Ownership: Von Curtis, Inc.
Co-director: Kenda Woodward
Co-director: Taylor Ingram
Operations Leader: Joaida Baiza
Financial Services Leaders: Alan Gaxiola and Lisa Gomez
Admission Team: Kenny Bronfeld and Tonya Gonzalez
Enrollment Leader: Baylie Suarez
Education Leader: Michelle Barr
Future Professional Advisor: Rhiannon Beach
Compliance Leader: Ashley DuBrock
Guest Services Lead: Leeanne Terry
Guest Services Team: Michelle Loyd and Lexi Perez
Core Leader: Tracie Vanderlinden and Christopher Morales
Michelle Barr: Education Leader Full-time
Cosmetology License #KK414409
Michelle Barr’s hair story began by joining the Carlton Hair team as an assistant in 2001. In 2002 she got her very own chair where she continued her education with Carlton Hair’s sister company Vidal Sassoon along with other academies such as Goldwell Academy and salon visits with Schwarzkopf. In 2013 she decided to join the management team where she discovered the passion to inspire and educate her team to help them grow. She completed the Master education program in 2013 which led her a position as Carlton Hair’s Director of Education to manage the assistant program.
Cosmetology Learning Leaders
Caitlin Rynearson: Leaning Leader Full-time
Cosmetology License #KK537344
Caitlin decided to pursue hair styling at the age of 19, graduating after dedicating herself to 9 months full time in school. After graduating, going and passing state board made all the hours and hard work that much more rewarding. Started off in a salon right away as a stylist assistant and worked her way up to apprentice stylist and front desk manager over a Span of 3 years. Next she decided it was time to make a Salon change for further personal growth and moved to her now Salon home in Costa Mesa. There she continued to apprentice with the owner of the Salon and grew her own clientele and is now the salons, platinum blonde and extensions specialist. She then decided she still desired more self growth and pursued hair education at Paul Mitchell the School Costa Mesa. She now is part time in the Salon and part time educating as a learning leader at the school and loves them both passionately.
Erica Perez - Learning Leader
Cosmetology License KK508186
I have been in the hair industry for 11 years. I started my career as a stylist for Carlton Hair International. There I became a Master hair stylist and Master Educator. As a Master educator, I prepared our new assistants for the company and taught hands on classes. I was a manager for 2 years of a salon. I now rent a station, as well as do weddings and events on weekends. As well as continuing to educate our future hair professionals.
Chris Secor - Learning Leader / Theory Specialist Full-time
Cosmetology License #KK415640
Chris Secor graduated from Paul Mitchell The School – Costa Mesa in 2002. He has been a successful stylist and is an excellent craftsman and educator. Chris loves being in the professional beauty industry because it allows him to build relationships with people and to give back. Chris says that being at Paul Mitchell The School gives him the opportunity to help people learn and feel great about themselves. “Being a part of this process is very fulfilling, because people who feel beautiful are beautiful, and people who feel beautiful are more likely to be beautiful to themselves and to others,” Chris says. Chris currently serves in Phase Two on the clinic floor. He maintains a current California cosmetology license.
Ryan Mongar - Learning Leader Full-time
Cosmetology License #KK606748
Ryan Mongar also known as Ry specializes in all things hair color. He is notorious for his vivids and blondes. Hair is Ry's passion and he can't wait to share his knowledge with the students.
Amanda Black - Learning Leader Full-time
Cosmetology License #KK544369
Amanda is homegrown and graduated from PMTS Temecula in 2012. After almost twelve years specializing in color behind the chair, Amanda is excited to be a part of the PMTS Costa Mesa team where she can reconnect to her roots and share what she's learned behind the chair with future professionals. Amanda enjoys working with Future Professionals on the clinic floor and guiding them through salon reality experiences. As someone who still remembers the impact her learning leaders had on her career, Amanda takes joy in providing future professionals with the tools and lessons necessary for their cosmetology journey.
Christopher Morales - Learning Leader
Cosmetology License #KK514979
With 18 years of experience in the industry, Chris delivers an exceptional customer service experience driven by meticulous attention to detail. As an educator, his proudest achievement is helping Future Professionals master technical skills and build lasting confidence. Chris is deeply inspired by the history of beauty, finding it amazing how classic cuts, styles, and colors re-trend while tools evolve for the modern world. For Chris, today's industry offers endless creative possibilities where anything is achievable.
