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
Coming Soon!

Leadership

Andria Young
Director of Student Services and Placement Coordinator

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Andria Young
Director of Student Services and Placement 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!
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
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.
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!
CJ de la Torre
Director of Events & Marketing

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CJ de la Torre
LC, LCI
Director of Events & Marketing
What is an interesting fact about you?
Before deciding to join the beauty industry, I also was enrolled in school to become a computer programmer!
Who or what inspires you?
My parents who have accomplished so much in their lifetimes, and have continuously supported any goals or dreams that I want to accomplish!
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!
Someday, you’d really like to …
To tour all of Europe and see the sights and cultures in every country!
Jojo Brown
Director of Guest Services

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Jojo Brown
Director of Guest Services
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!
Missy Ray
Director of Education

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Missy Ray
LC, LCI
Director of Education
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.
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.

Medical Directors

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.
Richard W Trepeta
Medical Director

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Richard W Trepeta
MD, CLT
Medical Director
What is your educational background?
I graduated from MIT and Yale, and specialized in Dermatopathy ss gynecologic disorders.
What is an interesting fact about you?
I survived a shark attach while scuba diving!
What do you find most rewarding about your profession?
Learning from the people I teach.
What is a quote you live by?
“You are never done learning. I learn every day.”

Admissions

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.
Hannah Majzlik
Admissions Coordinator

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Hannah Majzlik
Admissions Coordinator
Why did you decide to work at Penrose Academy?
I have been interested in the beauty industry and all the sub levels within it for a very long time and love the school setting. It satisfies my creative side and my logistic side.
What is an interesting fact about you?
I was an MLB cheerleader for the Detroit Tigers for four seasons.
What about your profession do you find most rewarding?
I love seeing future student’s light up when talking about their favorite part of the program they’re interested in! You can see the passion that they have.
Describe yourself in one word.
Quirky.
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!
Marissa Hunt
Enrollment Services Coordinator

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Marissa Hunt
LC
Enrollment Services Coordinator
Where are you from?
Washington State

What is one of your greatest strengths?
Making people laugh!
What is an interesting fact about you?
I have 12 brothers and sisters.
What does your perfect day look like?
Disneyland with my family!

Financial Aid

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!
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.

Student Services

Dabrienne Lewis
Student Services Coordinator l Cosmetology Educator

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Dabrienne Lewis
LC
Student Services Coordinator l 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 Assistant l Cosmetology Educator

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Marcy Anaya
LC
Student Services Assistant l 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.
Cristina Hughes
Esthetics Education & Curriculum Manager l Laser Educator

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Cristina Hughes
LE, LEI, CLT
Esthetics Education & Curriculum Manager l 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!
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?
Its impossible to get bored. There is always something new to learn.
Haleigh Trout
Education Manager l Cosmetology Educator

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Haleigh Trout
LC, LCI
Education Manager l 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.
Jessica Spillman
Student Educator

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Jessica Spillman
LE
Student 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.
Madison Johnson
Esthetics Educator

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Madison Johnson
LE
Esthetics Educator
Where are you from?
Glendale, Arizona!
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 l Esthetics & Laser Educator

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Madison Smith
LE, LEI, CLT
Esthetics Manager l Esthetics & 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
Natalie Sanford
Cosmetology Educator

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Natalie Sanford
Cosmetology Educator
Coming Soon!
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”.
Nicole Weldon
Laser Educator

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Nicole Weldon
Laser Educator
Coming Soon!
Parci Flake
Cosmetology Educator

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Parci Flake
LC, LCI
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
Student Educator

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Shea Toohey
LE
Student 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 l Esthetics Educator

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Steffi Toth
LE, LEI
Esthetics Assistant Manager l 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 students are motivated and the staff is passionate about helping students become successful in the professional beauty industry; 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
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.
Tonka Quni
Student Salon Manager | Cosmetology Educator

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Tonka Quni
LC, LCI
Student Salon Manager | 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…
Travel with my husband through Europe.
Tracy Bedminster
Cosmetology Educator

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Tracy Bedminster
LC, LCI
Cosmetology Educator
What is one of your greatest strengths?
In Cosmetology, men’s cuts and color. My personal strengths are being organized and open-minded.
What is an interesting fact about you?
I love dogs & iced coffee!!
What about your profession do you find most rewarding?
I love seeing how the students grow as stylists (from day one to graduation) and how amazing their skills become each year after that.
Someday, you’d really like to …
Retire and travel the world.

Guest Relations

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.
Araceli Mendoza
Guest Relations Team Lead

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Araceli Mendoza
Guest Relations Team Lead
Coming Soon!
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.
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!.