Our Team

Mary Ellen Lopez, along with her husband Richard, is the owner of Mariposa Medical Spa and has been in practice as a nurse for over 27 years, a nurse practitioner for 23 years, and over 18 years as an aesthetic injector and holds the title of master injector.
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She also has extensive experience treating patients of all ages with a functional medicine approach and uses many holistic options for achieving whole health. Mary Ellen has additional training in hormone replacement therapy for men and women, nutrition, fitness and personal training (NASM) and holds certifications for these specialties.
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She brings this expertise and decades of experience into her care and counseling for clients. Mary Ellen speaks Spanish as well.

Mary Ellen was a recipient of the New Mexico Nursing Excellence award in Advanced Practice Nursing in 2005.

Mary Ellen is married to her high school sweetheart and they have three children together and five grandchildren. Her passion is fitness and nutrition and she practices it in her day to day life.

Richard is owner of our medical spa along with his wife Mary Ellen. He is a solutions architect at Los Alamos National Laboratory. He has made health and wellness a huge part of his life and shares this with his community.
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Richard and Mary Ellen are high school sweethearts and have three children and five grandchildren. He’s an avid bowhunter and loves the outdoors.

Ariana Rutherford serves as Mariposa Health & Beauty Spa’s Social Media Coordinator and Secondary Office Manager. Born and raised in Santa Fe, Ariana is deeply connected to the community and is the daughter of Richard and Mary Ellen.

Following high school, Ariana proudly served in the U.S. Army as a diesel mechanic, an experience that instilled a strong work ethic, precision, and a lifelong commitment to service. After completing her military career, she transitioned into aesthetics as her “retirement” profession, combining science, wellness, and her passion for helping others feel confident—inside and out.

Ariana is a licensed esthetician and a Level 1 Reiki-certified healer. Prior to relocating to Nebraska, she practiced hands-on aesthetics with Mariposa Health & Beauty Spa. She now continues to support the practice remotely, managing social media and assisting with office operations while remaining an integral part of the Mariposa team.

Outside of work, Ariana and her husband Austin are proud parents to a baby girl child, along with two dogs and a cat. She enjoys the outdoors, reading, working on her own vehicles, and is an avid bowhunter. Mariposa Health & Beauty Spa is grateful for Ariana’s continued dedication and honored by her service to our country.

As a licensed aesthetician, I combine clinical expertise with a passion for self-care to help clients achieve healthy, glowing skin. I specialize in skin analysis, microneedling, dermaplaning, laser treatments, lash lifts & tints, and brow lamination & tints. I create personalized treatment plans focused on long‑term skin health and natural enhancement. Let’s build confidence together — I look forward to helping you love the skin you’re in!

Melissa and her husband Adan are blessed with two beautiful daughter’s. They enjoy the outdoors whether it’s hunting, gardening or quality time with extended family and friends.

McKayla is our newest nurse injector who has been part of the Mariposa team, for over five years. She’s passionate about helping clients enhance their natural beauty through safe, personalized injectable treatments and takes pride in building trusting relationships rooted in care and education. McKayla strives to create subtle, confidence-boosting results.

Outside of the medspa, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children.

Victoria Lopez was born and raised in Santa Fe. She is one of our medical assistants. She is continuing her education in cosmetic lasers, as well as Diamond Glow.

Victoria and her partner, Gabe, are proud parents of their two children and two fur babies. In Victoria’s free time she enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family.

Lidia is one of medical assistants. She was born and raised in Santa Fe. Lidia is the owner of ZiaPeach jewelry. She is also continuing her education in cosmetics lasers. Lidia is also fluent in Spanish.

Lidia is married to Jesse Peach, they have two boys and two fur babies. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family and making jewelry.

Cynthia (Cindy) is a student esthetician, proud mom of three, and a compassionate advocate for self-love and intentional self-care. Currently serving as a spa receptionist, she brings warmth, grace, and a client-first mindset to every interaction while working toward her goals in the beauty and wellness industry.

Rooted in her faith, Cindy believes caring for yourself is a God-given act of love—one that allows you to show up fully for others. Balancing motherhood with esthetics training has deepened her appreciation for how essential self-care truly is, both inside and out.

With a calm, nurturing presence, Cindy is passionate about creating a welcoming space where every client feels seen, supported, and at ease. Outside the spa, you will find her at her kids sporting events or enjoying spending time in nature hunting and fishing—activities that help her reset, reconnect, and stay grounded.