Gunnar Thors, MD, FACS, is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Read on to learn more about his certifications, professional society memberships, and honors.

Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) signifies that a surgeon has completed medical school, an approved general surgery residency of at least three years, and an approved plastic surgery residency of an additional two to three years. Board certification is awarded only after the candidate has been in plastic surgery practice for at least two years and has successfully passed rigorous written and oral examinations.

Education, Training & Certifications

Undergraduate Education:

• BA General Science, Grinnell College

Medical Degree:

• University of Iceland Medical School

Graduate Training:

• University of Iceland affiliated Hospitals
• Rotating Internships in Emergency Medicine, Orthopedic Surgery, General Surgery, Anesthesiology and Internal Medicine
• District Medical Doctor (locum tenens)
• Keflavik Health Center, Keflavik, Iceland

General Surgery Residency:

• Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
• University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria

Plastic Surgery Residency:

• Rush Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois

Board Certification:

• American Board of Plastic Surgery
• Certificate of Re-certification for Plastic Surgery, 2006
• American Board of Surgery

Fellow:

• American College of Surgeons

Member:

• American Society of Plastic Surgeons
• Illinois Society of Plastic Surgeons
• Chicago Medical Society

DeAnna graduated from HP Skin Academy and earned her esthetics license in 2003. For six years, she served as a Patient Coordinator and Head of Esthetics for esteemed plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Horn on Michigan Avenue. With more than 22 years of dedication to skincare and her community, DeAnna founded Elite Laser & Skin Spa in 2009 to bring a Gold Coast-level experience to McHenry County.

As an Advanced Certified Laser Specialist, DeAnna specializes in treatments such as Morpheus8, IPL photofacials, laser hair removal, tattoo removal, and both Carbon and Pico Laser Facials. She also holds certifications in PCA SKIN and Eminence Organic Skin Care products and treatments.

DeAnna has further developed her leadership and entrepreneurial expertise through professional mentorship and remains actively involved with the Tom Black Center.

At home, DeAnna enjoys spending time with her two beloved Chihuahuas, Coco and Peanut, both of whom hold a special place in her heart. In her free time, she enjoys golfing and giving back to the community. She serves as Co-Chair of the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) Annual Swing for Kids' Sake event and sits on the boards of both Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County and the McHenry County Mental Health Board. Her involvement reflects a deep commitment to community service, philanthropy, and mental health advocacy.

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With seven years of experience in the medical spa industry, Kaitlyn has developed a genuine passion for advanced skincare treatments, aesthetic procedures, and laser technologies. She is committed to staying current with the latest innovations in aesthetics and enjoys helping clients feel confident through personalized consultations and treatment education. Kaitlyn takes pride in ensuring every client feels comfortable, informed, and excited throughout their skincare journey, creating an experience that is both results-driven and tailored to their individual goals.

Outside of the spa, Kaitlyn is a self-proclaimed horror movie enthusiast and avid reader who enjoys spending her free time diving into a new novel or discovering her next favorite scary movie. She also loves traveling, making memories with family and friends, and spending time with her two beloved dogs: Copper, her 5-year-old Goldendoodle, and Figgy Pudding, her 3-year-old Pit Bull.

This December, Kaitlyn will marry her wonderful fiancé, Jacob, and is excited to begin one of life's most special new chapters.

With eight years of experience in the aesthetics industry, Vanessa has built a strong reputation for delivering exceptional care and results-driven treatments. She earned her esthetics degree from the Cosmetology & Spa Academy in Crystal Lake and is an Advanced Certified Laser Specialist. Vanessa specializes in treatments such as Morpheus8, IPL photofacials, laser hair removal, tattoo removal, and both Carbon and Pico Laser Facials.

In addition to her certifications in PRX-T33 and CryoSkin, Vanessa provides the full range of services offered at Elite Laser & Skin Spa. She is passionate about skincare education and works closely with clients to help them understand their treatment options and achieve their aesthetic goals. Certified in PCA SKIN and Eminence Organic Skin Care, Vanessa believes that informed clients are empowered clients. As a results-driven provider, her goal is to help every client feel confident and comfortable in their own skin. In 2022, she was promoted to Lead Aesthetician, where she plays an important role in ensuring Elite Laser & Skin Spa's estheticians uphold the spa's high standards, core values, and commitment to exceptional client care.

In September 2024, Vanessa married her middle school crush, Jarod. Together, they share their home with two lovable Lab-Poodle mixes, Geno and Layla. Outside of the spa, Vanessa enjoys spending quality time with family and friends. She is a proud aunt to her niece, Ava, and looks forward to welcoming a nephew to the family soon.

With over six years of experience in the aesthetics industry, I am passionate about helping clients achieve healthy, radiant skin through personalized treatments and expert guidance. I specialize in a wide range of spa services, from advanced skincare treatments and facials to creating relaxing, results-driven experiences tailored to each client's unique needs. I believe professional treatments and a consistent at-home skincare routine go hand in hand, and I take pride in educating clients on how to care for their skin between visits to achieve lasting results. My goal is to help every client feel confident, refreshed, and empowered throughout their skincare journey.

