Aveda Institute Las Vegas Leadership Team
We team manage at Aveda institute Las Vegas where we all focus on the specific areas of our expertise. We believe that by creating a family of management it allows our students a well-rounded support system while they attend our school.

THOMAS CIARNIELLO
Founder (RETIRED)
Although retired, Thom’s contribution and legacy lives on at the Aveda Institute Las Vegas. His vision and best practices are incorporated into everything we stand for and do each and every day. Having developed our “Become your own Masterpiece” program, Thom is becoming his own “Masterpiece” as he fills his time and passion studying art and painting.

John Gronvall
Owner/CEO
John has been with Aveda for over 15 years. He is passionate about providing a quality education in a beautiful environment, resulting in the licensure and placement of students into great careers. John’s favorite Aveda products are Hydrating Lotion or anything from the Shampure line!

Gail first partnered with Aveda in 1982. She had the amazing opportunity to meet and study with Horst Rechelbacher, founder of Aveda. She is a licensed Cosmetologist by the state of California and has previously owned an independent salon business and managed operations. Gail attends Aveda workshops, focusing on product knowledge and technique. She also attends NACCAS accreditation workshops. Her favorite product line is Shampure.
Gail Renzi
Executive Director

Lauren Moody
Operations Director
Lauren has been with the Aveda Institute Las Vegas for four years. She is passionate about inspiring others in the quest for knowledge. Lauren’s favorite Aveda products are Lip Saver and Botanical Kinetics Intense Hydrator!

Gavin Williams
Front Desk
Gavin began his journey with Aveda in 2004! He is most passionate about giving each guest a kind, sincere, educational and memorable experience. Gavin’s favorite Aveda products are Lip Saver, Chakra #5, Hand and Foot relief.

Kelsey Holman
Admissions Advisor
Kelsey has been with Aveda for 5 years! She is most passionate about helping students pursue their passion and get started in their career paths. Kelsey’s favorite Aveda products are the Botanical Kinetics Oil Control Lotion, Hand Relief and Nutriplenish Leave in Conditioner.

Sasha Ness
Front Desk Lead
Sasha has been with Aveda for 5 years. She is passionate about the guest experience and helping students become successful. Sasha’s favorite Aveda product is the Nutriplenish Curl Gelee.

Briana McCollough
Lead Esthiology Educator
Briana has been with Aveda for 5 years. She is passionate about helping and educate students to become the best future estheticians they can be. Briana’s favorite Aveda products is the Botanical Kinetics Skin Refiner.

Dezarae Valente
Cosmetology Educator
Dezarae has been with Aveda for over three years! She is most passionate about all things hair color, makeup and hair extensions. Dezarae’s favorite Aveda products are the Balancing Cooling Oil and the Botanical Repair line.

Marianne Richter
Lead Cosmetology Educator
Marianne has been with Aveda since 2015! She is passionate about professional development and coaching successful future cosmetologists. Marianne’s favorite products are the Nutriplenish Shampoo and Conditioner!

Ryan Withey
Cosmetology Educator
Ryan has been with Aveda for three years. He is most passionate about the students, educating each of them across all subjects and seeing them enter a vibrant, successful career. Ryan’s favorite Aveda product is the Botanical Repair line!

Tiana Jackson
Front Desk
Tiana has been with Aveda for just under 6 years. She is most passionate about seeing guests feeling renewed and glowing! Tiana’s favorite Aveda products are the Botanical Kinetics Pore Refiner Serum and Intense Hydrator Serum, and the Radiant Skin Refiner.

Heather Fleming
Cosmetology Educator
Heather has been with Aveda for three years. She is most passionate about the chemistry behind hairdressing. Heather’s favorite Aveda product is Phomolliant!

Allie Fort
Esthiology Educator
Allie began her journey with Aveda when she graduated from our Esthiology program in 2014. She came back to become an educator in 2017 because of her passion for making guests and students feel confident. Allie’s favorite products are the Botanical Kinetics Exfoliating Creme Cleanser as well as the Tulasara Calm Concentrate.

