Meet The Team
SARAH JEPSON
MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
Founder & Medical Director
About Sarah
Sarah Jepson is the Founder and Medical Director of The Refinery Medical Aesthetics, where she has built one of Topeka’s most trusted names in aesthetic and wellness care. A lifelong Topekan, Sarah is deeply rooted in the community she serves. With more than two decades of hands-on medical experience, she brings a rare combination of clinical precision and genuine, personalized attention to every patient she sees. Her philosophy is simple. Exceptional results should always look natural, and helping someone feel confident should never mean compromising what makes them uniquely them.
Mission & Core Values
Sarah’s mission is to bring the most advanced, evidence-based aesthetic treatments to the Topeka community while raising the standard for what patients can expect from a medical spa. Safety, integrity, innovation, and real results guide every decision she makes, and she is committed to care that is as effective as it is empowering, always prioritizing the health, goals, and individuality of each patient. Her dedication to both her profession and her community has been recognized throughout her career, including being named a Topeka Top 20 Under 40 Honoree in 2013 and a member of the Leadership Greater Topeka Class of 2026.
Medical Background
Sarah’s clinical foundation is exceptional. Before entering the field of aesthetics, she spent 11 years in Emergency Medicine at Level 1 and Level 2 trauma centers, followed by 13 years in Pediatric Primary Care. That wide-ranging experience gave her a deep understanding of anatomy, precision procedures, and compassionate patient care, skills she now channels into every treatment she performs. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Kansas Medical Center and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Baker University, and she is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with full practice authority and independent prescriptive authority.
Education & Credentials
- MSN – University of Kansas Medical Center, 2007
- BSN – Baker University, 2002
- Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (ANCC)
- Licensed Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
- Medical Aesthetics Practice since 2022
Why Aesthetics
When asked what drew her to this work, Sarah puts it simply. “I have always been drawn to dermatology and to procedures that require precision and artistry. Aesthetics lets me combine my medical expertise with a love of planning and detail, and it is the perfect intersection of science and beauty. My goal is to help you create a plan that supports your skincare and wellness goals and leaves you feeling empowered and confident in your own skin.”
Personal Touch
Outside of the office, Sarah’s greatest joy is her family. She and her husband Travis are proud parents to twin daughters, Avery and Greer, and their son, Brigham. Whether she is with her family, exploring somewhere new, or enjoying live music, that same warmth and devotion she brings home is the heart behind everything she has built at The Refinery.
MELISSA DEISTER
DNP, APRN, FNP-BC
Family Nurse Practitioner
About Melissa
Melissa Deister is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a passion for helping patients look, feel, and function at their best. She combines evidence-based medicine with a personalized approach to wellness, offering functional medicine, hormone optimization, medical weight loss, and aesthetic treatments designed to support long-term health and confidence.
Mission & Core Values
Her philosophy is simple: great medicine is about more than treating symptoms, it’s about helping people become the healthiest version of themselves. This alignment is largely inspired by the quiet strength and influence of her grandmother, who was instrumental in shaping Melissa’s character and continues to inspire her path in the healthcare field.
Medical Background
Melissa earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Kansas Medical Center after beginning her healthcare career as a registered nurse in trauma and post-surgical care. She has completed advanced training in functional medicine, hormone optimization, aesthetic injectables, laser treatments, and regenerative therapies, and is committed to continually expanding her knowledge to bring the latest, research-backed care to her patients.
Education & Credentials
- DNP – University of Kansas Medical Center, 2024
- BSN – Emporia State University, 2016
- Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (ANCC)
- Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner, Functional Medicine Academy, 2025
- Licensed Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
- Medical Aesthetics and Functional Medicine Practice since 2024
Why Aesthetics and Functional Medicine
“I love helping people feel confident in their skin, but I also believe real beauty starts with internal balance. Functional medicine gives me the tools to treat fatigue, hormone issues, weight resistance, and aging from the inside out. Aesthetics lets me help patients express that renewed vitality on the outside too. The combination is powerful.”
Personal Touch
Outside the office, Melissa enjoys spending time with her husband and their blended family of eight children. Whether she’s strength training, running, skiing, hiking, golfing, or exploring new destinations, she believes the healthiest life is one that’s lived with purpose, movement, and balance. She also enjoys sharing practical wellness education with her community and empowering others to make sustainable lifestyle changes that improve both health and quality of life.
