Educator Bios
Massage Educator
Brynne has worked as a licensed massage professional since 2004. Prior to writing the curriculum and starting the Massage Therapy program at the Aveda Institute Des Moines, Brynne worked as a Massage Therapist at Signature Male, Bella Salons and Serenity, an Aveda Lifestyle Salon. Brynne worked as a Guest Coordinator when the Institute opened in October, 2008. Brynne loves the Aveda mission, and is excited to teach Massage Therapy as it is her passion! Brynne strives to give the best education to future professionals, and appreciates the opportunities she has been given after graduating from La'James Massage Therapy program. Her Aveda must have is Active Oil, because it helps soothe aches and pains, cools the muscles and is very cleansing. In her downtime, Brynne enjoys spending time with her growing family.
Esthiology Educator
Jenny graduated from Esthiology school prior to becoming board certified in 2002. It was when Jenny mentored at an Aveda spa that she first fell in love with Aveda's culture. Prior to joining the Aveda Institute Des Moines Esthiology educator team in July, 2009, Jenny had years of experience in cosmetic consulting, retailing and sales, management, customer service, and 2 years as a spa Esthetician. Jenny believes that education is an ongoing field, so she continues to learn from students, as well as teach them that spa can be very healing to the mind, body and spirit. Jenny loves that the beauty industry can be so uplifting, and is a beautiful world to be a part of and to share with others. Jenny finds it very rewarding to guide future professionals into such a special industry! Her Aveda must have is the Caribbean Body Crème, as it leaves her skin so soft and has an amazing aroma. When not teaching, Jenny enjoys reading, enjoying nature from her porch, and spending time with loved ones.
Esthiology Educator
After graduating from the Esthetics program at Vici Capilli Aveda Institute, in Milwaukee, WI in 2006, Corey started her career in skincare! Her experience in a day spa setting, a resort, a waxing center, and as a part-time manager at an Aveda Experience Center in Arizona, made Corey the perfect fit to join the Aveda Institute Des Moines' spa team in October, 2012. Corey loves making people feel good about themselves and educating them on health and wellness. She enjoys teaching people how to take care of their bodies inside and out. Corey is so passionate about everything AVEDA stands for! Her favorite AVEDA product is the Tourmaline Charged Hydrating Crème, which plumps the skin and gives a healthy glow. When not working, Corey spends time with family, makes crafts with her son, and listening to music!
Education Director
Kathy continues her fulfilling 35 year Cosmetology career as a Cosmetology Educator at Aveda Institute Des Moines since March, 2010. After graduating from Cosmetology School, Kathy became a full-time stylist for 30 years, 9 of which she owned her own salon. In 2005, Kathy became a Cosmetology educator and then went on to become School Director of Iowa School of Beauty in Des Moines, IA. In June, 2012, Kathy became the Director of Education at Aveda Institute Des Moines. Kathy loves the freedom of expression she gets from working in Cosmetology. She loves teaching others what she has learned over the years, and also enjoys always learning new things! An Aveda user since 1978, Kathy's must have is Aveda Lip Tint. She loves the light weight feel of a gloss with the coverage of a lipstick. When not at work, Kathy spends time reading, riding her bike, taking walks, and shopping.
Cosmetology Educator
After graduating from Cosmetology school in 2004, Evy Van Polen worked in Cedar Rapids for Elements, an Aveda Concept Salon before relocating to Des Moines. Once in Des Moines, Evy became a stylist at Serenity Aveda Lifestyle Salon and worked there until joining the Aveda Institute Des Moines Cosmetology Educator team in 2008. Evy has such a passion for her career, and loves embracing eager students! Evy finds the beauty industry exciting and is loves to share that excitement with future professionals! Evy's must have Aveda product is Brilliant Anti-Humectant Pomade, which helps block humidity, control friziness, and adds great shine to her wavy and textured hair. Outside of Aveda, Evy enjoys playing sand volleyball and watching the D Recreational Softball League games at Walker Johnsons Park.
- AVEDA makeup Purefessional, Cosmetology Educator, Esthiology Educator
- Madelyn started her career with Aveda in June, 2005. Prior to becoming an Esthiology Instructor at the Aveda Institute Des Moines, Maddie completed her Esthiology license at the Aveda Institute Minneapolis. She also worked various positions as a receptionist, Guest Coordinator, Esthetician and Freelance Advisor for Aveda. Maddie loves sharing her knowledge, her love for Aveda, and inspiring students to be great leaders in the beauty industry. Madelyn pursued her Cosmetology license at the Aveda Institute Des Moines and is the Aveda Freelance Advisor make-up coach for the Midwest territory. In June, 2011, Madelyn became Makeup Purefessional with AVEDA, which allows her to travel, teach and share her wonderful experiences with her students! Her Aveda must have is Tourmaline Charged Hydrating Crème, as she loves the smooth texture and the moisturizing benefits. When not at work, Maddie likes to refinish old furniture and spend time walking her dog, Max.
