At Skin + Aesthetics, we understand fully that coming to us with your skin concerns is a private and vulnerable experience and because of that, we believe in a personalized and private experience for each and every patient. We pride ourselves on not being a "cattle-call" type practice, but instead providing an atmosphere where you will feel safe and that all aspects are confidential while we work one-on-one with you to address your concerns.
When you schedule a visit with Skin + Aesthetics, you will always be initially assessed for medical clearance by our founder and Nurse Practitioner,
Blakelee Paige Smith.
Blakelee Paige Smith,
MSN, APRN, AGPCNP-BC, NP-C
15+ Years of Experience in Aesthetic Dermatology
Dermatology - 10 years
Plastic Surgery - 3 years
Medspa - 4 years
national trainer for galderma,
gain podium faculty,
Hydrafacial Key opinion leader and
advisory council chair,
aesthetic Advisory Board member,
MOXIE CLINICAL EDUCATOR
International speaker and educator
speaking at most of the nation's
largest and most-attended
aesthetic medicine educational
conferences
Dual Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner
Born in Cookeville, Tennessee and raised in Livingston, Tennessee, Blakelee is no stranger to the Upper Cumberland. After graduating from Livingston Academy, Blakelee attended Tennessee Technological University, majoring in Psychology before pursuing her nursing career. She moved away from the Cumberland Plateau for many years, living in New Orleans, Kansas City, and Nashville before returning home. During that time, she devoted her time and energy to learning all things skin, focusing on both the medical and the cosmetic aspects by working in general dermatology, Mohs surgery, plastic/reconstructive surgery, and as a cosmetic dermatology injector. She is grateful that prior to the opening of her own clinic that she had the opportunity to work extensively for many years in both private practice and in academic hospital settings such as Vanderbilt Medical Center and Children's Mercy to further her learning, as both have been integral into becoming the provider she is today. She has worked tirelessly over her career to become a name known for being the provider who provides ethical, evidence-based care that gives results.
Blakelee holds three honors degrees in nursing, graduating Summa Cum Laude (4.0), is a proud member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Tennessee Nurse Practitioner Association, Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honors Society, International Society of Plastic and Aesthetic Nurses, Dermatology Nurses’ Association, and also serves as part of the Dermatology Nurse Practice cohort, creating valuable educational materials for dermatology nurses and nurse practitioners alike. Additionally, she is the co-chair of the Tennessee chapter of AmSpa, focusing on legislature related to Medical Spas. She values continuing education above all else and is an international-level clinical speaker, speaking at the most highly-sought after aesthetic conferences, allowing her to share her focus on safety and efficacy with fellow providers, is a national trainer for aesthetic providers, and serves as a key opinion leader and advisory board member for several top aesthetic companies.
When not learning or working, Blakelee prefers to spend her time with family and friends, riding on her Peloton, track racing, or at the beach (slathered in SPF, of course!).
looking for training?
click here.
coca-cola
dr. pepper
waffles
pancakes
Going Out
Staying In
Fall
Spring
am - 7
pm - 6
steps in skincare routine:
10-12
average educational conferences attended per year:
Epicutis Lipid Serum
skincare
product:
Macaroni + Cheese
Seafood
DESSERT
Food:
Colorescience
Flex or Brush-On
sunscreen:
Late Night Cereal
(Preferably Frosted Flakes)
Guilty pleasure:
Dysport or BBL
anti-aging
procedure:
favoRites:
reality tv
dogs
traveling
sunburns
Exceptional Nursing - 2023
Excellent qualities in Nursing Practice - 2023
nursing excellence - 2019
great catch - 2018
clinical excellence - 2014
awards received:
high performance driving/Racing
Hobbies:
fun facts about blakelee
pilates & cycling
obsessively cleaning and organizing
jamming to 90s rap
Skin Health
Procedure:
Hydrafacial
"Blakelee cares about her patients and it shows! I love how detailed she is every visit and makes sure we are on the same page about results. She makes me feel comfortable.
Katie | Tennessee
CLIENT LOVE
Maddie Parks
Director of Operations + Aesthetic Clinical Assistant
A Cookeville native, Maddie brings years of beauty industry experience, a creative eye, and a familiar face to Skin + Aesthetics.
After helping guide the clinic’s daily operations for years as our Clinic Manager, Maddie decided to begin a new chapter: continuing her education to become a registered nurse with the goal of being S+A's next Aesthetic Injector and we couldn't be more excited for what the future holds!
Maddie’s love for the beauty industry began through pageantry and grew as she assisted her longtime friend and makeup artist, DeLaney Henry. She studied Business and Marketing at Nashville State, earned her cosmetology license, and completed her Advanced Professional Makeup Artist certification at the Academy of Make Up Arts in Nashville in 2017, where she learned from Emmy award-winning artists.
