Director of Education for Paul Mitchell Schools and the Advanced Academy

A 1985 graduate of the first Paul Mitchell School (Von Curtis Academy in Provo, Utah), Brennan Claybaugh is an accomplished stylist, colorist, and educator. He is the Director of Education for Paul Mitchell Schools and the Advanced Academy and co-owner of the Hair Academy – A Paul Mitchell Partner School in Rexburg, Idaho. As one of Paul Mitchell's top school educators and presenters, Brennan moves his audiences with fun, emotion, and information to create necessary change and growth.

A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, George Morales brings a fashion background to the beauty industry. He worked with Nordstrom and other top companies and was an educator and platform artist for Aquage before becoming a Paul Mitchell Schools Learning Leader, Branding Specialist, and school owner. A celebrity stylist, George regularly works at LA Fashion Week. He also coaches many school fashion shows and the student presentation at the annual Paul Mitchell Gathering.

Advanced Academy Cutting Education Leader

Mike Helm is a successful Learning Leader, Master Educator, and Advanced Academy Cutting Education Leader who loves to share his expertise. He is a partner in Paul Mitchell The School – Phoenix, teaches advanced courses, and has helped to create and develop many school programs. Mike’s work can be seen in numerous trade magazines, including the cover of Hair Color and Design. He is president of the Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation and has completed several 545-mile AIDS/LifeCycle rides.

Lead Cutting Specialist

Paul Mitchell School graduate Dave Holland has worked in the industry since 1996. A full-time stylist and member of the artistic team at Lunatic Fringe salon in Salt Lake City, Dave is a Cutting Specialist at the Provo and Salt Lake City Paul Mitchell Schools. As a member of the PAC team, he has worked onstage with industry icons and with Hollywood stars including Kate Hudson and Liv Tyler. Dave completed the 545-mile AIDS/LifeCycle ride, and his work has been featured in leading magazines.

By working with some of the most well known, respected hairstylists in the industry, Chad Austin honed his skills as a Cutting and Color Specialist for Paul Mitchell The School in Salt Lake City. After a decade in salons, Chad recognized his passion for teaching and has helped to expand the men’s cutting curriculum for Paul Mitchell Schools. As a member of the Advanced Academy Cutting Team, Chad enjoys the opportunity to motivate and watch Future Professionals and peers succeed.

In just six years, Douglas Christensen went from Von Curtis Academy graduate (now Paul Mitchell The School – Provo) to owner of Nevada’s Reno Academy – A Paul Mitchell Partner School. An accomplished stylist, Douglas served as an educational leader at a prestigious Las Vegas salon and has worked with numerous celebrities. In his roles as Cutting Specialist and Advanced Academy Cutting Team member, Douglas travels around the United States sharing his enthusiasm and passion for education.

In 2003, Aracely Montoya was one of the first Learning Leaders to join the Cosmetology Institute – A Paul Mitchell Partner School in Temecula, California. Learning the Paul Mitchell culture inspired Aracely to take her passion for hair cutting and education to the next level: she joined the Advanced Academy Cutting Team, where she continues to grow and share her knowledge. Aracely creates magic through her belief that success is reached when shared with others.

Level 4 Cutting and Color Specialist, National Educator, and Senior Associate Kent Skinner brings information, humor, and artistry to hairdressing education. A musician and performance artist with a degree in studio art, Kent has worked with renowned artists including Robert Cromeans and Stephanie Kocielski. He has performed for several years at a Dallas children’s burn hospital invitational benefit and he volunteered at the Paul Mitchell Schools’ Habitat for Humanity build in Louisiana.

Advanced Academy Color Education Leader

After graduating from Von Curtis Academy (now Paul Mitchell The School – Provo) in 1988, Audra Turner became a Paul Mitchell National Educator, Senior Associate, and member of the PAC and Task Force teams. A salon owner since 1996, Audra instills an atmosphere of education into her salon, saying, “Education is the key to continued success in this industry, the water to grow a stylist.” Audra enjoys sharing her knowledge and love of hair while teaching at schools and gatherings.

Lead Color Specialist

Kate Caussey worked for five years as a Brocato National Educator before becoming a Learning Leader at Von Curtis Academy (now Paul Mitchell The School – Provo). She has done print work and TV commercials, owned a successful salon, and served as a Paul Mitchell National Educator and PAC team member. Kate is integral in color curriculum development and program implementation, including the Paul Mitchell Core Cutting DVD program. She is a breast cancer survivor and avid fundraiser for Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

After graduating from Von Curtis Academy (now Paul Mitchell The School – Provo), Taryn Lamb discovered a love for color that brought her to the Advanced Academy Color Team. Her passion for teaching and training led her to become a mentor both personally and professionally. Taryn’s contagious energy and excitement inspire her audiences to make the changes necessary to reach their dreams.