Cosmetology Educator
Esther graduated from Cosmetology school in 1992 and has been involved in the beauty industry ever since. When Esther joined the Aveda Institute Des Moines Cosmetology educator team in June, 2008, she brought with her years of experience as a stylist, with over 10 years Aveda experience. Esther enjoys the fun, social, and creative aspects of the beauty industry. She finds it very rewarding to work with students, help develop their skills, and serving guests in a way that makes them look and feel beautiful! Esther's must have Aveda product is the Control Force Hairspray, which keeps her hair looking great and shiny all day long with a strong hold. When not teaching, Esther enjoys spending time with family and friends, running, gardening, traveling, and reading and providing volunteer haircuts to the residents at Hope Family Center.
AVEDA haircutting Purefessional, Cosmetology Educator
Laura graduated from the Aveda Institute Minneapolis Cosmetology program in 2006. After working in a salon, Laura joined the Aveda Institute Des Moines Cosmetology educator team in December, 2008. Laura is a Womens Cutting Coach and does ongoing training with other educators as well as students. In addition, Laura joined the team of AVEDA Purefessionals in June, 2011 as a haircutting Purefessional. In this position, Laura gets to travel to offsite locations and teach classes. She enjoys sharing all of her AVEDA experiences with her students! She loves to watch students grow from learning how to properly hold their shears, to becoming amazing stylists. Laura's Aveda must have is Blue Oil, a peppermint oil great for muscle aches, headaches, and chapped skin. Outside of Aveda, Laura enjoys yoga in the park on Saturday mornings and being at the pool or beach on nice days.
Cosmetology Educator
Kelly started her career 2006 after graduating with her degree in Cosmetology. While working behind the chair at a salon, Kelly also enjoyed doing freelance hair and make-up work for the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines. In March, 2010, Kelly joined the Aveda Institute Des Moines team as a Cosmetology Educator. Kelly finds the beauty industry to be creative and enjoys teaching future professionals the tools needed to succeed in Cosmetology. Kelly's must have Aveda product is the Brilliant Shampoo and Conditioner line because she loves the smell, and it softens her thick hair to become silky smooth! When not at work, Kelly enjoys time with family and friends, enjoying her dog and 2 cats, shopping, and being outdoors boating and fishing.
Cosmetology Educator
Jordyn joined the education team in December, 2010. While attending Cosmetology school, Jordyn started her career with AVEDA as a Guest Coordinator at Marc Stephens salon in Ames. She then spent the next three years at Talking Heads AVEDA salon in Grimes behind the chair before pursuing the education side of the beauty industry. Jordyn finds education to be rewarding on many levels, realizing that she is always a teacher or a student…and sometime both! She loves that each day is different. Her must have AVEDA product is Smooth Infusion Style-Prep smoother because of its lightweight feel and resistance to heat and humidity. When not at the Institute, Jordyn enjoys camping, being on the lake, listening to live music, grilling out with friends, cozying up with movies, taking photos, baking, and decorating cakes.
Educator
After receiving her Cosmetology degree from the Aveda Institute Minneapolis, Katherine worked as a Guest Coordinator and then a Stylist at Talking Heads Aveda Concept Salon in Grimes, IA. Four years after starting her career with Aveda, Katherine joined the Experience Center team as Guest Coordinator in May, 2011. In June, 2012, Katherine joined the Education team and has a passion for teaching the basics to newer students. She loves AVEDA: the Mission, the Beliefs, the Wellness, the Products, the Rituals, the High Fashion/High Performance, and the Leadership. Her AVEDA must have is the Replenishing Body Moisturizer which leaves her skin soft all year! When not at Aveda, Katherine spends her time watching movies, gardening, and hanging out with family.
Cosmetology Educator
After pursuing his passion behind the chair for 12 years with training from Bumble and Bumble, Toni and Guy, Scruples, and Schwarzkopf, Lucas returned to AVEDA for his love of the products and mission. While remaining a part-time Cosmetologist at Serenity Aveda Lifestyle Salon in Jordan Creek Mall, Lucas gives his hair expertise full-time at the Aveda Institute Des Moines. The art of hair is his passion. Lucas loves the team and students he works with each day. His favorite quote, “We make the world a beautiful place one head at a time”.
