Meet Your Instructors - Stockton
 Mary King
elite™ Instructor, 4+ years
Years in the beauty industry:
42+ years
Diplomas, Certifications, Licenses, Accomplishments:
- California Cosmetology License
- Vidal Sassoon Academy Diploma
- Advanced Training, Goldwell Haircolor Systems
- Advanced Training, Gerard International
- Advanced Training, elite™ Airbrush Make-Up Techniques
Special aptitudes:
Aside from cutting, color and styling, Mary specializes in hair texturizing.
What excites you about the industry?
"Watching the changes that occur and the changes to come."
Why do you teach at elite™?
"I teach at elite™ because I love watching the students develop their talents."
"Keen an open mind and further your education." -Mary King
 Derekia Davis
elite™ Instructor, 6+ months
Years in the beauty industry:
11+ years
Diplomas, Certifications, Licenses, Accomplishments:
- California Cosmetology License
- Vidal Sassoon Academy Diploma
- Advanced Training, Goldwell Haircolor Systems
- Advanced Training, Texturizing, Haircutting, Color, Mizani International
- Advanced Training, elite™ Airbrush Make-Up Techniques
Special aptitudes:
Aside from cutting, color, styling and make-up, Derekia is experienced in wig construction and has placed 1st in Braid It Up Salon's Braiding Competition. Derekia is also owner and operator of Aces and Queens Barber & Beauty.
What excites you about the industry?
"I've been designing hair since I was 10 years old. My cousin owned a salon and I would work there from open to close. From then, I just knew what I wanted to do because it excited me."
Why do you teach at elite™?
"Watching students change and knowing that I made a difference in their dreams."
"Reach for your dreams. Go as high as you can. You might stumble on the way, but it's okay. Keep pushing towards your goal." -Derekia Davis
 Deborah Watson
elite™ Instructor, 2+ years
Years in the beauty industry:
22+ years
Diplomas, Certifications, Licenses, Accomplishments:
- California Cosmetology License
- Texas Cosmetology License
- Vidal Sassoon Academy Diploma
- Nuts & Bolts Certified
- Advanced Training, Goldwell Haircolor Systems
- Advanced Training, Wella Master Colorist
Special aptitudes:
Aside from cutting, color, styling and make-up, Deborah is skilled in braiding and hair extensions and has coordinated hair and fashion for various shows to benefit multiple charities such as, The American Cancer Society, The Children's Shelter in Valverde, Texas and the Faith Family Center. Deborah has also been awarded a Women of Color Award, placed 1st in hair shows and worked as a hair and make-up platform artist for J.C. Penney department store.
What excites you about the industry?
"In the beauty, art and design, we change constantly. It is exciting and rewarding for yourself as well as your client. We are a self esteem booster."
Why do you teach at elite™?
"Teamwork with the staff and instructors. elite™ provides the best education you can get. The founder stays on the cutting edge of the industry and brings this to his staff and students. You can never stop growing at elite™. The students are my sunshine. They brighten up my day and I love the atmosphere. The name says it all: elite™. -Deborah Watson
 Selena Johnson
elite™ Instructor, 2+ years
Years in the beauty industry:
14+ years
Diplomas, Certifications, Licenses, Accomplishments:
- California Cosmetology License
- Vidal Sassoon Academy Diploma
- Advanced Training, Goldwell Haircolor Systems
- Nuts & Bolts Certified
- Advanced Training, Toni&Guy Academy
- Advanced Training, Kryolan Professional Make-Up
Special aptitudes:
Aside from cutting, color, styling and make-up, Selena is elite™'s Nuts & Bolts team leader for the Stockton campus and was her cosmetology schools class President.
What excites you about the industry?
"The constant change of techniques, meeting new people and making people look their best."
Why do you teach at elite™?
"It really is progressive. It's family. It's about change. No worries, you are trained."
"Believe in what you can achieve. Aim high with no limits. Create an exceptional life. Fulfill the inner most part of you. Be successful." -Selena Johnson
 Megan Perez
elite™ Instructor/Alumni, 4+ years
Years in the beauty industry:
5+ years
Diplomas, Certifications, Licenses, Accomplishments:
- California Cosmetology License
- elite Progressive School Of Cosmetology Diploma
- Vidal Sassoon Academy Diploma
- Advanced Training, Goldwell Haircolor Systems
- Vidal Sassoon Global Education Diploma, London, England
- Advanced Training, Toni&Guy Academy, London, England
- Advanced Training, Chenice Hair Extensions
Special aptitudes:
Aside from cutting, color, styling and make-up, Megan specializes in extensions.
What excites you about the industry?
"I love that this industry never stands still. The ever-changing styles and techniques are what drives us."
Why do you teach at elite™?
"elite™ is an awesome company to work for. I have learned so much in my short time here. I am looking forward to growing with elite™."
"Love what you do. Fuel your own fire. Never stop learning!" -Megan Perez |