Experience Penrose for Yourself
20 Years
Professionals
98%
Licensure Rate
20,000 sq. ft.
Training Facility
Educate Empower Connect
At Penrose Academy, our mission is simple yet powerful: Through meaningful educational experiences, we educate, empower, and connect students to their professional goals.
Our vision is to be the standard-bearer for cosmetology, esthetics, and laser education in Scottsdale, Arizona, and beyond. We believe in building careers, not just teaching techniques, providing our students with the skills, confidence, and creativity to thrive in an ever-changing industry.
Locally Grown and Nationally Respected
Founded in Scottsdale, Penrose Academy was built on a single belief: the beauty industry deserves better education, and students deserve better outcomes.
Unlike corporate chain schools, we are locally owned and independently focused. Our only priority is preparing our students for long-term success.
Over the years, Penrose has become a launchpad for thousands of successful careers, and the trusted partner of top employers across Arizona.
Training With Quality. Partnering With Professionals
Penrose Academy partners with leading professional brands and educators to give students direct access to the same tools, techniques, and networks they’ll use in the industry.
Meet the Leaders Behind the Learning
Our faculty and staff are more than instructors, they are industry veterans, mentors, and advocates. Each brings real-world salon, spa, or medical esthetics experience, combined with a dedication to teaching the next generation.
Owners
Matt Meduna
Owner & Chair
Nancy Meduna
Owner & CEO
Leadership
Cheri Parcells
Senior Director of Operations & Guest Relations
Candice Healey
Senior Director of Medical Services
Haleigh Trout
Director of Education & Deputy Title IX Coordinator
Andria Young
Director of Student Services | Placement & Title IX Coordinator
Ran McBryde
Medical Director
Parci Flake
Assistant Director of Education and Cosmetology Educator
Education
Olga Cordova
Esthetics
Educator
Jodi Denk
Esthetics
Educator
Allie Edel
Cosmetology
Educator
Ann Gandara
Cosmetology
Educator
Natalie Gotsis
Esthetics
Educator
Tarajah Johnson
Cosmetology
Educator
Drenise Matthews
Cosmetology
Educator
Kolleen Rice
Cosmetology Manager & Cosmetology Educator
Rachel Sheets
Training Manager Esthetics & Cosmetology Educator
Madison Smith
Esthetics
Educator
Alex Ulrich
Cosmetology
Educator
Dreina Jenkins
Hair Educator
Gigi Delgado
Esthetics Educator
Sami McLenon
Esthetics Educator
Melinda Hernandez
Esthetics Educator
Jordan Smith
Esthetics Educator
Bailey Gerstein
Laser Educator
Administration
Mariah Griffin
Financial Aid
Manager
Sierra Julia
Financial Aid
Coordinator
Kim Goedker
Enrollment & Financial
Services Lead
Yessenia Torres
Enrollment Services
Coordinator
Stephanie Toth
Events and Community Manager, Esthetics Educator & Deputy Title IX Coordinator
Ashlee Traasdahl
Admissions Lead
Marina Conciatori
Admissions Coordinator
Kelly Thurman
Admissions Coordinator
Heaven Saycon
Guests Relations Coordinator
Zay Romero
Student Services
Assistant
MacKenzie Sturgill
Student Services
Coordinator
Clare Zinn
Student Services
Assistant
Araceli Mendoza
Guest Relations
Manager
Wendy Torres
Guest Relations Team
Lead
Breanna Landa
Guest Relations
Coordinator
Jada Hill
Guest Relations
Coordinator
Brezlyn Langer
Guest Relations
Coordinator
Ivan Covarrubias
Operations
Coordinator
Industry Recognition That Matters
Penrose Academy has been consistently recognized for excellence in education, innovation, and community impact. These awards reflect our ongoing commitment to being the standard for beauty education in Phoenix.
2025 WINNER
American Association of
Cosmetology Schools – Facilities
Award.
2025 WINNER
American Association of
Cosmetology Schools – Legacy
Alumni Award.
2025 WINNER
American Association of
Cosmetology Schools – Student
Salon & Spa Award.
2024 FINALIST
American Association of
Cosmetology Schools
Golden School Award for Student
Salon & Spa.
2023 WINNER
American Association of
Cosmetology Schools – Golden
School Award for Student Salon
& Spa.
2023 WINNER
American Association of
Cosmetology Schools – Golden
School Award for School Culture.
2022 WINNER
American Association of
Cosmetology Schools – Golden
School Award for School Culture.
2022 WINNER
American Association of
Cosmetology Schools – Golden
School Award for Facilities.
2022 WINNER
American Association of
Cosmetology Schools – Golden
School Award for Marketing Innovation.
2017 WINNER
Modern Salon Magazine
Excellence in Education Award
for Top Nail Technician Program
2015 WINNER
Better Business Bureau of
Greater Arizona Business Ethics
Award
2013 WINNER
Greater Phoenix Chamber of
Commerce IMPACT Award for
Business of the Year
Student Awards &
Accomplishments
- 33 Beacon Award winners
- 9 Matrix ‘Spread The Love’ Contest winners & finalists, 2011 & 2012
- 8 Vidal Sassoon Salon Bob Competition finalists
- 2 Vidal Sassoon Bob Competition winners, winning lunch with Vidal Sassoon
- 5 SportsClips Scholarship winners
- 150+ National Technical Honor Society members
- Participation in Scottsdale Fashion Week
- Participation in Phoenix Fashion Week
- Hair and Makeup styling / Annual Notre Dame Preparatory School fashion shows
- Chosen to participate in editorial and runway show at Millennium Conference
- Chosen to participate in hair & makeup styling for AACS Annual Convention
- Hair and makeup styling for 20+ magazine covers and editorial spreads for azTeen Magazine
- Chosen to participate in the “Beauty Changes Lives” presentation at the Orpheum Theater in downtown Phoenix, AZ
See the Penrose Experience
From editorial runway shows to global study abroad trips, from classroom collaboration to unforgettable graduation nights, Penrose Academy is alive with creativity and community.
Explore our gallery to see what life at Penrose looks like.