Shanda Aldana - Learning Leader
Cosmetology License #KK440149
With 25 years of rich experience in the beauty industry, Shanda is a seasoned professional whose proudest career accomplishment to date is co-owning a successful seven-chair salon. As an educator, she finds profound fulfillment in mentoring the next generation, noting that the ultimate reward is witnessing the "ah-ha" moments on Future Professionals' faces when a concept clicks. For Shanda, these breakthrough moments serve as powerful reminders that everything she has learned throughout her career has been completely worth it. Outside of work, she loves to unwind by going thrift shopping.
Tracie VanderLinden - Learning Leader
Cosmetology License #KK551695
With 18 years of experience in the beauty industry, Tracie is an award-winning professional who fell in love with teaching by accident. Her career is highlighted by winning the Best Academy Team award at the 2016 Photographic Awards. Today, her favorite part of being an educator is watching Future Professionals grow and improve their skills from start to finish.
Ryan Whisnant - Learning Leader
Cosmetology License #KK564076
Over the course of 12 years in the beauty industry, Ryan has built a career rooted in passion and expertise. Her proudest career accomplishment has been completing numerous certifications and continually growing within the classroom environment. Driven by a love for education, she is excited to keep expanding her knowledge and deepening her understanding of diverse teaching styles.
Jose Avila - Learning Leader
Cosmetology License #KK572532
Bringing 15 years of beauty industry expertise to his work, Jose has dedicated his career to creativity and mentorship. His published campaigns with John Paul Mitchell Systems stand as a testament to his skill and dedication. His favorite part of education is connecting with the new generation of hairstylists and sharing the practical tips and tricks essential for their success, driven by the belief that this career means you are always learning.
Jessica Sanchez - Learning Leader
Cosmetology License #KK555730
With 13 years of industry experience, Jessica brings a deep personal connection to her role by teaching at the very same school she graduated from.She is deeply committed to being a safe, welcoming space where students feel empowered to learn, grow, and make their own discoveries. Always striving to improve her craft, Jessica is highly motivated to continue her professional growth and is excited to complete more certifications to better support her students.
Clarissa Pile - Learning Leader
Cosmetology License #KK630760
Clarissa has worked in the industry since 2021 and successfully launched their own business. Her absolute favorite part of educating is working with students and watching that rewarding moment when a difficult concept finally clicks for them. Outside of work, Clarissa loves balancing excitement and peace by riding a motorcycle or spending time at the beach.
Catherine Ambriz - Learning Leader
Cosmetology License #KK600207
Bringing 14 years of industry experience, Cathy is a skilled professional whose proudest milestone is managing a successful salon while training stylists of all ages in cuts, color, and styling. She is excited to continue creating a fun, engaging classroom environment where students feel confident, inspired, and excited to learn. Outside of the classroom, Cathy loves crafting, visiting theme parks, and celebrating the holidays.
Barbering Learning Leaders:
Fernie Andong - Learning Leader Full -time
Barbering License #B87061
Cosmetology License #KK477306
Fernie has been in the industry for 12 Years. He has his Barber and Cosmetology license and has been an educator with PMTS, JPMS, DeadEndz, and Hattori Hanzo. His accomplishments are finalist for BTC #OneShot awards 2017, 2016, 2015. He has also been featured in the state board Milady's 2017 edition of the Barbering Textbook. Fernie helped create The Men's Cutting System DVD for Paul Mitchell Schools, and is recognized often in Modern Salon Magazine, Behind The Chair, American Salon Magazine, Launchpad, Hair Brained, Huffington Post, Refinery 29 for the ( Clipper Bob ), Artist for The Butterfly Circus LA, Photo Shoots etc.
Alfredo (Freddy) Razo - Learning Leader Full-time
Barbering License #B85216
A Los Angeles native, Freddy Razo licensed for 10 years, Barber Education Leader for Paul Mitchell the School Costa Mesa and former Senior Educator of Johnny B. Hair Care. Razo loves the traditional aspects of hair cutting, however, always thinks outside the box. His passion for teaching was highly regarded and led him to oversee the Barbering Program at Paul Mitchell The School Costa Mesa. Here he has the opportunity to teach and guide young minds at the beginning of their Barbering Career. Razo’s work has been featured in various industry publications such as Modern Salon, Paul Mitchell School Marketing Materials, Johnny B Marketing Material.
Miguel Diaz - Learning Leader
Barbering License #B102504
Miguel achieved his proudest career milestone by becoming a Paul Mitchell Barbering Learning Leader, building on his 6 years of experience in the industry. As an educator, his favorite part of teaching is guiding others toward their goals and helping them gain a deeper understanding of how the beauty industry works. Miguel remains passionate about his own journey and is incredibly excited to continue learning and growing alongside his students.
