The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce is pleased to recognize Liz Cruz in our Community Proud series sponsored by Charter Oak Credit Union. A longtime Mystic local, devoted nurse, mother of two, and aesthetic specialist at The Collins Center, Liz has built a career rooted in compassion, artistry, and meaningful connection with the people around her.

Liz grew up in Mystic after immigrating from the Philippines with her family at just four years old. She attended Fitch High School before earning her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford. Today, she lives in Colchester with her husband Jay, their two young children, Maddie and Lincoln, and their two cats, Louie and Charlie. Though life has taken her beyond Mystic’s borders, the town remains deeply woven into her story.

“I spent the better part of my early years trying to find a life and identity away from the small town I grew up in,” Liz shared. “But I feel like God has been so intentional in my life and has brought me back home for a purpose and to serve my community.”

Liz has been a nurse for more than a decade, beginning her career as a Critical Care nurse at Saint Francis Hospital in Hartford. There, she cared for trauma patients and critically ill individuals facing strokes, pneumonia, sepsis, and other life-threatening conditions. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, she worked tirelessly caring for ICU patients during one of healthcare’s most difficult chapters.

After seven years in critical care, Liz made the difficult decision to leave the ICU and transition into dermatology and medical aesthetics. While working in dermatology at UConn and running her bridal makeup business on the side, she pursued advanced certification training in injectables and lasers. In 2021, she joined The Collins Center in Mystic as one of Dr. Collins’ aesthetic and surgical nurses, where she found the perfect blend of nursing, artistry, and patient care.

“Being a nurse allows me to connect with people from all walks of life and different circumstances to help them heal both physically and mentally,” Liz said. “That doesn’t change whether you’re sick in the hospital or trying to feel more confident in your own skin.”

At The Collins Center, Liz specializes in injectables and laser treatments, but her patients often leave with far more than aesthetic results. Known for her honesty, warmth, and attention to detail, Liz prioritizes education and transparency throughout every consultation. She creates customized treatment plans tailored to each individual, helping clients feel informed, empowered, and cared for throughout the process.

She credits much of her professional growth to working alongside Dr. Collins, whose philosophy of natural, timeless beauty has deeply influenced her approach to aesthetics. “Plastic surgery should whisper, not shout,” Liz shared, echoing one of Dr. Collins’ guiding principles.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Liz is deeply connected to the community that raised her. She fondly remembers growing up in Mystic before its rapid growth into the destination it is today. Now, she experiences the town through the eyes of her own children, taking them to Mystic River Park, local festivals, the Seaport, the Aquarium, and favorite family spots downtown.

“Watching them fall in love with Mystic and experiencing the magic of small-town living has been such a blessing,” she said.

Liz also believes strongly in giving back. Through The Collins Center, she has supported organizations including the Always Home Foundation, which helps prevent family homelessness in the Mystic area. She and her team also participated in the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce Easter Trunk Hop, creating opportunities to connect with local families while giving moms a chance to enjoy some much-needed self-care.

Faith and service play a major role in Liz’s life outside of work. She attends a small Christian church in Colchester, where she volunteers in the nursery, participates in Bible studies, and spends time serving alongside fellow members of her congregation.

When asked what she is most proud of, Liz didn’t point to awards or accomplishments. Instead, she spoke about the relationships she has built over the years with patients who have become like family. “As much as I am providing a service, I also get to receive so much love and support from them that I will forever be grateful for,” she shared.

Liz also wanted to recognize her team at The Collins Center for their collaborative spirit and dedication to patient care. “We have a really great group of people who work well together and are always putting the needs of our patients at the forefront of everything we do,” she said.

The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce is honored to celebrate Liz Cruz in our Community Proud series. Her journey from Mystic kid to critical care nurse to trusted aesthetic provider is a powerful reminder that community is often built through compassion, connection, and simply showing up for others every day.