AESTHETICS INSTITUTE
Instructor Bios
Founder
“We invest our time and resources back into the Institute because we care about and believe in our students and their success.”
Cynthia R. Mendoza
- School Founder
- Comité International d’Esthétique et de Cosmétologie (CIDESCO) Diplomat
- Licensed Esthetics Instructor (LEI)
- Certified Advanced Esthetics Instructor (CAEI)
Cynthia Mendoza has dedicated her life to the pursuit of teaching excellence in esthetics all over the world. She began her career in 1981 as an Electrologist before graduating from the Pendleton College of Beauty in 1982. As she learned and gained experience in the developing field of esthetics, Mrs. Mendoza began to see a demand for up-to-date and technology-based education. She moved to Portland in 1984 and began what is now the Aesthetics Institute in 1985.
During her time growing and evolving the school, Mrs. Mendoza has written an advanced esthetics manual and designed the curriculum used at the Institute from the ground up. She holds her CIDESCO International Diploma, has offered her services as a lecturer at the Oregon Health Sciences University to Dermatology students, written for the Electrology Association Newspaper, and assisted in building the Advanced Esthetics Boards curriculum.
Mrs. Mendoza believes dedicating time to the core science of this industry is imperative to the developing professional and knows what it takes to be a successful professional in today’s growing and changing industry. She believes in reinvesting in the school to provide her students with the most up-to-date equipment and technology possible. Her teaching philosophy ensures that students leave prepared for the real world.
“Everyone learns differently and this school was founded on the idea that we can meet those needs. It has been such a privilege and honor to help so many people start their careers in esthetics. I am so proud of our instructors and all the graduates of the Aesthetics Institute!”
President
“I believe that it is our professional responsibility to teach to the highest standard.”
Monique is a 1999 graduate of the Aesthetics Institute and was proudly featured in the magazine Nails as the youngest nail technology license holder in the United States. She is a CIDESCO International Diplomat, Master Aesthetician, Certified Advanced Esthetician, and a member of NECA (National Esthetician Certification Advanced Training), Professional Beauty Association (PBA), National Association of Professional Women (NAPW), American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS) among many other association and organization affiliations.
Growing up being around and then in the beauty industry, Monique was able to see all of the technological development and change as it occurred, in real-time. It gave her a unique understanding of the industry and its lack. She loved the bond that she was able to create with clients and felt that her experience could give insight to both prospective students and professionals alike. Her vision of a technical school that could provide the same depth of education as a formal college was then born, and it has been the driving force behind the Aesthetics Institute since.
Monique has made it her mission to keep the Aesthetics Institute on the cutting edge. Her belief in excellence led her to create unique courses which go above and beyond state requirements.
“I believe that it is our professional responsibility to teach to the highest standard. I hear people all the time say, ‘you will learn once you start working’ or ‘go somewhere [beauty school] fast”. If you want to be seen as a professional and work in the top tier of the industry, you need to take time and invest in yourself. Unlike any other, this is an industry with so many different directions you can grow your career. Having a great education is always going to be a huge factor in your overall success and put you ahead of the rest”.
Monique Raab
- Institute President
- Comité International d’Esthétique et de Cosmétologie (CIDESCO) Diplomat
- Licensed Esthetics Instructor (LEI)
- Certified Advanced Esthetics Instructor (CAEI)
Institute Director
“I believe new students should remain open to all the possibilities of what they may do as a licensed esthetician.”
Destany Smith
- Institute Director
- Licensed Esthetics Instructor (LEI)
We are excited to welcome Destany Smith as she joins the Aesthetics Institute team as our Director of Operations. Destany brings with her over 13 years of experience managing diverse teams in the beauty industry and other client-centric organizations.
Like many of her peers, her interest in esthetics began in her teenage years when she was captivated by the world of makeup. When COVID hit, she began struggling with acne, which shifted her focus toward skincare. Through her journey to resolve those skin issues, she discovered an even deeper passion for taking care of her skin. This experience inspired her to pursue a career in esthetics, blending her love for beauty with a genuine desire to help others achieve healthy skin.
