Meet your VIVACY UK Faculty

Kara Huggins is an experienced Registered Nurse and National Expert Trainer for VIVACY UK, with over a decade in healthcare and more than eight years specialising in facial aesthetics. Known for her clinical precision and patient-centred ethos, Kara trains medical professionals across the UK in the advanced use of dermal fillers and botulinum toxin type A.

In 2016, Kara founded The Sanctum Medical Clinic, a nurse-led aesthetic clinic in East Yorkshire. Under her leadership, the clinic has built a reputation for providing ethical, high-quality aesthetic care in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Kara’s approach combines a strong clinical foundation with a passion for natural-looking results, patient safety, and ongoing education. Her dual role as both educator and practitioner reflects her commitment to raising standards in the aesthetic industry, making her a respected figure in both training and clinical practice.

Lee Pedlar is an experienced Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) and Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP) with over 18 years in nursing, specialising exclusively in emergency medicine. He holds a Master’s in Advanced Clinical Practice and a BSc in Adult Nursing, bringing a strong foundation in clinical decision-making, patient safety, and evidence-based care.

In 2016, Lee transitioned into aesthetic medicine, combining his acute care expertise with a passion for precision and facial artistry. Now a full-time practitioner based in Cardiff, he delivers advanced aesthetic treatments while leading accredited training across the UK.

As Director of Palm Springs Aesthetics Training, Lee is committed to raising standards in medical aesthetics through clinically-led, ethical education. He mentors both emerging and experienced practitioners, promoting safe, high-quality care in every aspect of aesthetic practice.

Lee’s dedication to excellence and education has established him as a respected voice in the field of aesthetic medicine and training.

Dr Linea Strachan DMD is a highly skilled, experienced and award winning medical facial aesthetic practitioner.

A qualified Dentist since 2005, Dr Linea Strachan found her passion for aesthetic treatments in 2007 whilst working as a dentist. In 2017 Dr Linea founded Dr Linea Medical and is now a registered CQC provider and manager of her flagship clinic in Ipswich, as well as holding regular clinics in London, Norwich and Bury St Edmunds.

With a wealth of medical knowledge and a superior understanding of facial anatomy, Dr Linea has mastered the art of natural rejuvenation, using the highest quality products.

During the 17 years that Dr Linea has been working in the aesthetics industry, she has won multiple awards including best result for non-surgical full face rejuvenation, running against medical practitioners across the whole of the UK. She has been selected on numerous occasions to attend international conferences as well as training countless medical practitioners on anatomically safe micro-cannula techniques.

Dr. Magdalena Bejma is a dedicated aesthetic practitioner with a strong foundation in clinical medicine and dermatology. She earned her medical degree in 2006 from one of Poland’s leading universities, where she was recognised for her academic excellence and commitment to patient care.

Following her graduation, Dr. Bejma gained extensive experience as a Junior Doctor in the UK, working in esteemed institutions in Leicester and Leeds, including within the dermatology department—an experience that shaped her precision and patient-centred approach in aesthetic medicine.

Her passion for healing and aesthetics was inspired early in life and supported by her family, particularly her mother, who recognised her natural empathy and drive. Today, Dr. Bejma is known for combining scientific insight with an artistic eye, delivering treatments that prioritise safety, natural results, and patient wellbeing. She remains committed to continuous learning and to making a positive impact on every patient she treats.

Melissa is the founder and lead aesthetic practitioner at The Melrose Clinic, bringing a unique dual expertise in medical aesthetics and women’s health. She began her clinical career in 2010 as a Midwife, a role she continues to practise, driven by a longstanding commitment to women’s wellbeing and holistic care.

Melissa’s passion for aesthetics led her to specialise in female intimate wellness and advanced injectable treatments, blending clinical precision with a compassionate, patient-centred approach. A qualified Independent Prescriber, she remains dedicated to continuous professional development and evidence-based practice.

As a Clinical Mentor for VIVACY UK, Melissa shares her expertise in advanced aesthetic techniques, mentoring practitioners across the country. Her work is guided by the ethos of natural but noticeable results, a philosophy reflected in the trusted reputation of The Melrose Clinic. She is widely recognised for her warm, personalised care and dedication to empowering her patients with confidence.

