Meet Our Staff

Nikki Parcells
LC, LCI, CLT, CLI, ITEC
President

Where are you from?
Framingham, Massachusetts

What brought you to Penrose Academy?
I joined Penrose Academy to contribute and make an impact. I wanted to be a part of a mission-driven community, focused on inspiring the next generation of industry professionals. 

What would you consider your biggest strength?
I’d say dependability—I’m someone people can count on.

Describe yourself with one word.
Pragmatic.

Bridget O’Brien
BA, LE
Senior Director of Admissions & Financial Aid

What is an interesting fact about you?

I have lived abroad and in 5 different states.

What’s your perfect day like?

Attending a concert, I love any type of live music.

Who or what inspires you?

Music. Great songs have the ability to influence and change any mood.

What about your profession do you find most rewarding?

Helping students become a better version of themselves.

Cheri Parcells
Senior Director of Operations & Guest Relations

Where are you from?
Phoenix, AZ

What is an interesting fact about you?
I have 2 turtles.

Someday I’d really like to…
Travel the world with my husband.

Why did you choose to work at Penrose Academy?
I love the atmosphere and the staff and students are all amazing!

Candice Healey
LE, CLT, CLI, LSO
Director of Medical Services

Where are you from?
Leamington, Ontario Canada

Who or what inspires you?
People who give without expectation.

What is one of your greatest strengths?
My sweet laser skills.

Why did you decide to work at Penrose?
The culture based on honesty and integrity.

Andria Young
Director of Student Services, Placement Coordinator and Deputy Title IX Coordinator

Where are you from?

BORN AND RAISED IN THE VALLEY OF THE SUN!!
Phoenix, AZ 😊

What is an interesting fact about you?

I own a dalmatian!

What does your perfect day like?

Attending a music festival with friends!

What about your profession do you find most rewarding?

Guiding students through their program and seeing them find their niche in the professional beauty industry!

Haleigh Trout
LC, LCI
Assistant Director of Education and Deputy Title IX Coordinatoritle IX

Where are you from?

Reno, NV

What is an interesting fact about you?

I was raised by a single dad.

Why did you decide to work at Penrose Academy?

I went to Penrose for my cosmetology license, and I knew I wanted to come back to work here.

What’s your perfect day like?

Sleep in, out to lunch with my husband and dogs and then finish the day on the couch with a scary movie.

Alyssa Garza
Admissions Coordinator

Coming Soon!

Clare Lelek
Enrollment Services Coordinator

Coming Soon!

Courtney Teerink
LC
Admissions Manager

Why did you choose to work at Penrose Academy?
I decided to work here because the culture is amazing and addicting!

What is one of your greatest strengths?
My compassion.

Describe yourself with one word:
Persevering.

Who inspires you?
My parents have been through lots of highs and lows in life but are still happily married after 28 years and their dedication really inspires me.

Kim Goedker
Enrollment Services Coordinator

Where are you from?

Columbus, Ohio

What is an interesting fact about you?

I weirdly tuck in my ears when I sleep.

Describe yourself in one word.

Adventurous.

What about your profession do you find most rewarding?

I like making future and current students feel comfortable for their journey here at Penrose!

Yessenia Torres
Enrollment Services Coordinator

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ.

Who or what inspires you?

Cliché, but my mom. She is quite literally the strongest person I know.

What is one of your greatest strengths?

One of my greatest strengths is being a great listener.

What is a quote you live by?

A quote I live by is “Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier.” – Mother Teresa

Yolanda Robinson
Admissions Coordinator

Coming Soon!

Camryn Munoz
Student Services Coordinator

Where are you from?

Phoenix, Arizona

What is one of your greatest strengths?

Being compassionate by helping and serving those around me.

What does your perfect day look like?

Spending the day doing crafts in the company of my dog and partner, then cuddled up watching our favorite shows.

Why did you decide to work at Penrose Academy?

I stepped into the beauty industry for the experience to learn and hopefully start my own path into esthetics.

Dabrienne Lewis
LC
Student Services & Events Coordinator I Cosmetology Educator

Where are you from?

Born and raised in Paradise Valley, Arizona.

What is one of your greatest strengths?

I pride myself in having integrity.

Why did you decide to work at Penrose Academy?

I valued my exceptional experience at the school and wanted to be a part of the amazing culture.

Who or what inspires you?

My mother. She is a strong, independent, intelligent, hard working woman.

