Our Team

The educators at Aveda Institute New Mexico are some of the most highly skilled, highly educated and experienced professionals in the business. However, they don’t rest on their laurels. All of our educators go through multifaceted yearly training to keep up with the latest techniques in cut, color, and leadership.

Our educators are masterful, but also personable. They have been known to volunteer time to help students with projects like fashion shows, field trips, donations, photo shoots, and community outreach. They are some of your first and most important relationships in the Aveda professional world, and they strive to develop those relationships to make learning impactful.

Emily Kohen

 With an enthusiasm for education, we are excited to announce the addition of our newest educator Emily. Having worked in an Aveda salon for 9 years, it’s there that she discovered her passion for makeup, skincare and educating. During her free time, she enjoys reading comic books, belly dancing, going on walks with her husband and dog, Ichabod.

 “I believe learning never ends and continuing your education plays a crucial role in having a successful career in the beauty industry.” Said, Emily.

Emily has been licensed in cosmetology since 2008, and has sought after continuing her education ever since. Currently, she also holds an Aveda Freelance Artists Licsnece and has been a certified Aveda Spa educator since 2012.

“Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” -Winston Churchill

Westley Toya

With a heavy curiosity and interest in the beauty industry, Wesley started at Aveda in the cosmetology program in 2011. After graduating he worked for a salon, however, his absence from Aveda made him want to return to experience the industry from an advisor’s perspective. Shortly after he was introduced to the spa side of the industry, where he truly felt he found his calling and his passion within the beauty industry. After completing the Esthiology program at the Aveda Institute New Mexico, he was given the exciting opportunity to further advance his skills by taking the Instructor program. Wesley loves teaching because he enjoys giving students all the tips, tricks, and techniques he has picked up along the way and sharing his experiences.

John Madrid III

John has been working at Aveda Institute New Mexico since 2012. He has been a licensed cosmetologist for 35 years and has been a licensed Cosmetology Educator for 22 years. He is certified as a Learn Aveda Cutting Coach, Aveda Color & Texture Educator, Aveda Makeup Educator, and in the Learn Aveda Cutting Curriculum. He is also Lesson Plan certified through the University of Texas seminar. John loves participating in competitions and getting the students involved. They’re a wonderful opportunity to perfect skills and create confidence. In fact, Competition Coach is one of John’s favorite hat to wear. He believes that every day is a second chance.

Tiffany R Rice

Tiffany has been working at Aveda Institute New Mexico since 2015. She has an associate degree in applied sciences (cosmetology) and graduated with highest honors. She is also a Licensed Cosmetology Educator and is Aveda Haircutting Certified. Before Tiffany stated at Aveda Institute, she owned a nail boutique for three years. She believes that education is the key to success and that knowledge is power.

Victoria Marquez

Victoria has been an Educator at Aveda Institute New Mexico since 2003. She is an Aveda certified esthiology coach and Aveda certified makeup coach. Currently, she is the acting Esthiology Team Lead. Victoria loves guiding students and helping them grow to become the best professionals they can be.

Michele Stonecipher

Michele has been working at Aveda Institute New Mexico since 2012, but she has been a licensed educator for 13 years and a cosmetologist since 1986. In addition to being a licensed cosmetology instructor, she is also a Master Barber, Aveda certified in Haircutting, Color and Texture and Aveda Makeup, obtained additional certifications in Productivity, 4-Mat Training, and 7 Habits Training.

She enjoys reading, watching movies, cooking and soaking her feet in the mineral springs as much as she can. Michele prides herself on her students being confident and professional stylists. She is task-oriented but loves to have fun in classes.

Evangelina “Lina” Sosa Galloway

Evangelina has been an Esthiology Educator at Aveda Institute New Mexico since 2010 and a licensed cosmetologist since 1988. She is also certified in eyelash extensions. Evangelina has two sons that have followed her down this career path: one is getting his barber license, and the other is currently finishing up cosmetology school. She is immensely proud of their accomplishments. Evangelina believes that everyone you meet has something to teach you.