Dr. Prash Patel is a skilled aesthetic practitioner and Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, with a background in General and Upper GI Surgery. He graduated from Imperial College London Medical School in 2011, having also completed an intercalated Bachelor of Science in Endocrinology in 2009.

Dr. Prash brings a wealth of surgical expertise to aesthetic medicine, having trained extensively at Derma Medical, where he completed foundation, advanced, and masterclass-level aesthetic training. He is the founder of Surgicare Aesthetics, with clinics based in London and the West Midlands.

Passionate about education, Dr. Prash holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Medical Education (PGCert) from the University of Birmingham and remains actively involved in training the next generation of aesthetic professionals. Known for his precision, clinical insight, and commitment to safe practice, he is dedicated to delivering high-quality, patient-centred aesthetic care with natural and balanced results.

Sharryn is an Advanced Nurse Practitioner with nearly three decades of clinical experience, having begun her nursing career in London after graduating from Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital in 1995. She went on to train at the prestigious Great Ormond Street Hospital before specialising in Emergency Medicine, where she has spent over 20 years developing procedural expertise and clinical leadership.

Her passion for aesthetics emerged in 2012, inspired by her hands-on work in A&E and her love for procedural medicine. Today, Sharryn balances her aesthetic practice with her role leading the Botox Migraine Clinic at Bradford Hospital.

Known for her relaxed and approachable teaching style, she is also an Advanced Life Support instructor, committed to empowering fellow clinicians through high-quality, safe, and evidence-based education. Sharryn brings warmth, humour, and deep clinical insight to every learning environment, making her a respected educator and practitioner in the field of medical aesthetics.

Sophie is our lead prescribing injector at MAE Aesthetics. With a degree in nursing and a master’s in ‘Advanced Clinical Practice’, Sophie ensures safety is at the heart of every treatment.

Her passion for aesthetics has grown over the years, leading to exciting opportunities. Sophie is a faculty member and trainer for one of Europe’s biggest dermal filler companies, Vivacy. Her expert knowledge is shared with delegates around the UK, teaching safe and advanced techniques.

Sophie loves ‘Full Face Rejuvenation’ and ‘Profile Balancing’ treatments.

Dr. Jabbar is a highly experienced Cosmetic Dentist and Aesthetic Trainer, with a career spanning both advanced clinical practice and postgraduate education. A 2009 graduate of King’s College London, she has worked in multidisciplinary practices and at King’s College Hospital Dental Institute, where she refined her skills in restorative dentistry.

Her passion for teaching led her to serve as a Postgraduate Educational Supervisor for the London Deanery and earn a PGCE in Clinical Education. In 2019, she became a senior trainer and examiner at Derma Medical, a global leader in aesthetic medicine training. Dr. Jabbar holds a Master’s in Restorative Dentistry from the Eastman Dental Institute, completed in 2021.

She is the founder of Almás, a group of private cosmetic dental and aesthetic clinics across London, known for combining innovation with patient-centred care. Dr. Jabbar specialises in minimally invasive cosmetic dentistry and natural-looking facial rejuvenation, helping patients feel confident inside and out.

Dr. Vania Hiratsuka Dalmedo is an accomplished aesthetic practitioner and educator with over two decades of experience in the UK. She qualified in Dentistry from São Paulo State University in Brazil and went on to complete the Certificate of Facial Aesthetics Masterclass at the Royal College of Surgeons, followed by a Master’s in Aesthetic Medicine with Distinction from Queen Mary University of London (QMUL).

Dr. Vania is currently a Clinical Senior Lecturer and Lead for Training Days and External Engagement for the MSc in Aesthetic Medicine at QMUL, where she was honoured with the Teacher of the Year Award in 2017 for her outstanding contributions.

She is recognised for her commitment to excellence in aesthetic training and was recently appointed as the UK and international trainer for the S.A.F.E.® (STYLAGE® & Anatomy for Facial Experience) programme, developed in collaboration with Dr. Benjamin Ascher. Her teaching is grounded in anatomical precision and safe practice.