Cosmetology Educator
Mat started his AVEDA career in early 2007 working for Talking Heads salon in Grimes after graduating from Cosmetology school. After working as a stylist and industry trainer, Mat found his passion for education and returned to AVEDA in November 2011 as a Full Time Educator. Mat enjoys helping students and seeing the "light come on" when they learn new techniques and have break throughs! His AVEDA must have products are the Botantical Kinetics Skin Care line to help fight wrinkles and dehydration. Mat also loves Lip Saver which helps to keep his lips soft and moisturized all year! When not working, Mat enjoys gardening, listening to music, watching movies and hanging out with his dog, Sam.
Cosmetology Educator
Melissa joined the Aveda Institute team in July, 2012 after working in salons for 25 years. After mentoring in Germany, she spent time behind the chair in Kansas and Michigan, before working in Davenport, IA for 16 years as a Master Designer and Salon Manager. Melissa considers it a great privilege to teach her passion for the hair industry while making a difference in the lives of students. Melissa's must have AVEDA product is Volumizing Tonic, which calms her hair yet gives incredible volume with the right amount of hold! When not working, Melissa loves painting furniture and decorating her home, shopping, and studying fashion trends in clothing, hair, and makeup.
Cosmetology Educator
Becky had spent the last 30 years enjoying a fulfilling career in Cosmetology, including owning a salon, chair rental, and 5 years as a Cosmetology Educator, before joining the Aveda Institute education team in August, 2012. Becky likes the fast pace of a school environment with things always changing and new things to learn and teach. She gets excited to see students improve and excel in an area they once found difficult. Becky's favorite AVEDA product is Hand Relief since her hands are always in color or water! When not at work, Becky enjoys bike riding, working in the yard, and family gatherings.
Cosmetology Educator
While going through beauty school, Michelle started her career as a Guest Coordinator. After graduating, Michelle spent the next 5 years doing hair in Oklahoma, before returning to Iowa to join the Aveda Institute team in September, 2012. Michelle loves educating in Cosmetology because it allows her the opportunity to show compassion for others through her passion of the art of hair. Michelle's AVEDA must have product is Dual Powder Foundation which gives her naturally oily skin an even complexion with minimal shine all day long! Outside of work, Michelle spends time with family, working out, running, polishing her nails and riding horses.
Cosmetology Educator
Since graduating from cosmetology school in 2005, Lilly has worked in salon management, including 5 years as an Assistant Salon Manager at Belle Touché Aveda salon in Sioux City, IA. Lilly joined the Aveda Institute team in October, 2012 with a love of teaching new techniques to others; helping others learn to build their business, and helping others become successful. Lilly's favorite Aveda product is Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair which repairs damage to her hair from styling and coloring. When not at work, Lilly enjoys spending time with her family and working on her house.
Support Staff Bios
Director of Admissions
After graduating with her BA in Corporate Communication in 2008 from Simpson College, Christine joined the Institute team as an Admissions Coordinator. While in college, Christine was an active member of Pi Beta Phi sorority, and held leadership roles as a member of the Public Relations Student Society of America. Christine loves that each day in the Office of Admissions is new, fresh, and exciting. This passion led to Christine's promotion to Director of Admissions in May, 2011. She enjoys constantly meeting a diverse range of individuals from different backgrounds, with different goals, aspirations and hopes, all of whom have the common goal to pursue a career in the beauty and wellness industry! Christine believes in the Aveda education, as the Institute commits to artistic, business and environmental excellence. At Aveda, "beauty is as beauty does." Christine's must have Aveda product is Air Control Hair Spray and uses it as her "go to" product. She loves that Air Control creates a flexible hold that can be layered! When not at work, Christine enjoys spending as much time outside as possible, shopping, hanging out with family and friends, baking anything sweet, eating sushi, and attempting to be crafty!
Admissions Coordinator
Miranda graduated with her BA in Communication Studies from the University of Iowa before relocating and working as a Guest Service Representative at the Aveda Institute Chicago. Now back in Iowa, Miranda is part of the Experience Center team as a Guest Coordinator at the Aveda Institute Des Moines. Miranda loves the creative environment of the beauty industry and enjoys being a part of an amazing team which helps students to reach their goals and succeed in the salon/spa industry. Miranda's must have Aveda product is Beautifying Composition because she loves the aroma and can use it for hair, bath, and body! When not at the Institute, Miranda enjoys time spent with family and friends, being outside, reading, exercising, and relaxing.
