Meet Cindy Jass

Cindy Jass shines in her role as Kalon’s licensed practical nurse thanks to her upbeat attitude and genuine enthusiasm for patient care.

She attended South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD, and earned her LPN degree from Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls, SD. Her career started in internal medicine, but she found herself quickly fascinated by dermatology — especially the artistry and innovation within aesthetic medicine.

Cindy spent over a decade working in family medicine and dermatology. During her time in dermatology, she connected with Chelsey Ahlers, FNP-BC, CANS ,  Kalon’s nurse practitioner. She visited Kalon for a HALO® treatment, and left not only impressed, but inspired to join the team.

In her role as Kalon’s licensed practical nurse, Cindy assists Chelsey Ahlers, FNP-BC, CANS, and Heidi Thorenson, PA-C, supporting patient treatments and helping ensure every experience is seamless and comfortable.

Cindy says she’s excited to be at Kalon because of its uplifting atmosphere and the positive impact they have on patients, inside and out.

“I love the idea of helping someone look in the mirror and feel more like themselves — refreshed, confident, and cared for.”

In her free time, Cindy enjoys being active with her husband, their two kids, and their two dogs, Coco and Denali. Their favorite outdoor activities include camping, hiking, and boating. She also loves to read, play board games, and assemble puzzles. 

We are thrilled to have Cindy’s infectious energy and enthusiasm on our team. To meet her, schedule an appointment today.

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raising the standard in aesthetic care: what CANS certification means for patients

At Kalon, exceptional aesthetic care begins with education, integrity, and accountability. Advanced training and nationally recognized certification are foundational to how we prioritize patient safety, deliver exceptional outcomes, and build lasting trust.

One credential that reflects this level of education and accountability is the Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist (CANS) certification — the highest certification available in aesthetic nursing. Understanding what this credential represents can help patients make more informed decisions about their care.

What Is a Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist (CANS)?

The Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist (CANS) credential is awarded to aesthetic nurses who demonstrate advanced knowledge, extensive clinical experience, and a strong commitment to evidence-based practice in aesthetic medicine.

To qualify for the CANS exam, providers must meet strict eligibility requirements, including a minimum number of years and hours practicing in aesthetics. Certification is earned only after passing a comprehensive national examination and must be maintained through continued education to ensure ongoing clinical excellence.

Why Certification Matters in Aesthetic Medicine

Aesthetic medicine is a rapidly evolving field, and levels of training and certification can vary. That’s why nationally recognized credentials and rigorous education are so important in ensuring clinical expertise, safety, and consistent outcomes.

The CANS certification helps establish a higher standard. It signifies that a provider has met nationally recognized benchmarks for education, experience, and patient safety — offering patients greater confidence in the care they receive.

A Rare and Meaningful Distinction

There are currently just over 500 Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialists nationwide. Chelsey Ahlers, FNP-BC, is the only CANS-certified provider in the state of South Dakota, with very few providers holding this credential in surrounding states.

This distinction reflects a strong commitment to continued learning, accountability, and excellence in aesthetic nursing — values that closely align with Kalon’s approach to patient care.

Graphic depicting the number of CANS-certified providers by state.

What This Means for Kalon Patients

For patients, advanced certification means:

  • Thoughtful, individualized treatment planning
  • A strong emphasis on safety and evidence-based care
  • Natural-looking results guided by both science and artistry
  • Confidence in the provider overseeing aesthetic treatments

At Kalon, we believe patients deserve transparency, education, and care that meets the highest standards — not simply what is common or convenient.

A Commitment to Excellence

Chelsey’s CANS certification reinforces Kalon’s ongoing commitment to excellence in aesthetic care. As the field continues to evolve, we remain focused on providing patients with care rooted in education, integrity, and long-term well-being.

Learn more about our providers or aesthetic services at Kalon.

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Meet Ali Terveen

Ali Terveen is part of Kalon’s first impressions team. In her own words, she gets to “greet people with lots of warmth and love,” something that comes naturally to her even outside Kalon.

But more than her welcoming personality, Kalon visitors appreciate her product knowledge. She’s leveling up as a certified ZO expert; however, it’s her personal experience with skincare that’s often her greatest asset to customers who need recommendations.

“I’ve been a commercial and high-fashion model for ten years, and clear skin is a big deal in the industry,” Ali said. “It’s really important to know how to care for it the right way.”

