Meet the Team

Team of Educators

The educators in our Beauty School are experienced in teaching and are award-winning professionals. Besides being highly motivated, Master Educators at Pivot Point Academy are trained with our proprietary Mindful Teaching Professional Development product. We provide clear and consistent training to make the most out of your fun and interactive educational experiences. The focus is on you becoming the best beauty professional possible.

Ms. Frances (Lead Master Cosmetology Educator and Teacher Trainer)

Frances is an enthusiastic instructor who motivates all students – specialists to beginners – by demonstrating a passion for cosmetology and customer service. Ms. Frances is a skilled presenter and platform artist. In 2000 Frances set on the board to help produce Pivot Point’s Textbook Salon Fundamentals. She has developed several techniques that are used in Pivot Point’s videos, and in 2015 Ms. Frances was the first educator to use the new interactive digital platform learn about beauty program (LAB).

Frances is holding the following Licenses: Cosmetologist & Cosmetology Instructor. She is a Pivot Point Alumni with more than two and half decades of Experience in the beauty industry. Also holding the following Degrees: An associate’s in Psychology and a bachelor’s degree In Elementary education. She led instruction for cosmetology students and cosmetology teachers in the U.S. and abroad. Mrs. Frances has received 6 teachers of the year awards.

Frances’s philosophy: “Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best of which you are capable.”

Ms. Diana (Lead Master Esthetics Educator )

Diana is a licensed Esthetics Instructor, Dermalogica Expert, Certified MUD Lead Makeup Educator, and CIDESCO Diplomat with over 15 years of teaching experience in the beauty industry. Ms. Diana has been involved with many projects, contributing her makeup skills in NAHA nominated and winning teams and in a reality TV show, Global Beauty Masters. Her latest endeavor is contributing her knowledge as a Subject Matter Expert in the Fundamentals Esthetics coursebook for Pivot Point International.

Diana”s favorite quote: “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” Maimonidies

Mr. Ken (Lead Master Barber Educator and Master Cosmetology Educator)

Ken is a licensed Barber and Cosmetology Educator holding an active barber and cosmetology license and is a Senior Registered Barber and Hairdresser in the United Kingdom (UK). Mr. Ken is also a certified British Master Barber. In 1994 he decided to put his dedication toward the education of the next generation of beauty professionals. Mr. Ken continues to work as a barber in a barbershop to stay up-to-date and relevant in the field to share this information with his students.

Ken’s philosophy: “My passion is sharing knowledge in the hair industry at all levels.”

Ms. Marissa (Cosmetology and Barber Educator)

Besides being a licensed Cosmetologist and Teacher, Marissa also holds a Barber and Barber Teacher license. In this wonderful profession and behind the chair for 8 years. As an undergrad, Marissa competed and placed: 2nd in trending cut and color and 5th in long hair design. Marissa is our champion in BaaB business training that focused on social media presence.

Marissa’s philosophy:  “Cosmetology is a way to create art, hair becomes the canvas. Teaching cosmetology, for me, is a way to share how to create art, build relationships, inspire growth, and help turn passion into purpose.”

Ms. Niki (Cosmetology Educator)

Niki is a licensed cosmetology instructor for 6 years. She is holding a Cosmetology license for 10 years. As our champion of business training Prosper U, we focus on students’ skills to rebook, increase retention, and product knowledge that will help them prepare our graduates to be salon ready in the real world. This foundation will enable the to successfully attain employment in the beauty industry and related fields.

Niki’s philosophy: “My philosophy is to equip our future professionals with the tools necessary to succeed in the beauty industry by providing exceptional technical education. Both in the classroom and on the student salon floor. With my personal experiences, the training our students will receive is real life hands-on with client & stylist interaction.”

Ms. Ursulla (Cosmetology Educator)

Holding the following licenses: Cosmetologist and Cosmetology Instructor.  Ursulla is known as a charismatic, driven, and passionate person. Believing – Life is beautiful, everyone sees beauty every day. Our industry allows us to formulate that vision, apply it to our work, and create happiness in the world. Beauty is very powerful! I have found absolute success in the beauty industry, continuously learning, and valuing the great relationships established along my journey. Competition and Awards: Led Multiple Event Competitions. From her Alma mater for “Perfect Attendance.

Ursulla’s vison: “Pivot Point Academy will be your wonderful beginning to your pathway to success in this industry, creating beauty along your journey.”

Ms. Dina (Cosmetology Educator)

Dina is a Pivot Point alumni. She has been in the industry for 40+ years. She has been a cosmetology educator for the last 10. Dina believes in the importance of a strong work ethic to achieve exemplary success. These passions carry over into Dina’s teaching style. Dina believes in prioritizing a work/life balance.

Dina’s philosophy: “Work hard/play hard!”

Ms. Yvette (Cosmetology and Barber Educator)

Yvette is a licensed Cosmetologist and Barber with over 40 years of experience in the industry and has been teaching for over 19 years. She is passionate about her craft and passes the baton of knowledge to up-and-coming Cosmetologists and Barbers. She has always believed that making people feel good and look beautiful is fulfilling to her soul. Ms. Yvette is also a certified lash extension specialist.

Yvette’s favorite quote: “If you do what is easy your life will be hard. If you do what is hard your life will be easy.

Mr. Dennis (Cosmetology and Barber Educator)

Dennis is a licensed Cosmetologist with 18 years of experience and has been teaching for 10 years at multiple levels in the industry. He is passionate about his craft and passing on knowledge to up-and-coming Cosmetologists and Barbers. Mr. Dennis has always believed education is the road to success in this industry.

Dennis’s philosophy: “Be who you needed!”

