Meet Our Staff

Whether you’re interested in cosmetology, esthetics, or laser, our faculty and staff are dedicated to making your education worth the investment. At Penrose Academy, our Admissions Team is available to help you with your future goals, whatever they may be. Alongside our faculty and staff, you’ll have the support and encouragement to connect you with your future professional goals.

Owners

Matt Meduna

Owner & Chair

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Matt Meduna
Owner & Chair

Coming Soon!
Nancy Meduna

Owner & CEO

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Nancy Meduna
Owner & CEO

Where are you from?

Omaha, NE – Go Huskers!

What would you consider your biggest strength?

Dedicated

What is an interesting fact about you?

I once won a wakeboarding contest.

What about your profession do you find most rewarding?

Providing students a quality education so they are prepared for the real world as strong professionals.

Leadership

Nikki Parcells

President

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

Where are you from?
Framingham, Massachusetts

What brought you to Penrose Academy?
I am proud to be a part of this amazing industry and was ready to give back, I wanted to be part of something bigger than me.

What would you consider your biggest strength?
Dependability.

Describe yourself with one word.
Trustworthy.
Bridget O’Brien

Senior Director of Admissions & Financial Aid

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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

Director of Operations

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Cheri Parcells
Director of Operations

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!
Missy Conti

Director of Education and Title IX Coordinator

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Missy Conti
LC, LCI
Director of Education and Title IX Coordinator

Where are you from?
Pawtucket, RI

What brought you to Penrose Academy?
I loved the culture.

Who or what inspires you?
My Grandpa.

Tell us why you chose to work in education?
Because I love helping.
Candice Healey

Director of Medical Services

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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.
Jojo Brown

Director of Guest Services & Social Media

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Jojo Brown
Director of Guest Services & Social Media

What is an interesting fact about you?

I was a Columbus Blue Jackets Cheerleader for 3 years!

What does your perfect day look like?

Laying on a beach or by a body of water!

Who or what inspires you?

My mom. She is the hardest worker I know and I aspire to be as diligent as her.

What about your profession do you find most rewarding?

When I left my last job an employee told me I was their driving force at work and pushed them to be their best “self” and that was such an amazing compliment and makes it all worth it!
Andria Young

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

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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

Assistant Director of Education

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Haleigh Trout
LC, LCI
Assistant Director of Education

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.

Medical Director

Ran McBryde

Medical Director

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Ran McBryde
NP, CLT, LE
Medical Director

Who inspires you?

Positive people. Someone who always finds the bright side and never gives up.

What is an interesting fact about you?

My favorite animal is a donkey. We have a family pet, Jack, the donkey!

What does your perfect day like?

Watching my son play baseball.

What do you find most rewarding about your profession?

The long term relationships I get to build with my patients, students and colleagues.

Admissions

Courtney Orem

Admissions Coordinator

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Courtney Orem
LH
Admissions Coordinator

Where are you from?

Redmond, OR.

Why did you decide to work at Penrose Academy?

When I was a student here, I loved being here. Everyone was always so kind and welcoming. The environment is so nice to be in and it’s great helping perspective students learn about Penrose now.

Describe yourself in one word.

Authentic.

What does your perfect day look like?

My perfect day is either camping in the middle of nowhere in Oregon, or a day that includes the gym, a new restaurant and ending it reading a great book.
Courtney Teerink

Admissions Manager

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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.
Khaila Matthews

Admissions Coordinator

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Khaila Matthews
Admissions Coordinator

What 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.
Kim Goedker

Enrollment Services Coordinator

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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

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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

Financial Aid

Danielle Finn

Financial Aid Coordinator

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Danielle Finn
Financial Aid Coordinator

What is one of your greatest strengths?

I love multi-tasking and organizing everything.

What is an interesting fact about you?

I’m a certified kickboxing instructor.

Who or what inspires you?

My grandmother has been my biggest inspiration, there was no telling her she could not do something and I have strived to have the same strong outlook in life.

What about your profession do you find most rewarding?

Helping a student work through the different options for securing a plan to make furthering their education and the path to their dream career possible is the most amazing feeling.
Mariah Griffin

Financial Aid Assistant

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Mariah Griffin
Financial Aid Assistant

Financial Aid Coordinator

Where are you from?

Gallup, New Mexico

Describe yourself in one word.

Go-getter

What is a quote you live by?

“Cause everybody dies but not everybody lives.”

Who inspires you?

My kids! I will do everything in my power to assure they have a better childhood than I did and have everything I couldn’t.

Student Services and Events

Dabrienne Lewis

Student Services & Events Coordinator I Cosmetology Educator

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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.
Marcy Anaya

Student Services & Events Coordinator I Cosmetology Educator

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Marcy Anaya
LC
Student Services & Events Coordinator I Cosmetology Educator

What is one of your greatest strengths?

I am extremely passionate and do everything whole heartedly.

What is an interesting fact about you?

I played drums in a band.

Why did you decide to work at Penrose Academy?

I love the positive and encouraging environment.

What’s your perfect day like?

Spending the day curled up on the couch with a good book.