Ali is represented by an agency in LA, and because her modeling work is flexible, she and her husband, Nate, live in Sioux Falls. Here, they can be close to both families, Ali is available to travel for shoots, and both she and Nate can pursue their education. Nate will soon graduate from law school, and Ali is pursuing a master’s program in clinical mental health counseling.

After modeling and skincare, Ali loves to bake (specifically cakes and bread), paint with watercolors, practice pilates, and volunteer with Young Life, a ministry to middle and high school students. She looks forward to cardamom lattes at The Breaks and cracking open new books.

This isn’t Ail’s second first stint at Kalon. She helped out during holiday seasons past and, when they returned to Sioux Falls, she knew she wanted to return to Kalon as well.

“The women I work with are strong, positive people in my life and have influenced me inside and outside of Kalon,” she said. “These are such great people to be around that they make working here an awesome experience.”

Those positive people come with the added bonus of being knowledgeable about skin care. Though she wasn’t without a good base when she started, Ali has enjoyed drawing from her co-workers’ experience.

“They’ve taught me how to truly take care of my skin,” she said. “It’s been rewarding to pass that knowledge on to Kalon’s patients.”

Ali has amassed so many skincare favorites that it’s hard for her to pick just three top choices. But if she has to narrow it down, her choices are Éminence Clear Skin Probiotic Mask, Éminence Facial Recovery Oil, and ZO cleansers.

Want to hear the rest of her list? Ask her to share it the next time you visit Kalon.

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Meet Emily Finley

We are thrilled to have Emily Finley join our first impressions team. Her friendly, outgoing nature and background in skincare have been a welcome addition to Kalon’s front desk.

Born and raised in Pierre, SD, Emily developed a passion for skincare and wellness early on. When she toured the renowned Aveda Institute in San Francisco, she fell in love with what she saw there and began pursuing her esthetician license at the Institute. With years of experience working in spas in both San Francisco and South Dakota, Emily is excited to bring her love for the industry to Kalon.

Emily thrives on the relationships she builds with patients, saying, “I enjoy seeing people happy with how they look. It’s amazing to see the transformation at the end of their treatment plans.” Alongside her in-depth knowledge of skincare and aesthetic procedures, Emily’s warm demeanor and genuine passion for helping others make her a perfect fit for our front desk. There, she’ll be assisting with scheduling, helping customers select skincare products, and ensuring everyone has a seamless and relaxing experience at Kalon.

Outside of work, Emily loves to travel. Her favorite destination so far has been Thailand, and she dreams of visiting Greece, Italy, and Banff in the future. She also enjoys spending time with her family on their cattle ranch, attending live concerts, and listening to classic rock—especially Fleetwood Mac.

We’re excited to have Emily as part of the Kalon team and know you’ll love getting to know her as much as we have!

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Meet Dr. Zac Keenum

Zac Keenum, MD is talented in many areas from art to inventing, and those interests come together for him in one place — oculoplastics. As a surgeon focused on lid and brow treatment, he can use his artistic eye and innovative research to help his patients see, look, and feel their best.

Dr. Keenum’s passion for aesthetic patient care brought him to Vance Thompson Vision and Kalon in Sioux Falls in 2023. He specializes in cosmetic upper and lower blepharoplasty, a procedure that reshapes drooping lids for a more open, youthful look.

“I love caring for aesthetic patients because I get to build a close relationship with them and help them reach their goals,” Dr. Keenum said. “I want to serve my patients to help them achieve their best outcomes, all the while building confidence and giving my best recommendations. Patients trust in us with their well-being, and I take that seriously.”

“I love caring for aesthetic patients because I get to build a close relationship with them and help them reach their goal. I want to serve my patients to help them achieve their best outcomes, all the while building confidence and giving my best recommendations.”

Dr. Keenum trained in an elite two-year American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) Fellowship at the University of Texas, Southwestern in Dallas, TX. Alongside developing his surgical skills at one of the top programs in the country, Dr. Keenum helped design a surgical instrument that is now regularly used to correct ptosis, a condition in which the eyelid droops obstructing vision.

“Because I have the honor of caring for patients,” Dr. Keenum said, “ I also feel responsible for advancing future treatment options with my research and keeping an eye on emerging technologies. I love being able to offer the latest devices and techniques to my patients.”

Dr. Keenum earned his undergraduate degree from Auburn University in Alabama and his medical degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. His residency was completed at the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas.

Zac’s enthusiasm about oculoplastics and its benefits for patients inspired him to create and share videos on social media to teach current and future oculoplastic surgeons about techniques, eye conditions, and technology advancements. He also loves painting abstract art and playing guitar to relax. Zac enjoys traveling the world with his wife, Rebecca, who is an allergist and immunologist.

Dr. Keenum looks forward to overseeing Kalon as our medical director and serving our patients!

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Meet Talia Haight

Talia Haight has a lifelong interest in makeup artistry and skincare. She was fascinated by the delicate artistry of the application process, the importance of creating a quality base, and their role in enhancing a person’s confidence.

Her fascination naturally led her to delve into what makes good skincare good and to investigate its ability to help people feel like the best version of themselves. Now, she’s a proudly licensed esthetician in two states.

The Kalon team welcomed Talia this November, and she currently provides facials and DiamondGlow Dermalinfusion.

In pursuit of her true passion, Talia headed to Florida to learn as much as she could about natural skin care methods from Aveda. After completing her esthetics licensure in Florida, she returned to South Dakota to be closer to family and to further her education. (And we’re so glad she did.)

Talia added a wonderful complement to her knowledge of natural treatments and products when she graduated from Rapid City Salon Professionals Academy. Here, she became trained in medical grade skin care and services that use microderm and microcurrent technology.

In her time at Kalon, Talia has fostered an admirable dedication to helping patients and expanding her skin care knowledge. Starting a skin care journey can be overwhelming, and Talia hopes to support patients and help them achieve glowing, healthy skin.

Although she can’t choose just one, her current Kalon favorites include: working alongside amazing women, the DiamondGlow, and ZO Complexion Renewal Pads.

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Meet Kalyn Peterson

When Kalyn Peterson’s mom informed her of a job opening at Kalon, she knew it was meant to be. Kalyn at Kalon has a nice ring to it. 

Kalyn is the newest member of our first impression team, and is renowned for her warm smile and friendly nature. As she works behind the front desk, she aspires to create a relaxing environment for all who step through Kalon’s doors. 

As Kalyn steps into the world of skin care, she’s eager to learn more and help customers achieve their skin care goals. While she is working to become more accustomed with the details of each service and product, she presents a zeal for helping customers select retail, scheduling appointments, and answering the phone.

As Kalyn steps into the world of skin care, she’s eager to learn more and help customers achieve their skin care goals.

Kalyn received her degree in hospitality from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. At Kalon, she can apply her knowledge and skills of this field to her work.  

Her previous customer relation position as a barista at Laura’s Lattes in Canton, SD, encouraged her bubbly, outgoing personality. Her kindness and patience flourished since becoming a mom to her son, Maine. 

When she’s not chasing around her two-year-old, she’s socializing – whether it be with her husband, Jake, who currently attends medical school at USD, clients, or friends. 

Her go-to recommendation is anything from Éminence Organics. She loves their legendary strawberry-rhubarb line – she even gifted some products to her mom for Mother’s Day. For services, the Diamond Glow Dermalinfusion treatment is at the top of her list to try. 

Stop in to say hi, and check out her favorite product line!

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Meet Chelsey Ahlers

Chelsey Ahlers is a nurse practitioner with a heart for people. At the beginning of her career, she served children, working in pediatrics and with Child’s Voice, an advocacy center run by Sanford Health.

But as her family grew and, along with it, her commitment to being there for them, Chelsey needed a different work schedule. Capitalizing on her love of aesthetics, she made the switch to a medical spa in Sioux Falls.

“I was already getting regular facials myself and had a strong personal interest in skin health and rejuvenation,” she says. “My hobby became my career, and I found that, just like in pediatrics, I really enjoyed building relationships and trust with my patients.”

“My hobby became my career, and I found that, just like in pediatrics, I really enjoyed building relationships and trust with my patients.”

After seven years in aesthetics, Chelsey joined Kalon in May 2022, where she specializes in Botox, fillers, and laser procedures. Chelsey views what Kalon does as a mix of science and art — with both being necessary to serve patients well. She also points out that, in the Midwest, patients are looking for a more natural look, which makes aesthetics a good fit.

Chelsey is a Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist (CANS) — the highest credential available in aesthetic nursing. She is the first and the only CANS-certified provider in the state of South Dakota, a distinction that reflects rigorous national standards, advanced clinical experience, and a strong commitment to patient safety and evidence-based care.

