We recently connected with Olivia Marino and have shared our conversation below.

Olivia , appreciate you joining us today. How did you get your first job in the field that you practice in today?

I had a friend who knew I was eager to work in plastics or dermatology and she couldn’t stop praising Dr. Diana Ponsky’s expertise in the field. This friend mentioned my name to Dr. Ponsky at her next visit. I sent in my resume, and Dr. Ponsky graciously scheduled a Zoom interview with me. We had a great conversation about my goals and my work ethic, but at that time, Dr. Ponsky wasn’t looking to hire a nurse. She needed a medical assistant instead.

Being persistent, I wasn’t ready to take “no” for an answer. After a follow-up conversation with Dr. Ponsky, I requested another Zoom call, during which I asked her to take a chance on me. I was confident I would be a great fit for her practice, and after speaking with her a few more times, I knew we would work well together. Thankfully, she agreed, and I truly believe it was the right decision.

Over the past three and a half years, we’ve worked together seamlessly, and Dr. Ponsky has been an invaluable mentor, teaching me everything I know about aesthetics. From the start, I assisted her in the operating room with plastic surgery cases, which gave me a deep understanding of facial anatomy. As I gained experience, she began training me to inject neuromodulators and dermal fillers. Dr. Ponsky has always supported my growth and encouraged me to learn new techniques in aesthetics, making her one of my greatest advocates in expanding my knowledge.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Olivia Marino, and I’m an Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner with a background as a Family Nurse Practitioner. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Case Western Reserve University in 2019 and began my career as a registered nurse in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit at The Cleveland Clinic. While I’ve always had a passion for the arts, I was looking for a way to blend creativity with my nursing career. That’s when I decided to pursue a nurse practitioner role in aesthetics.

I enrolled in the Nurse Practitioner program at the University of Cincinnati, and during my studies, I had the opportunity to join Dr. Diana Ponsky’s practice, Ponsky Facial Plastic Surgery, as a registered nurse. I worked part-time in the office while completing my clinical hours and finishing my coursework. In 2022, I graduated with a Master of Science in Nursing and transitioned to a full-time position as an Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner.

At our practice, I offer a wide range of aesthetic services, including neuromodulator injections (Botox, Dysport, Daxxify), dermal fillers (Juvederm, Restylane, RHA, Radiesse), Sculptra, chemical peels, microneedling, Morpheus8, IPL, PRP, and laser hair removal. I also provide personalized skincare consultations, recommending products from ZO Skin Health and SkinBetter Science to address various skin concerns.

My goal is to help patients look and feel their best by creating refreshed, rejuvenated results that maintain a natural appearance. I take pride in listening to my patients and achieving their desired outcomes with a focus on balance and enhancement of their natural features.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

If I could go back in time, I would still choose the path I’m on today. Before starting my master’s program, I had originally considered becoming a nurse anesthetist, which is why I began my nursing career in the cardiovascular ICU. However, once I started working in the ICU, I quickly realized that while I enjoyed the work, it wasn’t my true passion. I began reflecting on the things I loved outside of nursing and how I could integrate those interests into my career. I’ve always had a deep appreciation for the arts and had been practicing sculpture for several years. It was during this time that I realized being a nurse injector allowed me to combine my love for sculpture with my nursing career. Injecting fillers, in particular, requires an artistic eye, and I absolutely love the creative aspect of my job.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

I believe that building strong connections and establishing trust with my patients has been key to my success in this field. When it comes to working on someone’s face—something they present to the world every day—trust is absolutely essential. This is especially true for patients who are new to aesthetic treatments, as it can be a nerve-wracking experience. I always prioritize creating a welcoming, comfortable, and safe environment for my patients, where they feel heard, understood, and confident in the care they’re receiving. By taking the time to listen to their goals, addressing any concerns, and guiding them through the process, I can help ease their anxiety and ensure they leave feeling satisfied with both the experience and the results. It’s these strong, trusting relationships that are the foundation of my practice and the reason many of my patients return for ongoing care.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://drdianaponsky.com/about/olivia-marino/
• Instagram: @oliviamarinonp
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-m-1758158b/
• Other: TikTok: @oliviamarinonp

Image Credits

Ponsky Facial Plastic Surgery