The New Frontier of Wellness: A Must-See Panel at the Wave Wellness & Beauty Expo

Sep 16

by Long Island Wave

Where Health, Beauty & Lifestyle Meet

Wellness today extends far beyond the basics of diet and exercise. We’ve entered a new era where beauty, medicine, and lifestyle intersect—an approach that’s less about “anti-aging” and more about aging well, longevity, and living vibrantly at every stage of life. At the Wave Wellness & Beauty Expo, attendees will have the chance to explore this evolving conversation in a must-see expert panel: The New Frontier of Wellness.

Moderated by Krista Bennett DeMaio, founder of Pretty Local and an accomplished beauty and wellness journalist, the discussion will bring together leading voices across multiple disciplines. From functional medicine and cellular therapies to aesthetics, plastic surgery, cannabis, and hair health, each panelist offers unique expertise—all connected by a shared mission to help people look and feel their best from the inside out.

Meet the Moderator

Krista Bennett DeMaio – Pretty Local

Krista Bennett DeMaio, founder of Pretty Local—Long Island’s leading beauty and wellness platform—is thrilled to moderate this landmark discussion. With an impressive journalism background that includes Women’s Health, Oprah Magazine, and Allure, Krista brings both expertise and a fresh, approachable style. Inspired by her mother’s career in hairstyling, Krista has always had a passion for beauty and wellness, making frequent appearances on News12 and “Be Well” segments. Her commitment to meaningful conversations ensures this panel will leave attendees both inspired and informed.

Meet the Panelists

Paul Lepore – Happy Days

Paul Lepore began his career in business and finance before moving into the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries, where he specialized in formulation and manufacturing. His lifelong passion for cannabis made the transition into health and wellness a natural fit, inspiring him to explore pharmacopoeia, cannabinoid science, and metabolic pathways in depth.

Guided by a mission to advance wellness through education, Paul founded Happy Days as a platform to share knowledge where it could make the greatest impact. He has also championed extensive philanthropic initiatives supporting global pediatric health, mental wellness, cancer research, and underserved communities. These values remain at the heart of Happy Days and Paul’s commitment to building a healthier, happier world.

Dr. Luis Fandos – Alluring Age

With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Luis Fandos is a distinguished physician specializing in interventional pain management and cellular medicine. After completing his residency at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and advanced fellowships in pain and neuropathic medicine at Columbia University and Beth Israel Medical Center, he established himself as a physician leader at New York Spine and Pain Physicians and director of Pain Medicine at South Shore University Hospital. He also serves as Clinical Assistant Professor at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.

Expanding his expertise beyond pain management, Dr. Fandos integrates genetic testing, peptide therapy, IV therapy, hormone replacement, and nutrition into personalized wellness programs that address root causes of disease at the cellular level. As a collaborator with the Seeds Scientific Research & Performance Institute, he continues to advance innovative approaches that improve longevity, vitality, and quality of life for his patients.

Dr. Matthew Rutman – Balanced Health & Wellness

Dr. Matthew Rutman is a board-certified emergency medicine physician with over two decades of experience caring for patients across New York. A Brooklyn native, he graduated with honors in biology from Binghamton University before earning his medical degree from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his residency in emergency medicine at St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident and was recognized for his teaching excellence and dedication to patient care.

In addition to serving as an attending physician in emergency medicine for 15 years at St. Charles Hospital and other institutions, Dr. Rutman leads Rutman Medical, PLLC, where he specializes in trigger point injections and advanced wellness care. Trained in weight management and hormone replacement therapy (HRT), he integrates these specialties into personalized programs that help patients achieve lasting health and vitality. A devoted father of six and active community member in Miller Place, he also coaches youth basketball and enjoys traveling, golf, and fishing with his family.

Dr. Meredith Vandegrift – Vandegrift Plastic Surgery

Dr. Meredith Vandegrift is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in breast and body rejuvenation, helping patients restore confidence and a youthful appearance after pregnancy, weight loss, or life transitions. She offers a full range of procedures including breast lifts, tummy tucks, vaginal rejuvenation, and oncoplastic breast reduction, along with both surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation. Known for her holistic and individualized approach, she tailors each treatment plan to enhance natural beauty and support overall well-being.

