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Local physician and staff help you look good, feel great.

Jill Vargo, MD

Jill Vargo, MD a Rheumatologist practicing in Asheville for 30+ years, has always had a keen interest in the aesthetics industry. Unable to find the right treatments for her personally, she combined her extensive medical background and her knowledge of anti-aging, body shaping technology to develop Asheville’s premier medical spa, Awaken Skin and Body in 2013.

Dr. Vargo found that many aesthetics treatments offered in the area were invasive procedures with lengthy downtime’s which interfered with a busy lifestyle. After much research and study, she found the latest proven technologies to achieve results with minimal to no downtime, and brought them to Awaken. She continues to actively analyze and research new technologies, continually updating services at Awaken in order to provide the most up to date, yet effective procedures.

In addition to being the Medical Director for Awaken, a Primary Investigator for numerous clinical research trials and a partner in a busy Rheumatology practice, Dr. Vargo is actively involved in other ventures. She is past president of the North Carolina Rheumatology Association and current board member, a member of the American College of Rheumatology, American Medical Society, North Carolina Medical Society, Western Carolina Medical Society, and American Society of Bone and Mineral Research.

Dr. Vargo likes to be a voice for those who do not have one. She has been very active in supporting local animal welfare agencies, including an active board member with Asheville Humane Society.

Other community service projects include caring for the underserved medically through Project Access, and volunteering at ABCCM. She is a long time member of Women for Women through the Community Foundation of WNC, serving women of need in Western Carolina. She and her husband, Tony are active in their parish, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church through various projects.

Dr. Vargo and her husband are multi-engine instrument rated pilots and enjoy traveling, golf, scuba diving and hiking with their dogs.


Janna Amato, RN, L.E.

Janna Amato, a registered nurse, licensed esthetician, and certified laser technician, has worked exclusively in the field of medical aesthetics since 2006.  Janna specializes in cosmetic laser and injection treatments, and blends her clinical expertise with her artistic touch to help clients achieve optimal results.  Outdoor yard games and picnics in the neighborhood park are her favorites ways to spend time with her husband and daughter, who is now a toddler.


Sheletha King, Licensed Medical Aesthetician

A native of Asheville, Sheletha enjoys providing premium skin services at Awaken. As a licensed medical aesthetician with a medical background, she specializes in integrative skincare and performing micro-needling, dermaplaning, chemical peels, and laser treatments. Clients love the results they see after their treatments with Sheletha because of her knowledge, precision, and eye for detail. Her ability to carefully listen to each client’s skin concerns enables her to recommend the best treatments and products that will help them achieve their skin care goals and see results! Aside from aesthetics, she enjoys ballroom dancing and spending time outdoors in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains.