wright beauty academy cosmetology school Battle Creek Portage Kalamazoo Michigan

Battle Creek & Portage, MI

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Current Students
Graduates
Parent Info

Scholarships
Financial Aid

Battle Creek
Portage

All work done by
supervised senior students

	Jessica Gieske - Owner / Instructor Jessica is the 3rd generation owner/instructor of Wright Beauty Academy. Her grandmother, Selma Wright, opened her dream school in 1944, her dad, Robert Burrell Sr., took it over in 1969, and Jes took the helm in 1979. She literally grew up in the business. With a Bachelor's degree in Marketing from Western Michigan University, Jes helps senior students and graduates find unique ways to market their strengths and skills to further their careers. Jes is a licensed Cosmetology instructor, and a past Vice-President of the Michigan Cosmetology Schools Association. She has attended 4 NACCAS Reaccreditation workshops, covering over 20 years of accreditation. She completed over 600 hours of formal massage training, and today she and her husband own 2 cosmetology schools, a massage school, and a salon/spa.
	Victor Gieske - Owner / Instructor Victor attended KCC & LCC as a business management major. He has been a financial aid administrator for 18 years. He has attended 4 NACCAS Reaccreditation workshops, and was active in Financial Aid seminars. He is active in raising money for Breast Cancer awareness, did a roof sit for Abused Children of Michigan, raised $2000 for West Michigan Cancer Association, and rides in the Harley Toys for Tots run each year.
	Cheryl Simmerman - Director / Instructor Cheryl has been with Wright Beauty Academy since 1995. She started as one of the first licensed nail instructors in Michigan. She sat on the board that developed the state board test, was published in Nails & Nail Pro magazines, and developed the current 600 hour nail curriculum at the Battle Creek campus. She was one of the first licensed Estheticians, and the first licensed Esthetician Instructor in the state. Finally taking the plunge, she received her Cosmetology & Cosmetology Instructor licenses in 2000. Cheryl belongs to NCA, and recently trained in advanced razor cutting with Nick Arrojo, the hair stylist on TLC's What Not To Wear.
	Battle Creek Campus
	Edie Keski - Instructor Edie made a mid-life career change, following her dream of a cosmetology education. After working in the salon for several years, she returned to school to earn her teaching license. She has retired from the salon, but still teaches, and wants everyone to know that even great-grandma's can do this if they have the desire to make that career change!
	Lindie Willson - Instructor Lindie has 20 years teaching experience and brings both salon and school experience to the classroom. She is one of our Junior classroom instructors, and has advanced training in teaching handicapped and learning challenged students. She has been involved in several events around Battle Creek, including CityLinc's Stuff-A-Bus day, where she brought students to do back to school haircuts.
	Laura Ruble - Instructor Laura brings 20+ years of salon experience to the school. She has been a stylist, salon manager, and corporate Design Team member. She is currently in charge of the senior clinic, using her organizational skills to keep things running smoothly, and helping guide students through all the steps needed to be fabulous!
	Janet Scott - Registrar Janet brings 20 years of administration experience to our team. She oversees the office staff, maintains student records, and helps keep records for state and federal offices. Janet recently attended the NACCAS reaccreditation workshop. She has done fundraising for the March of Dimes, and is a member of NHS. Not Shown: Bonnie Moakley, Student Liason
	Portage Campus
	Whillock Koester - Lead Instructor Whill started cosmetology school right after high school, and has been involved in the industry ever since. She is currently our senior floor instructor, guiding seniors as they practice their skills, and get ready to graduate and start their career. She values all aspects of the industry and finds something to learn and try almost daily. "The beauty of this career is that anyone can succeed, from the most analytical to the most creative. There is always something to learn as a cosmetologist. I find that all the students, when given the opportunity to experiment, can find where they fit in the industry."

	Pam Bain - Instructor Pam started her journey as a nail tech, found a love of the whole industry, and returned to school for her cosmetology license. She has spent time in the salon doing both hair and nails, but finds great joy helping to train the next generation. Pam is our junior and nail instructor, and she loves taking students from the very beginning to knowing enough to start working on the public on the senior floor.

	Evelyn Kemp
	Not Shown: Alissa King, Sandy Frame

Attention Grads: Fill out our grad followup and receive a free service!

Battle Creek, MI: (269) 964-4016 * jgieske347@aol.com

Portage (Kalamazoo), MI: (269) 321-8708 * wrightbty@aol.com

Accredited by NACCAS
Licensed by the State of Michigan