Her work has taken her to local, state, and national pageants, helping clients feel confident for some of their most memorable moments. After several years as a traveling makeup artist and welcoming her two children, Maddie found a home at S+A, where she could bring together her interests in beauty, business, and patient care, but her story didn't stop there. Instead, it was actually just beginning.
Today, Maddie's primary role has temporarily transitioned into assisting Blakelee with patient visits and procedures in the treatment room so that she can learn through observation, mentorship, and daily training. Her primary goal is to ensure she's able to deliver exceptional results. As she continues through nursing school, Maddie is building on the experience and patient relationships she developed during her time managing the clinic and now is developing the knowledge and skills to hit the ground running with patient care in a safe and evidence-based manner once she is a licensed RN.
Outside S+A, you can still occasionally find Maddie doing makeup for a special event, cruising Dale Hollow Lake with her family, or tending to her garden. And although her role has now changed from less management, helping keep Blakelee on task and schedule remains a familiar part of her day.
Licensed cosmetologist • Nursing Student
Cassi Slagle
Licensed Aesthetician + Hydrafacialist
Also a Cookeville native, Cassi graduated from Tennessee Technological University’s College of Business before following her longtime passion for skin health and aesthetics. Drawn to a career that combined her love of connecting with people with her interest in skincare, she returned to school and earned her aesthetician license in early 2025. Today, she brings that dedication to Skin + Aesthetics, alongside a team she is proud to call family.
Cassi’s interest in skincare began with her own experience navigating rosacea and reactive skin. She understands how frustrating and personal skin concerns can feel, and that perspective shapes the patience, compassion, and attention she brings to each appointment. She wants patients to feel heard, understand their options, and feel supported throughout their care.
Her enthusiasm for learning is one of the qualities we value most about her. Cassi has completed Hydrafacial’s HFX immersive training in New York City and is a ZO Certified Expert. She consistently seeks opportunities to expand her knowledge, refine her techniques, and better understand the science behind the products and services she offers. Continuing education is an ongoing priority for her, grounded in a desire to give patients thoughtful, well-informed care.
Through continued mentorship with Blakelee Paige Smith, NP-C, Cassi has further developed her approach to patient education, skincare, and personalized services. Their close collaboration helps carry S+A’s standards throughout the patient experience. Whether an appointment is with Cassi or Blakelee, patients can expect the same commitment to careful attention, clear communication, and care tailored to their needs, with each team member contributing within her professional role.
When she’s not caring for patients or pursuing her next educational opportunity, Cassi enjoys spending time with her animals, getting lost in a historical fiction novel, and relaxing at the beach... under an umbrella and wearing SPF, of course. She also loves attending concerts, shopping with friends, and doing her part to keep the local Starbucks in business, which she does very well.
INFO COMING SOON
Patient Experience Coordinator
We're excited to continue to grow our team and are actively adding new team members. Check back soon for more info on our new provider!
Kurt Gilbert, MD
Medical Director
Dr. Kurt Gilbert, MD is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician with over 9 years of clinical experience and a deep commitment to patient-centered care and clinical excellence. A Cookeville native, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Tennessee Technological University before going on to receive his Doctor of Medicine from ETSU’s Quillen College of Medicine. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at the University of Kentucky, where he developed a strong foundation in evidence-based medicine and comprehensive patient care.
Dr. Gilbert lives in Cookeville with his wife, two sons, and their family dog. When he’s not caring for patients, he enjoys camping, traveling, and spending time on the lake with his family.
Beasley Smith
Chief Canine Officer + Service / Therapy Dog
If you've met Blakelee, you know her love for dogs, so it should come as no surprise that she created the most important clinic position of all, the CCO.
While Beasley's job was initially to be a work-from-home position, he quickly proved to us he was ready and willing to take on much more. After seeing Beasley's incredible thirst for learning and his calming temperament, Blakelee sent Beasley to become a trained therapy dog to assist in clinic.
Beasley is a hypoallergenic mini goldendoodle and to ensure the safety of our patients, he has routine strict veterinary health screenings to ensure his wellness, remains up to date on all vaccinations, and has been specifically trained for these activities. He resides in patient common areas, in his bed by the front desk, or on his couch in Blakelee's office and is trained to not ever enter treatment areas unless specifically requested by a patient for his services. After each session, thorough cleaning protocols are implemented.
We believe fully in the power of therapy dogs, which have not only been found to reduce anxiety, depression, pain levels, blood pressure, and heart rate in a number of clinical studies in medical settings including ED, orthopedics, and oncology settings, but have also seen it firsthand with Beasley aiding patients in clinic as well.
When not working, Beasley enjoys running figure-8s in his backyard, going for walks and r-i-d-e-s, scheming for ways to earn treats, strewing toys throughout his house, patiently waiting for his next BarkBox to arrive, and coordinating his next clinic outfit.
We are not only proud of the way Beasley serves our patients, but are grateful for his sweet demeanor and always-happy personality in our office.
