The Team

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Summer MelvinOwner/Financial Aid Administrator

It has been a joy and a dream come true to have the opportunity to be apart of the beauty industry, and on top of all of that, I get to do this all with my husband and my sister, both of whom I love dearly. I graduated from Washburn University with a degree in Business Administration and always had a vision of becoming a business owner. The exciting part of this industry is no two days are the same. We are constantly doing our best to evolve with the industry and the demands from within. We WILL provide you with a top of the line education that will provide you with the essential elements you will need to be successful.
haysaca@ruraltel.net

Danielle MarkleyOwner/Education Director

Daymaker: A person who performs acts of kindness with the intention of making the world a better place. To me, this statement says exactly why I love this industry so much. As a cosmetologist, you have the opportunity to make someone’s day EVERYDAY! I have been in the industry since 1997 and I have truly loved every minute of it. I get to come to work and teach people how to make others look beautiful, it can’t get any better than that!
daniellemarkley@hotmail.com

Eric MarkleyCoach/Team Leader

After growing up in this industry, I was drawn into this career for a couple of great reasons. The opportunity to help someone better them self personally and professionally is the first. The second would be to give the students the inspiration, knowledge, and technical skills they need to be successful in this great industry. My objective here at Hays Academy of Hair Design is to create or enhance the very same passion that I have for this industry.
ericmarkley@hotmail.com

Len MelvinAdmissions Leader

After teaching school for seven years, I made the decision to work full time at Hays Academy of Hair Design. It was a very difficult decision to leave the youth and the classroom, but a decision that I have already enjoyed greatly. It is a joy to be able to work with students who are passionate about their career and their future. Statistics show that the beauty industry is primed for growth in the years to come and it is exciting to be a part of that. Please contact me at anytime if you have questions about the industry, our school, or if you would like to schedule a tour.
len@haysaca.com

Nicole KroegerCoach/Team Leader

I have been enjoying and loving this industry since 1995. I have been a District Sales Consultant for a beauty supply company where I learned product knowledge. Also, I have worked in commission based salons, which taught me much about motivation. After much hard work and dedication, I was able to own my own salon for five years. This industry and the people that I have met along the way have been good to me and I feel that my contribution to the educational side will prove to be beneficial to others.
nicole.haysacademy@gmail.com

Dana SimoneauCoach/Team Leader

I have been in this industry since the mid 1980′s. After working in a commission based salon for about three years, I decided that it was time to open my own. I chose cosmetology because it was a career I could be successful with in a small town, yet it still allowed me to be family oriented. About five years ago, I decided to become an instructor at Hays Academy of Hair Design. Every time I hear former students talk about their success stories, I am more inspired to share my knowledge with others. Building friendships with clientele and students is one of the greatest things that this industry has to offer.
dana.haysacademy@gmail.com

Randi GerstnerStudent Salon Coordinator

Since 2009 I have been the Student Salon Coordinator at Hays Academy of Hair Design. Although new to the world of cosmetology, I bring experience and knowledge from my time studying at Fort Hays State University. Through my previous and current employment, I have developed traits that make me vesatile in my role with Hays Academy. This industry has been amazing and I have met some wonderful people along the way. I appreciate the flexibility and love working and being around people who are so passionate about what they do.
randi.haysacademy@gmail.com

Amber KirkwoodCoach/Team Leader

I have loved being in this industry since 2006. After graduating from Hays Academy I went straight into a commission based salon and realized how much fun it was to work hard! When I was asked to come back to Hays Academy as an instructor, I had no ideas how I could manage teaching and working. After working part-time doing both for a year, I quickly understood how rewarding it was to teach others what I know and love. Being appreciated and thanked for all of my help allowed me to comprehend that I was right where I needed to be doing what I love teaching and coaching in the greatest industry there is!
amber.haysacademy@gmail.com

Katie BishopCoach/Team Leader

My journey in the cosmetology industry began in 2007 with my schooling right here at Hays Academy of Hair Design. After graduating I had an amazing experience working in both commission and booth rent salons. This gave me the opportunity to do what I love each and every day! It also allowed me to sharpen and expand my knowledge for this industry. After a few years in the salon I was given the good fortune to return to Hays Academy as a member of the coaching team. The most rewarding part of this job is seeing the growth within the students and their technical skills. I absolutely love being back here with this new opportunity and being able to make an impact on the students future through their education!
katie.haysacademy@gmail.com

Sara YarmerStudent Salon Assistant

As a graduate from Hays Academy, I quickly jumped into two rolls in this industry. While waiting for my cosmetology license, I began working at Hays Academy as a Student Salon Assistant. Being behind the chair and working with the students has been an amazing balance in my life! Not only do I love inspiring the students for the amazing career ahead of them, they also help inspire me! Seeing their enthusiasm and creativity helps keep me grounded and constantly reminds me why I chose this industry! I truly get the best of both worlds and LOVE what I do!!
sam.haysacademy@gmail.com