Transitioning from owning her own esthetics business to being the school director was a significant career pivot but one that she is enjoying very much. “I love working for the Aesthetics Institute because it allows me to guide and support students at the beginning of their esthetics journey. It’s incredibly fulfilling to help students discover their niche and passions within the beauty industry and watch them grow and develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed. Being part of that transformation makes this role so meaningful to me.”
Destany wishes more people knew just how versatile a career in esthetics can be with the right mindset and attitude. With so many avenues an esthetician can specialize in, from lash extensions and brow artistry to becoming a wax expert, or an anti-aging or acne specialist, this field offers endless opportunities to carve out a niche that aligns with your interests and passion.
She has this advice to offer for those thinking about making the leap and attending a beauty school, just as Destany did during the pandemic. “I believe new students should remain open to all the possibilities of what they may do as a licensed esthetician. Many people come in with a set idea, like focusing solely on lashes, but often find they are passionate about something else, such as waxing or skincare. It’s important to embrace the unexpected and allow your interests to evolve as you learn more. Be prepared for a life-changing experience, but only if you’re willing to put in the hours and hard work—it’s a rewarding journey for those who truly commit!”
Licensed Esthetics Instructor
“I want each one of my students to leave the Institute with confidence that they are highly trained and ready for any challenges ahead of them!”
Raquel Schalck began as an instructor at the Aesthetics Institute in 2011 after attending the Institute and then working in the industry for many years. She has worked as both an independent esthetician with a private practice and also at a number of prominent and well-known spas and salons in the Portland area.
“I absolutely love making my clients feel better about themselves through advanced skincare treatments and with lash extensions”, Raquel recounts of her time working as a professional esthetician. “I wanted to be an esthetician to build from my client’s own natural beauty and then to help them to expand upon that beauty to make them feel even more gorgeous and confident.”
Raquel attended the Aesthetics Institute because she “felt it was one of the best schools around that provided so many different kinds of classes and services, so I could have a better understanding of skincare and know what I wanted to focus on in my career.” She also knew that the hands-on training also offered was vital for her to become the esthetician she is today.
Raquel has enjoyed returning to teaching esthetics and wants her students to understand the science behind the skincare services they are learning. With skincare always evolving, her goal is to keep her students informed about new trends and technology. As an educator, she is pleased she can continue to learn and grow in her field and to be able to share her knowledge with new and upcoming estheticians.
“It is pretty incredible to come full circle, from being a student at the Aesthetics Institute to working in the industry for many years to now being back helping students learn how to be top-notch professionals who love this field. I want each one of my students to leave the Institute with confidence that they are highly trained and ready for any challenges ahead of them!”
Raquel Schalck
- Licensed Esthetics Instructor (LEI)
Lead Advanced Esthetics Instructor
“It is so awesome to watch something ‘click’ in someone’s head just because you explained it a certain way. Not everyone learns the same way…so when I figure out what really worked for that specific student, it’s truly a great feeling!”
Tashauna Carter
- Lead Advanced Esthetics Instructor
- Licensed Esthetics Instructor (LEI)
- Certified Advanced Esthetics Instructor (CAEI)
Tashauna is a Certified Advanced Esthetician who is highly passionate about the esthetics industry. She graduated from the Aesthetics Institute in early 2018 and immediately specialized in waxing before returning to the Institute to earn her Advanced Esthetics Certification.
After working in the professional esthetics industry, where she specialized in body contouring and other advanced esthetics services, she was thrilled to accept a position at the Aesthetics Institute. She always takes every opportunity to learn more about the industry, whether it’s skincare products or lasers, and she loves passing that knowledge on to her students.
Tashauna has been interested in esthetics since she was little. Her mother went to cosmetology school for hair, and she always thought it looked like so much fun. She took full cosmetology classes throughout high school, intending to do hair but fell in love with skin instead.
On attending beauty school instead of a traditional four-year university, she has this to say: “I’ve had so many reactions from people when they find out what I went to school for, who assume that people who go to school for trades were not smart enough to go to college, but I’ve worked alongside some of the most brilliant women I’ve ever met while working in this industry.”
“Skin is complicated, and everyone’s skin is different. Almost everyone I know has struggled with some sort of skin issue, and no two persons’ problems have been the same. It takes a decent amount of intelligence to figure out the issue going on with someone’s skin and how to correct the issue for them.”
