Our Team – Pivot Point International

Aubrie joins the Pivot Point team as an enthusiastic newcomer, bringing her a rich customer service and administration background. While she may be new to the industry, she is eager to learn and committed to delivering exceptional customer service. With each interaction, Aubrie strives to meet and exceed each customer’s needs.

Bea began her career as a cosmetology student at Pivot Point, where she earned her cosmetology license. From the beginning of her career, she’s immersed herself in various roles within the academy and the corporate office, gaining diverse experience and expertise. Her journey has led Bea to become the Customer Experience Manager, leveraging her extensive background and love for the industry to ensure exceptional customer service.

Jose brings over a decade of specialized experience in shipping and receiving to Pivot Point. Jose’s current role is to leverage this extensive knowledge to elevate the customer experience. His commitment to delivering exceptional service is evident in his approach to meeting all customer needs.

Matt’s expertise spans over 25 years of customer service across multiple industries, where he excels in creating memorable interactions. As a licensed cosmetologist with years of experience behind the chair, he not only masters the art of hair styling but also understands client satisfaction. His journey has infused his work with a profound appreciation of self-expression and creativity, fueling his passion for the beauty industry.

Clarissa brings six years of diverse experience in beauty and wellness in marketing, HR, leadership, support, and Client Success. As Corporate Operations Manager for a multi-location waxing chain, she earned her Esthetician license from Ogle School, deepening her industry expertise. Certified in Client Success from Gainsight, Clarissa excels at identifying trends, delivering proactive solutions, and driving measurable results along with a passion to help clients succeed.

Ginger has 40+ years of sales management experience across North America, training countless professionals and driving sales for top brands. Since 2013, she’s led as the U.S. Director of Professional Beauty at Pivot Point, advancing our mission in the market. She firmly believes in continuous learning, growth, and connection. Ginger is always eager to meet new individuals who share our vision and values.

With over 40 years in the industry, Jamie excelled as a platform artist, author, and producer of instructional videos specializing in long hair design. Driven by a genuine desire to serve, she thrives on building meaningful relationships and assisting clients in maximizing Pivot Point’s education and tools. Inspired by Pivot Point’s founder, Leo Passage, she is committed to lifelong learning and enriching lives.

With over 30 years of experience in the beauty industry, John has gained a deep understanding of every facet of the industry—including schools, manufacturing, salons, retail, and product development. His extensive expertise is a valuable asset to our team, yet he remains passionate about continuous learning. As a former Pivot Point employee, John strongly believes in the power of education and innovation to drive the industry forward.

Joe had been in retail sales for about 16 years prior to coming to Pivot Point. He has a passion for sales and customer service and has spent most of his 16 years at Pivot Point on the Customer Experience team. He has just recently started a new position in our Sales Development Department and will bring his passion for sales to this new role.

With a diverse background in technology and retail, Laurie has cultivated a passion for driving exceptional customer experiences and fostering meaningful relationships. As the leader of the Customer Experience and Customer Success teams at Pivot Point International, she focuses on developing strategic selling plans and nurturing key client relationships within the school market.

With 30 years in the beauty industry, Lisa has held various roles, from cosmetology educator to salon owner. In her current role, she focuses on nurturing client relationships and driving sales aligned with the company’s vision. Lisa thrives on innovation to exceed customer expectations and is committed to shaping the future of beauty.

Melissa brings 25+ years of experience developing Pivot Point’s international business. With a Master’s in Linguistics, fluency in Spanish, and sensitivity to diverse business cultures, she builds partner relationships across five continents. Melissa is exceptionally passionate about broadening and deepening our Latin American presence.

With over 14 years of experience in the beauty industry, Michelle’s journey has spanned roles as a licensed cosmetologist, educator, and retail representative for multiple cosmetics and skincare brands. Along the way, she has built strong, trusting relationships while sharing her expertise. Her passion for beauty remains steadfast, and she is dedicated to driving the industry forward, empowering professionals to grow, and helping them reach their full potential.