Rosanna M Naranjo (Rosie)

Rosanna is a licensed Cosmetologist and is extension certified. She has been doing hair for 4 years and continues to work at Mark Pardo SalonSpas as a Master Stylist. A new addition to the Aveda Institute education team, Rosanna brings her years of experience behind the chair and more. She currently is a member of the Mark Pardo SalonSpa creative team. Who works on fashions shows, hair shows, photo shoots and other creative projects.
In addition to her professional work, she loves and cares for 3 dogs. Currently, she is also attending school to become a certified yoga instructor.
“What I love about teaching is being able to guide and develop skills for the future. I also enjoy the nurture and support that comes with teaching. ” – Naranjo, Said.
Her favorite quote is:
“You create beauty with your attitude your behavior your actions
 it’s all up to you.”

Roxanne Fernandez

Prior to coming to the Aveda Institute of New Mexico in October 2016, and becoming our Director. Roxanne has been with the Aveda brand since 1995. She has experience as an Aveda Distributor, which allowed her to work closely with education teams and Aveda lifestyle stores. For 13 years she also was on the Mark Pardo SalonSpa team, as a team leader, and valued member of the family.
“My experience has been amazing, the relationships that we build with team members and students is like another family. I love that we are always evolving and growing.” – Fernandez, Said.
Roxanne does have some words of wisdom for student’s when looking for new jobs. She suggests you always research where you are applying, visit the salon and interview the staff, you will know when you walk in,
if the place for you
Her favorite quote is: “It all begins and ends in your mind, what you give the power to has power over you if you allow it.”

Darlene K Gallegos

Darlene has been working at the Aveda Institute New Mexico since 2010. She has been a licensed cosmetologist for 35 years and a licensed Educator for 17 years. Darlene is Aveda certified in Color, Haircutting, and Aveda Makeup. She is also an Aveda certified Color Coach and has additional training in 4-Mat and 7 Habit Training. Darlene has a son, daughter, and granddaughter, who are the lights of her life. She has been in the beauty industry for 35 years and loves every moment. To Darlene, hers is the most rewarding profession out there—she loves that she has been able to touch so many lives throughout her journey.

Monica Trujillo

Monica has been with the Aveda Institute New Mexico for 7 years. She holds a BA in Psychology & Spanish. Prior to her time at Aveda she was an Academic Advisor; promoting higher education and providing support for disadvantaged and underrepresented students, helping them to pursue their career goals. Now at the Aveda Institute New Mexico, she recruits and advises students who are interested in furthering their education and pursuing a career in the beauty industry.

Monica is a proud native New Mexican Chicana and lifelong resident of the small town of Bernalillo, NM. Currently she is a student and promoter of traditional medicine, such as herbology, REIKI, and natural birthing practices. She also continues to work with local community groups planning and organizing educational, political, and cultural arts events in Albuquerque. “Everything I do, whether work or play; comes from a place of love and a genuine desire to have a positive impact on the world and people around me.”

“I’ve learned to surround myself with positive people and supportive environments, that’s why I love working at Aveda Institute and why I am so confident in recommending our school to others.”

Julianna Martinez

Julianna has been working at Aveda Institute New Mexico since 2014. She has been a licensed cosmetologist since 2008 and received her cosmetology instructor license in 2011. She also has several advanced certifications including; Aveda Makeup, Aveda Haircutting, Aveda Color, Helga Van Dyke glycolic and chemical peel, Helga Van Dyke Body Wrap, Helga Van Dyke MezzoTech, and Eyelash Extensions.

Julianna has enjoyed a variety of experiences since launching her career, including acting as the State Competition Coordinator from 2009-2014, judging for SKILLS USA in 2010, and assisting with NAHA for Mark Pardo SalonSpa in 2016. She is currently serving as the event coordinator, Finical Aid Officer and NACCAS Compliance Officer for the Aveda Institute New Mexico. Julianna loves her work and the environment her co-workers help create. She believes that to succeed, you must always strive for what you want—and never let anyone tell you can’t do something. The sky is the limit.