Our Staff

Zakery A. Koban

MPAS, PA-C

Both a hair transplant patient and provider, Zakery is an expert in the hair restoration process. He graduated Summa Cum Laude in May of 2009 with a Bachelor of Health Science. He attended the Physician Assistant Program at Saint Francis University in Loretto, Pennsylvania. He achieved his Masters of Physician Assistant Sciences in May of 2010. He has worked closely with Dr. Brian Vassar Heil at Premier Plastic Surgery since September 2010. Zakery is nationally certified by the NCCPA and licensed to practice medicine in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He is a member of the Association of Plastic Surgery Physician Assistants (APSPA). Here at Premier and Acqua Blu, Zakery specializes in surgical care, injectable treatments, before & after procedure care, hair consultations, platelet rich-plasma injection, and medicinal management of hair loss.

Carey B. Steinmetz

MPA-C

Carey joined the Premier Plastic Surgery and Acqua Blu Medical Spa team in 2019 bringing years of Neurosurgery and Lower Extremity Vascular experience but always having the passion and drive to be in Plastic Surgery. Carey is a Pittsburgh native and has grown up and still lives in Cranberry Township. She attended North Catholic High School in Pittsburgh followed by the University of Pittsburgh for her undergraduate degree in Rehabilitation Science with a Leadership Certificate. Carey then moved to New York City to receive her Masters of Physician Assistant Studies from the New York Institute of Technology in 2014. Carey is nationally certified by the NCCPA and licensed to practice medicine in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

In the practice, Carey evaluates new surgical consults alongside Dr Heil, manages post-operative patients, and performs both neurotoxin and filler injectables and platelet-rich plasma treatments for hair loss. Carey strives for a natural aesthetic result for all patients and tries to help patients navigate the ever changing world of aesthetics.

In her free time, Carey enjoys spending time with her husband and children, Ellie and Reid, as well as all of her friends and extended family. She enjoys traveling, photography, planning parties, and an ice cold Diet Coke.

Richard-Tyler Jones

MPAS, PA-C

Richard-Tyler Jones, better known as just "Tyler", grew up in the city of New Castle, Pennsylvania. He graduated Summa Cum Laude with his Bachelor's in Biology from Westminster College and went on to earn his Master's in Physician Assistant Studies from Duquesne University in 2017. During his time in school, Tyler helped raise awareness and donations in support of curing breast cancer, SIDS, scleroderma and other rare diseases, and has lobbied to increase care for patients suffering from rare diseases. Tyler went on to practice emergency medicine in multiple emergency departments and urgent care facilities throughout Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire. Joining the Premier and Acqua Blu team in 2021, he has worked hand-in-hand with Dr. Heil and now performs a variety of services including injectables, laser treatments, hair preservation/restoration, and perioperative care for our plastic surgery patients. Tyler is nationally certified by the NCCPA and licensed to practice medicine in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He is a member of the Association of Plastic Surgery Physician Assistants (APSPA).

Antoinette Heil

MPAS, PA-C

Antoinette is a native Pittsburgher who has developed a passion for aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. She has been inspired by the art and science of Plastic Surgery working alongside her father for years. Blending technical expertise with a compassionate approach, Antoinette specializes in ARTAS robotic and Neograft Automated FUE hair transplantation, procedural assistance in the operating room, and pre- and post- operative surgical patient care.

Antoinette graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelors degree in Biology and Psychology from Franklin and Marshall College. She received her Masters of Physician Assistant Studies from The University of Pittsburgh, and is nationally certified by the NCCPA and licensed to practice medicine in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. She is a member of the Association of Plastic Surgery Physician Assistants (APSPA).

Since joining Premier as a Physician Assistant, Antoinette has brought a fresh perspective, advanced clinical training, and a deep understanding of patient-centered care to our practice. Her dedication to excellence and her collaborative dynamic with her father and colleagues ensure patients receive the highest standard of care from consultation to recovery.

When out of the office, Antoinette explores the aquatic world through a lifetime of competitive swimming and scuba diving, and she enjoys traveling with family and friends.

Christina M. Romano

PA-C

Christina hails from New York City. She graduated from Wagner College in 2002 with her degree in Physician Assistant Sciences. She joined the Plastic Surgery Team at Premier in May 2011, operating side-by-side by Dr. Brian Vassar Heil.

Bonnie Russo

Physician Assistant

Bonnie Russo has been an integral part of Acqua Blu Medical Spa since 2008, where she specializes in advanced laser procedures for skin resurfacing, anti-aging, rosacea, sun damage, and other aesthetic concerns. Known for her expertise in evaluating patients and tailoring treatments to their unique needs, Bonnie places the highest importance on honesty and guiding patients toward the most appropriate, effective options.

She began her career as a Physician Assistant at Allegheny General Hospital, practicing in General Vascular, and Trauma Surgery. There, she played a key role in establishing the first trauma center in Western Pennsylvania and spearheaded both the trauma follow-up and ER follow-up clinics.

Before joining Acqua Blu, Bonnie worked with Daniel Diamond at Dermalase Medical Spa, where she was first introduced to the use of lasers in medical aesthetics. This experience sparked her passion for aesthetic medicine and laid the foundation for her extensive expertise in laser procedures.

With nearly two decades of experience, Bonnie has had the privilege of witnessing the long-term results of her treatments, which she finds deeply rewarding. Beyond her professional life, she enjoys skiing, traveling, baseball, and reading. Her greatest joy, however, comes from time spent with her two sons, their wives, and her three grandchildren.

Anna Manion-Birmingham

CME

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Anna has been a licensed medical aesthetician and laser specialist since 2008. She joined Acqua Blu Medical Spa in 2015, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to personalized, patient-centered care. Her warm, attentive approach ensures every patient feels understood and valued.

Anna specializes in a comprehensive range of advanced treatments, including: Laser Genesis, BBL Photofacial, Moxi, Halo, Laser Hair Removal, Microneedling with Radio Frequency, PicoWay Resolve, PicoWay Tattoo Removal, PRX Derm Perfexion, DermaSweep, and Dermaplaning.

Her approach is rooted in precision and empathy. Anna takes pride in crafting customized treatment plans that address each individual’s unique concerns. Her goal is simple yet powerful: to help every patient feel confident, radiant, and truly their best self.

Beyond the treatment room, Anna is a passionate reader and collector of rare books. She also enjoys antiquing adventures with her husband, Don, where they blend nostalgia with discovery and a shared love of storytelling.

Kayla Knoll

CME

Kayla is a licensed medical aesthetician, working with Plastic surgeons since 2015. After receiving a degree in Biology from Penn State University she went on to study Esthiology at the Christine Valmy Institute in New York City and became licensed in both NY and PA. Kayla’s passion for skin health and patient education has been the cornerstone of her career. Her expertise includes customized facials, microdermabrasion, laser treatments, microneedling, chemical peels, and developing personalized skincare regimens. Kayla prides herself on treating skin concerns and also empowering clients with the knowledge to maintain long-term skin health. Kayla enjoys delivering advanced treatments to help her clients reach their skin care goals and feel their most confident and beautiful self. When out of the office, Kayla enjoys walks and exploring with her husband and young daughter.