Meet Our Team

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Chris Lacroix, M.D. is board certified with the American Board of Internal Medicine

Christopher E. Lacroix, MD

Board-Certified in Internal Medicine

Board-Certified: American Board of Internal Medicine

Residency: Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University at Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, VA

MD: University of Minnesota-Minneapolis School of Medicine, Minneapolis, MN

BS: Cell and Structural Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL

“I realize that everyone’s situation and life experiences are unique. That is why I take a partnership approach to care. This is the beauty and art I love about medicine: no two situations or paths to health are the same. I strive to give my patients a thoughtful, high-quality and individualized care experience within a peaceful and unhurried environment. Along with our concierge approach, we still want to be families and businesses choice for being their Primary Care Physician Greenville NC provider.”

In his spare time, Dr. Lacroix has coached sports for over 20 seasons, including baseball, flag football and basketball. He and his wife are very active in their church and lead small group Bible studies on weekends. Having a heart for those less fortunate in the community, they avail themselves to outreach opportunities.

Bambi Parnell, RN & Certified Nurse Injector

Bambi Parnell has been practicing as a certified Registered Nurse injector in North Carolina for over 20 years. Having worked as a master injectionist at a Dermatology office in Goldsboro and a Plastic Surgery office in New Bern, Bambi is now bringing her expertise to Greenville at Viva Med Aesthetics & Wellness. Bambi thrives on continuing education and honing her craft to keep up with the growing aesthetic trends and technology. She prides herself on personalized treatments, and thoughtful listening skills to provide her patients with the results they desire – all while maintaining a natural appearance. Bambi’s patients describe her as compassionate and considerate, with great listening skills and an artistic eye for aesthetics.

Alanna Backus, MSN, RN

Alanna recently moved to Greenville from Colorado Springs, CO where she worked as an aesthetic injector and primary care nurse! Alanna earned her BSN from the University of Alabama and MSN in Healthcare Adminstration from Duke Univerisity (Roll blue devils!!)

Alanna joins our team with six years experience as an Army nurse and over two years as a nurse injector. She is currently enrolled in the Family Nurse Practitioner PMC program through the University of Cincinnati. She plans to take her skills to the next level for aesthetics and primary care.

She is passionate about helping people feel and look their best and appreciates being able to offer patients a wide range of care under one roof!

In her free time, she enjoys baking sour dough bread and batting around some pickle ball!

Brandy Cleaton, RN, BSN

Since beginning her nursing journey in 2005, Brandy has dedicated her career to uplifting others and making a meaningful impact during life’s most vulnerable moments.

From cardiac care to ICU, hospice, and beyond, her passion for compassionate care and lifelong learning shines through every role she’s embraced as our lead primary care nurse and an aesthetics injector.

For Brandy, nursing is more than a profession—it’s an opportunity to empower patients, build genuine connections, and help others become the best versions of themselves.

When she’s not caring for others, you’ll find her making memories with her daughter, spending time with loved ones, or exploring new places.

Maria Ruiz, Laser Technician

Maria has worked in customer service and patient care for over a decade and has continued to grow in the aesthetic industry from clinical assistant to laser technician. Maria is certified in RF Microneedling, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), and Laser Hair Removal. Maria is bilingual and works very closely with our Spanish speaking patients. She has a passion for aesthetics and wellness and is known for forming a bond with her patients. She is professional and takes expert care of all of her patients.

Addie Kate Kunkel, Practice Development Coordinator

Meet Addie Kate Kunkel, our Viva Med Concierge Primary Care Patient Development Coordinator. Born and raised in Greenville, Addie Kate is passionate about Eastern North Carolina and supporting growth in our community. With over 8 years of marketing and administrative experience, Addie Kate brings a creative, personal and dynamic approach to Viva Med’s Concierge team and is dedicated to ensuring every Viva Med patient experience is friendly, relaxed, convenient and responsive to everyone’s needs. She can help guide you through the concierge model which is also known as concierge care, boutique medicine, retainer-based medicine, platinum practice and direct primary care. Membership-based healthcare pairs exclusive, personalized care with accessibility and convenience. Her expertise and compassion will help to make your experience seamless. She is looking forward to discussing Viva Med Concierge Primary Care with YOU!

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Thank you for the kind words.

I always have the very best experience at Viva Med! Their dedication to educating their team and patients about the products being used is unmatched. It’s clear during every visit that careful consideration and research has been done in choosing the services they offer. I am always happy with my experience here!

— H.V.

I've had 3 IPL treatments with Elizabeth Cox and I would recommend her to anyone. The treatments were very effective and she made me feel very comfortable.

— C.W.

The signature facial by Maria was amazing! I left with my skin feeling rejuvenated. Maria was very personable and informative of the process and the products she used. Viva Med is the place to go for medical grade skincare!

— M.M.

