Meet Our Team

Meet our talented Crave Beauty Academy Team… Excellence in Education

The Crave Beauty Academy team strives to stay abreast of the most current industry trends. Our team consists of some of the finest educators, guest service personnel, and directors in Kansas & Missouri. We have been recognized as leaders in the professional industry and our local communities. We have been honored with some of the most elite awards in Excellence in Education, Best in Business, and Emerging Leaders and rated the Winner and Favorited in local community awards.

Wichita Campus

Jessy Orth, Academy Director, Cosmetology Instructor, Licensed Cosmetologist

Jessica followed in her mother’s footsteps when she earned her cosmetology license and began working behind the chair in August 2005. She quickly discovered a desire to share her knowledge with aspiring stylists and became an educator at Xenon International Academy in Wichita, KS in 2007. Jessica grew into a well-known and respected teacher at Crave and currently leads the school’s sculpture, male specific styling, and makeup artist programs. She was inspired to become an American Crew educator after she attended Menswork™ Academy in 2011. Jessica was recognized for her work as a local educator and American Crew TeamCrew member in Wichita Business Journal’s “People on the Move” column that same year. Jessica worked her way through the educator advancement program and became a Master Educator. Jessica recently took on the role of assisting the owner and the director in managing students and staff. In addition to working at Crave, Jessica currently serves as a stylist and makeup artist specializing in beauty, bridal, editorial and special effects.

Stephanie Schooley, Lead Esthetics Instructor, Licensed Esthetician

Stephanie graduated from Crave Beauty Academy in 2016.

She worked in a spa specializing in sugaring and facials.

She then worked at Ulta as their esthetician doing facials and waxing.

She has been at Crave since 2021 as the lead esthetics instructor.

She has a passion for teaching others what she was taught and helping them to be successful.

Dajana Frey, Cosmetology Instructor, Licensed Cosmetologist

Dajana Frey began her journey is cosmetology 12 years ago. As a graduate from Eric Fisher Academy, she jumped right into salon life and continues to work behind the chair today. She has a passion for the beauty industry and loves inspiring the next generation of stylists to help achieve their dreams.

Lexi Marshall, Lead Educator, Cosmetology Instructor, Licensed Cosmetologist

Lexi is a Crave graduate who spent 5 years behind the chair before returning to help students through their time at Crave. Originally from Delaware she has lived in South Dakota, Texas and has made Kansas her home. After school she went straight to the salons managing chain salons before moving to private studios. In the salon she specialized in blonding, waxing, and fashion color services. After time in the salon, she found that education was her true passion and made the decisions to return to Crave and began the next chapter of her career.

Kylie Bishop, Cosmetology Instructor, Licensed Cosmetologist

Kylie is from Joplin, Missouri, but now lives in Wichita, Kansas. She has owned a salon in Northeast Wichita since the beginning of 2018 and has been a cosmetologist since 2009. With several years of salon managerial experience prior to opening her own salon in addition to being behind the chair. A regency Beauty Institute graduate, right off the bat she decided to take the necessary steps to become a certified waxing specialist and specialize in nails. Through the years she chose to specialize in blonding and men’s cutting in addition to nails and waxing. Kylie knew within just a few years that education was a true passion of hers however, the right time to slow down behind the chair and begin teaching never presented itself. Nearly 13 years into the industry she chose to begin that journey here at Crave Beauty Academy. Kylie strives to better the industry every day and truly enjoys watching the students learn and grow. “It brings me great joy to teach the students and watch that education shine within their performance. I am giving them the power to be amazing!”

Cassi Boone, Nail Instructor, Licensed Cosmetologist & Licensed Nail Tech, Advanced Educator

Cassi was born in Indiana but moved around the United States throughout her childhood. She eventually settled in Kansas, where she began her career as a nail technician in 2019. In 2020, she decided to expand her skills and pursue a cosmetology license. Within two weeks of starting the nail program, she knew that she wanted to be an instructor. She completed her Advanced Educator track and is currently working toward her Master Educator designation. She is passionate about teaching others the art and science of nails and cosmetology. She loves sharing her knowledge and experience with her students and helping them to achieve their own goals in the industry. Ms. Boone is also a strong advocate for continuing education and maintaining a strong social media presence. She believes that it is important to stay up to date on the latest trends and techniques in order to provide the best possible service to her clients and students. She is a valuable asset to the nail and cosmetology community, and she is committed to helping others succeed. She is now an Advanced Educator at Crave Beauty Academy and travels to both Wichita & St. Louis Academies helping build and train within the nail curriculums.

