Vigour Aesthetics

THIS IS WHO WE ARE.

SHOW UP. SLOW DOWN. COME BACK TO YOURSELF.

VIGOUR was born at the intersection of aesthetics, spa, and health — and now we’re ready to meet you where you are, as your guides to the long-term transformation you’ve been craving.

You’ll always leave our space feeling a little more confident, a little more balanced, and completely ready to take on the world beyond our doors.

OUR PHILOSOPHY IS PERSONAL.

A single service might be just the beginning: After your injectable treatment, 60-minute massage, or weight-loss consultation, there’s so much more to explore.

Wherever you start, we’ll take the time to get to know you and make personalized recommendations with your best interests at heart: no scripts, no B.S.

Together, we’ll create a tailored aesthetic and wellness plan to help you achieve your goals and sustain life-changing results. If overall wellness is your goal, make VIGOUR your vice.

BOOK NOW

We believe…

  • Beauty is so much more than skin deep.
  • Your wellness is non-negotiable.
  • Movement cultivates confidence.
  • How you rest your body and recover is just as important as how you move it.
  • There are no true quick fixes or shortcuts to long-term wellness.
  • Feeling amazing is worth the work it takes.
  • In transparency and the unvarnished truth — unfiltered is always the best policy.
  • In practicing what we preach.

MEET YOUR

wellness squad

Jerome D. Chao, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Owner, Medical Director

Chao Medical Aesthetics, PLLC

ALEXANDER S. FORD, DO, RD

Nutrition Program Director

Dr. Alexander S. Ford is a native of Albany, New York. He attended Christian Brothers Academy and then enrolled at Buffalo State University, where he graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics. After graduating, he returned to Albany, where he was interested in wellness and preventive medicine. He worked as a registered dietitian while completing his remaining coursework to attend medical school and become a holistic-focused physician. Dr. Ford earned his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he received a merit-based scholarship. He completed his family medicine residency at the Cleveland Clinic, serving as Chief Resident his final year. During his residency, Dr. Ford received the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine Resident Teacher Award and the Cleveland Clinic Resident Physician Award. Dr. Ford currently works as a primary care physician in Rotterdam, NY, providing broad-spectrum medical care, including nutritional counseling and osteopathic manipulative treatment. Dr. Ford is excited to be working with Vigour to enhance the health of our clients through his expertise in nutrition.

Rebecca Harrica, RPA-C

Owner, Director of Clinical Education

Chao Medical Aesthetics, PLLC

Amanda O’Hearn
Owner

Ashley Dawson
Director of Operations
[email protected]

Michael Brennan, RN
Aesthetic Nurse Injector
Michael began his career with over a decade in finance and real estate before pursuing his passion for aesthetics and wellness. He earned his nursing degree from Maria College and brings an artistic eye and clinical precision to every treatment. Michael specializes in injectables, skin rejuvenation, advanced laser therapies, and Wellness therapies at Vigour Aesthetics & Wellness. His favorite treatments are microneedling with FRAX and Dysport for their ability to deliver natural, refined, and confidence-boosting results. Michael is dedicated to helping clients look and feel their absolute best through customized care and a luxury experience.

Stacey Gizzi, RN Injector
Laser Specialist

[email protected]

With nearly a decade of nursing experience, Stacey brings a wealth of clinical knowledge from her background in CVICU and the Operating Room, where she specialized in Plastic Surgery. Her transition into aesthetic medicine was fueled by a deep passion for helping people look and feel their absolute best. Stacey specializes in neurotoxins, full facial balancing, and advanced laser treatments. She is known for her eye for detail, gentle touch, and commitment to making each client feel special, confident, and cared for at every visit. Her favorite treatment combo? A beautifully balanced lip filler paired with radiant, rejuvenated skin using microneedling and Frax—a true glow-up duo!

Sarah DiSiena, RN Injector
Director of Laser Education & Laser Safety Officer
[email protected]
holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology and has dedicated the past five years to practicing aesthetic medicine. She combines her clinical expertise with an artistic eye to deliver natural, confidence boosting results for her patients. Sarah specializes in neurotoxin treatments, dermal fillers, laser treatments and microneedling, tailoring procedures to each individual’s goals. Her science-based approach and gentle technique have earned her a reputation for precision and care. Passionate about enhancing natural beauty, Sarah strives to help every client look and feel their best.

Shelby Shortell
Licensed aesthetician
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Shelby Shortell is a licensed aesthetician with 10 years of experience specializing in Hydrafacial, dermaplaning, chemical peels, and laser hair removal. Her own skin journey sparked a passion for helping others achieve healthy, glowing skin. Shelby strives to create a welcoming, comfortable space where every client feels cared for and leaves feeling their best. Her favorite treatment: Platinum Hydrafacial with dermaplaning for the ultimate glow!

