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Michelle Crum-Young, Director of Educator Development

Michelle was inspired to become an educator because she loved cosmetology school at GJA so much. She enjoys witnessing the everyday successes of her student artists throughout their education. Michelle advises to “Respect yourself enough to succeed & remember that it’s only a mistake if you don’t learn from it”

Chandra Olsen, Director of Educator Development

Chandra was inspired to become a Gene Juarez educator during her instructor trainee externship. The difference she makes in the lives of students makes all the difference for Chandra Olsen. “Their opportunities are boundless…students can accomplish whatever they set their mind on.”

Kim Corona, Director of Educator Development

Kim wants her students to treat each moment as a new chance to fulfill their dreams. Whether it’s a new technique or building great guest rapport, seeing her students’ confidence build “ah ha” moments makes her day. Her fondest memories involve seeing new grads reach their goals.

Jacque Cook, Director of Educator Development

Jacque enjoys the fresh perspective on the skills of the cosmetology industry that comes with each new generation of Gene Juarez students. She draws inspiration from helping others realize their potential as she develops the Gene Juarez educator curriculum. Her fondest memories are seeing her former students lead their own classes.

Kristin Monigold, Executive Director of Education

Kristin possesses over 20 years experience as both a design and color educator at Gene Juarez. She is a balayage specialist and a certified provider of Gene Juarez’s thermal straightening service. She continues to support her artistic and educational development with trips to New York and Paris. Kristin offers hard work, a positive attitude, and openness to new information as the key to artistic success.

NORTH CAMPUS

Ashley Bradshaw, Educator

Fresh faces of new Gene Juarez students make Ashley’s day. While preparing students for their cosmetology career she reminds them that “we move toward and become what we think about, so always stay positive and creative.”

Bethany Snook, Educator

Bethany loves helping people set their educational goals and inspiring them to reach their full potential. When she gets students excited about color, lighteners, permanent waves, and relaxers, she witnesses the first stepping stones of amazing professionals.

Brandi Eilenstein, Educator

Brandi is inspired by teaching others what she loves. She enjoys seeing a generation of students push the boundaries of their hair artistry. “Be creative and don’t let anything hold you back,” she says. And most importantly, “never lose the desire to learn.”

Danielle Cushen, Educator

Danielle takes pride in the difference she makes in the future of every Gene Juarez student. As a Module 2 educator, she reminds her students that they “are a ‘day maker’ to everyone around them and to always put your whole heart into it.”

Elena Ramos Swan, Educator

In an industry of change, Elena is happy to take her own advice to “never stop learning,” taking full advantage of Gene Juarez’s continuing employee education programs. Whether it’s preparing students for the State Board examination or assisting in clinics, Elena shows her strength for sharing what she knows with others.

Erika Niklason, Educator

Erika has always wanted to be a teacher. She takes time to show students what she knows and how it has helped her, going over each procedure step by step. Erika wants students to know Gene Juarez Academy instructors are “here to help you.” For Erika, the time she spends with her students creates the artists of tomorrow.

Eve Inklebarger, Educator

Eve believes that instructing is so much more than imparting knowledge. She sees it as an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of many people. “Students come with many goals and my primary objective is to help them through this process of starting their career and fulfilling their dreams”. Eve is fulfilled being a part of this process and impacting her students in a positive way.

Jennifer Still, Educator

Jennifer loves helping people. She enjoys working individually with students and seeing their expressions when they do a great job — always keeping the energy positive. She reminds students to “stay focused on your goals” and “never let bad energy from others affect you.”

Kristel Criddle, Educator

Kristel helps her students every part of the way, whether it be formulating a color or checking a haircut. She enjoys seeing the confidence build throughout their school career, and especially their faces after seeing the result of their work. “Enter the industry with confidence and professionalism and there’s no telling how far you can go.”

Kyli Scott, Educator

Kyli loves the life changing atmosphere of the Academy. Her favorite Gene Juarez memory is seeing two of her students do hair on a real editorial photo shoot for Gene Juarez. “Never lose sight of the beauty you create, from the first to the last.”

LaFonda Holm, Educator

LaFonda was inspired to teach by all of the awesome educators she had while attending Gene Juarez Academy and watching fellow students grow as a result. When asked what she likes most about being an educator, LaFonda said “Each student is so unique and every class has a different vibe. It’s fun working with all different types of people.” She advises new students to work hard, have fun & attend school everyday.

Lorena Mendoza, Educator

Lorena is inspired by teaching what she loves so much. It’s a pleasure for her to start her MOD Tech students each day with image and philosophy and witness them grow into positive professionals. Lorena tells her students to “have confidence in what you do and trust what you know.”

Maria Leland, Educator

Maria became an educator to help students with their personal and professional growth. Maria teaches technique, fashion, and philosophy. Each of her students is different and she looks forward to her daily interaction with them. Her most rewarding moments are when her student’s vision becomes a reality.

Nicole Hall, Educator

Nicole likes to see the passion in her students — their enthusiasm and ideas — for the industry she loves. As a clinic educator, doing consultations with clients she sees firsthand the trials and successes of each student. Her advice to students: “Come every day!”