Rachael comes to Pivot Point with nearly a decade of customer experience and service. Her passion for the beauty industry started in the retail management world and has flourished during her time with Pivot Point. As part of the Customer Experience team, Rachael excels in open and transparent communication while prioritizing customer satisfaction.

With 15 years of experience in the beauty industry, Taylor brings a multifaceted perspective to her work at Pivot Point. Her journey has taken her from working behind the chair, managing prestigious salons and spas, and working in distributor sales to the realm of beauty education. She is passionate about the beauty industry and is fully committed to building lasting partnerships.

Read more about her journey to cosmetology school and the importance of beauty education in this online article.

Buddy brings over a decade of diverse experience in the beauty industry. Starting as a Nails Subject Matter Expert, he became a finalist in the global Next Top Nail Artist competition. He has worked with distributors, manufacturers, and cosmetology boards, owned a salon, and holds an instructor’s license. Beyond nails, Buddy helps educators and students enrich their classroom experiences through innovative methodology and technology.

Daniel has been a dynamic force in the beauty industry for over two decades. His diverse experience ranges from cosmetology education to corporate training. Daniel is dedicated to nurturing talent and modernizing learning through technology. Daniel’s servant leadership approach has empowered countless professionals to embrace innovative education, fueling their success.

Jason boasts 25 years of expertise in the beauty industry, excelling as a stylist and Cosmetology/Barbering Instructor. For over a decade at Pivot Point, he’s been a driving force, conducting workshops worldwide, serving as on-camera talent, and leading training sessions at major industry events. In his current role, Jason channels his passion for client satisfaction and product innovation, overseeing Pivot Point’s hair products’ evolution, design, and quality control.

Click here to view Jason’s Instagram page.

Bringing over a decade of experience in salons and schools, Jordan has a passion for blending education and beauty. With a background in education, she strives to foster learning environments that inspire creativity and skill development. Jordan brings a unique flair for merging a love for beauty and a desire to uplift and educate others in self-expression.

Nikki Parcells brings over 30 years of beauty industry experience and 20 years in post-secondary technical education to her role as Director of Learning Experience. A licensed Cosmetologist, Cosmetology Educator, and Certified Laser Technician, she also has 12 years of expertise in COE accreditation, licensing, and federal compliance. Nikki is a dynamic leader known for developing impactful learning experiences that align with both industry standards and regulatory requirements.

With extensive experience in the beauty industry and certifications in respected teaching methodologies, Paul is committed to the educational success of schools across North America. His diverse background includes directing and participating in editorial photo shoots with renowned artists like Babak. He’s also been featured in industry publications worldwide, including Modern Salon, South African Hairdressers Journal and Sophisticate’s Hairstyle Guide.

Bio is currently under construction while we put together the finishing touches. Please check back later to meet this team member! 🚧

Bill brings a diverse wordsmithing background to Pivot Point’s Editorial team. With a degree in Theater from UCLA, his professional background comes from the worlds of Museum Education, Marketing, Pharma Editorial, Educational Publishing, Creative Writing, Bilingual Editorial (Spanish) and yes, the theater. All in all, he brings 30+ years of creativity, collaborative spirit and experience to his beloved Pivot Point team.

Bio is currently under construction while we put together the finishing touches. Please check back later to meet this team member! 🚧

With 16 years of experience, including 10 years focused on education, Chrissy has a deep passion for supporting and guiding the growth of educators. Now part of the education development team, she’s excited to contribute to the creation of innovative curricula that inspire both teachers and students. Chrissy is committed to building a vibrant learning community, believing it’s essential for educational success and positively impacting others every day.

Dan is a learning design professional with over 20 years of experience, specializing in strategic leadership and creating instructionally sound learning experiences. He excels in digital-first product development and client consultation, delivering solutions backed by academic research and industry best practices. Dan holds an M.A. in Educational Technology from San Diego State and is pursuing a Doctorate in Instructional Systems Technology from Indiana University. His expertise spans adult learning theory, instructional systems design, and leveraging technology for effective instruction.