A graduate of SUNY Albany magna cum laude and Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Dr. Vandegrift completed her general surgery residency at NYU Langone Medical Center and a research fellowship at the Institute for Reconstructive Plastic Surgery. She then advanced her training in cosmetic, plastic, and reconstructive surgery at Emory University in Atlanta, working alongside some of the nation’s leading experts in the field.

Neeta Mitchell, RN – Balanced Health & Wellness

Neeta Mitchell, RN, is a highly skilled and compassionate nurse leader with more than 20 years of experience in healthcare, specializing in holistic health, aesthetics, and wellness. As COO of Balanced Health & Wellness and Rutman Medical, she blends advanced medical expertise with a patient-centered approach to help individuals achieve both optimal health and radiant beauty. Her specialties include microneedling, Morpheus8 RF, IPL, Diolaze XL, CO₂ laser therapy, neurotoxins, dermal fillers, PRP, exosomes, and hair restoration, as well as comprehensive wellness services focused on longevity, hormone balance, and preventative care.

Renowned for combining science with artistry, Neeta designs personalized treatment plans that deliver natural, confidence-boosting results while enhancing overall well-being. Outside of her professional role, she is a proud mother of six, devoted wife, and animal lover, cherishing time spent with her family and three dogs.

Jo Marie – Jo Marie Hair & Beauty

Jo Marie is a celebrated master colorist and stylist at Bangz Hair and Color Lounge, where her artistry and expertise have transformed hair into works of beauty for over 20 years. With certifications across premier hair care brands, Jo has earned a reputation as a trusted professional, delivering stunning results that inspire confidence.

Her commitment to giving back is exemplified through her role as Co-Founder and Chairperson of the United Salons of America, an initiative by the nonprofit Hair We Share. This program raises essential funds to cover the manufacturing costs of high-quality wigs, provided at no cost to individuals experiencing medical hair loss. Under Jo’s leadership, this initiative has restored confidence and dignity to countless lives, showcasing the transformative power of compassion in the beauty industry.

Jo’s leadership also extends to co-founding the Tri-State Beauty & Cosmetic Enhancement Information Group, a vibrant network fostering collaboration and growth in the beauty industry. Her passion for education, mentorship, and community impact continues to set her apart as a true leader and innovator in the beauty world.

Event Details

Wave Wellness & Beauty Expo

Explore the Cutting-Edge of Beauty & Wellness

Sunday, September 21, 2025 | 12 PM – 6 PM

Hilton – Melville, NY | 598 Broadhollow Road, Melville

Support Hair We Share at the Expo!

A portion of proceeds will benefit Hair We Share, a nonprofit dedicated to providing wigs to individuals experiencing medical hair loss, restoring dignity and confidence through compassion and community.

Wave Agency

Wave Agency is a full-service marketing and creative partner dedicated to transforming brands through strategic vision, impactful storytelling, and thoughtful execution. Since 2001, we’ve helped businesses grow, evolve, and stay ahead of change across industries like beauty and wellness, healthcare, real estate, retail, and more.

Today’s marketing goes beyond beautiful design—it’s about relevance, timing, and smarter decisions. At Wave Agency, we integrate AI thoughtfully into our process, using it to uncover insights, streamline campaigns, and enhance personalization. The result? Marketing that’s not only creative but intelligent—designed to connect, convert, and grow with purpose.

We’re more than marketers—we’re innovators and entrepreneurs who deeply understand how to scale and succeed in an AI-powered world. Our entrepreneurial spirit fuels ventures such as Long Island Wave, a thriving digital publication spotlighting regional business and culture; the Wave Wellness & Beauty Expo, a leading event connecting beauty and wellness brands with engaged consumers; and Xpresso Head, a high-performance professional haircare line that blends innovation and exceptional branding.

Our collaborative approach ensures your vision guides our execution. We immerse ourselves in your brand, using AI-driven insights and data-backed decisions to craft campaigns and strategies uniquely tailored to your goals. Whether it’s a comprehensive brand strategy, targeted digital marketing, or customized technology solutions, we deliver real impact, measurable outcomes, and sustainable growth—helping you lead boldly in today’s AI-driven marketing landscape.

https://waveagency.com