Debra (Debi) Cooper, MSN, CNOR, RNFA,
CPSN, APRN, NP-C
Board Certified Plastic Surgery Nurse
Nurse Practitioner
Debra (Debi) Cooper, N.P-C is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Family Nurse Practitioner, Board Certified Plastic Surgery Nurse, Certified Peri-operative Nurse, and Registered Nurse First Assistant working alongside Dr. Fernando Burstein of Atlanta Plastic Surgery. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Clayton College and State University and a Master’s of Science in Nursing from Graceland University. Being a registered nurse since 1987, Debra Cooper has over 22 years of surgical expertise including 12 years of service as an Army Nurse Corps Officer in the Georgia Army National Guard.
From her years of experience, working with the field’s most renowned surgeons, Debra Cooper has become an expert in facial aesthetics with advanced training in the analysis and treatment of the aging face. She has completed extensive specialized training in dermal filler techniques using Juvederm® and Restylane®; has advanced training with Botox® Cosmetic and Dysport® injections.
She is an active member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), the American Society of Plastic Surgical Nurses (ASPSN), and the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society for Nursing.
Debra Cooper is a native of Atlanta and enjoys traveling, scuba diving, theatre, cooking, and gardening.
Michelle Coppenger, RN
Registered Nurse
Aesthetic Consulting Imaging Specialist
Michelle Coppenger received her Bachelor's degree in nursing from the University of Delaware. She has worked in the Atlanta Plastic Surgery offices and operating rooms for over 20 years. Serving as Dr. Burstein's Aesthetic Consulting Imaging Specialist, Michelle photographs patients before their procedures and then shows them the potential results that cosmetic surgery can accomplish based on each patient's goals through imaging software. Coppenger's work also helps Dr. Burstein because he uses the images as a reference during surgery. Along with surgical imaging, Michelle Coppenger also performs non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments like eMatrix™ non-laser skin resurfacing and Ulthera® non-surgical facelift.
Michelle's favorite part of her job is interacting with patients and showcasing what can be achieved through cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. When she's not in the office, Coppenger spends time with her teenage daughter, playing tennis and working with her favorite outreach groups like the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, National Charity League, Community Action Center in Sandy Springs, and Foster Care Support.
Lisa Merlino
Administrative Assistant
Lisa has worked the last 10 years for Atlanta Plastic Surgery, P.C. As Dr. Fernando Burstein's Administrative Assistant, she specializes in facilitating plastic surgery consultations, surgical scheduling, and treatment. A native of New Zealand, Lisa knew she wanted a career in patient care from a young age and spent her first years after graduation assisting in a dentist's office. Lisa's favorite part of working in aesthetic medicine is interacting with patients and watching individuals reach their cosmetic and reconstructive surgery goals. Outside of work Lisa enjoys volunteering with Atlanta Boxer Rescue and spending time with her two boxers, Davidson and Brutus.
Veronica Flores
Veronica Flores joined Dr. Fernando Burstein's medical team in April 2012, but has been working with Atlanta Plastic Surgery since 2006. As Dr. Burstein's Administrative Assistant, Veronica handles insurance claims surgical approval and prior authorizations. However, she also assists with other administrative work such as scheduling appointments. Speaking English and Spanish, Veronica is better able to communicate with Dr. Burstein's diverse patient base. Although she is originally from Fresno, California, Veronica moved to Georgia in 1995 and later attended the Georgia Medical Institute. There, she received a Medical Administrative Assistant's degree and is a Registered Medical Assistant.
A mother of three young children, Veronica loves working with Dr. Burstein's pediatric patients. She says Dr. Burstein is very generous with the children he operates on and is very passionate about his work. Veronica says she enjoys seeing the changes plastic and reconstructive surgery can have on individuals' lives. Some of her hobbies outside the office include running and reading, and she also enjoys spending time and vacationing with her family.