CLAIRE MCDOUGAL
LE
Licensed Esthetician
About Claire
Claire is a Topeka native and graduated from Bellus Academy in Manhattan, Kansas. She found her passion in medical aesthetics where she can blend relaxation with result driven treatments.She enjoys providing customized facials, microneedling, and laser treatments. Claire is passionate about skin health and believes a healthy skin barrier is the foundation for lasting results.Her favorite part of being an esthetician is the consultation process. She loves helping patients understand their skin, identify what may be affecting it, and create a plan to reach their goals. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing their confidence grow.Mission & Core Values
“My goal is simple: to help you feel confident, cared for, and glowing inside and out.”Professional Background
Claire’s career began with a strong foundation in clinical esthetics where she gained experience in treatments focused on correcting skin concerns and supporting overall skin health. She then expanded into the spa setting where she learned the art of pairing results with indulgence. This unique blend of expertise allows her to customize each service, whether targeting acne, brightening dullness, or simply providing a restorative pause from daily stress.Education & Credentials
- Licensed Esthetician, Bellus Academy, Manhattan KS
- Certified in Advanced Facial Techniques
- Specialized Training in Medical and Spa Skin Treatments
- Two Years of Professional Practice in Esthetics
Why Esthetics
“For me, esthetics is about so much more than skin care. It is about helping people relax, reconnect with themselves, and walk out feeling confident. Healthy, glowing skin is the bonus.”Personal Touch
Outside of work, Claire loves spending time with her kitties and enjoying the outdoors. She also enjoys traveling, going to concerts, and getting dressed up for a fun night out with family and friends!
MADISON MOORE
Administrative Coordinator
About Madison
Madison is dedicated to creating an exceptional experience for every patient from the moment they walk through our doors. With several years of experience in patient coordination and practice administration within a busy dental and oral surgery office, Madison brings attention to detail and efficiency to her role. She combines strong leadership, organizational expertise, and a passion for outstanding customer service to ensure The Refinery operates seamlessly while providing a warm, welcoming environment. Her commitment to excellence and patient-first approach make her an invaluable member of our team.Mission & Core Values
Madison’s mission is to ensure every client feels seen, supported, and confident from the moment they walk through the door. She believes that genuine kindness and clear communication set the foundation for an exceptional patient experience and takes pride in making every visit seamless from start to finish.Professional Background
Before joining The Refinery, Madison spent several years working in fast-paced medical and dental environments where she honed her skills in patient relations, scheduling, and practice operations. She now brings that same professionalism and heart to the aesthetics field, helping clients feel cared for at every touchpoint.Education & Credentials
Madison is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at Kansas State University. Go Wildcats! She is passionate about continuing to grow professionally while helping The Refinery deliver the highest level of care and service to every patient.Why Aesthetics
“I’ve always loved helping people feel confident and cared for. Working in aesthetics allows me to be part of a team that changes lives and helps clients feel beautiful inside and out.”Personal Touch
Outside of work, Madison enjoys hunting, golfing, and spending time outdoors with her husband. They are looking forward to welcoming their first child and embracing this exciting new chapter together. In her free time, she also enjoys making memories with family, friends and never turns down the chance for a great shopping day.
ERIN ALDRINE
RN Injector
Nurse Injector
About Erin
With over 15 years of nursing experience, Erin brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to patient care. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Washburn University and has specialized primarily in vascular access, with additional experience in dermatology and outpatient surgery. This unique blend of expertise allows her to customize each service, whether targeting acne, brightening dullness, or simply providing a restorative pause from daily stress.Education & Credentials
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Washburn University
- Specialized in vascular access
- 15 Years of nursing experience and additional experience in dermatology and outpatient surgery
Personal Touch
When she’s not at work, you’ll find her spending time with her husband and their teenage son. She’s an avid reader, a devoted dog mom to two sweet Frenchies, and an enthusiastic (but not always successful!) houseplant keeper.
ELLIE CUMMINGS
RN Injector
Nurse Injector
About Ellie
Ellie was born and raised in Topeka, Kansas, and graduated from The University of Kansas. She has been a registered nurse for over five years, with a background in the Medical ICU and Palliative Care. Ellie is currently in graduate school, pursuing her degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She will graduate in December and continue providing patient centered care focusing on aesthetics, health and wellness.
Education & Credentials
- Over 5 years of nursing experience
- Background in Medical ICU and Palliative Care
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University of Kansas
Personal Touch
Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their Cavapoo, Josie. She loves traveling, being outdoors, whether boating, relaxing by the pool, or staying active, and spending quality time with friends and family.
KARLEIGH HOPKINS
Patient Concierge
About Karleigh
Meet Karleigh! As one of the first smiles you’ll see at The Refinery, she’s here to make every visit welcoming, seamless, and enjoyable. From scheduling appointments to answering your questions, she loves helping patients feel at ease and ensuring each experience is a positive one. Karleigh is passionate about aesthetics, wellness, and building genuine relationships with every patient who walks through our doors.Personal Touch
Outside of work, she enjoys fitness, spending time with family, and continuing her education to grow within the aesthetic industry.