One of her favorite moments of being an instructor at the Aesthetics Institute is seeing a student go from struggling with a subject to having that “aha!” moment. “It is so awesome to watch something ‘click’ in someone’s head just because you explained it a certain way. Not everyone learns the same way, and one subject may have to be taught in three different methods for everyone to learn it correctly. So when I figure out what really worked for that specific student, it’s truly a great feeling!”
On taking the plunge and committing to attend an esthetics school, Tashauna has some parting advice for prospective students:
“Don’t let your fear and insecurities get in the way! I’ve let anxiety get in the way of so much in my life. Attending the Aesthetics Institute was one of the first times in my life I was able to gain confidence in myself and my abilities. It still took quite a while before I was able not to be scared to death to touch someone’s face. Once that fear faded away, I regretted not just going for it sooner! I had so much more fun once I was able to relax and enjoy my time at school.”
Masters Esthetics Program Coordinator
“Being an esthetician is a lot of hard work. When your training is over, whether you’re starting your own business or trying to find a job, you must build a strong clientele base and develop a network of other professionals to help you be a successful esthetician.”
Gabby Robertson has known for a long time that she would be part of the cosmetics industry, although she wasn’t exactly sure how. “I got my first facial when I was 13 and became obsessed. In high school, I took chemistry classes and was fascinated. Little did I know that these two interests were connected. By the time I was 16, I realized I wanted to enter the beauty industry but did not want to focus on the ‘fluffy’ side of things.”
Gabby began this journey by working at several spas during high school at the front desk and as an assistant manager. After graduating from high school in 2016, she enrolled in the Aesthetics Institute in 2017, completing the Masters Esthetics Program. When asked why she chose to attend the Institute, Gabby expressed confidence in her decision. “After conducting extensive research on schools, I selected the Aesthetics Institute for its comprehensive program and its focus on teaching the ‘why’ behind skin and its functions.”
After graduation, Gabby established a professional rhythm in the industry and rose to the position of assistant manager at a large spa company, where she supervised and trained other estheticians across four different locations.
But after working at spas for over five years, she was ready for a change. When she accepted the instructor position at the Aesthetics Institute, she was pleased to transition away from the retail side of esthetics and focus more on training and education, which had become her burgeoning passion in her previous role.
As the Masters Esthetics Program Coordinator, Gabby is passionate about her students’ learning. “Everyone learns differently, and I love navigating how each individual excels in learning. It’s so humbling when that ‘aha!’ moment occurs and everything clicks. I hope every student knows there is never a ‘dumb’ question and feels comfortable coming to me with anything.”
Gabby has a lot of advice for incoming esthetics students and wants to ensure they consider all their interests. “This field is constantly evolving and growing. It’s not just about makeup and lashes. There are numerous career paths available for estheticians. Keep an open mind, be kind, and challenge yourself. You might think that you’re not interested in a specific service or modality, but you could end up loving it and making it your career path.”
Gabby Robertson
- Masters Esthetics Program Coordinator
- Licensed Esthetics Instructor (LEI)
Licensed Esthetics Instructor
“There are a lot of opportunities within the scope of an esthetician license. You have tons of options to explore.”
Josie Bridges
- Licensed Esthetics Instructor (LEI)
Josie Bridges has enjoyed being an esthetician in the Portland community for over 15 years and joins the Aesthetics Institute as an instructor in the Masters Esthetics Program.
After graduating in 2009 from the Paul Mitchell School in Portland, Josie had the opportunity to work in several beauty spaces to hone her technical skills. These roles helped her embrace the beauty community’s ethos of helping others feel their best. She credits her experience working in commercial, editorial, and high-end luxury spa atmospheres with allowing her the opportunity to learn a wide variety of services and skill sets.
Josie tells us she has always loved the beauty world, but skincare and makeup drew her in the most. In high school, she decided she would pursue a career in the beauty industry but wasn’t exactly sure how. She was quickly enamored by the passion and love she discovered estheticians show for skin care and helping others feel their best. “I knew it was the perfect career choice for me.”
As an instructor, Josie’s favorite thing about working at the Aesthetics Institute is watching the students grow and fall in love with the world of esthetics. “There are a lot of opportunities within the scope of an esthetician license. You have tons of options to explore.”
