Meet Our Staff

 

Administration

 

Michaela Stipek, Director of Operations

Michaela manages the training and administrative staff. Her daily duties encompass ensuring the success of our team while maintaining the Institute’s high level of quality standards. She works diligently on marketing campaigns, special events, creates direct mailing promotions and monitors SMI’s website. Her leadership skills have directly resulted in the growth of the Institute. Her independent thinking has helped the Institute implement a variety of programs that enhance the marketability of our students. The post secondary licensing for our Permanent Makeup facility was acquired due to her diligence and problem solving skills. Ms. Stipek is a licensed aesthetician.

 

 

 

Beth Puglia, Student Coordinator

Beth not only is our student coordinator but she also is an assistant to the director of operations. Along with supporting the education of the students at the Institute, she supports her own education majoring in Art History as a part of the Herberger School of Art at Arizona State University. She has maintained a 3.5 GPA while working a full-time position at SMI. As a student, she understands the need for accuracy in the data recorded in student files. Her diligence and “no nonsense” approach to working with students has given the Institute a reputation of the expectation of excellence.

 

 

 

 

Len Jefferson, Admissions Coordinator

With a background of 20+ years working in the Federal, Superior and Municipal courts, Len wanted change. Her first love is to help others achieve their potential. Mentoring and working with charitable community events open the door to a passion that led her to the Institute. She is very enthusiastic about her position working closely with students as they begin their career in the skincare industry. She deeply understands how gratifying it is to witness life-changing transformations of students that graduate and work doing what they love for a living. Another asset Len brings to the Institute is her bilingual English/Spanish language skills.

 

 

 

Janet Henderson, Assistant to Admissions Coordinator

Janet hails from New Mexico. Her background includes management, sales, trade show promotions, buyer for several clothing stores and President of her own woman’s apparel retail business. Her entrance into the fashion and beauty industry began in 1983 when she took courses at Oklahoma State University for marketing and merchandising and attended a makeup artistry program.

 

 

 

 

 

Sylvia Kammeyer, Front Desk Supervisor

Sylvia comes to the Institute with an extensive background in customer service. She and her husband previously owned a video rental company in the West Valley. Her skills in sales, customer service as well as inventory control was the perfect fit for our organization. A native of Arizona, Sylvia enjoys music, dancing and traveling. Celebrating 42 years of marriage to her high school sweetheart, Steve, she says, has been blessed and blissful.

 

 

 

 

 

Roxanne Ritchlin, Receptionist

Roxanne has been with the Institute the longest, 5 years. She has experienced our growth of 2 employees to where we are now. She began her employment in our Scottsdale location and when we expanded to the West Valley she opted to transfer. Being at the Institute for so long, she has worn many hats. Her strengths lie in working at the front desk. She loves interacting with the clients and students. On Saturday, our busiest day, she orchestrates appointments, and smoothly transitions the flow of 60 to 80 clients with students. Roxanne is also our Ambassador of Goodwill. She coordinates our annual food banks and Toys for Tots programs.

 

 

Education Department

 

 

Therese Cunningham, Educational Supervisor

Therese began her career in the beauty industry 25 years ago in Northern California. She has a wide range of experiences having both taught and worked as a cosmetologist and aesthetician. Working for the world-renowned 77 Maiden Lane Salon and Spa for eight years in a managerial position stimulated her passion. Because of her impeccable reputation, the Institute zealously tried to recruit Ms. Cunningham for two years. Persistence prevailed and she came to the Institute assisting in revamping the educational department and hiring our elite educational staff. She holds many licenses as well as being NCEA and laser certified. Therese has always maintained the highest level of aesthetics education proudly becoming a prestigious CIDESCO diplomat. She conducts many of our continuing education classes.

 

 

Francine Kuinlan

Francine’s beauty career began over 25 years ago as a makeup artist for local theater and bridal establishments. Her thirst for knowledge led her to acquire an aesthetics license, as well as nail technology and instructor licensing. As an aesthetician and natural nail specialist, celebrities as well as beauty pageant contestants heralded her services. Enrolling into a photography course at UCLA led her to work for event sponsors such as Seagrams 7, award shows and body building competitions. Francine has a passionate desire to share her knowledge and experiences. She brings to the Institute a diverse background that prepares students for access into the spa, salon, or entertainment industry.

 

 

 

 

 

Vickie Morales

Vicki comes to the Institute with over 15 years in the aesthetics industry. She has enjoyed her career working in all areas of aesthetics including spas, medical spas, resorts and salons. With her many years of experience she brings a wealth of knowledge educating and enlightening our students. Her position as an instructor stimulates her passion for helping our clients with their skincare needs while assisting students attain their licensing requirements. Vicki’s dedication to the industry has her seeking advanced education. Currently she holds certifications as a laser technician as well as a Permanent makeup artist.