Meet Our Staff

Whether you’re interested in cosmetology, esthetics, nails or laser, our faculty and staff are dedicated to making your education worth the investment. At Penrose Academy, you can trust that we will lead by example and steer you towards career success. With our talented team of experts, you’ll have the support and encouragement you need to achieve your goals.

Our Founders

Burt Kohler

Creative Director
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Burt Kohler
Creative Director
First and foremost, Burt’s a creative guy with a knack for innovative ideas. He has more than twenty years of experience in marketing and creative direction across a variety of industries. Burt started his career in the apparel industry focused on marketing, public relations and production duties for several labels. As Penrose Academy’s Creative Director, Burt ensures that the school’s message of innovating through education is communicated clearly and consistently. Not “absentee owners,” both Burt and Jill are on-site, active and engaged, committed to maintaining a close connection to the overall culture of the school.
- Burt began his career in Southern California’s action-sports apparel industry.
- He spent five years at the award-winning Montague & Company Marketing Communications.
- Burt enjoys collecting, repairing and restoring vintage 70’s and 80’s boomboxes in his spare time.
Jill Kohler

President
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Jill Kohler
• Certified Color Code Trainer
President
As President and Founder of Penrose Academy, Jill is dedicated to educating and empowering the next generation of professionals. With her experience and endless enthusiasm for business and advanced technical education, Jill and Penrose Academy prepare students for extraordinary careers. She’s a proud member and active supporter of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools, the Professional Beauty Association and currently serves as a Commissioner on the Arizona Commission for Post-Secondary Education, appointed by Governor Ducey in 2016.
- Jill began her career in the professional beauty industry in 1993 in the Marketing and Education division of Nexxus Products Company.
- She joined the staff of the Professional Beauty Association (PBA) in 1996.
- Jill and her husband Burt founded Penrose Academy in 2006, a private, post-secondary institution that trains estheticians, laser technicians, hairdressers, nail technicians and cosmetologists.
- Penrose Academy’s faculty and staff showcase an ever-evolving curricula that explores both technical and business education on a 20,000 sf campus in Scottsdale, AZ.
In her spare time, Jill loves to travel, garden and hike with Rucker, the Kohler family’s Doberman Pinscher.

Our Staff

Amy Pauliks

Future Student Coordinator

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Amy Pauliks
LE
Future Student Coordinator

Where are you from?

I am a Phoenix native!

Who or what inspires you?

I am so inspired by the female entrepreneurs of our industry! Estee Lauder, Elizabeth Arden, Emily Weiss, Jane Wurwand, Huda Kattan… the list goes on and on!

Why did you decide to work at Penrose Academy?

I am a Penrose alumni (’09!), and I have always wanted to make my way back! I loved my experience here, and I am so excited to share that with all of our future students.

Someday, you’d really like to …

Keep exploring the world with my husband!
Andria Young

Student Services Coordinator

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Andria Young
LE
Student Services Coordinator

Where are you from?
Phoenix, AZ

What brought you to Penrose Academy?
I am an aesthetician and love being around people that have the same passion as I do. Also, I enjoy being in an environment where there is always education for continual growth.

What’s your perfect day like?
Any day that consists of breakfast, art, nature, good people and good vibes.

Describe yourself in one word.
Balanced.
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.
Annie Zuniga

Guest Relations Coordinator

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Annie Zuniga
LE
Guest Relations Coordinator

Where are you from?
Los Angeles, California

What is an interesting fact about you?
Many don’t know but I can rap and I write a lot of poems.

Who or what inspires you?
My dad and grandma are truly warriors in life. Always pushing me to be the best version of myself.

What about your profession do you find most rewarding?
Making someone’s day and having them leave with a smile.
Ashlee Traasdahl

Admissions Advisor

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Ashlee Traasdahl
Admissions Advisor

What is an interesting fact about you?

I’ve been to over 50 concerts!

Why did you decide to work at Penrose Academy?

I wanted to work at a place with a strong positive culture and where I could make a difference.
Describe yourself in one word.

Resilient!

Someday, you’d really like to …

Be front row at a Beyoncé concert.
Beth Gable

Financial Controller
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Beth Gable
BS, MBA
Financial Controller
Describe yourself in one word.

Dependable.

What’s your perfect day like?

Hiking in the woods or kayaking on the Salt River followed by Netflix and popcorn.

Who or what inspires you?

Creative people.

Someday, you’d really like to …

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
Bridget O’Brien

Director of Admissions

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Bridget O’Brien
BA, LE
Director of Admissions

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
Candice Healey

Laser Educator

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Candice Healey
Laser Educator

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.
Cheri Parcells

Operations Manager

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Cheri Parcells
Operations Manager

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!
CJ De La Torre

Director of Student Salon, Spa & Medical Spa | Cosmetology Educator

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CJ De La Torre
LC, LCI
Director of Student Salon, Spa & Medical Spa | Cosmetology Educator

What is an interesting fact about you?