As for prospective students considering a career in the beauty world, Josie added, “My advice is to keep an open mind and don’t limit yourself. Being an esthetician is an amazing line of work that brings so much joy to the people you’re servicing and ultimately helping along the way. I love being able to watch my students grow and fall in love with the world of esthetics.”
Director of Admissions & Alumni Relations
“I really enjoy the opportunities I have each day to speak with prospective students and their families and hear about their career hopes and dreams.”
Colette Neva
- Director of Admissions & Alumni Relations
Colette Neva joins the Aesthetics Institute as the Director of Admissions and Alumni Relations after her most recent position as the school’s Clinic Coordinator and also as the District Manager of European Wax Centers in the Portland area. In her previous role at European Wax Centers, Colette had the opportunity to travel to places like Louisiana and Oklahoma to launch new stores and to train the front-of-house staff and managers.
But her path in the beauty industry started when she completed cosmetology school when she was 21, thinking she only wanted to do hair. She knew she wanted a career making people smile and feel confident, so after graduating, she quickly started working at the Cannon Beach Spa, where the salon area was being remodeled.
Because of the construction, this meant the majority of the services she performed on clients at the beginning of her career were facials. Because of this, Colette found her passion was truly in skincare and esthetics.
After working in Cannon Beach for a year, Colette took time off from working in the beauty industry to raise her family. When her children were a bit older, she decided to return to the workforce, but this time, she wanted to pursue a career in skincare.
Because of her break from the beauty industry and her desire to learn the newest and most relevant services and skincare techniques, she knew she needed to return to school. But this time, she wanted to focus exclusively on esthetics.
When asked what factors she considered when choosing to attend the Aesthetics Institute, Colette had this response. “That was an easy decision. This school has top-of-the-line equipment and professional products. No other schools could offer what was available to me here. When I came for my tour, I could see and feel the positive learning environment that the school had cultivated. It was no contest for me when I decided to attend the Aesthetics Institute, and I am so glad I did.”
As for being the Director of Admissions and Alumni Relations at the school, Colette had some difficulty narrowing down her favorite part of the job. “I love all the people that I get to interact with at The Aesthetics Institute! The clients, the instructors, the students, and the entire staff! But I really enjoy the opportunities I haveeach day to speak with prospective students and their families and hear about their career hopes and dreams. I also love it when past students come in for services or to pick up products and share their post-graduate success stories with me!”
Clinic Coordinator
“I’ve seen firsthand how a simple treatment can boost someone’s confidence and positively impact their daily life. It’s that ability to bring about real change, both inside and out.”
Kaley Partida joins the Aesthetics Institute as the Clinic Coordinator and brings her wealth of customer service and client satisfaction experience to this front-of-the-house position. While relatively new to the esthetics industry, Kaley is not a stranger to understanding the power and satisfaction that comes from feeling comfortable in one’s own skin.
“I’ve always been fascinated by the beauty industry and the way it can completely transform how someone feels. As a little girl, I loved going into my mom’s bathroom and exploring all her products—everything from lipsticks to moisturizers. There is something magical about discovering how each product can change or enhance a look.”
That early curiosity grew into a passion for the transformative power of beauty and skincare. “I’ve seen firsthand how a simple treatment can boost someone’s confidence and positively impact their daily life. It’s that ability to bring about real change, both inside and out.”
Kaley wishes more people understood that esthetics isn’t as complicated or out of reach as it might seem. Her enthusiasm grows each day while she learns more and more about how simple and accessible good skincare can be. “You don’t need a complicated routine or expensive products—just small, consistent steps toward healthier skin. Caring for your skin boosts confidence and well-being, and that’s something everyone deserves to experience.”
Along with taking excellent care of the school’s clients, Kaley also enjoys her daily interactions with the students. “One of the things I love about working at the Aesthetics Institute is witnessing the students’ progress firsthand. It’s so rewarding to see them grasp new techniques and the excitement they feel when they finally master them. Being part of their journey is incredibly fulfilling, and it’s amazing to know that we contribute to their growth and success. Each step they take feels like a shared accomplishment, and watching them gain confidence as they learn is truly inspiring.”