Career Placement Coordinator
After graduating with her English degree from Oklahoma Wesleyan University, Andrea started her career in the beauty industry as a makeup artist. It was then that she found her love of working with guests and products. After working in medical billing, Andrea returned to her roots as a part-time Guest Coordinator at the Aveda Institute Des Moines in December, 2010. Andrea joined the Office of Admissions in July, 2011 as Career Placement Coordinator where she shares her passion for the AVEDA mission and lifestyle with students. Andrea looks forward to helping Future Professionals embrace their goals and passion for the beauty industry. Her must have AVEDA product is the Brilliant line which has helped transform her hair into silky and shiny. When not at work, Andrea enjoys running and spending time with her friends and family.
Financial Aid Manager
Deb joined the Aveda Institute Des Moines team as Financial Aid Manager in May, 2010. Deb received her BA in Business Administration and MBA from the University of Minnesota, and worked for GMAC Financial Services for over 20 years, specializing in customer service, collections, sales, loan origination, underwriting and credit analysis, before joining the Institute's team. Deb finds it extremely rewarding to be an integral part of the process that enables future professionals to realize their career ambitions. Deb finds her career to be fun, in a supportive environment where everyone is working towards the common goal to deliver the best education, allowing students to maximize the benefits of their education in the work place. Deb's must have Aveda product is Botanical Kinetics Hydrating Lotion, which is a lightweight, quick-absorbing daily moisturizer which leaves her skin soft and smooth! When not working, Deb enjoys golfing, biking, working on her flower beds, exploring Iowa activities, and learning new things while acquiring new skills!
Financial Aid
Jenna obtained her customer service skills working in restaurant management, before working at Serenity Aveda Lifestyle salon as a Guest Coordinator starting in October, 2008. Jenna was on board with the Institute from the beginning, quickly getting promoted to the Experience Center Manager position. In December, 2010, Jenna became a bookkeeper and assistant to the Business Manager. Jenna joined the Financial Aid department at the Aveda Institute in July 2011. Jenna enjoys the opportunity to work with guests that choose the Institute to make a difference in their day! Jenna also loves working as part of an amazing team that gives students the tools they need to be successful in the beauty industry. Jenna's must have Aveda product is the Brilliant Humectant because it adds shine, moisture, and an amazing aroma to her natural curls. When not working, Jenna enjoys time with friends and family, being outdoors, listening to music, working on house projects, and making recycled jewelry and accessories.
Inventory Specialist
Since graduating from Hawkeye Community College with her Associate of Arts degree, Jenn has worked in customer service for over 10 years. Jenn joined the Experience Center Team as Guest Coordinator in May 2011 where she enjoyed meeting new people, before joining the Inventory team in Dispensary in October 2011, where she loved the variety that each day brings. Jenn's most recent position as Inventory Specialist allows her to work her magic with the numbers side of the business while remaining involved in a career that is fast-paced and beautiful. Her must have AVEDA product is the Brilliant Anti-Humectant Pomade which she has used for the last 11 years because she loves the aroma and the smooth shine it gives her hair! When not at work, Jenn loves listening to live music and trying new foods at restaurants with friends.
Dispense Coordinator
Emily graduated from Iowa State University with her Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Studies and History. After 9 years in customer service, Emily got her start in the beauty industry as a Guest Coordinator at Beauty Is Salon in Indianola, IA. She joined the Aveda Institute team in May, 2011 as Dispense Coordinator, where she loves working with the students, laughing and learning! Emily has 2 favorite AVEDA products, Balsa Concealer which has great coverage and doubles as an eye shadow primer; and Control Force hairspray which provides long-lasting hold to her fine hair. Away from work, Emily enjoys reading, DIY projects, doing home improvements and her cats.
Cosmetology Educator/Call Center/Financial Aid
During Jacque's 16 years as a licensed Cosmetologist, she has work several different hats. Before joining the Aveda Institute Des Moines team in March, 2011, Jacque had experience as an Educator, Front Desk Coordinator, Financial Aid Officer, and a School Director. Jacque considers it a joy to share her knowledge, passion and creativity with students. She loves teaching the students while continuing to learn new things herself. Jacque's AVEDA must have product is Confixor liquid gel because of the aroma, and brilliant hold and shine it gives! Outside of the Institute, Jacque loves spending time with her family and shopping!