Shawna Klintworth, Educator

For Shawna, seeing her graduates grow into successful artists is her favorite part of being a Gene Juarez educator. Inspired by her former educators, Shawna enjoys helping students fine-tune their skills and problem-solve challenging situations. After all, “challenges are what make our lives interesting,” she says, “always focus on the positives.”

Tierney Gannon, Educator

As a design instructor, Tierney is one of the first instructors met by Gene Juarez students. Her favorite part about her job is seeing the skill and personality of the students grow throughout the 13 months of training. Her advice to students: “No matter what you do with your life, be friendly to others, polite to each other, help others when needed, and most of all, have fun.”

SOUTH CAMPUS

Ari Garcia, Educator

Students have said “Ari has an answer to everything.” Ari reminds her students and graduates that Gene Juarez excellence in guest service is what will set them apart from other artists and make them successful.

Celeste Villalvazo, Educator

Celeste was inspired to become a Gene Juarez Academy Educator by the beginning-to-end help she received from her South Campus Gene Juarez Educators. She gives the same attention to her students teaching hair theory, structure, and cut design. Her fondest memories are seeing students complete their first haircut and realize how much they’ve grown in the just 6-weeks, “it’s just breathtaking.”

Chloe Chinn, Educator

Do what you love — Chloe does. At Gene Juarez Academy, Chloe helps students do their best work by showing them to read client body language. Communication and knowledge make the best decisions about hair. “Explore your passion for cosmetology and you will find some of the most rewarding experiences of your life.”

Heather Bouvier, Educator

Heather is an educator inspired by educators, providing patience and inspiration to her students. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Always get as much information as you can!” Her favorite thing is seeing the great new things students come up with.

Holly Baker, Educator

Being a Gene Juarez Educator brings together two passions for Holly — cosmetology and helping others. As a design instructor Holly loves being the first to meet students at the school. “I love seeing them grow self confidence…excited and proud of the art they’ve created.” She reminds students that “there is a lot more to hair than people think, so be prepared to study!”

Jamie Crawford, Educator

It’s all about working together to make people beautiful. Jamie wants her students to know their potential is limitless with a Gene Juarez education. She has inspired many to become colorists and stylists in Gene Juarez salons and spas. “Always work hard, have fun and continue to set goals.”

Jenn Akiona, Educator

Jenn is motivated by a need to help more than just salon guests; she wanted to help students too. “Stay focused on your goals,” she tells them. At Gene Juarez Jenn gets students closer to their goals by teaching module three in the classroom and on the floor.

Jordan Norris, Educator

Jordan can relate to the challenges her students face. She cares about her students deeply and always includes tips for financial success in addition to artistic success. The experience Jordan shares in guest building and product sales complement the daily lessons she gives in hair theory.

Kylie Harris, Educator

Kylie believes an educator should be more than just colors, foils, relaxers, and perming. An educator should be a shoulder to cry on and a friend to laugh with. Kylie is there for her students while she teaches and monitors the technical skills that will help them capture their dreams.

Leslie Pryor, Educator

Leslie loves being a mentor and role model to her students. For Leslie, it is much more than just being an educator. It’s also about inspiring others to live their passion and dream, just as she has done.

Magan Jones, Educator

Magen is motivated by the beautiful, confident, supportive instructors she had as student. She enjoys knowing she has an impact not just on students’ work, but on their lives. “You’ve picked a wonderful, deserving career. Keep striving for better and never give up.”

Mary Sipin, Educator

Mary’s advice to her students — which often seems like the most difficult thing to do—is be humble about their experiences. Although, she admits her proudest moments are watching her students graduate. It’s a rewarding payoff for doing what she loves — helping them find their passion.

Payton Cavanaugh, Educator

As a student, Payton’s educators were very influential and made a huge impact on her education at GJA. “I want to be a part of building futures, impacting lives and sharing a passion for hair with our students.” Working with the students on the clinic floor and watching their guests leave happy is a very rewarding experience for Payton.

Shirley Webster, Educator

Shirley has a natural penchant for helping students understand information. Her students absorb a culture of beauty and Shirley’s careful instruction helps them master relaxers, job preparation, and salon tours.

Stevie Reber, Educator

No one knows everything about hair. Stevie wants everyone to keep their passion for the industry alive by being open to new information. Stevie doesn’t just prep her students for state exams, she preps them for life. Seeing students evolve from their education all the way down their career path is Stevie’s favorite part of being a Gene Juarez instructor.

Taylor Akey, Educator

At first, Taylor didn’t give much thought to being an educator while she was attending GJA. But over time, she realized what her educators & fellow classmates saw in her all along…she would make a fantastic educator. Taylor loves helping students learn and succeed in their cosmetology careers.

Teresa Thomas, Educator

Learning and challenging herself is just as important to Teresa as the challenges she gives her students. Seeing the industry from their eyes reminds her to always keep a fresh perspective. “New students come to class every day and have fun, because they have chosen one of the most exciting careers!”

Tonya Shrum, Educator

Being inspired by her educators and parents while attending GJA, Tonya decided to become an educator herself. “Instructing the next generation of cosmetologists & knowing you are having such a huge impact on the lives of others is very fulfilling.” Tonya believes that determination and persistence are the two most important traits one needs in order to be successful.