“There are so many great evolutions coming in this industry,” she says. “Established procedures are constantly being reformulated and the non-invasive nature and limited down time of most of the things we can do are great options to achieve most patients’ goals.”

Through her transition to Kalon, Chelsey has enjoyed collaboration with Kalon’s esthetician, who can address her patients’ daily skincare routines and facial needs, while Chelsey addresses their deeper rejuvenation goals. It’s comprehensive care at its best.

Chelsey is a graduate of Augustana University and the University of Cincinnati Ohio. She’s a proud former member of Augustana’s women’s soccer team and continues to love sports and being active. Chelsey hopes to get back to her former advocacy work one day, but for now she and her husband have four busy kids, all of whom are doing their part to hone the family’s teamwork skills.

Chelsey sees patients at Kalon full-time and looks forward to settling in even more. “I realize that people have a lot of options in Sioux Falls, and because they do, good relationships really do matter. I want to build those so that I earn our patients’ trust.”

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Spread the Holiday Glow

The Kalon team is extremely grateful for each and every customer we serve. Skincare can be very personal, often reflecting transitions and changes happening in other parts of your life. And because your skin health is so tied into your overall well being, we consider it a true privilege when you trust us with your skin and the personal stories that go along with it.

We know we can’t solve everything (if we could, we’d have turned butter into health food by now!), but we can definitely help you put your best face forward in the midst of busy days, growing children, changing addresses, unexpected plot twists, and a host of other life changes. We love hearing about it all, and it makes us that much better at customizing treatment to suit your specific life.

As the 2021 holiday season kicks off, we want to thank you for the trust you put in the Kalon team. And nothing says “thank you” like discounts! Here’s what we’re planning for Black Friday.

Black Friday: November 26

As everybody knows, gift cards make great gifts, and ours will be 10% off all day November 26. Even better, our online store is the only place to purchase your discount gift cards so there’s no need to add another errand to an already busy day.

You may buy as many cards as you like so check off your list — best friends, moms, teachers, and even the men in your life will enjoy some pampering from Kalon. Cards are available in $25, $50, $75, $100, and $250 increments. At checkout, simply let us know if you’d like us to ship your card to your home or gift wrap it for in-store pick-up the week of November 29. If you’re buying one for yourself and are already a Kalon patient, you can have your gift card deposited directly into your Aesthetic Record wallet.

Cyber Monday: November 29

This year, our Cyber Monday sale is all new and all about services. We’re offering four discounted bundles of our most popular services. They’re perfect picks for best friends, moms, teachers, and even the men in your life. Don’t forget one for yourself, too! Here’s what’s available:

There are no purchase limits; buy as many of each as you’d like and cover the cost using the discounted gift cards you bought on Black Friday.

*Gift cards can be used on any Kalon service, product, or membership fee. Gift cards and Cyber Monday deals are not eligible for additional membership discounts. Some restrictions apply. Ask a member of our team for more details.
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Meet April Syverson

She came for a service and left an employee. At least that’s the short version of the story.

April Syverson’s knowledgeability about skin care impressed Kalon’s staff so much that when they were short-handed last fall, they decided to ask if she’d consider joining their team part-time.

With three busy kids, April needed the flexibility Kalon offered. “Saying yes was easy. I was already really into skin care, it fit our family schedule, and the chance to work with the Kalon gals was not something I’d find anywhere else,” April says.

For now, April is at the Kalon front desk one to two days per week, depending on the rest of the staff’s vacation and sick time schedules. When she isn’t greeting and checking in patients, answering the phone, and helping visitors pick out items from the retail boutique, she’s busy learning as much as she can about the procedures and product lines specific to Kalon.

“This is such a great place. Everybody likes to go to the spa, including me!”

“It is so busy in that small space!” April says. “There’s so much to do and learn that time just flies by!”

The mom of three — one boy and two girls who are 14, 11, and 9 — calls Sioux Falls home. She jokingly admits that her “hobbies” are driving her kids around and splitting time with her husband between baseball, soccer, basketball, and softball games. “With all that time outside, I’m a big believer in SPF!” she says.

Since working at Kalon, April has discovered an appreciation for chemical peels, noting she was really impressed by the dramatic changes the peels have given her skin.

“This is such a great place. Everybody likes to go to the spa, including me!”

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