Ms. Ive (Cosmetology and Esthetic Educator)

Ive is a licensed educator in cosmetology and esthetics with over 14 years of experience. The beauty industry has taught her so much about being your authentic self. Creating a space where we can help one another look and feel our best selves is her biggest passion. Passing her knowledge motivates Ms.Ive to stay working in the industry to continue bringing trends and the latest education to the classroom. Being able to have creative freedom in the industry and what we offer is absolutely one of a kind. She holds many skills & certifications including GK Hair keratin treatment, Dermalogica, and barbicide clean touch.

Ive’s philosophy: “How you do anything is how you do everything. You are responsible for the energy you bring into your space.”

Ms. Erika (Cosmetology and Esthetic Educator)

Erika has been in the beauty industry for over 33 years and teaching for over 22 years. Her passion for this industry has led her to the path of teaching,  She loves to see the faces of the new students on their first day of class all the way through to the last day at school when they have built the confidence to go out on their own. She has been a master educator for Pivot Point for most of her career, teaching everything from hair via nails to skin! She has helped students to get ready for competitions. She is still working on clients, she loves making them feel and look their best!

Erika’s philosophy: “If you want to be the very best in the beauty industry, your starting point is to select a great school, like Pivot Point Academy teaching one of the best curriculums currently available from Pivot Point International.”

Ms. Devon (Esthetic Educator)

Devon graduated from Pivot Point Academy with her esthetics license in 2006. She has worked in many facets of the esthetics industry from luxury retail to traditional spa work. Devon has also been a certified lash artist and educator since 2014. Her passion for the beauty industry lead her to obtain her esthetics teaching license in 2020. Devon loves introducing students to the esthetics side of the beauty industry and everything it has to offer, she believes this is the most rewarding job in the world.

Devon’s philosophy: “A little grace goes a long way.”

Mr. Michael (Cosmetology Educator)

Michael brings 25 years of salon and education experience and a passion for the industry. Michael is an award-winning and published cosmetologist, along with being a successful Hair Professional. He has been educated in some of the most exclusive Salons in the country and many have seen his platform work. Michael is also a Pivot Point graduate and thrives knowing he can help curate the next generation of Beauty Professionals.

Michael’s favorite quote: “Beauty is where you find it” (Madonna)

Mr. Mathew (Barber Educator)

Matthew Shelton Sr is a Master Barber with over 20 years of experience. Matthew Pursued his barber career in 2002 at McCoy Barber College on the South side of Chicago Illinois. He has always had a dream of becoming an Entrepreneur & professional licensed barber in this industry & it has allowed him to travel the world with his grooming skills. Most importantly he has started his own brand & barbershop which is growing tremendously.

Mathew’s favorite quote: “You must grow from the inside out. None can teach you; none can make you spiritual. There is no other teacher but your own soul.” (Swami Vivekananda)

Team of Student Support and Services

Our Student Support and Services Team is here for you. From getting to know us, our educators, our campus and programs, creating a financial plan, FAFSA (financial aid, federal student aid) support via onboarding, and being around for questions you may have until your graduation and beyond. Our focus is on you being successful.

Michelle (Director of Admission, Guest Services)

What sets us apart? Our culture, our mission. We have a professional energy and family culture. Our staff is an education gold mine, our owners are involved in the day-to-day and you can feel everyone LOVES what they do. You will experience that when you walk into Pivot Point Academy.

Read Michelle’s Interview in Voyage Chicago

I am a licensed Cosmetologist for 16 years and currently hold the role of the Director of our Admission team, Student Salon, Spa, and Barber Clinic.

Audrey Santucci (Admissions Coordinator)

Audrey always knew that I wanted to be a part of the beauty industry. As a Pivot Point Academy alumnus, she knew her journey wasn’t going to end after she graduated successfully from the Cosmetology program at Pivot Point Academy. She works still behind the chair as a Professional Stylist and also working as an Admissions Coordinator. She truly believes, to have the best of both worlds; continue her passion for enhancing the beauty in her guests while helping people pursue their dreams of being a part of this wonderful industry.

Audrey’s philosophy: “If you do what you love, you’ll never have to work a day in your life.”

Lisa (Lead Student Services and Financial Aid)

My experience and expertise: I have worked at Pivot Point Academy for over 14 years. I manage student services and assist with all student financial services responsibilities. I owe a Bachelor of Science Degree in Family and Consumer Sciences with a Minor in Business Administration.

Lisa’s mission: “I love helping our students from the start of their dream until they graduate from our program.”

Bridget (Guest Service Manager and Financial Aid Assistant)

Bridget chooses to have a career at Pivot Point Academy because this is a place where we help students grow into amazing beauty professionals. Pivot Point Academy welcomed her into the beauty industry. It introduced her to some of the most remarkable people in her life. She states the beauty industry has the warmest, kindest, and most accepting people that she has ever been honored to meet. Bridget loves working at Pivot Point Academy and being surrounded by people who inspire her and others daily.

Bridget’s philosophy: “Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.”

Meleina (Guest Services for the Student Salon, Spa, and Barber Clinic)

Pivot Point Academy is a sanctuary for growth and passion! Meleina loves to work in an atmosphere where everyone can express themselves while working towards their ambitions.

Meleina”s favorite quote: “Beauty is an attitude.” (Anonymous)

Aliya (Guest Services for the Student Salon, Spa, and Barber Clinic)

Aliya views Pivot Point Academy as the stepping stone to the future of beauty. One of her favorite quotes is “feeling good looking even better” here at the Academy we demonstrate no less than that. Aliya has recently been introduced to the evolving world of beauty and all the different ways to express yourself through this creative industry. She thrives in environments that are welcoming and challenging to evolve into the strongest most confident version of herself.

Aliya’s philosophy: “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”