Shea Toohey
LE
Student Services Assistant & Events Coordinator | Esthetics Educator

Where are you from?

Chicago, IL

What is an interesting fact about you?

I received my first degree in American Sign Language (ASL).

Why did you decide to work at Penrose Academy?

I loved my time here during school. I felt so encouraged and supported and I can’t wait to be able to provide that for future students.

What about your profession do you find most rewarding?

Being an esthetician, you help others feel beautiful and comfortable in their own skin. As an educator, I’ll be able to share my passion and knowledge to help students find their passion within the industry.

Aliesia Vazquez
Esthetics Educator

Coming Soon!

Annie Gandara
LC, LCI
Cosmetology Educator

Describe yourself in one word:

Dependable.

Why did you decide to work at Penrose Academy?

I heard only wonderful things about Penrose and wanted to shift into educational role in the industry.

Who or what inspires you?

Strong, motivated people with vision and integrity.

What about your profession do you find most rewarding?

The most rewarding part of my profession is being able to connect with people and be a positive factor in their life. I love to hear how much they look forward to and value the time they get to be themselves and decompress in my chair.

Bee DeSantis
Cosmetology Educator

Coming Soon!

Briette Flake
LE, CLT
Laser Educator

Where are you from?

Snowflake, Az

Why did you decide to work at Penrose Academy?

My heart just keeps pulling me back to Penrose. The culture is just different here and I love it. 

Describe yourself in one word.

Driven

What does your perfect day look like?

Surrounded by my people on a beach. (Completely covered and slathered in SPF of course)

Who or what inspires you?

As cliche as it sounds my family and friends. They push me to be the best I can be and are my biggest cheerleaders. 

What is one of your greatest strengths?

I’m always trying to learn and trying to better myself. 

What is a quote you live by?

“What if it doesn’t come true? Ah but what if it does?”

Drenise Matthews
Cosmetology Educator

Where are you from?

Phoenix, AZ.

What’s your perfect day like?

Moderately busy, full of laughter.

Who or what inspires you?

Our community.

What about your profession do you find most rewarding?

It’s impossible to get bored. There is always something new to learn.

Irene Gutierrez
Cosmetology Educator

Coming Soon!

Jessica Spillman
LE
Esthetics Educator

What is one of your greatest strengths?

One of my greatest strengths is relating to my clients and being able to make them feel comfortable in any service.

Why did you decide to work at Penrose Academy?

I decided to come to work at Penrose because I loved it so much as a student! I work at a medspa in Scottsdale and realized I love training new estheticians and teaching clients about skin; so it only felt natural.

What does your perfect day like?

My perfect day is waking up, going to brunch and watching football on a nice patio somewhere!

Who or what inspires you?

My Mom inspires me. She is the greatest person I know.

Kendall Miliotes
LE
Esthetics Educator

EstheticsEstEWhere are you from? 

Cave Creek, AZ

What is one of your greatest strengths? 

Organization

Why did you decide to work at Penrose Academy? 

I went to school here and it has always felt like home. It’s a great and healthy environment. 

Who or what inspires you?

My dad is a very inspirational person for me. He is a very hard worker and he cares very deeply for our family.

Kira Watkins
LC
Cosmetology Educator

What does your perfect day look like?

Start my day with a slow morning and good cup of coffee. Then spending my time with those nearest and dearest.

What is an interesting fact about you?

My elbow are double jointed.

Why did you decide to work at Penrose Academy?

I loved my time here when I was a student. My own educators helped to shape me into the stylist I am. I enjoy helping the future generation of cosmetologists in their own dreams and aspirations.

What is a quote you live by?

 “Don’t be easily caught up in the past or future. Look down at your feet. Stay where your feet are, and present in the moment.” 

Kolleen Rice
LC
Cosmetology Educator

Coming soon!

Madison Johnson
LE
Esthetics Educator

Where are you from?

Glendale, AZ.

What is an interesting fact about you?

I love to sing!

Why did you decide to work at Penrose Academy?

I came to school here and it was one of the greatest decisions I’ve made thus far and since going to school I wanted to be an educator here!

What about your profession do you find most rewarding?

Being able to share my passion and knowledge with others! I love helping others whenever I can!

Madison Smith
LE, LEI, CLT
Esthetics Educator

Where are you from?
I was born in Wisconsin, grew up in Prescott, AZ and now reside in Cave Creek.

What is one of your greatest strengths?
I have grown to be a good listener over the years.

