Local physician and staff help you look good, feel great.

Jill Vargo, MD

Jill Vargo, MD a Rheumatologist practicing in Asheville for 30 years, has always had a keen interest in the aesthetics industry.  Unable to find the right treatments for her personally, she combined her extensive medical background with her knowledge of anti-aging, body shaping technology to develop Asheville’s premier medical spa:  Awaken Skin and Body.

Dr. Vargo found that many aesthetics treatments offered in the area were invasive procedures with lengthy downtimes which interfered with a busy lifestyle.  After much research and study, she found the latest proven technologies to achieve results with minimal to no downtime, and brought them to Awaken.  She continues to actively analyze and research new technologies, continually updating services at Awaken in order to provide the most up to date, yet effective procedures.

In addition to being the Medical Director for Awaken, a Primary Investigator for clinical trials and a partner in a busy Rheumatology practice, Dr. Vargo is actively involved in other ventures.  She is currently President of the North Carolina Rheumatology Association, a member of the American College of Rheumatology, American Medical Society, North Carolina Medical Society, American Society of Bone and Mineral Research, National Osteoporosis Foundation, and International Society for Clinical Densitometry.

Dr. Vargo also likes to be a voice for those who do not have one.  She has been very active in supporting local animal welfare agencies, starting with serving many years on the board of Friends for Animals, that eventually became the Asheville Humane Society(AHS).  She and her husband, Tony are members of the Leadership Circle for the AHS, and have cared for rescued animals.

Other community service projects include caring for the underserved through Project Access, volunteering at ABCCM.  She and her husband, through their parish, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, volunteer for Room in the Inn helping to care for homeless women.

Dr. Vargo and her husband are also pilots with both instrument and multi-engine ratings.  They enjoy traveling, scuba diving and hiking with their dogs.

Janna Amato, RN, L.E.

Janna Amato, a registered nurse, licensed esthetician, and certified laser technician, has worked exclusively in the field of medical aesthetics since 2006.  Janna specializes in cosmetic laser and injection treatments, and blends her clinical expertise with her artistic touch to help clients achieve optimal results.  Outdoor yard games and picnics in the neighborhood park are her favorites ways to spend time with her husband and daughter, who is now a toddler.

Sheletha King, Licensed Aesthetician

A native of Asheville, Sheletha enjoys providing premium skin services at Awaken. As a licensed aesthetician with a medical background, she specializes in performing treatment facials, dermaplaning, chemical peels, and laser treatments. Clients love the results they see after their treatments with Sheletha because of her knowledge, precision, and eye for detail. Her ability to carefully listen to each client’s skin concerns enables her to recommend the best treatments and products that will help them achieve their skin care goals and see results! Aside from aesthetics, she enjoys ballroom dancing and spending time outdoors in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains.