About the Authors

Dr. Sara N. Paisner is the President and owner of Synoptic Products LLC, the North American importer of Ballet Sterile Disposable Electrolysis Needles™. Prior to purchasing Synoptic Products, Dr. Paisner worked in various research, sales, and marketing roles in the electronics (General Electric Co., Parker Hannifan, and others) and pharmaceutical industries (IQVIA, Worldwide Clinical Trials, and others) for over 20 years. She started her career as an R&D scientist developing materials for the electronics industry, some of which are likely in phones, computers, and other electronics in use today. 

Dr. Paisner is the author of articles in trade magazines, peer reviewed journals, and websites, along with multiple patents. She regularly speaks and writes about the chemistry and science of electrolysis as well as on topics on business, marketing, and leadership and has extensive business and speaking experience internationally as well as domestically, with fluency in multiple languages. Dr. Paisner attended Dartmouth College for her Baccalaureate in Chemistry (AB), the University of California, Berkeley for her Doctorate in Chemistry (PhD), and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Kenan-Flagler School of Business for her Masters of Business Administration (MBA).

Stacey A. Elder, LE, CPE is the owner of the Epilation Clinic, LLC, a successful electrolysis and skin care clinic in Baltimore, Maryland. She is an educator and an internationally recognized authority on electrolysis for skin color. She has been a Certified Professional Electrologist since 1992. She is the recipient of the 1995 Ballet Gold Probe Award. Stacey has endeavored to fulfill the potential recognized by that award as an electrolysis educator sharing her considerable knowledge of treating dark and melanin rich skin through articles, lectures, and interviews.  

In 1993, Ms. Elder and her business partner of 21 years, Barbara J. Williams, founded The Epilation Clinic. Ms. Elder served the profession on the licensing board of Maryland, as a representative to the International Guild of Professional Electrologists, and on the Board of the Maryland Association of Professional Electrologists. Since 2015, as a solo electrologist, Stacey A. Elder has continued to focus on a holistic approach to electrolysis and skin care. She has evolved professionally by teaching online and maintains an online presence through her website, as well as on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

 A Licensed Professional Electrologist since 2003, Joanie Gonella, CPE, LE owns and operates OC Electrolysis & Skin Care, a successful Electrology clinic in Orange County, CA. As a nationally and internationally recognized trainer and speaker in the field of electrology, Ms. Gonella has traveled the world to further both the education and profession of electrology.

In 2018, after 15 years of growing her business, cultivating a broad client base, and lecturing worldwide, Ms. Gonella founded the California Electrology Academy, where she utilizes her extensive experience and professional training to help grow the next generation of electrologists. Ms. Gonella has been a Certified Professional Electrologist with the American Electrology Association (AEA) since 2013 and is a current member. She has a baccalaureate degree in neuroscience from the University of California, Irvine and a post-baccalaureate pre-medical certificate from Florida Atlantic University.

Kelly Morrissy, CPE, is the owner of Kelly, Inc. Electrolysis and the Co-Owner, Co-Executive Director, and Instructor at the Illinois Dedicated Electrology Academy, both in Oak Park, IL. Her career as an electrologist began in 1986 after she answered an advertisement in a newspaper, and today her businesses have grown to employ a staff of 12 electrologists and office support. 

Seeking to further her education and involvement in the field of electrology, Ms. Morrissy became an AEA member in 1995 and has served the Electrology Association of Illinois as both President and Treasurer. Constantly striving to innovate in the industry, Ms. Morrissy regularly collaborates with manufacturing companies to improve the equipment used by electrologists.

 Stephanie Shields, CPE, CLT is the owner of Zap Master Electrology, an electrolysis and laser clinic and electrology education center in Centralia, WA. Having trained as an apprentice at her family’s electrology practice beginning in 11th grade, Ms. Shields began her electrology career in 2003. In her family’s business, she discovered a passion for education and advocacy and remains excited by the opportunity to help shape the next generation of electrologists. She sees her work with clients and students at Zap Master Electrology and Electrology Education Coalition as a daily gift.

In 2011, Ms. Shields began teaching through continued education outlets, and in 2020, she helped to found Arizona Advanced Electrology Training before relocating to Washington State. She has been active with both state and local chapters of the American Electrology Association (AEA), serving on the National Board of Directors and as the Vice President. Ms. Shields’ awards include the 2014 Ballet Gold Probe Award and the AEA President’s Award for her service to the non-profit. Areas of expertise include laser hair removal, electrolysis and laser combined work, PCOS care, and gender affirming care. 

Randa Thurman, CPE, LE has an extensive background in the electrology industry. After working as an electrologist, business owner, certified instructor, and Assistant Director at the prestigious Jane Riddle Institute, Ms. Thurman opened the Monterey Bay Institute of Electrology with her husband Robert in 2004, in beautiful Monterey Bay, CA. In addition, since 1994, she has worked in marketing and sales for Clareblend, Inc., training electrologists at entry and advanced levels and contributing to the research for and development of new electrology equipment. 

Randa's commitment to the field is evident through her involvement with the Electrolysis Association of California (EAC). She has been part of the EAC-NC board since 1996, holding various roles such as program chair, treasurer, newsletter editor, and membership director. She is the 2nd Vice President of the Electrolysis Association of California (EAC) and assumed the role of 3rd Vice President of the American Electrology Association in 2015, also serving as Membership Chair.