Aveda Florida Cosmetology and Esthiology Instructors

AJ Nielsen

AJ comes to the AVEDA Institute St. Petersburg with a thirst for education. Prior to being an educator, she was a stylist, salon manager, field trainer and an education manager for a major color company. At the AVEDA Institute in St. Petersburg, AJ covers all aspects of Cosmetology with an emphasis on color. In her spare time, AJ’s interests consist of yoga, reading and mosaic art. She lives her life focusing on education- not just in cosmetology, but in all areas of life.

Catherine Gallagher

Previously a student at the AVEDA Institute St. Petersburg, Catherine is now an introduction educator, instructing students in the introduction phases of their programs. Before returning to the Institute, Catherine was a Salon Assistant at Panache Salon and Spa in St. Augustine, where she coordinated events and assisted stylists in the day-to-day operations of the salon. She holds a certificate in Pure Form Advanced Education. In her own time, Catherine likes to read, camp and travel.

Renee Carleton

After spending her childhood in Michigan, Renee moved to Florida more than 20 years ago. She completed her training in massage therapy at the Suncoast School of Massage Therapy and became certified in the following disciplines: craniosacral therapy; postural integration; Shiatsu; Jinn Shin Do accupressure; myofacial release; therapeutic touch; Reiki I-II; and Stephen’s Method. She co-owned a private massage therapy practice for six years, during which time she also taught massage therapy. In addition to her training in massage, Renee chose to study esthiology and completed her course work at Loraine’s Academy in 1996. Her commitment to personal education led her to complete several advanced training programs in esthetics, ayurvedic facial and body treatments, aromatherapy history and theory, and paramedical training in skin peels and microderm practices. Renee’s believes in addressing the needs of the body, mind and spirit and believes educating in AVEDA supports that philosophy.

Monica Gifol-Swenson

Monica moved to Florida from New Jersey after studying education at St. Petersburg College. She then decided to pursue her interest in esthiology at the AVEDA Institute St. Petersburg. After graduation, Monica worked in a salon based in St. Petersburg and continued her education by completing several AVEDA Advanced Education courses in esthiology. She also received spa training in Minneapolis, Minnesota, from the creators of the AVEDA Institute Esthiology Curriculum. Monica realized the ideal way to combine her interests in esthiology and education would be to teach esthiology. She then became the first alumna to serve as an educator with the AVEDA Institute St. Petersburg, where she is able to share her passion for AVEDA and its mission with students in the first phase of the esthiology program.

Emilee has always had a interest in the fashion, style and beauty industries, which led her to a career in cosmetology. A native Floridian, Emilee completed her training in Clearwater before being accepted into an apprenticeship with Designer Hair Salon. Emilee began to develop an interest in educating during her apprenticeship. She began working as a stylist with St. Petersburg salon, where she developed a specialization in Hair Restoration and Hair Extensions. Emilee believes that education is a vital ingredient for anything one pursues in life and wanted to share her passion by serving as an educator with the AVEDA Institute St. Petersburg.

Jami Ehling

After completing her training with Fredric’s AVEDA Institute in Cincinnati in 2000, Jami worked for three years with an AVEDA Concept Salon in the city. She then relocated to Tampa and continued her work as a stylist in another AVEDA Concept Salon. During her five years as a stylist, Jami has completed several AVEDA Advanced Education courses, increasing her skill set and knowledge-base about technique, trends and products. Jami came to the AVEDA Institute St. Petersburg as an educator to share her skills with the next generation of stylists. Jami’s passion for education is bolstered by a strong belief in the AVEDA mission and its focus on the environment.

Tina Jodrey

Tina has amassed impressive experience in the industry since obtaining her cosmetology license in 1986 and her barber’s license in 1987. Tina began working with AVEDA and their products in 1991 as a stylist with Michael and Company Salon in Cincinnati. After developing a specialization in texture waves, Tina began serving as an AVEDA Regional Educator in 1994, planting the seeds for her career in education. She continued her behind-the-chair experience by opening her own AVEDA Concept Salon in 2000. In addition, Tina continued to pursue her passion for education by serving as an In-Salon Coach for AVEDA Full Spectrum hair color. Tina became a member of the team at AVEDA Institute St. Petersburg in 2004, hoping to impart her AVEDA experience to future stylists by helping to build their foundation in the industry

Christine Connors

Christine brings her knowledge and skills in Cosmetology to the AVEDA Institute Tallahassee where she is an Advanced Educator. She has been involved in the Cosmetology industry across the country in places such as New York, Texas, Kentucky and now in Florida. In the past she worked in platform artistry, and recently became the youngest member to join the Look Good Feel Better program, a volunteer organization for cancer patients. Her positive attitude and strong work ethic are what drives her to be the best she can be.

Vanessa Johnson

Vanessa began Cosmetology school at North Florida Cosmetology Institute after completing her B.S. degree from Florida A&M University with a concentration in photography and graphic design.  Upon receiving her Cosmetology license, she began working as a full-time stylist at Cabello’s Hair and Nail Studio.  Then Vanessa relocated to Atlanta, GA and worked as a hair-shaper/cutter at Key Lime Pie, Inc. After mastering her skills in the salon industry, Vanessa relocated back to Tallahassee to share her love of the industry as an educator for up and coming salon professionals.

Kristin Harrison

Kristin graduated from North Florida Cosmetology School, where upon graduation, she was immediately hired at Bernice at Betton, an AVEDA salon, as a stylist.  She then transferred to Dillard’s Salon in Tallahassee Mall where she was a stylist and eventually promoted to Salon Manager.  At Dillard’s, Kristin was involved in all aspects of salon management: employee retention, product inventory, special events planning, employee recruitment and introducing Dillard’s to the AVEDA network as they grew to be a concept salon.  Kristin also holds an associates degree in Management and a general A.A. Kristin gets satisfaction from seeing her students make connections between what they learn to what they create- which reinforces her decision to become an educator at the AVEDA Institute Tallahassee each day.

Chris Deutschman

After spending his childhood in Syracuse, New York; Chris ventured out to attain his Cosmetology license and his associate’s degree in Business. During his career, Chris has worked as a Key Hair Stylist in the film, What We Did On Our Holidays, and won a Customer Choice Makeover award at Innovation Salon and Spa in New York.  Currently an educator at the AVEDA Institute Tallahassee, his dream is to become an AVEDA  Purefessional.