Jessica Rousseau, Business Office Administrator

Born in Kansas raised in Arizona. I enjoy traveling and seeing the world. I have 2 children. 6-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter. I am engaged to a wonderful man. I am not originally from the industry but I have an extensive background in finance and enjoy working in such a vibrant fun environment. I enjoy riding bikes with my family and just chilling watching shows. My favorite snack is kettle popcorn and caramel delights. I graduated from Mulvane High School. My mother and father were both Cosmetologists, which peaked my artistic creativity and interest at heart. I am delighted to see the students learn and grow in this industry and am ecstatic to be able to be a part in that from the beginning of their journey.

Makayla Moore, Cosmetology Educator, Licensed Cosmetologist

My name is Ms. Moore, and I am a new Instructors here at Crave Beauty Academy and I have been in the industry, outside of school, for over a year now. I became interested in the Beauty Industry in early high school while learning to do my own hair and makeup since no one in my household was much interested and I ended up just teaching myself! Some things I enjoy outside of the industry are fashion, spending quality time with my friends and dancing. I absolutely look forward to my time here at the Academy and my future molding professionals inside these four walls.

Stephanie Pace, Esthetics Educator, Licensed Esthetician

Hi, I’m Stephanie, a Crave Beauty Academy alumnus, I have been licensed as an Esthetician since May 2023. I began my health & beauty career as a massage therapist in 2015 and own 2 spa locations in the Hutchinson/Haven area.  I am certified in microdermabrasion, Norvell sunless spray tanning, body Contouring and RF Therapy and have extensive knowledge in Dermalogica and Good Molecules product lines.  In my spa I specialize in combination services with massage, facials and waxing. I am looking forward to helping this industry grow as it is my passion to share my knowledge and experiences. I am happy to be part of the next generation of estheticians here at Crave Beauty Academy!

Cheyenne Russell, Guest Service Coordinator, Cosmetology Educator, Licensed Cosmetologist

Cheyenne Russell, has an eye for color, and passion for all things beauty! Inspired by her grandmother to pursue a career in hair, she attended Xenon (Crave’s previous title), and graduated in December 2013 apart of the Ambassadors Program. After completing state boards, she started right into the salon at Ulta, then opening her own studio salon in November 2014 till August of 2020. Besides hair and makeup, Cheyenne has two daughters, two dogs, and a plant or two around her house. She gives major praises to her educators and core curriculum, she hopes to bring her vibrant energy, drive for excellence, and strong skill set to the Cosmetology classroom. Catch Mrs. Russell smiling at the front desk while she is completing her student Educators program.

Kameron Wilson, Nail Educator, Licensed Nail Technician 

Jasmine Martinez, Cosmetology Educator, Licensed Cosmetologist

10 years ago, I walked into the doors of Crave (then Xenon’s) and started my cosmetology career. Since then, I’ve worked in a few salons’ booth renting which turned into owning my own salon. Specializing in blonding and extensions, my love for this industry has continued to grow! In 2022 I decided to share my love for cosmetology by becoming an educator and 10 years later here I am helping the new generation learn and grow into their own. Being an educator has only continued to further the education I am able to learn with the help of my co-workers and team here! I’m learning all the new machines and services offered in our school that keep us mainstreamed and top tier in the education field. Outside of work I’m a wife and Mom of 5! So busy is an understatement. I love cooking and anything that goes with event planning to keep my creative mind at work. The beauty industry is a revolving door knowledge and opportunities, and I am just proud to be able to be a part of that with the Academy that invested in me as I did in it.

Victoria Rodriguez, Esthetics Educator, Licensed Esthetician

I am a licensed esthetician who graduated from Crave Beauty Academy. After graduation I went on to a waxing job where I eventually became trainer there. From that point I decided to go out on my own and open a waxing studio. I specialize in all things waxing, dermaplaning, lash lifts and tints. My overall goal is to make your skin look so good you don’t need makeup. This field has such a variety of things included in it and it’s so exciting to see students find that passion and run with it. Teaching esthetics here has been a great joy in my life, and I hope to be the reason that someone is successful in this field.

