Institutes

CHOICE Salon & Spa Academy Hosts Visit by Professional Stylist and Educator
  August 6, 2007

Acting Dean of Hospitality Institute, Judy Koerber

Visiting stylist Misael (right) works with professionals from three states.

A local professional stylist works on a color design for Misael.

Teachers and staff of the CHOICE Salon and Spa Academy gained some valuable training recently when they hosted a renowned platform artist and educator from New York for a visit at the Okaloosa Tech on Common Campus in Fort Walton Beach.  A key part of the CHOICE Hospitality Institute, the Salon and Spa Academy provides students a professional environment in which to explore and experience firsthand the lucrative world of cosmetology.

Superintendent Alexis Tibbetts was also in attendance with CHOICE teachers and other industry professionals from Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi for the program that focused on advanced chemistry and customized color procedures.  The guest artist Misael Aponte, a noted stylist, platform artist and educator from New York, provided valuable scientifically based training "teaching the teachers" the latest in advanced hair cutting and color design and composition.  Twenty industry professionals along with four educators from the Salon and Spa Academy participated in this exciting event that was hosted by Champion Beauty Supply, which is owned and operated by Larry Bulger.  "I am exceptionally proud of our teachers, Mayann Moseley, Betsy Brown, Twyla Hall and Ann Coon, for giving of their time over the weekend and I particularly enjoyed visiting the training myself on Sunday afternoon," said Superintendent Alexis Tibbetts.

Dr. Frank Fuller, OCSD Assistant Superintendent of Non-Traditional Schools has big plans for the future of the Hospitality Institute.  "Our Salon & Spa piece will be a strong component of the Hospitality Institute." Fuller said.  "With the new changes Judy Koerber, the acting Hospitality Dean, has made this what may be the best program between Pensacola and Orlando ."

Judy Koerber agrees wholeheartedly with Dr. Tibbetts and Dr. Fuller. "We have a phenomenal program that operates both day and evening, serving high school and adult students, with an excellent teaching staff dedicated to quality instruction and student success." In addition, Judy says, "We are proud to partner with industry professionals like Champion Beauty Supply who avidly support our program by providing training like this at no cost to the school. The training and materials provided for our instructors this weekend is valued at over $3.000.00."

The CHOICE Salon and Spa Academy provides students with classes that combine scientifically based theoretical learning with intense hands-on practical application of what students have learned.  Students not only hear and read about the methods of caring for the hair, skin and nails - they practice their technique on mannequins, each other, and later, on real clients.  Working toward state licensure, students learn the skills necessary to properly care for the hair, scalp, skin, and nails of both male and female clients.  Academy students train using the internationally recognized Pivot Point curriculum, a scientific approach to salon services which is used in 70 countries around the world. Services include styling, sculpting, coloring, bleaching, permanent waving and chemically relaxing curls, as well as care of the nails of the hands and feet, skin care, analysis of the hair and skin, hair removal and make-up application techniques.