Before deciding to become a cosmetologist, I also was enrolled in school to become a computer programmer! The complete opposite side of the spectrum! I am so glad with my decision to join the beauty industry.

Who or what inspires you?

My parents have accomplished their goals and dreams in both the personal and career aspects of their lives. Which is why they are what inspires me to never let a setback push me off course of a goal that I am striving to achieve. They have believed in me in all decisions that I have made in my career, and inspire me every day to be the best version of myself.

What about your profession do you find most rewarding?

The most rewarding aspect of being a part of education is watching the transformation of a student from the first day of their program, to their last day when they clock out. Seeing them grow in their confidence and in their abilities is always so inspiring to see, which makes every day at Penrose rewarding.

Someday, you’d really like to …

Take a four week expedition to tour all of Europe and see the sights and cultures in every country!
Courtney Teerink

Admissions Coordinator

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Courtney Teerink
LC
Admissions Coordinator

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:
Perservering

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.
Cristina Hughes

Esthetics and Laser Educator

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Cristina Hughes
LE, LEI, CLT
Esthetics and Laser Educator

Where are you from?
Colona, IL

Why did you choose to work at Penrose Academy?
I am a Penrose Academy Alumni and I fell in love with the culture and attention to detail as a student. It’s a great place to be, both as a student and employee!

What is one of your greatest strengths?
My follow-through, there is always light at the end of the tunnel!

Describe your perfect day…
Exploring the great outdoors of AZ with lots of SPF included of course!
Crystal Aguirre

Financial Aid Manager

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Crystal Aguirre
Financial Aid Manager

What is an interesting fact about you?

I love basketball and I have a great jump shot, my kids have yet to beat me!

Why did you decide to work at Penrose Academy?

The culture is amazing and my team rocks!

Who or what inspires you?

My dad, he was my best friend.

What about your profession do you find most rewarding?

Watching students fulfill their dreams!
Dabrienne Lewis

Guest Relations Coordinator

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Dabrienne Lewis
Guest Relations Coordinator

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.
Deanna Ruocco

Cosmetology Student Educator

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Deanna Ruocco
Cosmetology Student Educator
Desiree Gerhardt

Guest Relations Coordinator

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Desiree Gerhardt
Guest Relations Coordinator
Drenise Matthews

Cosmetology Student Educator

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Drenise Matthews
Cosmetology Student 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?

Its impossible to get bored. There is always something new to learn.
Ericka Maksudian

Guest Relations Coordinator

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Ericka Maksudian
Guest Relations Coordinator
Haleigh Trout

Cosmetology Educator

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Haleigh Trout
LC, LCI
Cosmetology Educator

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.
Heidi Kloppenburg

Senior Director of Medical & Cosmetic Programs | Laser Educator

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Heidi Kloppenburg
LE, CLT, CLI, AA
Senior Director of Medical & Cosmetic Programs | Laser Educator

Where are you from?
California

What would you consider your biggest strength?
Motivating people.

What’s an interesting fact about yourself?
I have a degree in interior design.

Tell us why you chose to work in education?
If you are fortunate enough to teach somebody something you have learned it is rewarding.
Holly Marshall

Education Manager, Cosmetology Educator

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Holly Marshall
LC, LCI
Education Manager, Cosmetology Educator

Where are you from?
Chicago, Illinois

What is one of your greatest strengths?
Patience

Describe yourself in one word.
Fun

Someday, you’d really like to …
Stay in a glass igloo in Finland and see the Northern Lights.

What about your profession do you find most rewarding?
Watching the students graduate, get licensed, start working in a salon and then come back wanting to hire more Penrose students.
Jillian Bone

Student Services & Placement Coordinator

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Jillian Bone
LE
Student Services & Placement Coordinator

Where are you from?
Phoenix, AZ

Why did you choose to work at Penrose Academy?
It’s my home!

What’s your perfect day like?
No social media & surrounded by my favorite people!

What’s an interesting fact about you?
My birthday is on Christmas Day and I love it!
Josie Cloud

Admissions Coordinator

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Josie Cloud
LC
Admissions Coordinator

Where are you from?

Originally born in Phoenix, however I grew up and spent most of my life in Durango, CO

What is an interesting fact about you?

I have a beautiful Daughter, Presley June. She’s only 1 and (though she doesn’t really talk yet) she sings constantly and plays the guitar.

Why did you decide to work at Penrose Academy?

The Culture. I am an alumni of the Cosmetology program and I loved it so much here I just knew it was something I had to be apart of.

What’s your perfect day like?

Spending the morning lazy with my Husband and baby girl, then going out for an adventure somewhere.. maybe the aquarium, the zoo, or goodwill!
Lindsey Miller

Esthetics and Laser Educator

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Lindsey Miller
LE, LEI, CLT, CLI
Esthetics and Laser Educator

What brought you to Penrose Academy?
It’s the best in the business! Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?