Esthetics Learning Leaders:
Lisa Waters: Learning Leader Full-time
Esthetician License #Z84828
Lisa Waters is fully present in the art and craft of esthetics and skin treatments. She has progressively helped many women and men, of all ages, by understanding the stages of the skin and how it correlates to their lifestyle.
Lisa became a licensed Esthetician after graduating from Paul Mitchell The School Costa Mesa, The Skin Academy in 2009 and quickly began her career as an Esthetician working for a busy medical spa in Orange County, CA where she started learning advanced techniques in chemical peels and treatment room protocols. Lisa began to attend industry related conferences and courses gaining extensive knowledge in product lines, ingredients, and top industry trends. After multiple certifications, including becoming a Face Reality Certified Acne Specialist and a member of the Associated Skin Care Professionals and the California Aesthetic Alliance, Lisa decided to step up in her career and became the manager of the medical spa she was working for, learning the ins and outs of the industry. Lisa’s next move was to venture out on her own by building a strong clientele to put her knowledge to good use. Experiencing all the industry had to offer, Lisa decided she wanted to share her knowledge in esthetics.
In February 2018, Lisa joined the Paul Mitchell The School Costa Mesa team as a Skin Learning Leader. She is currently expanding, and sharing, her knowledge and continuing education with certifications in all things esthetic. Lisa loves to educate by setting a high standard for the Future Professionals of the industry.
Thomas Mutter: Learning Leader
Esthetics License #Z84247
Tom started with the PMTS Education team in 2009. He attended PMTS Costa Mesa Esthetics program and was approached near the end of his course about possibly taking on education as a career. Focused only on working in a spa and had never given teaching any thought, nor havin ghad the privilege of teaching before. Prior to starting his education Tom was working in the transportation industry, handling a lot of the Paul Mitchell Flat Iron distribution for Sally Beauty Stores. This was Tom's only exposure to the Beauty Industry. Once he started he has never looked back. He gets to live his passion every day. In his free time, Tom is either spending time with his family or going out to eat at local restaurants or traveling.
Antoniette LeDuff - Learning Leader Part-time
Esthetics License #ZZ75355
Antoinette LeDuff grew up in the hair salon. With a Cosmetologist mother she spent most of her childhood sleeping under the warmth of hair dryers, massaging clients feet to make an extra buck, sweeping, brewing coffee, folding towels, and emerging herself in the self care world. As a child Antoinette knew she desired a career in skin care. Watching her mother’s nightly skin care routine and learning about Cleopatra’s milk baths inspired her to become an Esthetician. Immediately after graduating high school she attended a local beauty college. Over the last almost 17 years she’s managed a salon spa, grown her own personal business as well as others, and worked for franchise's such as Massage Envy and European Wax Center. Now being a Learning Leader at Paul Mitchell the school, Antoinette feels humbly privileged to be able to enjoy continuing her love for esthetics by helping others emerge into the beauty world.
Ashley Smith - Learning Leader Full-time
Esthetics License #Z161454
Ashley Smith is a passionate and seasoned Aesthetician, Laser Technician & Educator who holds over 20 years of industry experience, with a wealth of individual and combined knowledge.
Jessica Fitzsimmons - Learning Leader
Esthetics License #Z126789
Licensed in two states and having taught in both, Jess brings a wealth of versatile experience to her role as an esthetics instructor. She is deeply passionate about mentoring the next generation of talent, and her absolute favorite part of being an educator is witnessing her future professionals' "light bulb" moments when a concept clicks. Driven and always evolving, Jess is incredibly excited to keep growing her business while inspiring others along the way.
Jacob Reynolds - Learning Leader
Esthetics License #Z155972
For Jacob, nothing beats the excitement of watching students experience those rewarding "lightbulb moments" where the dots connect and their technical confidence takes off. As an educator committed to delivering the most up-to-date industry insights, he treats his own growth as an ongoing journey, constantly seeking out fresh knowledge to share in the classroom. One of Jacob’s favorite things is staying in touch with former Future Professionals, celebrating their milestones as they secure their licenses and build thriving careers in the industry.
Kira Conkle - Learning Leader
Esthetics License #Z171813
Bringing a fresh perspective to her craft, Kira’s beauty career began as a mid-life plot twist that has quickly become her favorite chapter of life so far. Her proudest career milestone was becoming an educator, a role that allows her to fully embrace her passion for mentorship. Her absolute favorite part of education is getting to pour into Future Professionals, watching what starts out as nerves beautifully transform into confidence and excitement.