Our Team

College Administrators

President & CEO

Jeff Yoo

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Mr. Jeff Yoo is the President and CEO of Los Angeles College of Aesthetics. He took over Palace Beauty College in October 2021 and since then, his goal and focus have been improving the quality of education and providing the inspirational space for future beauty professionals. He has changed its name to Los Angeles College of Aesthetics to reflect his philosophy to become a top beauty educational institute in Greater Los Angeles. His professional background and experience in multiple business sectors makes him highly adept at compliance and governance due to his executive roles at multiple corporations and beauty schools is no exception. He believes Los Angeles College of Aesthetics changes lives through quality education and as a result harvest valuable talent and successfully licensed beauty-professionals in California

Provost

Tanya Aguirre

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Tanya Aguirre is the Provost of Los Angeles College of Aesthetics with over 18 years of experience in Administration and Compliance at an Accredited School. She is a 2004, Alumni of Palace Beauty College (former College name). She gained her Esthetician License and has an AA in Business Administration from Los Angeles City College, she fell in love with the students and school’s mission that she decided to not pursue her career as an Esthetician, but rather see through the many graduates whose lives are changed because they decided to come to beauty school to pursue their dreams of becoming a licensed professional in the beauty industry. Her passion for students’ success and their life changing opportunities as a Los Angeles College of Aesthetics Alumni keeps her motivated to serve students and continue working hard, leading wonderful staff for the success of future licensed professionals.

Dean of Education

Bessie Linares

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Bessie Linares- coming from a family that owned a Beauty Salon and Beauty Supply Store at the age of 16 years old, was naturally introduced to the Beauty Industry. She learned that she felt a Great Passion for Nails and so she followed her mom’s footsteps and in 2008 became a licensed Cosmetologist. Her professional background as a Licensed Cosmetologist includes Salon management/Owner, Brand Ambassador which she traveled in the US and Korea, Manicurist/Nail Art Expert and Educator. She has helped many students pass the CA State Board Exam. As our Dean of Education, she is leading a great team of educators, and her focus is on quality of education for each program and creating a professional but fun culture for students and educators. As a leader she prides herself on educational knowledge and career development.

Compliance Officer

Jose Munoz

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Mr. Munoz has been in the School Business industry for over 30 years and has served in many schools as a Consultant, Administrator, Financial Aid and Compliance Director. He has helped numerous Beauty Schools with compliance in Local, State, Federal and International matters and much more! He has also worked with RGM, which is a Third-Party Servicer for Postsecondary and Preparatory schools. Therefore, his wide and extensive knowledge in the Beauty School Business makes him our very own Los Angeles College of Aesthetics, Compliance Director.

Instructors

Cosmetology Instructor

Irma Mancilla

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Meet Irma Mancilla, a seasoned cosmetology instructor with an impressive career spanning over 45 years in the beauty industry. Her journey began as a licensed Cosmetologist, and throughout her extensive experience, she has become a distinguished figure in the field. In 2006, Irma took her passion for the industry to the next level by attaining teaching credentials, marking the beginning of her career as an educator.

With a wealth of knowledge accumulated over 25 years of teaching cosmetology, Irma has proven to be a dedicated mentor, shaping the next generation of beauty professionals. Her commitment to education goes hand in hand with her own continuous learning journey. Irma is not only a certified Cosmetologist but also holds a certification in permanent makeup, showcasing her commitment to staying abreast of the latest trends and techniques in the industry.

Throughout her career, Irma has actively participated in various facets of the beauty world. Her involvement backstage at fashion shows demonstrates her hands-on experience in high-pressure environments, ensuring that she imparts real-world knowledge to her students. Additionally, Irma has organized charity events dedicated to providing beauty services for the homeless, showcasing her compassionate side and commitment to giving back to the community.