Journei Bales, Front Desk Coordinator, Licensed Esthetician

I’m Miss Bales, Journei if you will, and I’ve been a part of the industry since | was about five. My mom graduated from here in 08′ back when it was Xenons. I became more intrigued back when I was in competitive dance. I fell in love with makeup and the rest is history. I attended CBA two months.

after I graduated high school in 21′ and graduated CBA in 22′, all before turning nineteen!

I started working right away and taking clients at my mom’s shop, but quickly realized I wanted to work up in the city.

Urban Routine took me in and trained me to be an even better Aesthetician. I got me Laser certification in January and have fell in love, I could do it all day! My very close second would be Lashes, two very different things which is why I love them. 

Now I’m working here in combination with taking clients. I love being a part of the student’s journey 😉 and seeing their growth here at Crave Beauty Academy.

Meranda Barker, Front Desk Coordinator

I have been doing guest relations in the salon industry for about 4 years now and I can honestly say it truly is my calling. Besides the fact that I love to talk, I love building relationships with anyone who walks in the door!  I also love watching people come in, receive whatever service they’ve booked, and leave feeling like a new person. I have worked in spas, salons, and schools in the past, but I think schools are my favorite because you get to watch the future professional blossom and really find their confidence.

Ballwin (St. Louis) Campus

Dena Moss, Academy Director, Licensed Esthetician & Educator

Dena, a Crave Beauty Academy alumnus, has been licensed as an Esthetician since 2016.  She is certified in Endermology, NovaLash, Microdermabrasion, Norvell sunless spray tanning, and has extensive knowledge in Dermalogica and Eminence.  She began her career at a salon and spa where her ambition led her to become the Spa Director.  She remained in that position until she decided to continue her journey through the beauty industry as an Educator.  In 2018, she became a part of Crave’s educational team.  Her passion for the beauty industry clearly shines through her teaching methods as she shares her knowledge with our students.  While she assists our students in blossoming within the industry, she is a busy mom of 4 that she is raising alongside her fiancé!  Despite the many obstacles Dena has encountered, she persists to be the best mother, esthetician, educator, and now director that she can be!

Jocelyn Walton, Nail Instructor & Licensed Nail Technician  

Jocelyn is a licensed nail technician, servicing the greater St. Louis area. She shares her passion and knowledge of nails with future graduates here at her alma mater, Crave Beauty Academy. She loves creating classic looks but also enjoys expressing her wild side with the latest nail trends. She instills in her students that while nail enhancements are fun, maintaining the integrity of the natural nail is of the utmost importance. She dreams of one day opening her own nail salon and supply store. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, exercising and exploring new things.

Ashley Debonnaire, Guest Service Coordinator & Licensed Cosmetologist

I’m Ashley DeBonnaire and I graduated from Crave STL campus in August of 2021 as a cosmetologist. I would love to become an Educator as a future career shift, but at the moment I want to perfect my craft while working the front desk of the school to help other future beauty professionals work through their time here at Crave and service our guests with a passionate smile. I love seeing the student personality traits transform from a shy start to an outgoing confident professional at the end. Learning new things and continuing my education is my favorite part of the industry and my career.

Cali Jones, Guest Services Coordinator

Porcha Shucks, Cosmetology Instructor, Licensed Cosmetologist

Porcha has been in the hair industry for over 15 years. Becoming a Cosmetology Educator has been a goal of hers since cosmetology school.  She has a passion for hair and is well versed in styling all hair types. Porcha strives to stay up to date with the latest trends and techniques in the industry. Her goal is to share all she has learned with her students and keep their love for all things hair always thriving and filled with passion and energy!

Rachel Ivester, Cosmetology Educator, Licensed Cosmetologist

My name is Rachel Ivester, I am so happy to have joined the Crave team! I have been a licensed cosmetologist since 2007 and has been active in the field ever since. I have been married to my best friend for 18 years and we have two awesome teenage boys. The last five years when my kids got older, I did move into the medical field full time so that I could attend games, events and practices on evenings and weekends while still staying in the industry part time. Cosmetology has always been my happy place and passion, and I am finally at a point in life where I can follow that passion into sharing my knowledge with the next generation of cosmetologist. I find nothing more rewarding than seeing something click and make sense to a student and watching them learn and grow. I look forward to many more years of teaching others how to make everyone feel good about themselves and brighten their day, we could all use a lot more of that in our lives.

