Patrick Bitter, Jr., M.D., Chief Medical Officer
Patrick Bitter, Jr., M.D. is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in non-surgical treatments to improve skin health and delay aging and anti-aging medicine. He is the founder of Advanced Aesthetic Dermatology and maintains medical practices in Los Gatos, CA and Beverly Hills, CA. He graduated from the University of California with highest honors in Biology. He received his medical degree from Stanford University School of Medicine. He completed his dermatology residency at Stanford University School of Medicine in 1986.
Dr. Bitter is regarded as the pioneer in the use of pulsed light technology for skin rejuvenation and is often referred to as “ The Godfather of Light”. He is the developer of the acclaimed FotoFacial procedure using pulsed light to rejuvenate aged skin. He has authored several groundbreaking scientific papers on the use of pulsed light for skin rejuvenation. He is a sought-after lecturer and teacher and has taught over four thousand physicians worldwide in the use of pulsed light.
Dr. Bitter has been featured as a celebrity dermatologist on ABC’s Extreme Makeover. He is a member of several professional societies including Fellowship in the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. Dr. Bitter has been a consultant to the medical laser device industry and to nutritional and anti-aging companies.
Dr. Bitter is proud to be the dermatologist for the San Jose Sharks National Hockey League Team. He is also a former USA Triathlon National Champion and two-time Hawaiian Ironman Triathlon finisher.
Sage carries with it the meaning of “Wisdom”. In the world of Aesthetic Dermatology and Pulse Light therapies, Dr. Bitter is the epitome of wisdom, and we are all so grateful he is sharing this wisdom and knowledge with sAge and all of our clients!
McKenzie Cruz, Lead Physician Assistant
McKenzie Cruz is our Lead Physician Assistant born and raised in Southern California. She graduated from La Sierra University with her Bio Health Science Degree, later to graduate with her Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Cal Baptist University. McKenzie quickly jumped into her passion for Aesthetics by landing an aesthetic injector job in Orange County California. This is where she was trained by Master Injectors the art of full facial revitalization and became certified in Botox, Juvederm, Voluma, Volbella, Kybella, Vivace Microneedling, Lumenis Laser Hair Removal and Hydrafacial. McKenzie has since become certified in Xeomin, Salt Facial and the Sciton Master Courses.
McKenzie’s vision and dream are in every part of sAge and it’s mission and purpose. Her kindness and care will be noticed in every treatment she provides. She found her calling! Providing the most natural results, whilst still empowering each patient to exude their own confidence and desired results is where her passion lives.
Last year (2022), she married her husband Travis, who she met in PA school and the both of them moved to Tennessee, where sAge began to come into reality. Soon after, McKenzie flew out to Los Gatos, California multiple times to be trained by the well renowned dermatologist, Dr. Patrick Bitter. This is where she was able to learn from the “Godfather of Light” himself, the Sciton BBL and it’s incredible capabilities along with additional time tested advanced techniques in injectables. His wisdom will continue to be shared with McKenzie as sAges CMO. Protocol and technique are the true differentiators in aesthetics, and we are all so lucky to have the Dream Team at sAge!
Lauran Michael, Clinic Director & Wellness Director
Lauran has years of experience in the nutrition and wellness industry and has been instrumental in the development of our wellness programs and overall mission at sAge. She graduated from California Baptist University with her Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition Science and has applied her knowledge in various healthcare settings throughout the years. She believes that feeling your best truly begins with what we put in our bodies and how we care for them. She has implemented personalized nutrition counseling, nutritional supplements, pulse electromagnetic field therapy, advanced biometric measurement and red light therapeutic devices into our clinic to help our patients achieve complete healing and confidence from the inside out. Lauran is committed and passionate about delivering optimal patient wellbeing and we are all excited about where this program with her passion and leadership is heading and how it will impact people’s lives.
Catiana Potter, Medical Esthetician
Catiana Potter is our trusted medical aesthetician and skin care specialist at sAge. Growing up in central Florida, she eventually migrated to southern Tennessee where she was drawn towards a career in the medical field. She attended both Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN and Cleveland State in Cleveland, TN with the goal of becoming a Nurse Practitioner. After a few years of working on her education within the medical field, Catiana discovered her true passion was for all things surrounding aesthetics. She then attended Brillare Beauty Institute and graduated as a licensed aesthetician. Catiana specializes in advanced aesthetic treatments, corrective chemical peels, medically approved laser treatments, along with brow shaping and tinting. Tailoring each treatment to her client’s needs, Catiana is devoted to finding the most effective approach available to ensure the best possible and desired outcomes. She customizes her treatments to address multiple skin concerns and educates patients on how to effectively care for their skin at home to sustain their desired results. Her goal is to provide immediate and long-term corrective solutions for all her patients’ skincare health and aesthetic concerns.
Carrie Casserly, Client Experience Coordinator
Carrie is our welcoming and knowledgeable Client Experience Coordinator, bringing warmth and calm to every interaction at Sage. With over 14 years of experience in health and fitness, she contributes a wealth of expertise and passion to our wellness mission. As a certified group fitness instructor, Carrie is dedicated to empowering individuals to reach their wellness goals and feel their best. She seamlessly integrates her background in fitness with our holistic approach, ensuring each client feels supported in every step of their journey with us. Since relocating from the Chicago suburbs to Tennessee four years ago, Carrie has continued to cultivate wellness communities, blending her skills in a way that enriches the overall wellness experience at Sage Aesthetics and Wellbeing.
Katlin Allen BSN RN, Aesthetic Nurse
A Chattanooga native, Katlin graduated from UT Chattanooga’s prestigious nursing program and has spent the past five years refining her expertise in cardiology and cosmetic surgery. She has received extensive training in advanced BBL (BroadBand Light) techniques, allowing her to deliver cutting-edge treatments with precision and care. Her gentle approach and attention to detail make every patient feel at ease, ensuring an exceptional experience and beautiful results. Beyond the treatment room, Katlin’s life is just as vibrant. She recently celebrated her wedding in stunning Tulum, shares her home with her beloved dog, Ella, and cat, Winston, and is currently advancing her education in Nurse Practitioner school. Her passion for aesthetics and commitment to continued learning make her an invaluable part of our team—and we’re so fortunate to have her!
