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

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.

Someday I’d like to…
…live in New Zealand for a couple of years.
Annie Gandara

Cosmetology Educator

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Annie Gandara
Cosmetology Educator

Where are you from?

Denver, Colorado.

What is one of your greatest strengths?

My patience.

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
Guest Relations Coordinator

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California.

What is an interesting fact about you?

I love reading and collecting comic books! I could be in a comic book store for hours and be the happiest. DC comics all the way!

Describe yourself in one word.

Motivated.

Who or what inspires you?

My dad. He is my hero. He inspires me to be the best person I can be but also to be that change I want to see in the world.

What about your profession do you find most rewarding?

Helping out in any way I can and making someone smile, it’s a really great feeling.

Someday, you’d really like too……

Make a positive impact in the beauty community, some way.
Becca Rubinstein

Cosmetology Educator

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Becca Rubinstein
Cosmetology Educator

What is one of your greatest strengths?

I am flexible and adaptive and able to relate to almost anyone.

Describe yourself in one word.

Thoughtful.

Why did you decide to work at Penrose Academy?

I love the culture and atmosphere that Jill and Burt create and nurture, I knew one day I had to be a part of that!

What’s your perfect day like?

Rainy and cool, I see a concert, eat some delicious food, have a cocktail and spend time with the love of my life, Javier!

Who or what inspires you?

People who are passionate about what they’re doing

Someday, you’d really like to …

Travel to (fill in the blank).
Beth Gable

Bookkeeper
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Beth Gable
BS, MBA
Bookkeeper
What is your greatest strength?

Perseverance.

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.

Why did you decide to work at Penrose Academy?

For the opportunity to help the future of the Professional Beauty Industry

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

Someday, you’d really like to …

Live in London again
Carolee Severson

Cosmetology Educator

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Carolee Severson
LC, LCI
Cosmetology Educator

What is one of your greatest strengths?

Working with a world of very diverse people and backgrounds in my years of being in the business.

Describe yourself in one word.

Creative

Why did you decide to work at Penrose Academy?

Working here in the earlier years of the Academy made me realize how much I missed the industry as a whole and missed teaching passionate people wanting to begin a new career in the world of hair, skin and nails.

What’s your perfect day like?

Making people feel good about themselves and feeling that I had a part of making someone feel better about who they are inside and out.

What about your profession do you find most rewarding? Education, not only teaching others but learning from industry trend setters.
Cheri Parcells

Operations Coordinator

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Cheri Parcells
Operations Coordinator

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

Cosmetology Educator

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CJ De La Torre
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.

Describe yourself in one word.

Diligent

What’s your perfect day like?

My perfect day entails a morning walk with my dog Oliver, followed by an afternoon spent relaxing at home spending quality time with my family. Finishing off the day with an evening run in the perfect Arizona weather!

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!
Haleigh Trout

Cosmetology Educator

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Haleigh Trout
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.

What about your profession do you find most rewarding?

Connecting with students and sharing the same passion for this amazing industry.

Someday, you’d really like to …

Be a mom.
Heidi Kloppenburg

Senior Director of Business Development | Laser Educator

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Heidi Kloppenburg
LE, CLT, CLI, AA
Senior Director of Business Development | 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

Cosmetology Educator

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Holly Marshall
LC, LCI
Cosmetology Educator

Where are you from?
Chicago!

Someday, you’d really like to…
live in Italy.

Tell us why you chose to work in education?
I want to empower and educate everybody around me by teaching all of the latest and greatest technologies and trends in the professional beauty industry.

What’s an interesting fact about yourself?
I love animals and have rescued and fostered over 30 animals in the last 7 years through different organizations that I’m proud to be part of.
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 Assistant

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Josie Cloud
Admissions Assistant

Info Coming Soon!
Karina Fukuda

Esthetics Educator

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Karina Fukuda
Esthetics Educator

Where are you from?

Phoenix, AZ

What is an interesting fact about you?

In 2015 I was Miss Litchfield Park USA and competed in the Miss Arizona pageant.

Why did you decide to work at Penrose Academy?

I decided to work at Penrose because I enjoyed my time as a student and the culture of the company

inspired me to be not only a better esthetician, but a better human.

What’s your perfect day like?

A perfect day would be to go out and travel somewhere new and photograph it.

Who are what inspires you?

My family.

Someday you’d really like to…

Travel the world, own my own business, run a successful blog, and have babies.
Kelly Kauffman

Cosmetology Educator

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Kelly Kauffman
Cosmetology Educator

Where are you from?

Scottsdale Arizona.

What is one of your greatest strengths?

Patience.

Describe yourself in one word.

Determined.

Why did you decide to work at Penrose Academy?

My second week of beauty school at Penrose ( Kohler Academy at the time ) I knew I wanted to teach for Penrose.

