Meet the Team

  • Smiling woman with long hair in black attire posing in front of artwork with gold leaf design.

    Kat

    Reception

    Our wonderful Kat, is the first face you see, greeting every patient with a warm, genuine smile that instantly makes you feel welcome. Organized, professional, and personable, she ensures each visit begins with ease and positivity. Whether answering questions about services or treatments, scheduling appointments, or simply brightening your day, her friendly demeanor and attention to detail set the tone for exceptional care. Kat also assists with BLU-U treatments and can help assist with whatever the clinic needs.

  • A smiling person wearing a black "Summit Dermatology" uniform stands in front of a textured wall with a gold leaf design.

    Mindy

    Billing Specialist

    Our amazing billing specialist, Mindy, is the backbone of our administrative team, ensuring a seamless experience for both patients and staff. Mindy brings over 30 years of Dermatology billing experience and insurance company knowledge to Summit Dermatology. With exceptional attention to detail and a deep understanding of medical billing, she handles claims, payments, and insurance processes with efficiency and care. Her dedication to accuracy and patient support helps make navigating the financial side of healthcare as smooth and stress-free as possible, embodying the professionalism and compassion that define Summit Dermatology.

  • Person wearing a Summit Dermatology jacket, with a name tag labeled "Courtney," standing in front of a textured artwork with a gold and gray design.

    Courtney

    Certified Dermatology Medical Assistant

    Courtney is a true cornerstone of our practice, bringing skill, precision, and a caring touch to every patient interaction. As my trusted companion in clinic visits and surgeries, she ensures every visit and procedure runs smoothly, from meticulous preparation to attentive follow-up care. Her expertise, calm demeanor, and unwavering dedication create a seamless and reassuring experience for our patients, making her an invaluable part of our team. Courtney is an important member of the Aesthetic Team assisting in procedures and treatments.

  • Leanne

    Certified Advanced Esthetician

    Leanne is a highly skilled expert specializing in skin treatments and laser technologies, providing transformative care to our patients. From addressing complex skin concerns to performing advanced laser procedures, she combines precision with a deep understanding of skin health. Her expertise, coupled with a compassionate and personalized approach, ensures every patient feels confident and cared for throughout their journey to healthier, glowing skin. Leanne completed her Esthetician training at Northwest College School of Beauty, and her Advanced training at Career Academy of Beauty in Anaheim, CA. She is an amazing addition to our Summit Team.

     

  • Vanessa

    We are so excited to introduce Vanessa to the back office team at Summit Dermatology & Aesthetics! She comes to us with years of experience in patient service and medical knowledge, and it shows in everything she does.

    She assists with rooming patients, taking medical histories, coordinating all aspects of patient care, and managing prior authorizations and pathology follow-up — all with a joyful and personable nature that makes every patient feel cared for and supported.

    Her amazing ability to jump into any role and help wherever needed has already made such a positive impact on our team. We are truly lucky to have her as part of the Summit family!

  • Smiling woman with long hair in black attire posing in front of artwork with gold leaf design.

    Michelle

    Back-Office Support

    Michelle joins Summit Dermatology with over 20 years of dermatology experience. She brings exceptional back-office expertise, outstanding patient rapport, and a true dedication to high-quality patient care. Her kindness, humor, and extensive knowledge of dermatology make her a wonderful addition to our Summit family and the positive culture we value so much.

Smiling person with long dark hair in outdoor setting with blurred green background.

Mariana D. Cooper, PA-C

Mariana has been a Board Certified Physician Associate in the Rogue Valley since 2006. She completed her medical training at the University of Washington MEDEX PA program within the UW School of Medicine. She is board certified in General Medicine through the NCCPA. In addition to years in the field of Dermatology, Mariana has completed the Diplomate Fellowship Program with the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants and maintains this certification.

Prior to starting in field of Dermatology, Mariana worked in Family Medicine, functional medicine, gastroenterology and urgent care and therefore has a wide breadth of experience from which she uses for the care of her patients. She works in collaboration with physicians to give the highest degree of patient care.

She chose the field of dermatology specifically because of the perfect combination of the science of medicine, patient education, her love of surgery, an eye for cosmetic outcome. Mariana focuses on the whole patient in comprehensive dermatology and addresses not only the skin but its relation to diet and gut microbiome as well as lifestyle.

In the clinic she can address all aspects of skin. She is also certified and trained in aesthetic dermatology as well as laser procedures. She performs dermatologic surgical procedures within the scope of general dermatology.

Education and Training

  • Medical Degree: University of Washington School of Medicine MEDEXNorthwest, Seattle Class 38, 2006

  • Diplomate Fellowship: Society of Dermatology PA’s, 2020

  • Board Certification: NCCPA

Man with glasses, bearded and wearing a blue suit and checkered shirt, posing for a portrait against a plain background.

Benjamin Vazquez, MD

Physician & Surgeon

Diplomate of American Board of Dermatology, Fellow American Academy Dermatology

Dr. Vazquez is a board-certified dermatologist who practices medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology.

He is a Washington native who attended the University of Washington for undergraduate studies and medical school, where he received numerous scholarships, awards, and recognitions including the Odland Scholars Award from the Division of Dermatology.

Dr. Vazquez interned at the Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle, WA and went on to attend the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN for his residency.  During residency, he was honored with the Mayo Clinic Fellows’ Association Humanitarian Award for his outreach and volunteer work.  Dr. Vazquez is also the adjunct assistant professor at the OHSU department of dermatology where he teaches medical students and supervises the hair disorder clinic.

In his free time, Dr. Vazquez enjoys traveling, hiking, weightlifting, movies, horseback riding and volunteering.  He has served on the board for the HIV Alliance and is the past president of Lane County Medical Society (2023).

Dr. Vazquez serves as a collaborating MD at Summit and especially for the specialty of hair loss disorders.

Education and training

  • Degrees

    • M.D., 2007, University of Washington

  • Internship

    • Preliminary Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center

  • Residency

    • Dermatology, Research Track, Mayo Clinic