Irma's passion for teaching is evident in her commitment to providing world-class education to her students. Her ultimate goal is to empower her students not only to pass their State Board Exam but also to succeed and thrive in the competitive beauty industry. Irma finds fulfillment in sharing her extensive knowledge and experience, shaping the future of the cosmetology profession one student at a time. Through her guidance, Irma instills not just technical skills but also a deep appreciation for creativity, professionalism, and compassion in her students, paving the way for their success in the dynamic world of cosmetology.

Cosmetology Instructor

Alba Vega

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Ms. Alba Vega is our Cosmetology instructor and has more than 20 years in the Beauty Industry, she received her Cosmetologist License in 2004. Over the years she has completed multiple training programs and began her Educator Journey in 2009. Her experience includes teaching in beauty schools, international beauty shows and with distributors. Ms. Vega is also a salon owner continues to work behind the chair specializing in hair extensions and color.

Cosmetology Instructor

Simone Richardson

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Simone Richardson-Warren is a Cosmetologist and has been in the beauty industry for over 30 years. Her accolades also include Cosmetology Educator
for over Four years, and Salon Owner for over 16 years. She has a Bachelors in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, and a Cosmetology teaching certificate from Santa Monica College. She still maintains her position as a Stylist at ISIS Beauty Salon. Her previous instructor career was at TONI&GUY ACADEMY, instructing students has truly become a wonderful experience and I love teaching and giving back to future Stylists.

Barbering Instructor

Danitra Best

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Danitra Best received her Barber Stylist License in 2010 at North Florida Institute and is currently teaching at Los Angeles College of Aesthetics. Ms. Best professional interests focus on precision, traditional, & trending haircutting for women, men, and children of ALL hair types. She is the Author of "The Little Barber," the First ever barbershop book with activities and coloring book pages that teaches the importance of Health & Safety in the barbershop. In addition, she serves as CEO and organizer of Heal Mode, non- non-profit organization which caters to individuals struggling with depression, grief, anxiety and/or addiction, and has been honored to speak at a number of schools during Mental Health Awareness month. As an aspiring Mortuary barber, Ms. Best understands the importance of the "Lasting Image" and is dedicated to sharing her passion for barbering and helping others to the generations to come.

Esthetician Instructor

Wendi Flores

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A certified and licensed Esthetics Instructor, Wendi left her 15-year career in Business and Marketing for a career more aligned with her personal interests and passions and dove into the beauty industry full-time.
Wendi has spent the last 7 years educating future beauty professionals in Business building, Consultative sales, Esthetics, Makeup, and Lash Extensions. Her 15+ career in makeup includes Film Credits, Production, and Industry accolades. As an NCEA member, she is committed to providing education and growth to the students she teaches.

Esthetician Instructor

Ruth Hernandez

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Ruth Hernandez, has been a Licensed Esthetician since 2017,she's extremely
passionate about body waxing and facial treatments. Her experience ranges from working in an elite luxurious spa to a big waxing corporation where she gained her experience to performed quick, easy and comfortable Brazilian waxing. She also loves educating and advocating to her community when it comes to skincare and self-love.

Esthetician Instructor

Lauren Wells

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Ms. Lauren, trained at Marinello School of Beauty where she was able to obtain her Cosmetology License in 2012. Shifting towards education in 2019, she began attending Pasadena City College cosmetology teacher trainee program. Currently she is now the Night Esthetics Instructor at Los Angeles College of Aesthetics. Her mission is to empower future beauty professionals through inspiring education.

Manicurist Instructor

Carmen Escobar

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Ms. Carmen started her love for nails in 2013 while working at a nail salon. Soon she became the salon manager, and the highlight of her day was when she needed to assist the nail technicians with customers so that the service was done on time. Therefore, she decided to pursue her newfound love and became a licensed Manicurist in 2015. Since then she has gained experience and specializes in natural nails, spas, and medical treatments. She became a Manicurist Instructor 7 years ago; she makes sure her students understand how nail beauty relates to health and enjoys teaching and encourages students to become successful licensed Manicurists.

Office Staff

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