What about your profession do you find most rewarding?

When a student gets excited they can do something I have taught them all on their own!

Someday, you’d really like to …

Be a mother.
Lesley Lane

Financial Aid Manager

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Lesley Lane
Financial Aid Manager

Profile Coming Soon.
Lindsey Miller

Esthetics and Laser Educator

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

Where are you from?
West Hartford, CT

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.
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
Marissa Hunt

Guest Relations Coordinator

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Marissa Hunt
Guest Relations Coordinator

What is an interesting fact about you?

I raced jeeps when I was a little girl! We put pillows under me so I could reach the pedals.

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.

Who or what inspires you?

My family and friends. I’m always wanting to do more to make them proud.

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!
Megan Del Pozo

Guest Relations Coordinator

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Megan Del Pozo
Guest Relations Coordinator

Where are you from?

Born and raised in Phoenix, AZ

What is an interesting fact about you?

I practice calligraphy and hand lettering as a hobby. Hand written letters are my most favorite thing to give and receive!

Describe yourself in one word:

Resilient.

Why did you decide to work at Penrose Academy?

Penrose has given me the opportunity to do what I love and be in an industry where my heart and soul belong. I also get to be around people who are supportive, knowledgeable, and love what they do as well!

Who or what inspires you?

Women empowering other women.

Someday, you’d really like to…

Publish a book. Not sure on the subject matter at this point- but I love to write.
Mercedes Dellinger

Financial Aid & Admissions Assistant

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Mercedes Dellinger
Financial Aid & Admissions Assistant

What is one of your greatest strengths?

I believe one of my greatest strengths is my ability to stay positive and always smile through tough times.

Describe yourself in one word.

Grateful

Why did you decide to work at Penrose Academy?

As a graduate I have always loved Penrose, and the culture, and knew that I wanted to be a part of it!

What’s your perfect day like?

A perfect day is sleeping in, laying around with my dog for a while, and enjoying a beautiful day outside with him and friends or family.

Who or what inspires you?

Yoga and exercise inspire me to be a better, more grateful and open minded person.

Someday, you’d really like to …

Travel. I hope to make it to as many places in the world as possible.
Missy Conti

Education & Technology Manager | Cosmetology Educator

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Missy Conti
LC, LCI
Education & Technology Manager | 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.
Monique Moody

Cosmetology Educator

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Monique Moody
LC, LCI
Cosmetology Educator

Where are you from?
Eagan, Minnesota

What brought you to Penrose Academy?
I only wanted to work for the best private cosmetology academy there is.

What would you consider your biggest strength?
Coaching.

Describe yourself in one word.
Indescribable.
Nicole Sazama

Esthetics Educator

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Nicole Sazama
Esthetics Educator

Where are you from?

I’m from Denver, Colorado.

What is an interesting fact about you?

I have a hard time driving with shoes on.

Describe yourself in one word.

Honest.

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.
Sabreena Lee

Guest Relations Coordinator

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Sabreena Lee
Guest Relations Coordinator

Where are you from?

Texas.

What is one of your greatest strengths?

Problem solving.

Why did you decide to work at Penrose Academy?

I fell In love with the Penrose culture the day I stepped into the building as a student. There is nothing better than being surrounded by individuals who motivate you to smile and be a stronger, more successful you!

What’s your perfect day for you like?

A perfect day for me Is living and learning.

Who or what inspires you?

We live in a very cultured artistic world. There is inspiration to me everywhere! People, music, buildings, animals, culture, technology, careers, beauty , etc. The world hasn’t stopped and neither will the inspiration.

Someday, you’d really like to …

Have children.
Steffi Toth

Esthetics Student Educator

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Steffi Toth
Esthetics Student Educator

Where are you from?

Los Angeles, California

What is one of your greatest strengths?

My strong work ethic

What is an interesting fact about you?

I speak fluent Hungarian

What’s your perfect day like?

Being outdoors hiking or kayaking.

Who or what inspires you?

My mom!

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!
Tessa Messer

Laundry & Facility Assistant

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Tessa Messer
Laundry & Facility Assistant

Info Coming Soon!
Tonka Quni

Cosmetology and Nail Technician Educator

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Tonka Quni
LC, LCI
Cosmetology and Nail Technician 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
Wendi Wilson

Esthetics Educator

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Wendi Wilson
Esthetics Educator

Where are you from?

Long Island, New York.

What is an interesting fact about you?

I became an Esthetician at 48.

Describe yourself in one word.

Dependable.

Why did you decide to work at Penrose Academy?

I loved the culture as a student and wanted to be a part of it and be able to give back.

Who or what inspires you?

Creative people.

What about your profession do you find most rewarding?

Relationships with both students and clients.