When I'm not in the treatment room, you can usually find me spending time with my loving boyfriend, George, and our playful Pit Bull-Labrador mix, Cammie.

Allison specializes in advanced aesthetic treatments, including CO2 laser resurfacing, Morpheus8, IPL photofacials, laser hair removal, tattoo removal, and Carbon and Pico Laser Facials. She is also certified in CryoSkin, PRX-T33, PCA SKIN, and Eminence Organic Skin Care, allowing her to create customized treatment plans tailored to each client's unique skincare goals.

Her passion lies in advanced skincare and helping clients look and feel their absolute best. Allison is deeply committed to delivering results-driven treatments that not only improve the skin but also inspire confidence. She especially enjoys performing CO2 laser resurfacing and Morpheus8 treatments because of their ability to provide dramatic, long-lasting rejuvenation while maintaining beautiful, natural-looking results.

Outside of the treatment room, Allison is married to her wonderful husband, Arnie, and is the proud mother of two remarkable sons, Jackson and Chase. She is also grateful for her two stepdaughters, Hanna and Jessica. Their home is filled with love and the companionship of three adoring Chihuahuas. In her free time, Allison enjoys traveling, entertaining, cooking, interior design, and supporting community philanthropy. Above all, she considers being a mother her most cherished role.

Kacie completed her esthetics training at CSA Academy in September 2021 and was excited to begin her career at Elite Laser & Skin Spa shortly thereafter. She started her journey as a Spa Coordinator before transitioning into hands-on spa services, where her passion, talent, and dedication quickly became evident. Her rapid growth led to advanced training in aesthetic and laser treatments, allowing her to expand her expertise and provide exceptional care to clients.

As an Advanced Certified Laser Specialist, Kacie specializes in treatments such as Morpheus8, IPL photofacials, laser hair removal, tattoo removal, Carbon and Pico Laser Facials, CryoSkin, and PRX-T33. She is also highly knowledgeable about Elite Laser & Skin Spa's professional skincare lines, including PCA SKIN and Eminence Organic Skin Care, enabling her to recommend customized solutions that support each client's unique goals.

Kacie is passionate about making a positive impact in her clients' lives by helping them feel comfortable, confident, and cared for throughout their aesthetic journey. She takes pride in creating a welcoming experience while delivering results-driven treatments that help clients look and feel their best.

Outside of the spa, Kacie is married to her husband, Brandon, and together they enjoy life with their two beloved cats. An animal lover at heart, she enjoys traveling, hiking, and spending quality time with family and friends whenever she can.

Hi, my name is Kayla Thorsen! I attended Tricoci University of Beauty Culture, where I began my education in November 2023 and graduated in July 2024. After graduating, I wanted to continue expanding my knowledge and become more educated in different skin conditions, so I pursued a position as a Medical Assistant in Dermatology. My year and a half of experience there allowed me to further develop my knowledge of the skin and deepen my passion for helping others feel confident in their skin.

I am so grateful to have found my place here at Elite Laser & Skin Spa, where I am able to continue growing my education while doing what I truly love. I am passionate about creating confidence in my clients and educating them about their skin. I love creating personalized treatment plans that are tailored to each client's individual needs and goals, and helping them feel comfortable and confident throughout their skin journey.

When I'm not at the spa, you can usually find me curled up with a good book, spending time with family and friends, or relaxing at home with my two cats, Luna and Peaches!

Emma was born and raised in Crystal Lake, where family, community, and meaningful relationships have always played an important role in her life. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, as well as her boyfriend, Shane, who has been a constant source of support and encouragement.

Emma has always been passionate about the skincare industry and all things beauty and wellness. She loves performing facials, applying makeup, and continuing to expand her knowledge of advanced skincare treatments and techniques. Dedicated to helping clients look and feel their best, Emma strives to create positive experiences while supporting each client's unique skincare goals.

Outside of work, Emma enjoys shopping, working out, and attending church, activities that help her maintain a healthy balance and stay motivated. Known for her strong work ethic and positive attitude, Emma thrives in environments where she can learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact on the lives of her clients.

Emma was born and raised in Crystal Lake, where family, community, and meaningful relationships have always played an important role in her life. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, as well as her boyfriend, Shane, who has been a constant source of support and encouragement.

Emma has always been passionate about the skincare industry and all things beauty and wellness. She loves performing facials, applying makeup, and continuing to expand her knowledge of advanced skincare treatments and techniques. Dedicated to helping clients look and feel their best, Emma strives to create positive experiences while supporting each client's unique skincare goals.

Outside of work, Emma enjoys shopping, working out, and attending church, activities that help her maintain a healthy balance and stay motivated. Known for her strong work ethic and positive attitude, Emma thrives in environments where she can learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact on the lives of her clients.