Heather (Gigi) Heroux
Licensed aesthetician
[email protected]

Kanya Jacques
Licensed aesthetician, Laser Specialist
[email protected]

Alex Relyea

Director of Aesthetic Education, Licensed aesthetician

Alex Relyea is a licensed New York State Aesthetician who has joined Vigour Aesthetics & Wellness to promote advanced skincare and overall wellness. A graduate of the Aesthetic Science Institute, Alex earned the prestigious CIDESCO diploma with high honors—the world’s most respected credential in beauty therapy and esthetics. In 2023, he became a brand ambassador and certified educator for Circadia Skin Care, training aestheticians throughout the Northeast on professional treatment protocols and product knowledge. With nearly a decade of experience in luxury skincare, Alex is passionate about helping clients look and feel their best from the inside out. His expertise includes LED light and laser therapy, dermaplaning, Hydrafacials, microdermabrasion, radio frequency, and advanced clinical peels and facials. Alex’s results-driven approach and enthusiasm for education align seamlessly with the mission and energy of Vigour Aesthetics & Wellness.

Haiyan Sommerville

Massage Therapist

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Haiyan is a nationally certified and New York State licensed massage therapist with certification in Manual Lymphatic Drainage. Her practice blends therapeutic and holistic techniques, including Deep Tissue, Hot Stone, Lymphatic and Prenatal, as well as Pressure Points, Cupping, Reflexology, and Shiatsu Stretching. If you or someone you know has been experiencing chronic pain or muscle tension; stressed or have low energy, book a massage session with Haiyan. She’s here to help!

Kimberley “Autumn” Williams
Massage Therapist
[email protected]

In practice since 1993, Autumn offers a broad range of Bodywork Techniques including Deep Tissue, Therapeutic, Relaxation, Reflexology, Pregnancy, Hot Stone, and Injury Rehabilitation Massage. She is a former instructor at the Center for Natural Wellness Massage School and advances her knowledge regularly with Continuing Education. Autumn is available for consultations and happy to answer any questions to help you experience the best outcome in your sessions.

Carly Audette

Client Concierge

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Jenna Stuart

Marketing + Media Manager

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Jenna is an alumna of Russell Sage College, where she earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Business Administration, specializing in Marketing and Branding, with a complementary minor in Graphic Design. Her branding experience spans diverse industries, including higher education and wellness, ultimately leading her to Vigour Aesthetics + Wellness. As a recreational aerialist and former makeup artist, she finds deep fulfillment in bridging the worlds of beauty and wellness creatively to communicate our well-rounded offerings via social media, email marketing, and in-house designs. Her go-to treatment? Microneedling—an essential part of her seasonal skincare ritual and acne-healing journey.

Joy Kaleel
Social Media Content Curator

Guided by experience

MEET DR. CHAO, CO-OWNER & MEDICAL DIRECTOR

We take our role as your aesthetics partners seriously. That is why we have partnered with Dr. Jerome Chao, one of the area’s top cosmetic and reconstructive surgeons, to provide the highest quality medical aesthetic services by Chao Medical Aesthetics, PLLC.

Dr. Chao has degrees from Harvard University and Columbia University’s College of Physicians & Surgeons, completed his plastic surgery training at Northwestern University’s McGaw Medical Center, and is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. 

For decades, he’s brought a patient-centered approach to every aspect of his work. He brings it to Vigour and Chao Medical Aesthetics, PLLC in the medical oversight and guidance he offers our team every day.

Dr. Chao is an important part of our team that’s dedicated to helping you identify what treatments and approaches are right for you, and giving you the facts you need to make empowered choices now and in the future.

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

MEET AMANDA & REBECCA.

VIGOUR was founded by Amanda O’Hearn, owner of Jean Paul Salons, and Rebecca Harrica (Beckie), Physician Assistant and practice manager for Chao Medical Aesthetics, PLLC. Amanda was captivated by Rebecca and Dr. Chao’s blend of compassion and business savvy that created a space where clients feel truly understood and cared for. Recognizing their shared passion and vision, Amanda and Rebecca knew that teaming up together to launch VIGOUR by Chao Medical Aesthetics, PLLC was the perfect fit.

Amanda and Rebecca aim to combine the best aspects of their existing practices (Jean Paul and Chao Plastic Surgery) to create a sophisticated, premium medspa experience at VIGOUR that not only focuses on aesthetics, but overall wellness and health.

CHOOSE YOUR VIGOUR

AESTHETICS

SPA

HEALTH & WELLNES