Meet Your Instructors - Concord
 Terresa Vance
elite™ Instructor, 1+ years
Years in the beauty industry:
23+ years
Diplomas, Certifications, Licenses, Accomplishments:
- California Cosmetology License
- Oregon Cosmetology License
- Texas Cosmetology License
- Georgia Cosmetology License
- New York Cosmetology License
- Advanced Training, Hair replacement for men & women
Special aptitudes:
Aside from haircutting, color, styling and make-up, Terresa has owned a salon in Oakland, CA. and has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts. Aside from the beauty industry, Terresa also has experience in merchandising and modeling from the John Robert Powers school, has 5+ years with the Black Filmers of California, is a member of the Black Chamber of Commerce and is proud to call herself a C.A.S.A. appointed by the Juvenile Courts to protect the rights of underprivileged children.
Why do you teach at elite™?
"elite™ is light years ahead of the pack....the vision of Manhal our CEO is fair and above any competitor....the direction he is taking his schools will produce anew caliber of hair designers. Who wouldn't want to be at the top."
 Christina Martinez
elite™ Instructor, 1 1/2+ years
Years in the beauty industry:
40+ years
Diplomas, Certifications, Licenses, Accomplishments:
- California Cosmetology license
- Vidal Sassoon Academy Diploma
- Advanced Training, Goldwell Haircolor Systems
- Advanced Training, Clairol
- Advanced Training, Paul Mitchell
- Advanced Training, Matrix
- Advanced Training, Wella
- Advanced Training, Redken
Special aptitudes:
Aside from cutting, color, styling and make-up, Christina has placed 1st and 3rd in various hair competitions.
What excites you about the industry?
"We heal people by changing their beauty to more beautiful."
Why do you teach at elite™?
"Growth. It keeps growing. Changing best from the best."
"Ego Kills. Learning never stops." -Christina Martinez
 George Anthony Trumpower
elite™ Instructor, 1+ years
Years in the beauty industry:
15+ years
Diplomas, Certifications, Licenses, Accomplishments:
- California Cosmetology License
- Advanced Training, BJORNS Hairstyling Academy
- Advanced Training, Dermalogica Skincare
Special aptitudes:
Aside from cutting, color, styling and make-up, George is a certified massage therapist.
What excites you about the industry?
"What excites me about the industry is that there are always new things to learn. New techniques and products are always coming out and you can take any technique and with small changes, you can make it your own."
Why do you teach at elite™?
"elite™ is ever-changing and evolving, becoming newer and better with each change. Sure, it's challenging and at times stressful, but, I get to work with some of the most talented people I have ever worked with in a long time and some of the most promising future talent that I have seen. I find it very promising and exciting."
"The second you think you know it all and have nothing more to learn, then it's time to retire." -George Anthony Trumpower
 Lisa Anderson
elite™ Instructor, 1+ years
Years in the beauty industry:
20+ years
Diplomas, Certifications, Licenses, Accomplishments:
- California Cosmetology License
- Vidal Sassoon Academy Diploma
- Advanced Training, Goldwell Haircolor Systems
- Advanced Training, Mizani Haircare
- Advanced Training, Jane Carter Solutions
- Advanced Training, Loreal Professional Haircare
Special Aptitudes:
Aside from cutting, color, styling and make-up, Lisa is a salon owner that holds continuing education and workshops for those interested in the cosmetology field. Lisa also has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management.
What excites you about the industry?
"Many things! Often I want to do too many things, but the best thing is changing peoples perceptions and making them feel good about the way they look. It is so rewarding for me."
Why do you teach at elite™?
"elite™ is a collective talent! We have so many talented and knowledgeable staff members, but overall, I would say that the leadership and mission is what keeps me at elite™. Our leader really cares about his students and is serious about making us the best school."
"Know yourself enough to know where your true talent lies. Never stop cultivating it!" -Lisa Anderson
 Melinda Snipes
elite™ School Director/Instructor, 3+ years
Years in the beauty industry:
21+ years
Diplomas, Certifications, Licenses, Accomplishments:
- California Cosmetology License
- Vidal Sassoon Academy Diploma
- Advanced Training, Goldwell Color Systems
- Advanced Training, KMS Men's Foundations
- Advanced Training, Vidal Sassoon
- Advanced Training, Advanced Training, Matrix
- Advanced Training, elite™ Airbrush Make-Up Techniques
Special aptitudes:
Aside from cutting, color, styling and make-up, Melinda has managed several salons and is specially skilled in directional and custom perms as well as grey hair color coverage.
What excites you about the industry?
"The power we have to change ones self esteem and give them the power to walk stronger."
Why do you teach at elite™?
"I believe in elite™'s program and the vision for the future. I love my students and staff."
"Be focused and diligent and absorb everything you can. Enjoy what you do and always evolve. Knowledge is power and to not try is failure. You cannot understand success without failure." -Melinda Snipes
 Jessica Aguallo
elite™ Instructor, 3+ years
Years in the beauty industry:
16+ years
Diplomas, Certifications, Licenses, Accomplishments:
- California Cosmetology License
- Vidal Sassoon Academy Diploma
- Advanced Training, Goldwell Haircolor Systems
- Adult Vocational Career Technician
- Advanced Training, KMS Foundations
- Advanced Training, Sebastian Advocate and Trucco Make-Up Artistry
- Advanced Training, Rampway Make-Up Institute
- Ear Piercing Certification
Special aptitudes:
Aside from cutting, color, styling and make-up, Jessica is skilled in skin care.
What excites you about the industry?
"EVERYTHING!!!!"
Why do you teach at elite™?
"elite™ is unique as a school. There is no other like it. The curriculum, staff and students are amazing. It is euphoric being at elite™."
"Be open to everything this industry has to offer. Never stop learning and continue educating yourself after graduating cosmetology school. Always be willing to step out of the box." -Jessica Aguallo
Joyce Carney
elite™ Instructor, 1+ years
Years in the beauty industry:
35+ years
Diplomas, Certifications, Licenses, Accomplishments:
- California Cosmetology License
- Vidal Sassoon Academy Diploma
- Advanced Training, Goldwell Haircolor Systems
- Advanced Training, Paul Mitchell
- Degree in Social Science
- Certified Phlebotomist
Special aptitudes:
Aside from cutting, color, styling and make-up, Joyce is a perm specialist and was awarded with the Gold Shears Award from Hair Management Systems.
What excites you about the industry?
"Absolutely everything in this industry excites me!"
Why do you teach at elite™?
"I teach at elite™ because I am excited for the students to embark upon the wonderful opportunities that elite™ can fulfill and prepare them for."
"Your passion will take you far in your career. Once you know and recognize this, you stand at the threshold of wisdom. Follow your passion for fun, fashion, hair and make-up. In this business, achievements are endless both mentally and financially!” –Joyce Carne |