Meet Pure Essence
Learn about the backgrounds, specialties, and personal philosophies of our medical staff that guide their approach to wellness and aesthetics. We take pride in our team's commitment to excellence, innovation, and empathy, ensuring that every client's experience is as unique and remarkable as they are.
Leadership Team
Dr. John P. Salerno
Medical Director
D.O.
Dr. John P. Salerno, D.O., is a board-certified osteopathic physician and a recognized leader in integrative and functional medicine. With over three decades of experience, he blends traditional medical expertise with cutting-edge holistic therapies to deliver deeply personalized care. Dr. Salerno embraces a patient-centered, root‑cause model of healing. He aims not just to alleviate symptoms, but to uncover and address the underlying imbalances—whether nutritional, hormonal, environmental, or lifestyle-based—that affect long‑term well‑being. His holistic approach combines advanced diagnostics, functional nutrition, IV therapies, and bioidentical hormone interventions for truly individualized care.
Founder of Salerno Wellness (New York & Connecticut), offering an expansive range of integrative services: functional medicine, IV therapies, BHRT (bioidentical hormone replacement therapy), hyperbaric oxygen, stem cell therapy, PRP, red‑ and blue‑light therapy, TwinLight laser rejuvenation, ultraviolet blood irradiation, immune-support protocols, and more
Iole M. Punzo
Founder, Co-Owner
RN, BSN, ANS
Iole is a highly accomplished nurse and aesthetic practitioner with over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry. A graduate of St. Joseph College, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a minor in Biology in 1994. Iole began her career in the ICU, specializing in acute trauma and surgery, where she developed her deep commitment to patient care.
In 2000, Iole transitioned into aesthetics after completing over 800 hours of training at The New England School of Aesthetics Education. Her passion for helping others led her to combine her clinical expertise with medical aesthetics, making her a leader in the field. Over the years, Iole has undergone extensive training in injectables, lasers, and CoolSculpting technology, earning recognition as a master injector and aesthetic specialist.
Iole is certified in the use of advanced technologies, including Cynosure, Alma, and Sciton lasers for skin resurfacing, pigmentation, vascular lesions, and hair removal. She is also trained in Thermage, Ulthera, and Venus Freeze—the gold standard for non-invasive skin tightening. Additionally, Iole has assisted physicians in numerous surgical procedures, including scar revisions, facelifts, body augmentations, and laser-assisted liposuction. Her expertise extends to sclerotherapy, laser vein removal, and PRP therapy for hair stimulation and skin rejuvenation.
Her injectables certification, achieved through the Accreditation Council for Medical Aesthetics at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City, qualifies her in neurotoxin and filler administration. As a certified master injector through Allergan, Iole specializes in facial sculpting and liquid facelift techniques, consistently delivering exceptional results.
In 2023, Iole co-founded Pure Essence, a wellness and aesthetics center built on the belief that true beauty begins within. Currently pursuing her nurse practitioner degree at Chamberlain University with plans to graduate in 2025, she aims to further her commitment to functional medicine—a holistic approach that integrates Eastern and Western practices to optimize health and wellness. Her philosophy—“Only 100% client satisfaction and quality”—is the foundation of her practice, emphasizing hard work, passion, and expertise to ensure every client looks and feels their best.
Iole’s mission is to preserve dignity and confidence in those she serves, whether by restoring physical health or enhancing natural beauty. As she continues to advance her career, she remains devoted to making a positive impact, one client at a time.
Costantino Lupoi
Co-Owner
Business Manager
As a seasoned entrepreneur and proud union member of Laborers Local 230 in Hartford, CT, Costantino Lupoi has successfully launched and managed various businesses, ranging from restaurants to construction.
Driven by a passion for innovative design and building thriving ventures, Costantino embodies the essence of determination. His guiding philosophy is: "If you don't mind having a comfortable life, you shouldn't mind the hours you put in to get there."
A Calabrian born in Italy, Costantino arrived in the United States at 16, immediately embracing the country's vast opportunities. Through hard work and perseverance, he pursued his vision of success. As co-founder and Business Manager of Pure Essence, Costantino is dedicated to creating a healthier and better world. His commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction is unwavering.
Medical Professionals
Larissa Tedesco
PA-C
Physician Assistant
Larissa Tedesco is a board-certified Physician Assistant with nearly 20 years of experience providing expert orthopaedic care in both hospital and clinical settings. Since 2005, she has worked in high-volume Level 2 Trauma Centers, assisting in surgeries across orthopedic trauma, sports medicine, upper extremity, spine, joint replacement, and foot/ankle specialties.
Her expertise extends to emergency orthopaedic interventions, including joint aspirations, closed reductions, wound closures, and splinting. Known for her ability to work autonomously in demanding environments, Larissa brings precision, compassion, and a patient-first approach to every case.
Larissa holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Quinnipiac University and a Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the New York Institute of Technology.
Wellness and Therapeutic Specialists
Alyssa Stare
Alyssa is a highly skilled and licensed acupuncturist with a diverse background in personal training, fitness, and nutrition. She earned her Master's degree in Oriental Medicine, equipping her with an in-depth understanding and expertise in various healing modalities, including Chinese herbs, acupuncture and Amma/Tui Na.
Alyssa specializes in treating orthopedic pain, chronic pain, post-operative pain, and sports-related injuries. Her integrated approach combines the wisdom of traditional Oriental medicine with modern therapeutic techniques to provide comprehensive and individualized care.
With a passion for promoting health and wellness, Alyssa is dedicated to helping her patients achieve optimal physical and emotional well-being. Her empathetic and holistic approach ensures that each patient receives personalized treatment tailored to their unique needs.
Whether you are recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, or looking to enhance your overall health, Alyssa is committed to guiding you on your journey to a pain-free and balanced life.
Natalia Medero, DACM, L.Ac.
Dr. Natalia Medero is a board-certified acupuncture physician and licensed practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine. She holds a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from the University of Bridgeport and completed an internship at Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Shenyang, China.
Inspired by her grandmother’s “kitchen healthcare” and her own healing journey after a serious car accident, Natalia combines natural herbal remedies with acupuncture to support vitality and wellness. Her special interests include women’s health, cosmetic acupuncture, sports injuries, digestive issues, and pain management. She takes a holistic approach, tailoring each treatment to restore balance and harmony in the body.
In addition to her clinical work, Natalia is a proud mother of a neurophysiologist and enjoys cooking, traveling, and practicing self-care.
Marketing and Support Team
Alyssa Anderson
Sofia Lupoi
