CERT) since 2004.

At Sofonio Plastic Surgery, Susan specializes in two areas: an aesthetic practitioner and a circulating and recovery nurse for our surgicenter. She has always loved working in surgery and witnessing the amazing rejuvenating outcomes of Dr. Sofonio. Susan’s aesthetic area of expertise includes Gentle Max Pro laser hair removal, Intracel RF microneedling treatments, NuERA body tightening & cellulite reduction. What Susan likes most about her work is seeing patient results and helping them look and feel more confident. Susan has a personalized approach specific to each patient’s outcome and needs. Her high attention to detail and enhanced technique ensure that your procedure is performed conscientiously and with personalized expertise.

Patti Owens

Administrative Assistant and Regulatory/Compliance Officer

As a Registered Nurse, Patti Owens has been Dr. Sofonio’s employee for over 12 years. Her past and present job descriptions include surgical nurse, laser cosmetic practitioner, compliance officer, accreditation manager, and now administrative assistant. Patti also provides national consultation and laser safety compliance services. She is active in multiple professional organizations and is a national lecturer for educational societies. Patti serves as the secretary on the ANSI Z136.3 committee for national laser standards of practice and the international laser safety standards committee, IEC WG4. She is a board member of the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses and the acting President for the eChapter 2023-2024 year. Patti was also selected as a subject matter expert for AORN’s “Guideline for Laser Safety.” In addition, she received the 2020 AORN award for outstanding perioperative clinical practice and the IEC 1906 award. She has over 20 years of surgical and 15 years of aesthetic experience. Patti has served in multiple board positions with the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery, including Safety Officer. She is also a published author and is so honored to have the opportunity to work with Dr. Sofonio and his excellent providers and staff.

John Graciano

Surgical Assistant & Technician

John Graciano is a Certified Surgical Technician who trained in a 3-year program and graduated with top honors. John has been the personal scrub technician for the last 20 years. He has been Dr. Sofonio’s personal assistant for over 10,000 surgeries. John looks forward to providing personalized and competent care during each and every surgical procedure!

Jacque Vaccaro

Administrative Assistant

Jacque is from the San Francisco Bay area where she was the administrative assistant for a medical laboratory company for 35 years. Her expertise and administrative skills are greatly appreciated as she greets and checks in our patients.

Danielle Rubino

Director of Skincare & Licensed Aesthetician

Danielle Rubino, our Director of Skincare & Licensed Aesthetician, draws upon over 24 years in the beauty industry, working for multiple world-renowned dermatologists and plastic surgeons from Washington, D.C., to Los Angeles. Danielle's facial treatments have been featured on various news shows, websites and in several magazines, including two times in Allure for their "Little Black Book Directory." She has additional certification and education in: Ultherapy, dermaplaning, chemical peels, microneedling, dermal infusion, ultrasound, microdermabrasion, brow shaping artistry and lash tinting. She is also a licensed massage therapist and studied Thai massage in Bangkok, Thailand, for further education. Danielle joined Sofonio Plastic Surgery in 2020 and her passion for knowledge in the dynamic, ever changing skincare/beauty industry ensures that she stays informed with the latest technologies, cutting edge products & services. Her philosophy is "It's easier to prevent and maintain rather than correct and maintain" and will always give an honest opinion helping lead patients to realistic goals. Danielle loves her career and feels that when you love what you do, you’ll never “work” a day in your life.

Desiree Martinez

Aesthetician & Medical Assistant

I have worked as an aesthetician for 14 years and have loved every minute of it. My passion and joy come from making people feel beautiful in their skin and providing individuals with the tools and knowledge to be able to care for and love their skin. My journey with skincare started when I began working with a dermatologist at a cosmetic center 14 years ago, this was the seed that grew and blossomed into the beautiful love I have for skincare.

I truly am thankful for a career that allows me to meet such wonderful people. As well as, one that is always evolving and allows for constant growth.

When I'm not at work I love being with my family, friends, and furbabies. You can find me snuggled up on the couch with a good book, rocking out to a spin class on my Peloton, or in the kitchen cooking up a storm.

My current certifications and education are as follows: Licensed Medical Assistant / Aesthetician / Cool Sculpting/ Ultrasound & Radiofrequency / Plasma Fibroblast / Hydrafacial / Diamond Glow / Microdermabrasion / Dermaplaning / Chemical Peels / Brow wax and tinting / Permanent Make-Up

Jeana Tatosian

Laser Nurse Specialist

Jeana is an accomplished RN with over 20 years of experience in direct patient care.  Early in her career as a travel nurse, Jeana settled in the Palm Springs area and joined the Trauma ICU team at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs in 2004, where she established herself as a strong patient advocate and was widely recognized as an excellent care provider.  Jeana builds on her clinical expertise and passion for laser, light and energy devices technology to deliver exceptional results for her patients.  She enjoys getting to know her patients, understanding their needs, and ensuring their goals are met.  When she is not at the surgery center, Jeana enjoys hiking our desert trails, making music, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Peggy Murgo

Registered Nurse

Peggy Murgo is a Registered Nurse with an extensive background in Plastic Surgery. She is credentialed as a Plastic Surgery First Assistant. Peggy began her experience with fillers and neuromodulators in 1996 and has become a master injector at prominent Dermatology/Plastic Surgery practices.  Peggy has received many awards, including Bella Diamond Award, in 2017 and 2018, and is recognized as one of the country’s top 1% of injectors. Peggy is passionate about her work and takes pride in providing her clients with a “natural look’. We are privileged to have Peggy join our practice! Peggy will see our patients on Tuesdays, Wednesday, and Thursday while helping beautify the Coachella Valley, one patient at a time.

Yvette Meza

Medical Assistant

Yvette is a Front Desk Receptionist and a Medical Assistant at Dr. Sofonio Plastic surgery.  She makes the first connection with our patients and provides information on what our procedures, treatments, and recovery entail. Yvette has over 4 years of experience in the medical field. She attended ROP classes in high school and obtained her Administrative Assistant certification in 2014. She then later obtained her Medical Assistant certification at Santa Barbara Business college in 2019. Yvette is passionate about helping patients feel and look their best. She chose to be in the plastic surgery industry because it brings her joy to see patients gain confidence after their procedures.

Jacqueline Hicks

Sales/Marketing Administrator

Jacqueline was born and raised in the Midwest and was in the beauty supply distributorship business for a number of years. In 2002, she moved to the desert and pivoted into the real estate industry and marketing. While doing this, she was active in the community volunteering at Eisenhower Hospital and in the Read With Me Program. After several years, Jacqueline discovered a new field in which she could help people in the area of substance addiction, where she learned to cultivate superior patient relations. Having always been interested in cosmetic surgery and aesthetic medicine, she decided to pursue this passion alongside the opportunity to exercise her excellent customer service skills by joining the Sofonio team as the Sales/Marketing Administrator. Discovering a new venue in the world of aesthetic medicine, Jacqueline can help people feel their best, from the outside. Serving as a liaison between patients and the doctor, Jacqueline’s role is to answer procedural and surgery-related questions to help patients have the best possible experience and overall results.. Jacqueline recognizes how big of a decision undergoing plastic surgery is, and with her knowledge, she prides herself in assisting patients to understand the process better. She loves plastic surgery because she feels it is the ultimate expression of art, science, and meticulous technique.. Her enthusiasm and genuine care for her work and her patients drive her to deliver the best experience for each individual.