Who or what inspires you?
My nephews. Everything in their eyes is so simple and ‘matter of fact’.

What about your profession do you find most rewarding?
Helping clients overcome a specific skin concern, and to help them accomplish their goals. Now that’s awesome!

What’s an interesting fact about yourself?
I used to be a Surgical Tech. I helped surgeons and patients mainly with brain aneurysms and spinal fusions.
Maddy Thomasson

Esthetics Educator

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Maddy Thomasson
LE, LEI
Esthetics Educator

Where are you from?

I was born in Little Silver New Jersey, raised in Phoenix Arizona!

What is an interesting fact about you?

I know the words to a lot of songs and I like to sing along.

Who or what inspires you?

I am inspired by my family and husband who always push me to not give up and try my best.

What about your profession do you find most rewarding?

I love working in the beauty industry because I am able to help people feel their best!
Madison Smith

Esthetics and Laser Educator

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Madison Smith
LE, LEI, CLT
Esthetics 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
Marcy Anaya

Cosmetology Student Educator

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Marcy Anaya
LC
Cosmetology Student 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
Marissa Hunt

Marketing Coordinator

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Marissa Hunt
LC
Marketing Coordinator

Why did you decide to work at Penrose Academy?

I love the culture at Penrose. There is so much love and encouragement here. After finishing my program almost 4 years ago, I knew I would be back.

What’s your perfect day like?

Spending time with my husband and two boys.

What about your profession do you find most rewarding?

Learning about the people I meet! I have met such a diverse amount of people in this industry. It has opened my eyes and heart to so many new things.

Someday, you’d really like to ….

Have a daughter. I’m out numbered!
Missy Conti

Assistant Director of Education, Cosmetology Educator

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Missy Conti
LC, LCI
Assistant Director of Education, Cosmetology Educator

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.
Nicole Sazama

Esthetics Educator

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Nicole Sazama
LE, LEI
Esthetics Educator

Where are you from?

I’m from Denver, Colorado.

Why did you decide to work at Penrose Academy?

I found my passion for skin care when I was a student at Penrose Academy. I knew when I left I wanted to work hard to come back as an esthetics educator. This place is my sanctuary and I love walking into the energy held within these walls.

What’s your perfect day like?

My perfect day would be spent with my husband and 2 rowdy little boys doing anything.

Someday, you’s really like to …

Someday I would love to help work with a program for teens with acne. I can’t imagine having to deal with severe acne as a young teenager on a daily basis. Help educate how and what can help with the acne or even scarring. Also help create a good support system for anyone dealing with “why me, why my face”.
Nikki Parcells

Senior Director of Education and Student Services | Laser Educator

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Nikki Parcells
LC, LCI, CLT, CLI, ITEC
Senior Director of Education and Student Services | Laser Educator

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.
Sami McLenon

Esthetics Educator

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Sami McLenon
LE, LEI
Esthetics Educator

Where are you from?

Omaha, Nebraska

Describe yourself in one word.

Independent.

Why did you decide to work at Penrose Academy?

I chose penrose because of all the wonderful reviews I read and when I did my walk through I felt this amazing energy about the school and everyone I encountered was so nice and introduced themselves. I just knew that penrose is where I wanted to be.

Someday, you’d really like to …

Someday I’d like to live one a lake or ocean near a forest and travel comfortably to different places around the world to learn about history and see beautiful landscapes and try different cuisines.
Steffi Toth

Esthetics Educator

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Steffi Toth
LE, LEI
Esthetics Educator

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.
Tamekia Okagu

Cosmetology Educator

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Tamekia Okagu
LC, LCI
Cosmetology Educator

Where are you from?
Panama City, Florida

Why did you choose to work at Penrose Academy?
I wanted to be in an environment where the students were motivated and the staff were passionate about helping to make the students successful in the professional beauty industry and Penrose Academy encompasses that!

What’s your perfect day like?
Relaxing on a beach with my family

Describe yourself in one word:
Passionate!
Taylor Defoor

Guest Relations Coordinator

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Taylor Defoor
Guest Relations Coordinator

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.
Tessa Messer

Laundry & Facility Assistant

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Tessa Messer
Laundry & Facility Assistant

Where are you from?

Phoenix, AZ

Why did you decide to work at Penrose Academy?

I love the culture that Penrose provides for both staff and students

Who or what inspires you?

My future is what inspires me

What about your profession do you find most rewarding?

Being able to watch students grow in the industry the are most passionate about
Tonka Quni

Cosmetology Educator

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Tonka Quni
LC, LCI
Cosmetology Educator

Where are you from?
Michigan

What would you consider your biggest strength?
I’m a great listener.

What’s an interesting fact about yourself?
I’m a first generation American.

Someday, you’d really like to…
…expand the nail program at Penrose Academy