Five Teachers Honored at Fall Atelier

Intercoiffure’s Fall Atelier is right around the corner, September 29-30, and the event is returning to its roots at the New York City Hilton Midtown. This year, Atelier celebrates ICA members’ successes through challenging times with education, presentations and opportunities to connect.

Through its three annual competitions, Fall Atelier also celebrates new stylists, students and teachers. This year, the Honor Your Teacher competition narrowed down more than 200 nominations to five outstanding educators. 

“Being acknowledged by a student for their influence is one of the highest honors a teacher can achieve,” says Sheila Wilson, ICA president. “Intercoiffure is an association of elite hairdressers who attribute their success to mentors and are committed to recognizing the educators who guide students from the first day of their professional path.

“Teachers also play a huge role in helping students find a salon where they can continue their career path,” Wilson adds. “Igniting passion in a student lights the way to success.”

And the Honorees Are …

A panel of ICA members chose the five deserving honorees. Learn more about them below in their own words.

David Marc Campbell: Be Aveda Institutes, Florida

Nominated by: Alyssah Sturgess

I am truly honored to be selected and  grateful to the student who nominated me, Alyssah Sturgess. 

I have been in the beauty industry for 31 years, starting out as a licensed make-up artist. In 1997, I enrolled in the Maryland Apprenticeship program for Cosmetology and trained under a senior cosmetologist for a full two years before becoming a licensed professional. Within those two years, I was also groomed to become an educator. 

Once licensed, I became a national educator for a major hair care manufacturer and worked behind the chair from 2000-2006. Next, I became an educator for Paul Mitchell the School in Tampa and Fort Myers. I served as a texture specialist with Paul Mitchell Advanced Academy until 2013. 

After a brief hiatus from education, I returned to teaching with the Be Aveda Institutes in Florida. It’s with Aveda that I found new inspiration for teaching and for giving back not just to students,  but to the world we live in. My passion for education and educating has soared to new heights. I respect our industry even more today, because as educators, we are paving the way for a new generation of beauty professionals with the hopes that their innovations will keep our industry strong.

I thank all of the students for whom I’ve made a contribution to their success and lives— they have no idea what a difference they’ve also made in my life.

Ellysse Clark: Tennessee School of Beauty, Knoxville, Tennessee

Nominated by: Courteney Moreland

I have been a senior instructor at Tennessee School of Beauty for the past five years. Getting to set the tone for my students as they start their careers is not only a job I take seriously, but one that makes my heart beam with immeasurable pride. 

I’ve made it my mission as an educator to create a welcoming environment where everyone feels safe to be themselves, gains confidence in their abilities with all hair textures, and can learn new things while also having fun. 

Each day I remind myself of my beginning, and the knowledge, motivation, and experiences that I needed. That’s why I strive to provide my students and fellow educators with the support they need to be successful and grow.

Cindy Cline: Tricoci University in  Libertyville, Illinois

Nominated by: Dillion Morales Servedio

I have been a cosmetology educator for 30+ years (the last seven with Tricoci). I pursued teaching because I felt a need to share my knowledge and experience with other future professionals, and admired the teachers who had done so much for me when I started my journey. 

Over the years, the students and the field of education in the beauty industry has changed, but there has always been one constant for me, which is preserving the quality of education, which is why this award means so much. It’s not just validation of the work I do, but for the work that we all do. 

The fact that my student Dillion appreciated me to the extent that he took the time to submit his kind words to nominate me for this award humbles me. I am so grateful to Dylan, and to Intercoiffure, and to all the grateful, engaged students who have graced my classroom through the years.

Amanda Dwinnell: Austin Kade Academy, Idaho Falls, Idaho

Nominated by: Miah Titensor

I’ve been a cosmetology instructor for three years now, and the more time I spend teaching, the more I love it. 

I work with the best co-workers and amazing students. I love getting to know each individual student and building a relationship with them. I also love having fun in the classroom—I’m a huge believer in incorporating fun and games into every lesson, and I love cheering my students on and building their confidence on the floor with clients. 

Adrienne Walker: Minnesota School of Beauty, Lakeville, Minnesota

Nominated by: Amber Finley

Being an educator was something I always aspired to do. I started my career in the beauty industry my senior year of high school, going to beauty school after my morning classes. 

After graduating high school and becoming a full-time beauty school student, I told the school owners I would be back one day as an instructor. Thirteen years and many conversations later, I became the first alumnus to return as an instructor at our school. Since then, I have been committed to ensuring the success of the students by integrating real-world salon knowledge into the basics and working one-on-one with my students to fine-tune their skills.

See You in September

Come celebrate these teachers and attend the best event in the industry at Fall Atelier. Tickets are $525 until September 1, $575 after September 1. Email the ICA office to reserve your spot. Reserve a hotel room at a discounted rate today!