With a degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia, Deidre was an editor at a daily newspaper before joining Pivot Point’s Editorial team. Over the years, she has acquired broad industry knowledge as she helped develop and maintain core educational programs. Deidre reviews customer-facing print and digital pieces to ensure accuracy, clarity and consistency with industry standards, while at the same time making sure Pivot Point’s brand guidelines and renowned high quality are upheld.

Bio is currently under construction while we put together the finishing touches. Please check back later to meet this team member! 🚧

Bio is currently under construction while we put together the finishing touches. Please check back later to meet this team member! 🚧

Joshua combines his expertise as a licensed cosmetologist and information professional to bring a unique perspective to Pivot Point. With a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science and experience managing digital collections, Joshua seamlessly merges his technical and artistic skills. His attention to detail as a stylist, paired with his tech-savvy abilities, allows him to bridge the gap between beauty and technology, driving innovation in education and digital content at Pivot Point.

Julissa is a passionate and integrity-driven Education Development Specialist for Pivot Point International. With a strong foundation in customer experience, technical training, and brand education, she has represented prestigious brands including Gucci, Burberry, Laura Mercier, and Bare Minerals Cosmetics, bringing their vision to life through impactful, hands-on learning experiences.

Julissa has also provided barbering technical support at America’s Beauty Show (ABS) and is trained in Bellami hair extensions, further enhancing her expertise in advanced beauty techniques. Known for her love of working with people and her commitment to excellence, she creates dynamic educational environments that empower professionals to thrive.

Lisa Kersting brings over 25 years of experience in creating customized education for a wide range of learners. As an instructional design enthusiast and supportive coach, she tailors learning experiences to meet each learner’s needs. With a background as a senior cosmetologist and lead instructor, Lisa has developed licensure programs, using her expertise to design education that promotes long-term learning.

Bio is currently under construction while we put together the finishing touches. Please check back later to meet this team member! 🚧

Bio is currently under construction while we put together the finishing touches. Please check back later to meet this team member! 🚧

Noah holds a BFA in 3D Animation from DePaul University and brings prior experience in animation and post-production, creating impactful ad content for brands like ACE Hardware and WWE. At Pivot Point, he applies his animation and editing skills to enhance our educational materials. Though new to cosmetology, Noah is committed to learning about the industry and crafting engaging, innovative content for our learners.

Rick holds a BS in computer science from Governor’s State University, but his true passion lies in graphic design. With 25 years of experience in corporate advertising and publishing design, Rick focuses on transforming educational materials into dynamic digital experiences to create engaging content for students. Rick also leads Pivot Point’s translation design team, ensuring our creative vision resonates across languages and cultures.

Specializes in combining analysis, design, and storytelling to create visual data representations that help people understand and evaluate information more easily.

Sabrina is a market research professional with over 8 years of experience delivering data-driven insights across the retail, legal, and beauty education industries. A graduate of Loyola University Chicago, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing with dual minors in Management and Economics. Specializing in managing comprehensive research initiatives—including surveys, focus groups, and product testing—Sabrina drives strategic decision-making and measurable business growth. Through her leadership, she delivers the insights that enable Pivot Point to anticipate market trends, refine product offerings, and set the standard for innovation in beauty education.

With over 30 years of leadership in marketing, communications, data, and technology, Steve has spent the last 15 years focused on the salon industry. His experience spans the school, salon, manufacturer, and distribution segments, where he has led research initiatives, organized both in-person and online data/technology events, and managed recognition programs for students, beauty schools, stylists and influencers, and salon owners. Steve’s dedication to the industry is further reflected in his active involvement in various cause-related activities. Recently, he enhanced his expertise by earning a certificate in Data Science and Visualization from Northwestern University.

Specializes in secondary research – analyzing and aggregating 3rd party and government data, as well as regulatory, licensing, and accrediting agency requirements to inform business decisions.