Experience Center Manager
Esmeralda worked in an office environment before realizing she wanted more interaction working with people. Esme started her Aveda career working at the front desk of an Aveda salon in Rochester, MN in 2008, before moving back to Iowa and joining the Experience Center team as a Guest Coordinator at the Aveda Institute Des Moines in August, 2009. In December, 2010, Esme became the manager of the Experience Center. Esme loves coming to work knowing each day will be different, and each day will be fun and fast paced with a great vibe! Esme's must have Aveda product is Light Elements Texturizing Crème, which gives her perfectly tousled "rock-star" hair without being sticky or greasy! When not at the Institute, Esme loves morning runs, reading, making and eating deserts, and watching the HBO Sunday night television line-up.
Guest Coordinator
Emma joined the Aveda Institute Experience Center team in October 2011, after graduating with her BA in Art and Design and minor in Advertising from Iowa State University. Emma loves waking up in the morning excited to go to work. She feeds off of the great energy of the team she works with and enjoys seeing customers satisfied with their experience at AVEDA. Her must have AVEDA product is the Rosemary Mint Hand and Body Wash and Body Lotion, which gives her a squeaky clean feel with an amazing aroma! When not working, Emma’s passions include photography, trying out new restaurants and traveling.
Guest Coordinator
Sara joined the Experience Center team as a Guest Coordinator in August, 2012, with a longtime passion for retailing and the Arts. Sara graduated from Coe College in Studio Art with an emphasis in painting before obtaining her 2nd degree in Graphic Design. Sara loves being the first and last person that our guest sees when they are in the Institute! She loves ensuring guests have a positive experience from start to finish. Her favorite AVEDA product is Pure-fume Spirit Spray #9, which starts off her day with a grounding scent and adds a hint of her favorite key note, Patchouli. When not at work, Sara loves running on summer nights, taking her dog, Jovi, on walks, doing arts and crafts, and spending time with friends!!!
Guest Coordinator
After working as a pre-school teacher, after receiving her diploma in Early Childhood Development and Phlebotomy from DMACC, Amanda decided she wanted a career change. Amanda joined the Experience Center team as a Guest Coordinator in September, 2012. While at work, Amanda loves interacting with guests and students, and working with a great team! Her AVEDA must have product is the Brilliant Damage Control because it serves as a heat protector as well as a detangler. When not at work, Amanda spends time with her family and friends. She loves shopping, reading, boating, and watching movies.
Student Services Coordinator
Deb started her stylist career in Cosmetology school before spending 26 years in a full service salon, and 16 years in Cosmetology schools as an Educator, Financial Aid Manager, Clinic Director, Assistant School Director and School Director, before joining the Aveda Institute Des Moines team in March, 2008 as Student Services Coordinator. Deb's background gives her the experience and compassion to work with students daily regarding hours, problem solving, and licensing. Deb loves making people look and feel good and loves working with hair! Deb is excited that each day brings something new! Her must have Aveda product is Control Paste that gives her short style hold and manageability. When not with students, Deb spends her time with her family, she enjoys cooking, baking, and listening to Jimmy Buffet music.
Business Manager
Sheila has been the Business Manager for the V.P. Companies (including the Aveda Institute Des Moines), since February, 2003. After attending DMACC, Sheila obtained 28 years of business experience working in bookkeeping and as a Business Analyst for an insurance software company. Sheila enjoys the wonderful people she works for and works with. Each day is different and Sheila has enjoyed the growth of the company spanning from salon to the Institute. Sheila's must have Aveda product is Volumizing Tonic, which smells great and gives her fine straight hair the volume it needs. In her downtime, Sheila spends her time boating with her husband and kids, riding their Harley Davidson with her husband and friends, and traveling to tropical destinations
Director of Aveda Institute Des Moines
April obtained her BA Degree in Marketing from Simpson College while enjoying a 10 year career in retail management, including 7 years in the beauty industry, before joining the Aveda Institute Des Moines team in March, 2008. After being a Guest Coordinator at Serenity Lifestyle Salon, April became Experience Center Manager in October, 2008 where she enjoyed the daily interaction with guests and students. In January, 2010, April accepted a new position as Communications Coordinator, where she worked closely with the owners, Aveda Corporate, and the student Mentoring Program. April became Director of Aveda Institute Des Moines in April, 2010. The best part of her job is coaching students to be their best, watching students grow from new and timid to strong salon professionals, and enjoying interaction with AIDM Alumni at continuing education classes. April's must have Aveda product is Brilliant Damage Control which protects her hair from heat damage, repels humidity, and allows her to easily untangle her hair. When not at the Institute, April enjoys boating, working out, family time, reading, and dinner with friends.
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