Meet Our Expert Instructors
Our expert-level instructors are committed to helping each and every one of our students exceed in their studies.
AESTHETICS INSTITUTE
Meet Our Instructors
Director of Education
“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
- Director of Education
- Comité International d’Esthétique et de Cosmétologie (CIDESCO) Diplomat
- Licensed Esthetics Instructor (LEI)
- Certified Advanced Esthetics Instructor (CAEI)
" All the teachers are amazing, but Laura was a true mentor to me and an incredible teacher who was honest yet encouraging. I owe my confidence and skill to the school, and I’ll never forget how it has helped to shape the esthetician I am today.”
Rachael Almada
Masters & Advanced Esthetics 2021
Masters & Advanced Esthetics 2021
" All the teachers are amazing, but Laura was a true mentor to me and an incredible teacher who was honest yet encouraging. I owe my confidence and skill to the school, and I’ll never forget how it has helped to shape the esthetician I am today.”
Rachael Almada
Masters & Advanced Esthetics 2021
Masters & Advanced Esthetics 2021
Founder
Cynthia R. Mendoza
- School Founder
- Comité International d’Esthétique et de Cosmétologie (CIDESCO) Diplomat
- Licensed Esthetics Instructor (LEI)
- Certified Advanced Esthetics Instructor (CAEI)
“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!”
Assistant Director
“We spend a great deal of energy and effort to create and foster a ‘culture of inquiry’ here at the Aesthetics Institute. It means our school is a safe place for learning, making mistakes, and overcoming challenges.
Students are encouraged to ask questions, delve deep into the technology, and ultimately make mistakes, without the fear of reprimand or punishment.
My goal as a teacher is for my students to be prepared for the ‘real world’. I will say the same thing a 100 different times in a 100 different ways until we find a path to understanding. The confidence to apply what you learn here is vital to the success of our students.”
Laura Larrabee
- Assistant Director
- Licensed Esthetics Instructor (LEI)
- Certified Advanced Esthetics Instructor (CAEI)
Lead Masters Esthetics Instructor
Annie Richardson
- Lead Masters Esthetics Instructor
- Licensed Esthetics Instructor (LEI)
“I would like my students to know that my goal is always for them to be confident in what they do. I never want a student to be afraid to ask questions.
This program is a safe place to learn and make mistakes. Our school is like a family and everyone is welcome here.
I feel like people often just think of waxing and basic facials without realizing the advanced serviced we can perform to help people feel confident in their skin.
Helping people with the gift of feeling comfortable in their own skin is an incredible thing to be a part of.”
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, 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!”
Tashuana Carter
- Lead Advanced Esthetics Instructor
- Licensed Esthetics Instructor (LEI)
- Certified Advanced Esthetics Instructor (CAEI)
Licensed Esthetics Instructor
Bailee Meng
- Licensed Esthetics Instructor (LEI)
- Certified Advanced Esthetics Instructor (CAEI)
“A career in esthetics can be extremely gratifying if you’re willing to put in the work. Also, learn everything! Even if you think you only want to do lashes, waxing, or focus on a single service after you graduate, you should still try everything.
Give it your all to finding what makes you happy; that attitude will lead you to what you’re good at doing, too. Knowledge is power, and you can never stop learning!”
Licensed Esthetics Instructor
“Esthetics is a gratifying field heavily focused on educating people.
It is my responsibility to introduce students to the fundamentals of healthy skin care and all of the treatments they can learn and deploy.
Students need to become experts in this industry, not only so they can provide services to their clients, but also so they can educate and inform them of how to best to take care of their skin.”
Jade Mora
- Licensed Esthetics Instructor (LEI)
Director of Admissions
Jennifer VanTassell
- Director of Admissions
“I love watching the students learn new techniques and become confident in their skills.
I love passing on my knowledge and personal experiences. I just hope that each student comes to our school with an open mind and is willing and ready to learn. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!”
Clinic Coordinator
“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!
I really enjoy the opportunities I have every day to speak with current students and hear about their career dreams, and when past students come in for services, they will also share their success stories with me! I love it all!”
Colette Neva
- Clinic Coordinator
Campus Visits Coordinator & Alumni Relations Manager
Claire Newrones
- Campus Visits Coordinator
“I get to connect with new people and educate them about the school. After having gone here myself, I feel very comfortable explaining the school’s expectations and what being a student here is really like.
My role as the Campus Visits Coordinator combines my love for the world of esthetics with my love for meeting, connecting, and educating people. My favorite thing is being part of the very beginning of a person’s next life chapter and new career!”
Director of Communications
“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!
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
- Director of Communications