Jack has been part of the beauty industry his entire life. As a third-generation family member in the company, he gained experience through summer internships in various departments, from warehouse fulfillment to editorial work. He earned a bachelor’s in Mathematics and a master’s in Education from Lake Forest College before completing his cosmetology training at Pivot Point Academy. Today, Jack manages accounting and finance tasks that support daily operations and future planning. He is currently pursuing his MBA at Loyola University Chicago.

Nikki brings a wealth of accounting experience across multiple industries, including manufacturing, real estate, retail, and now the beauty and education sectors. She earned her master’s degree in accounting from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and holds CPA and CMA licenses. Passionate about creating efficient processes and fostering collaboration, Nikki is committed to driving operational excellence and supporting her team’s growth.

Adriana brings over a decade of experience, with a background in marketing, e-commerce, and sales support. Her proven track record includes driving successful marketing and e-commerce initiatives for notable brands. With a Master’s Degree in Marketing and fluency in Spanish, her experience uniquely positions her to navigate global markets. Adriana’s passion for excellence will ensure the best overall experience for our customers on our e-commerce platforms.

Alyse began her career in the beauty industry at 16 years old as a shampoo assistant. After earning a BA in Digital Communications and Creative Writing, she helped adults achieve their educational goals through her role in admissions. Eleven years ago, she joined Pivot Point, using her admissions experience in the academy while completing her MBA. Having held various positions within the marketing department, Alyse now leads the brand and communication strategy for Pivot Point.

Evan brings over a decade of graphic design experience, infusing creativity and enthusiasm into every project. With a BA from Columbia College Chicago, he excels on the marketing team and thrives in a collaborative environment. Passionate about design and the arts, Evan believes good design can improve the world. Known for his positive energy and love for teamwork, he is dedicated to creating impactful and meaningful work.

Hanna has over 8 years of experience in the beauty industry. After earning a BS from DePaul University, she managed digital products and technical initiatives for America’s Beauty Show. Hanna excels in managing marketing technology systems, focusing on advanced tools and platforms to optimize digital strategies and drive growth. She is passionate about sharing her expertise to innovate within the beauty industry.

With a BA from Michigan State University and over 15 years of professional experience, Maranda’s role is focused on ensuring our student kits meet our customers’ expectations. From sourcing products to aligning products to our educational curricula, Maranda ensures that each kit is thoughtfully designed to enhance the educational experience for beauty school students.

As the Director of Creative Services, Agnieszka brings over two decades of design experience. She is dedicated to advancing the brand’s evolution while maintaining impeccable standards. Responsible for the visuals of all our products, from education to packaging and marketing materials, her commitment to enhancing the visual brand narrative is evident in everything Pivot Point delivers.

Adrian is an instructional technology professional with a strong background in administration, operations, and logistics. In his current role, he focuses on optimizing LMS setups, ensuring clients receive customized solutions tailored to their educational needs, and streamlining processes through proactive communication and support.

Haley drives the development of new LAB features using her background in product development, design research, and usability testing. Over the years, she has honed her expertise in synthesizing user feedback and combining creative design with technical needs. These skills enable her to refine complex user interfaces, ensuring that diverse, global users have a seamless and intuitive experience.

Jennifer is a strategic product leader with over 30 years in the beauty industry. She currently serves as Senior Director of Product Management for Pivot Point’s Learning Delivery Systems. With expertise in SaaS, product strategy, and lifecycle management, she drives innovation in educational technology. Jennifer holds a BA in Communications Design and completed executive education at the University of Chicago. Passionate about data-driven decision-making, she creates products that transform learning experiences and empower school administrators and faculty.

Matthew has spent nearly 10 years at Pivot Point, working primarily in the support and administration of LAB. He played a vital role in creating and supporting the LAB 2.0 and LTI platforms and continues to contribute to developing a top-tier learning experience for our schools and students. Matthew embraces new technology and enjoys exceeding schools’ educational standards. It has been Matthew’s privilege to continue Leo’s message of “…making a positive impact on people’s lives through education.”