I am absolutely blown away by the results of my Radiesse treatment at Viva Med Aesthetics & Wellness! After a significant amount of weight loss, I struggled with feeling self-conscious about the volume loss in my face. But the moment I saw the results, I felt my confidence come rushing back. The difference is truly incredible.

— M.F.

I had the best experience at VivaMed! Marianna helped me pick the perfect service, and scheduling was a breeze! I had the most wonderful facial and dermaplaning by Maria! Just a great experience and I will be returning again for more services!

— C.C.

FANTASTIC facial!! Relaxing but also VERY effective- truly a medical aesthetic experience which is exactly what I was looking for. The facilities are clean and welcoming but I also had complete confidence that all aspects were medically sanitary.which was very important to me. I can’t wait to go back for my next appointment!

— J.A.

I have had the absolute best experience at Viva Med. I contacted them about doing laser hair removal but was very concerned due to the sensitivity of my skin. Cindy set me up to do a test to be sure there wasn’t any negative reaction and I was so excited to continue with the treatments once I realized I didn’t have a reaction. Maria is wonderful. She makes sure you’re doing ok throughout the process and the appointments feel like they fly by. There is minimal discomfort and I’m so pleased with the results even after 2 sessions. If you’ve ever considered getting laser hair removal, contact Cindy and Maria today!

— S.C.

I highly recommend Viva Med Aesthetics for the services they offer. Their consultation was free and Cindy listened to my skin concerns and developed a plan to address them. Bambi is patient, gentle and skilled with injections & I was very pleased with my results.

— K.H.

I just got Xeomin from Bambi...and let me tell you, I think I will need to book a flight here every three months (I live in Los Angeles), because I don't want anyone else touching my face from now on.

— Sonya P.

I love Viva Med Aesthetics and Wellness. The ladies are very knowledgeable and friendly. I was nervous my first visit, but Bambi’s knowledge and expertise was immediately noticed, and I trusted her to help me and she did fantastic. I’m now hooked and always look forward to my appointments.

— S.P.

Today was my first experience with Viva Med and from the moment I walked in it was an incredibly welcoming experience. The entire staff is professional and warm.

Bambi was incredibly thorough and knowledgeable. She explained everything in detail and made sure I knew what to expect.

I'm looking forward to going back in 2 weeks for my follow-up!

— R.G.

I accompanied a friend today for a consultation. She discussed in depth her concerns to Bambi and Cindy. They are both so knowledgeable about fillers and Botox. All of our questions were answered. My friend decided to go forward with the plan, and I was amazed at how much time Bambi took with her. Her results were absolutely amazing. I plan to go myself next week and I’m very excited about my appointment. The staff are very professional and very friendly. This is a much needed aesthetic team for our community.

— A. G.

I first saw Viva Med on Social Media of a post shared from a friend. I was interested in their services and saw they were offering Free Consultations. I was expecting a 30 min max consultation, but I was mistaken, I was there for over an hour speaking with Cindy and learned so much from her on the options that would benefit me in what i was looking for.

— D. L.

Dr. La Croix is wonderful. He is very caring and conscientious with a comforting relaxed manner. All bases were covered and I felt well taken care of. The staff is great too, friendly and efficient. Thanks Viva!

— B.P.

I have had two treatments and I am ecstatic over my results. My results have been almost immediate. I bruise very easy but Bambi has such great techniques that my bruising is non existent. She took her time and was continually asking was I ok. I never felt as though my treatment was being rushed so another patient could be seen.
I truly felt like I was being given the VIP treatment.

— D. L.

Everyone I have met there from the front office, to each person involved with Aesthetics are like friends at this point.
If you are looking great skincare or any form of Aesthetics or Wellness I would recommend Viva Med 1000 times over.
You will NOT be disappointed in the positive vibes, warm feeling and the top notch services provided from beginning to end!
Thank you Bambi, Cindy, Marianna, Maria, Stacey, and Dr Lacroix! (wanted to call out the names of those I have had the pleasure of meeting!)

You all are WONDERFUL!!

— D. L.

Update: Let me begin by telling you that my experience started with a very informative consultation with Cindy that provided me a detailed education on my choices in injectables. I chose to go with a filler that also stimulates collagen and elastin. I was so thrilled to know that I had this option!
My RN Injectionist Bambi took her time with me, and also discussed my goals. Her years as an experienced injector showed in the manner in which she treated me, the different techniques that she used to inject, and of course the refreshed, and natural look that she achieved!

— A. G.

I have had been to a few injectors in the past but my experience and results at Viva Med Aesthetics & Wellness has been the best by far! It took years off my appearance and yet, I look so natural!
I can’t say enough good things about Viva Med – I highly recommend them and guarantee you won’t be disappointed! The one word that keeps coming to mind is … STELLAR!!!! Thank you Viva Med Aesthetics & Wellness – you all are a blessing to our community!

— A. G.

About Us

Viva Med Aesthetics & Wellness promotes health both medically and aesthetically with transformative treatments that enhance your beauty and well-being.