Why did you choose to work at Penrose Academy?
I love to share my knowledge with all of the students and guests. I need to have pride in my place of employment and I have lots in Penrose Academy as a graduate and now employee!

What’s an interesting face about you?
I never really learned to ride a bike.

Natalie Gotsis
Esthetics Student Educator

Coming Soon!

Olga Cordova
LE
Esthetics Educator

Coming soon!

Parci Flake
LC, LCI
Education Manager & Cosmetology Educator

Where are you from?

Snowflake, AZ

Who or what inspires you?

My mom is a teacher and I have always watched how she interacts with others and it makes me want to be just like her.

Why did you decide to work at Penrose Academy?

I love the culture and curriculum. They combine nicely making an amazing schooling experience for students.

Describe yourself in one word.

Caring.

Rachel Sheets
LC, LE, CLT, LSO
Esthetics Educator

What is an interesting fact about you?

I received my cosmetology, esthetics and laser licenses all before the age of 22! 

Why did you decide to work at Penrose Academy?

I love the beauty industry and wanted to be a part of Penrose’s amazing culture. 

Who or what inspires you?

My mom, she is the most intelligent woman I know and my biggest supporter.

What about your profession do you find most rewarding?

Helping others and pushing myself to grow as a person.

Steffi Toth
LE, LEI
Esthetics Manager, Esthetics Educator & Deputy Title IX Coordinator

Where are you from?

Los Angeles, California

What is an interesting fact about you?

I speak fluent Hungarian.

What’s your perfect day like? 

Being outdoors hiking or kayaking.

What about your profession do you find most rewarding?

The ability to see students reach their potential.

Tyler McDonald
Laser Educator

Where are you from?

Camp Verde, Arizona

Why did you decide to work at Penrose Academy?

I decided to work at Penrose because I was previously a student here and loved it.

Describe yourself in one word?

Outgoing

Someday, you’d really like to …

Someday I’d really like to work at Penrose as an educator.

Val Schmidt
Cosmetology Educator

Coming Soon!

Alexa Hernadez
Guest Relations Coordinator

What is one of your greatest strengths?

I am a very bubbly and talkative person; I love to interact with people and entertain them.

Why did you decide to work at Penrose Academy?

I was a nighttime esthetician student and just formed bonds with the educators and staff, and after graduating I missed my time here and decided to come back and they accepted me with open arms.

Describe yourself in one word.

Funny😛

Araceli Mendoza
Front Desk Manager

Where are you from?

San Jose, California 

What is an interesting fact about you?

I played basketball for 5 years.

Why did you decide to work at Penrose Academy?

I love the industry and I love the culture! 

Describe yourself in one word.

Determined.

Breanna Landa
Guest Relations Coordinator

Coming Soon!

Briseyda Lopez
Guest Relations Coordinator

Coming Soon!

Khaila Matthews
Guest Relations Coordinator

GuWhat is one of your greatest strengths?

Adaptability! I am both a leader and a team member.

What is an interesting fact about you?

I am a backup dancer for local drag and femme queens!

What does your perfect day like?

Wake up in the morning, no alarm clock. Hot cup of coffee before a nice conditioning pole fitness class. Then spending the rest of the day with my boyfriend and family. Playing games with my 3 beautiful nieces and eating lots and LOTS of food!

Someday, you’d really like to …

Produce, choreograph, cast and perform in an original evening length production.

Wendy Torres
Guest Relations Team Lead

Where are you from? 

Glendale, Arizona

What does a perfect day look like? 

A perfect day would be taking care of my dogs in the morning while I make and enjoy my breakfast. I then journal and do my Bible study for the day. After I take my dogs for a walk to the park, I come home, rest and catch up on my TV shows. Then prepare dinner for my family and end the night on FaceTime with my boyfriend.

What is one of your greatest strengths? 

Being empathetic.

Describe yourself in one word? 

Dynamic

Yazania Romero
Guest Relations Coordinator

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Trenton, New Jersey to Costa Rican Parents.

What is an interesting fact about you?

I am an avid dancer. I grew up loving dance and became a pro dancer at 15. I know how to dance most latin and ballroom styles, from Samba all the way to Waltz.

What is one of your greatest strengths?

I always find a way to relate to a person. Whether it be through music or even personal beliefs, I always try to hear and consider each person’s convictions in an objective way.

What is a quote you live by?

“Live and let live.” -Gerard de Malynes