Meredith O'Flaherty
Esthiology Educator
Meredith has been with Aveda since 2019. She is passionate about all things skin care, traditional and cutting edge! Meredith’s favorite Aveda product is the Botanical Kinetics Intense Hydrating Masque.

Dicky Montoya
Cosmetology Educator
Dicky has been with Aveda since he graduated from our Cosmetology program in 2007. He is passionate about wellness and self care. Also, being a day maker is something he strives to do daily. Dicky’s favorite Aveda products are the Chakra Balancing Pure Fume Mists!

Sharon Walker
Financial Aid Advisor
Sharon has been with Aveda for about a year but has been in Financial Aid for over 15. She is passionate about helping students plan out their financial future and emphasizes on financial responsibility! Sharon’s favorite Aveda product in our Hand Relief.

Dulce Pixabaj
Cosmetology Educator
Dulce has been with Aveda for just about a year. She loves the art of hair cutting and helping students on the clinic floor. Dulce’s favorite Aveda product is the Nutriplenish line, specifically the shampoo.

Valerie Presser
Cosmetology Educator
Valerie began her journey with Aveda this year! She is passionate about creating hair and make up for special events. Valerie’s favorite Aveda product are anything from the Shampure line!

Dej'Sheron Alston
Lead Massage Educator
Dej’Sheron has been with Aveda since 2017! He is most passionate about helping people feel better and educating about massage practices. Dej’Sheron’s favorite Aveda products are the Stress Fix Creme Cleaning Oil and the Dry Remedy line.

Terra Ramires
Massage Educator

Mary Banks
Educator
Mary has been with Aveda since 1991! She is passionate about Aveda Culture – the art & science of beauty through wellness. Mary’s favorite Aveda products are the Chakra pure-fume mists, Tulasara Skin Care, & Invati Hair Care System.

Anthony Dalaimo
Financial Aid / Operations
Anthony has been around the Aveda culture since he was young as his family was familiar with the brand. He is passionate about making school attainable for future professionals. Anthony’s favorite Aveda products is the Shampure line.

Fran O'Donnell
Registrar
Fran began her career with Aveda this year! She is passionate about helping students and keeping accurate records. Fran’s favorite Aveda product is Hand Relief!

Kristin Harris
Esthiology Educator
Kristin has been with Aveda for 4 years. She is most passionate about improving self confidence and changing people’s lives thru wellness and teaching. Kristins favorite Aveda product is the Tulasara Wedding Masque, Beautifying composition oil, and the Perfecting Plant Peel.

Breonda Johnson
Nail Tech Educator
This is Breonda’s first year at Aveda! Bree is most passionate about sharing the education behind nail technology and the fact that it brings so much joy to others! Her favorite products are the chakra system as well as the hand + foot relief.

Johnny Crouse
Massage Therapist

Juanita Evans
Cosmetology Educator
This is Juanita’s first year with Aveda! She is passionate about hair care. Her favorite Aveda product is the smooth infusion line.

Jasmine Despeine Goncalves
Admissions Advisor
This is Jasmine’s first year with Aveda! She is service hearted and passionate about customer service. Jasmine’s favorite products are the chakra sprays!

Maria Landry
Admissions Advisor
This is Maria’s first year with Aveda! She is passionate about meeting with students during career planning sessions and talking about their dream careers. Maria’s favorite Aveda product is Hand Relief.

Paris Brown
Esthiology Educator
Paris started working for Aveda in 2022 and is an Aveda Institute Las Vegas alumni! She is most passionate about encouraging others, pushing them to always sharpen their skills while sharing her knowledge & experiences. Her favorite Aveda products are Botanical Kinetics Liquid Exfoliant & Radiant Skin Refiner.

Lorien Johnson
Nail Tech Educator
Lorien is new to Aveda this year but is no stranger to the beauty industry! Her favorite Aveda product is Botanical Repair Intensive Masque.