Mila is a highly skilled Senior Developer responsible for building and enhancing LAB features. With deep technical expertise and a sharp eye for detail, she ensures high-quality, reliable solutions across our platform. Mila is dedicated to continuous improvement and takes pride in delivering clean, thoughtful code that supports our evolving business needs.

Robert Passage grew up in the business founded by his father, world-renowned hair stylist and educator Leo Passage. He has been deeply connected to the beauty industry from an early age. Before assuming leadership of Pivot Point, he gained valuable experience working as both a beauty school educator and academy director. Robert is an active industry participant, and his activities include serving as a board member and former president of Cosmetologists Chicago, a founding board member of Beauty Changes Lives and a board member of the Green Beauty Community. Robert also served on the board of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS) for many years. He takes great pride in the fact that two of his sons and his nephew, all licensed hairstylists, have joined him in continuing the family legacy at Pivot Point as a third-generation family business.

Nina is passionate about helping to support and further the mission and vision of Pivot Point’s founder, Leo Passage. She has over 20 years of finance experience in a variety of industries. Before joining Pivot Point in 2023, she held positions of increasing responsibility at consumer products, travel, commercial real estate and digital gaming/media companies. She currently leads Pivot Point’s accounting, financial planning and analysis, tax and legal functions. Nina holds a BA from Yale University and an MBA from the University of Chicago.

Jan was born into a family of hairdressers and first joined Pivot Point in 1986 as a trainer in his home country, the Netherlands. After joining the U.S. team, he traveled the world working with Pivot Point distributors, training Pivot Point trainers, and performing in seminars and shows in over 50 countries. Jan has since held various leadership roles within the organization, including CEO. He currently leads our international business development team, focusing on developing European direct distribution markets.

For over 25 years, Sabine has played a pivotal role within Pivot Point. She began her journey as an Educator and Platform artist before quickly ascending to leadership positions within the company. Since 2007, she has led the evolution of Pivot Point’s educational programs, covering print and digital media for learners and professionals. Sabine’s visionary leadership and passion for learning are evident in her pursuit of ensuring our educational products lead to sustainable careers. She continues to focus on the strategic development of our education for future learners.

Javed comes from a family of educators and finds great satisfaction working in education. He brings nearly 25 years of experience in technology and a passion for problem-solving to Pivot Point. Javed began his career in software development and database design and transitioned into management after returning to school for his MBA. In his current role, he oversees technology, platform development and project management.

Brandon has been with Pivot Point International for over 21 years, representing the 4th generation of licensed hairdressers in his family. He began his career at Pivot Point working in the warehouse, then moved on to manage Pivot Point Academy locations, gaining extensive experience in both operations and educational leadership. Today, he oversees Pivot Point’s global Educational Hair business and Supply Chain Operations. Brandon holds a degree from DePaul University, an EMBA from Marquette University, and is a graduate of Loyola University’s Next Generation Leadership program.

With a childhood love of beauty and a successful career in Human Resources, he found his true passion after encountering Leo Passage. As the former Director of the Pivot Point Flagship Academy, he honed his skills in beauty education. He transitioned into sales, specializing in building partnerships with beauty schools and brands. Alcott excels at cultivating meaningful relationships and driving business growth through collaboration.

Corey, who was practically raised in the industry, has worked at Pivot Point for over 15 years. Starting in the warehouse as a teen, he transitioned to internships (IT, Production & Publishing, Sales & Marketing) during college. Upon graduating from DePaul University with a major in Business Management and a minor in General Marketing, Corey enrolled in the cosmetology program at Pivot Point Academy to become a licensed professional. Since then, he has held various positions at the company and now oversees all global marketing initiatives. Most recently, Corey completed the Next Generation Leadership program at Loyola University.

With over 25 years of experience in Human Resources, Katy is a passionate and strategic HR leader who drives value-added HR strategies and solutions to support Pivot Point’s business and financial goals. She holds the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification and has extensive knowledge and skills in talent acquisition, benefits, compensation, leadership and professional development, succession planning, and retention strategies.