Meet our Campus, Curriculum, and Penrose Culture Experts – Courtney and Josie!
As Admissions Coordinators, Courtney and Josie are familiar with every aspect of Penrose Academy. Both hailing as Penrose alumni, they have experienced Penrose Academy as students, and now as part of the Penrose Academy team!
They are here to share their insights on our curriculum, culture, and share their favorite moments as students!
Question: What is one aspect of the Penrose culture that enhances the student experience?
Josie: Every person in this building knows our culture. Most of us have experienced it first hand as students ourselves. COVID-19 has changed a lot of things that we used to be able to do but now more than ever we want students to feel empowered, supported, and included. Celebrations are always my top favorite thing about our culture. That’s something that never stops around here, even within faculty and staff. Focusing your energy on applauding others changes how you experience your day. And when someone celebrates you….it can make everything feel worth it!
Courtney: Penrose has such a loving and welcoming culture. When I was a student I felt totally comfortable
being myself. Flaws and all! I ended up leaving Penrose as the best version of myself. It is something that to this day I am so thankful for.
Question: What is your favorite addition to the cosmetology/hair curriculum?
Josie: Where do I start?!?! The fact that we certify students in hair extensions is INSANE! But also men’s grooming!! So important to know. Also…braids! Braids were not super popular when I was in school and I’m always so jealous of the amount of braid training our students get!
Courtney: Hair extensions!
Question: As Penrose Alum, what is one of your favorite educational memories while you were a student?
Josie: My favorite memories from school were always from the classroom. Learning something new is scary and hard and a lot of the times really defeating. But there was a whole zone (class) of us all feeling that way. You start to build bonds with the people in your zone and then that uniform layered hair cut starts to be hilarious and so fun because you’re accomplishing it with your friends cheering you on.
Courtney: Penrose has such a loving and welcoming culture. When I was a student I felt totally comfortable being myself. Flaws and all! I ended up leaving Penrose as the best version of myself. It is something that to this day I am so thankful for.
Question: What is your favorite addition to the esthetics curriculum?
Josie: I love the amount of technology and devices we utilize in Esthetics! I’m also always so proud that we train in medical grade chemical peels and microneedling. RARELY do students get to practice on real live people with those techniques and our students do!
Plus you know…brow lamination.
Courtney: Brow lamination (Who doesn’t love a full/ fluffy brow?)
Question: What makes Penrose stand out amongst the beauty community?
Josie: Penrose definitely has a reputation. We do things differently. In almost every aspect. I knew it before coming to school here and I certainly know it now that I work here. We push our students harder, we hold them to a higher standard and we focus on so much more than just getting them to graduate and pass their state board test. We’ve been doing that since day one and it shows in our graduates.
Courtney: When I was working behind the chair I could tell right away if a new assistant was a Penrose graduate. Their superior technical skills and professionalism always made them stand out. Because Penrose Academy holds our students to a higher standard of 95% attendance and 80% GPA, Penrose graduates were always put at the top of the stack of resumes!
Are you interested in becoming a student at Penrose Academy? Call 480.222.9540 to chat with Josie or Courtney!
Make sure to check back for more spotlights on our Penrose Academy team!