A licensed cosmetologist since 1995, Tara Dowdal was a Paul Mitchell Associate before joining Paul Mitchell The School – Orlando as a Multiple Intelligence Specialist. With certifications from several product lines, Tara has appeared at the Premiere Orlando Beauty Show and several local hair shows and styled hair for a locally televised Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals event. Her philanthropic work includes cutting hair and collecting blankets for the homeless and coordinating canned food drives.

Jackie Nielsen is a graduate of Von Curtis Academy, now Paul Mitchell The School – Provo, where she works full time. She also travels the country as a color educator, platform artist, and print artist and has worked with top stylists such as Vivienne Mackinder, Stephanie Kocielski, Linda Yodice, and Robert Cromeans. Jackie loves sharing her vast knowledge and passion with our Future Professionals, who are always delighted and inspired by her fun and fashion-forward image.

Cassandra Sanchez has been a stylist since 1992, spending 13 years in salons where she built a great clientele. Her photo shoots have appeared in Newport Coast magazine and she has done television work with comedian George Lopez. She completed advanced training with Vidal Sassoon and several color companies before becoming the Color Specialist at Paul Mitchell The School – Costa Mesa. Cassandra loves sharing her knowledge and training instructors on the Paul Mitchell color systems.

Advanced Academy Texture Education Leader

A 1993 graduate of the original Paul Mitchell School (Von Curtis Academy in Provo, Utah), Jodi Wonacott joined our program in 1998 as an educational trainer. As the Product Development Specialist she helps create the guides and materials necessary to run a successful school and provide topnotch education. Jodi was also instrumental in creating and developing the Paul Mitchell Schools texture curriculum. An exciting and passionate educator, she has an amazing ability to make learning fun.

Aubrey Harley has been a Senior Educator and platform artist for John Paul Mitchell Systems since 1994. His work has been published in numerous trade magazines and he has traveled across the United States, exciting hairdressers and Future Professionals about habits that keep them motivated. When he's not on the road, Aubrey enjoys his role as texture specialist at the Carolina Academy – A Paul Mitchell Partner School.

David Marc Campbell has built his career in the beauty industry since 1994. A National Educator with John Paul Mitchell Systems since 2003, David has a passion for texture that broadens his additional positions as Texture Specialist at Paul Mitchell The School – Tampa and Paul Mitchell Advanced Academy, successful salon professional, and Paul Mitchell platform artist. David’s passion and skills also include makeup, relaxers, perm service, and blow drying, making him a multi-talented superstylist.

Advanced Academy Makeup Education Leader

Since 1983, Devri Ficklin has passionately coordinated and inspired teams of hairstylists and makeup artists in her roles as salon owner, special effects director, author, motivational speaker, and Paul Mitchell School owner. As Paul Mitchell Schools’ Makeup Education Leader and Director of Product Development, Devri achieved a 25-year goal with the nationwide release of the Paul Mitchell Schools makeup curriculum. Her attention to detail and ability to connect inspire creativity in others. 

With a successful career in hair and makeup and experience in film (Milk, 2008), print, theater, and salons, Debra Dietrich is a natural educator who creates magic in every class she teaches. Her membership in the IATSE Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Guild (Local 706) and her session experience make her a respected mentor, coach, and technical contributor to the Paul Mitchell Schools makeup curriculum. She also spearheads Spa Getaway, a national fundraiser to benefit people with disabilities.

Jan Ryan has always had a love for education. After earning a degree in business, she ran a successful salon for 14 years. She joined Paul Mitchell The School – Costa Mesa in 2001 and has taught in all areas of the curriculum. In addition to her participation on the Advanced Academy Makeup Team, Jan is a Phase Two Specialist, a motivational speaker, and a breast cancer survivor.

As a little girl playing with makeup and giving haircuts to dolls, Jasmine Brock fell in love with the beauty industry. Her ongoing passion resulted in years of successful work in a salon, on TV and film sets, and at New York Fashion Week. A Learning Leader at Paul Mitchell The School – San Antonio, Jasmine says there’s nothing more fulfilling than fueling the passion in eager Future Professionals who want a career in the industry.

Graduating from a Paul Mitchell School in 2006, Robyn Corcoran did everything she could to stay involved with the company she'd grown to love so much. She became a stylist for Toby Price at The Experience Salon, became a National Color Educator with John Paul Mitchell Systems, and earned her Learning Leader license to teach in the schools. In the fall of 2011, Robyn moved from Seattle to Kansas to work for Paul Mitchell The School Wichita and continue her journey with the Advanced Academy. To be living her dream is more than she could ever have asked!