Education

Annie Gandara

Cosmetology Educator

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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 & wanted to shift into education 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 & 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.
Devan Hochuli

Laser Educator

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Devan Hochuli
LE, CLT
Laser Educator

What is one of your greatest strengths?

I’m very adaptable to new things.

Why did you decide to work at Penrose Academy?

I loved the atmosphere and the community so much as a student that I knew I never wanted to leave.

Describe yourself in one word.

Loyal.

What is a quote you live by?

“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”
Drenise Matthews

Cosmetology Educator

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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.
Jessica McCandless

Student Educator

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Jessica McCandless
LC
Student Educator

Where are you from?

Sacramento, California

What is an interesting fact about you?

I like to sing. I have a likeness to Pat Benatar.

Why did you decide to work at Penrose Academy?

Becoming an instructor felt like a natural progression in my career.

What’s your perfect day like?

A long walk on the beach, without a care in the world.
Jessica Spillman

Esthetics Educator

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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

Student Educator

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Kendall Miliotes
LE
Student Educator

Where 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

Student Educator

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Kira Watkins
LC
Student 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

Student Educator

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Kolleen Rice
LC
Student Educator

Coming soon!
Lisa Gomez

Cosmetology Educator

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Lisa Gomez
LC, LE
Cosmetology Educator

Coming soon!
Madison Johnson

Esthetics Educator

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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

Esthetics Manager and Laser Educator

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Madison Smith
LE, LEI, CLT
Esthetics Manager and Laser 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.
Mariah Richardson-Saika

Student Educator

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Mariah Richardson-Saika
LC
Student Educator

Coming soon!
Olga Cordova

Student Educator

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Olga Cordova
LE
Student Educator

Coming soon!
Parci Flake

Education Manager and Cosmetology Educator

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Parci Flake
LC, LCI
Education Manager and 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

Esthetics Educator

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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.
Shea Toohey

Esthetics Educator

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Shea Toohey
LE
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.
Steffi Toth

Esthetics Assistant Manager and Deputy Title IX Coordinator

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Steffi Toth
LE, LEI
Esthetics Assistant Manager and 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.
Taylor Defoor

Esthetics Educator

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Taylor Defoor
AA, LE
Esthetics Educator

What is one of your greatest strengths?
Making coffee.

Why did you decide to work at Penrose Academy?
I love the culture that cultivates through this building and the feeling of making everyone feel they are a part of something bigger than themselves.

What’s your perfect day like?
Playing in the snow!

Someday, you’d really like to …
Travel to Ireland with my sister.

Guest Relations

Adrian Garcia

Guest Relations Coordinator

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Adrian Garcia
Guest Relations Coordinator

Coming Soon!
Araceli Mendoza

Front Desk Manager

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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.
Camryn Munoz

Guest Relations Coordinator

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Camryn Munoz
Guest Relations 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.
Catt Cole

Guest Relations Coordinator

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Catt Cole
Guest Relations Coordinator

Where are you from?

I am originally from the Ivory Coast.

Describe yourself in one word.

Creative.

What is a quote you live by?

“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”

What is one of your greatest strengths?

One of my greatest strengths is being futuristic, I am always looking forward to the future and what it holds.
Celeste Rodriguez

Guest Relations Coordinator

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Celeste Rodriguez
Guest Relations Coordinator

Where are you from?

Born and raised in Phoenix, AZ.

What is one of your greatest strengths?

One of my greatest strengths is communicating about anything!

What does your perfect day look like?

Waking up feeling relaxed, getting coffee, going to the farmer’s market, reading a book and spending time with my family.

Describe yourself in one word.

Optimistic.
Delaney McLaughlin

Guest Relations Coordinator

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Delaney McLaughlin
LE
Guest Relations Coordinator

Where are you from?

Monrovia, California

What is an interesting fact about you?

I can play the banjo, ukulele, and the guitar.

Why did you decide to work at Penrose Academy?

I graduated from Penrose from the Esthetics Program and wanted to learn more about how the business side of a salon and spa ran.

Who or what inspires you?

My mom. She raised me as a single parent and taught me how to be hardworking and independent.

Operations

Ivan Covarrubias

Laundry Assistant

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Ivan Covarrubias
Laundry Assistant

Where are you from?

Guadalajara, Mexico

Describe yourself in one word.

Artistic.

Why did you decide to work at Penrose Academy?

I decided to work at penrose because of its inviting atmosphere. I feel very appreciated here.

Someday, you’d really like to …

Visit Japan.
Regina Knisely

Operations Assistant

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Regina Knisely
Operations Assistant

Where are you from?

Waynesburg, Pennsylvania

What is an interesting fact about you?

I have a major dislike for mustard!

Why did you decide to work at Penrose Academy

My first visit to Penrose was as a client getting my hair done and was greeted with a smile and great enthusiasm. I saw the enthusiasm, passion and great teamwork from all staff and students as they all worked as a team player and not just as one, which makes wanting to be a part of the team that more rewarding!

Who or what inspires you?

My parents! They always taught me to never depend on anyone and to always strive to do your best in life!