Kaley Partida
- Clinic Coordinator
Social Media Content Creation & Social Media
“I wanted to feel comfortable and prepared as I was heading into a new chapter of my life, and that is the same goal I have for all the prospective students I meet!”
Claire Newrones joins the Aesthetics Institute as our Social Media Content Creator, managing all of our social media accounts and specifically our very popular TikTok account. Claire is uniquely qualified to help people start navigating the world of esthetics, as she is a graduate of the Institute. Passionate about skincare and helping people, this role fits nicely into many of her interests.
“I always had a love for the world of beauty and for connecting with people. I really like the idea of working for myself one day, meeting new people, and providing services where people get to relax while receiving them. Plus, they get to enjoy the results even after it’s over. I know I love the way I feel after getting a facial, lashes, or a chemical peel.”
Prospective students have many options when it comes to selecting a beauty school and esthetics program, so it becomes even more important for people to take the time to research each school and ask questions when they go on a campus visit. Claire believes taking a wider view of the school’s overall education philosophy and training style is critical in helping them choose the school that best aligns with their goals.
She recommends asking lots of questions, looking at online reviews, reading all the information available on school websites, and diving into as much social media insight as they can about potential schools. All of this research combined should help students choose the school that is the best fit for them. As for Claire’s experience selecting to attend the Aesthetics Institute, she had some help.
“I had two very good friends who previously attended the Institute and loved it. When they graduated, they both got jobs that they really loved as well. I was so grateful to be able to ask them questions about the school, the online learning component, and what it was like when you came into the building for the hands-on training. I knew I could gain certification in far more services and, at the same time, truly have a full understanding of them as well. I wanted to feel comfortable and prepared as I was heading into a new chapter of my life, and that is the same goal I have for all the prospective students I meet!”
As for Claire’s actual tour of the building, she remembers feeling welcomed, feeling a little overwhelmed, but learning a lot. “I could tell the school went far more in-depth with their education and training than all the other schools I had looked at, and that is what I wanted. It was so important to know more than just the basics and be confident in the skills I was learning. I didn’t want to just get certified, I wanted to be comfortable and assured of my abilities to help my clients.”
Once a person chooses to attend the Institute and starts their training, she has this final advice. “I think students should consider their future professional goals and take advantage of the resources the Aesthetics Institute offers in career planning and business. There is so much to learn to be a successful esthetician outside of the treatment room, including social media marketing, business development, and other professional skills meant to set up graduates for long-term success. We teach all of that here, and students should learn it all!”
Claire Newrones
- Social Media & Marketing
Vice President
“The beauty industry offers opportunities and a worldwide community of individuals ready to hire and support our graduates, and I am very happy to be even a tiny part of that.”
Ryan Klute
- Vice President
Ryan joins the Aesthetics Institute from the world of higher education and marketing and is having a great time learning about the beauty industry and all the career opportunities it offers its graduates.
“Before taking on this position, I suppose I had a “treat ‘yo self” idea about the beauty industry. And while there is nothing wrong with some self-pampering, I continue to be blown away by the level of science and technology that goes into what we teach our students about skincare and esthetics. From acne scars to other serious skin ailments, it is pretty incredible to watch our students help our clients begin to feel comfortable again in their own skin!”
As an instructor, Ryan taught at Portland State University as well as Konkuk University in South Korea. He also spent one year as a kindergarten teacher, and while he claims to have “loved it,” he also says “never again.” He brings his experience in college admissions and public relations to his role at the Aesthetics Institute, as well.
“I love coming to the school every day because, in many ways, I feel the excitement of being a student myself in this industry. I really enjoy the opportunity to sit in on classes and hands-on demonstrations while learning from our super talented instructors. I also am not complaining about all of the skin services I have received at the school. I mean, the students have to practice, right?”
Ryan is proud to be part of a team that provides high-quality education and career training to a diverse group of students. “I believe people should not have to go six figures into debt to receive an education that will allow them to support themselves and their families. I know that is what we are accomplishing at our school and I love being part of our student’s success.”
Ryan looks forward to continuing his education in the beauty industry and watching the school grow while adding additional programs for new and returning students and graduates. “The beauty industry offers opportunities and a worldwide community of individuals ready to hire and support our graduates, and I am very happy to be even a tiny part of that.”