Our school professionals are highly enthusiastic about setting the standard for a beauty education within a progressive and warm environment. Click on an image below to learn a bit about the people that make up this fabulous team
Jackie Jopling
Director
Jackie Jopling |
Director
I am a graduate of our school, and I love the fashion and beauty industry! I am passionate about the school and the students’ success. My favorite part of my job is whenever I hear students, on the day of their graduation, talk about how completing those 1250 hours was the greatest achievement of their life, and how they are moving on to become the greatest success they can possibly be.
Rebecca Wolbert
Educator
Rebecca Wolbert |
Educator
I have owned my own salon and worked as a stylist in Regis Salons, and I’ve been teaching Cosmetology for 26 years. I enjoy teaching, especially when students have their moment when they recognize that their work has improved drastically. Fun Fact: I tried out for the show Face Off and made it to the second round.
Veronica Nunez
Educator
Veronica Nunez |
Educator
For over 15 years, I have worked as a stylist/educator within the beauty industry in Philadelphia. I treasures the skills, tools, and wisdom I learned over the years and aim to share these with my students.
Kimberly Harkins
Educator
Kimberly Harkins |
Educator
Enamored by the fashion scene of the late ‘80’s, I burst onto the Philadelphia salon scene a quarter century ago. I had the opportunity to become a salon owner in South Jersey, and my salon featured a custom line of makeup and styling products. My longing to get back to Philly led me to salon management, culminating in district management for several large salons. Always desiring to give back to the industry I love, I began my career as an educator 12 years ago. My favorite part about teaching is having the chance to give opportunities to all who seek them.
Tiffany Ansaldo
Educator
Tiffany Ansaldo |
Educator
I am a licensed Cosmetologist, Instructor, Mentor, and Coach. I’ve been sharing my extensive knowledge and passion of the cosmetology industry with aspiring artists since 2003. I strive to develop a strong fundamental foundation in theoretical and practical procedures with each and every artist. I dedicate my focus to instilling lifelong soft-skill sets such as communication, five-star guest servicing, self-awareness/drive, leadership, and teamwork to all of my students. I believe these components are essential elements to achieving distinguished success throughout one’s career. The beauty industry is the most rewarding and gratifying career field; it is one in which you are able to give back and build others up on a daily basis. One of the greatest rewards of coaching new artists is watching them transform, grow, and prosper into successful, confident master artists. I take pride in helping other artists achieve their dreams.
Ashley Laska
Educator
Ashley Laska |
Educator
I have been licensed and working in this industry 10 years and teaching for 4 of them. I started out working in salons immediately after graduating, and then went on to work for Walt Disney World in their Cosmetology Department! I knew I always wanted to be an instructor, and what I love most about it is the impact I have on my students’ future and sharing my love for the industry with them. I love hearing success stories and knowing I helped make them possible! My advice to students would be to always be yourself and follow your dreams. Nothing is impossible!
Ambre Baxter
Educator
Ambre Baxter |
Educator
I’ve been working in the beauty industry for the last 3 years as a stylist at Ulta Beauty’s salon. With 11 years of coaching experience, I knew I had a passion for teaching others, so I began my teaching career at the Beauty Institute’s Philadelphia campus. My favorite part of teaching is watching students grow both personally and professionally. My advice to students is to be open to learning every type of service, because it will only make you better.
Destiny Ball
Educator
Destiny Ball |
Educator
I have been in the Industry for about 6 years. I have worked behind the scenes of the Brandywine Ballet Company, I’ve done specialty event hair and makeup, community events and photoshoots. I had the most fun working with some truly amazing professional cosplayers. I also worked for and managed high volume salons in the area. Ultimately, I discovered my true calling as an educator. After returning to my hometown of Philadelphia, I found The Beauty Institute and immediately I knew that this was where I wanted to be. I was fortunate enough to be interviewed and offered a chance to be on their team. I have never been happier! The students are amazing and are so driven and inspired, and the educators are so friendly.
What I love most about teaching are the students “ah-ha!” moments when information finally sticks. Their success brings me genuine joy.
My advice to the future professionals of the industry is to stay positive, surround yourself with creative and positive people, and find what truly motivates you to do what you love.
Dennis Gapeyev
Educator
Dennis Gapeyev |
Educator
I’m a graduate of the Beauty Institute, and I’ve been teaching for about a year. The best part about teaching is getting to share my knowledge with students, and I feel very proud when they succeed. My advice for students would be to keep pushing forward even when it gets difficult, because in the end, it’ll all be worth it.
Chelsea McCrane
Educator
Chelsea McCrane |
Educator
I graduated from The Beauty Institute in July 2016. My highlight during school was having the chance to work with Kim Vo when he came to our school. After graduating, I worked at a salon in Mt. Airy, where I gained more knowledge and experience. I just recently began teaching here at The Beauty Institute. I love sharing my knowledge about hair and makeup with others! I come from a long line of teachers in my family; it’s in my blood to teach.
Corinne Beaton
Operations Coordinator
Corinne Beaton |
Operations Coordinator
Before I began working for The Beauty Institute, I spent 10 years as a professional makeup artist. As a makeup artist I worked with brides and models and for a very famous Philadelphia haunted house doing Special FX makeup. The best part about my job at The Beauty Institute is helping students plan their future in an industry that I love so much!
Hannah Collins
Admissions
Hannah Collins |
Admissions
I love the beauty industry! I spent a year in a salon before working at The Beauty Institute. Since being here I have only gotten more passionate about this industry. I love my job and find it very rewarding to help people just like me realize that their goals are achievable. Outside of work, I love traveling and going to music festivals!
Carmen Montijo
Front Desk Coordinator
Carmen Montijo |
Front Desk Coordinator
As a little kid, I discovered my love for hair. My motivation is seeing the faces of happy clients after their appointments. The students energy and ability to learn so quickly brighten my day. I look forward to seeing their smiling faces every morning!
Amanda Eleisawy
Front Desk Coordinator
Amanda Eleisawy |
Front Desk Coordinator
I graduated from the Beauty Institute in 2017. I’ve been an employee here for about 2 years as a Front Desk and Operations Coordinator. I’m also a hairstylist at a salon. I like to help keep students on track and motivate them. My favorite part about my job at the Beauty Institute is interacting with the students and watching them progress through their time here.
Nathan Walk
Educator
Nathan Walk |
Educator
I have been a Cosmetology Educator for 19 years. I’ve had the opportunity throughout my career to be trained and certified with many companies such as Goldwell, Wella, Framesi, Joico, Aveda, Tigi and Schwarzkopf Professional. Also, I have mentored and trained hundreds of Philadelphia’s budding hairstylists in the beginning of their careers. While my strong suit is in Women’s Haircutting/Men’s Haircutting and haircolor/ombré/balayage/highlights/fantasy color, I love all aspects of cosmetology, especially major hair transformations.