Libby Boleach, St Louis Admissions Advisor

Libby has over 20 years of experience in recruitment, in the maritime, education, and healthcare sectors. Her varied experience has made her the empathetic, driven, resourceful Admissions Representative that she is today.

Choosing a school that will help you achieve your goals and dreams is not an easy one.  At Crave we make you feel at home once you enter our doors!  During the interview process, you will tour our school, sit down with Libby and discuss your “WHY”.  We then work with you to successfully and seamlessly enroll you in our programs.

Kimberly Orr, Licensed Esthetician, Licensed Cosmetologist,

Kim is dual licensed for over 10 years in Cosmetology & Esthetics and enjoys being an educator. She graduated from Paul Mitchell in Cosmetology and Skin Institute in esthetics. She credits this as being one of the best accomplishments and best decisions she’s made towards her career in the beauty industry. She owned and operated Kim’s Esthetic Service but has decided to pursue her passion in education as a full-time career now! “Crave Beauty Academy has been instrumental in me becoming a full-time educator, because the classes are intimate with plenty of in-depth conversations.” She loves that the students are hungry for information regarding their chosen fields and Crave Beauty Academy allows for that! Crave is truly….A Cut Above!

Raquella Gardner, Business Office, Licensed Cosmetologist

I have had a passion for the Cosmetology field since I was a little girl. I grew up spending most of my days watching, learning, and assisting my mother, sister, and both grandmothers in their own Beauty Salons. After working in Finance, I decided to finally follow my passion and became a Cosmetologist.  I am a former Crave Beauty Academy alumnus and have learned so much about the industry and want to be able to help future professionals start their journeys with ease and excitement as I did.

Kim McIntosh, President/Owner

Kim McIntosh serves as President and Executive Director of Crave Beauty Academy.

Currently Kim and her husband, Stan McIntosh, own Crave Beauty Academy. She changed the name of Xenon International Academy to Crave Beauty Academy in Wichita, KS and Ballwin (St. Louis), MO in December 2014. Kim opened Salon Crave in Wichita, KS with her daughter and niece as managing partners in December 2014. Most recently, Kim has opened a professional beauty wholesale, KMac Beauty Supply, to assist local professionals in building their brand.

Kim and her husband acquired Xenon International Academy in Kansas and Missouri in 2013. Prior to the acquisition, the past eighteen years she has been partner in three of the six Xenon International Academy campuses. Her educational background includes college studies in Business Administration and Marketing. Kim has been active in the Beauty Industry for twenty-five years. She holds a Cosmetology, Esthetics and Instructors license in Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. She has worked behind the chair, in salon management and as a manufacturer educator teaching professionals in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Colorado. Kim currently serves on the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS) board for the last thirteen years. Kim has served in various positions on the AACS board to include Vice-President, Secretary, Historian, co-chair of the Annual AACS Convention, team leader of events and supervised an education task force team. Kim also serves on the MACS -Missouri Association of Cosmetology Schools. Kim is also active in the communities of the Crave locations. She is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Women’s Business Owners (NAWBO), National Association of Female Executives (NAFE), Cricket Alley Ministries and the local toastmasters club in Wichita, Kansas. Read more about Kim on our blog!

Stacey Peters, Senior Director Corporate Office Wichita KS/Ballwin MO

Stacey has been with the Academy as of 2002 and has been a licensed Cosmetologist as of 1994/Educator as of 2004, and has been licensed in 5 states, with current licenses being held in 2 of those 5. Stacey obtained her associate degree at Eastern Wyoming college (1994) and moved to South Dakota after graduation. It is here that she began her career in the cosmetology field, and management. Stacey worked for a manufacturer as a field educator, while managing the Salon/Spa she worked at. In 2002 Stacey along with her family, moved to Omaha, it is here she began her journey in post-secondary education. Stacey worked at Xenon Int’l (Omaha)  from 2002-2011, as an educator, associate director and then Director. In 2011, she and her family made the move to Wichita-KS, and she continued the journey with Xenon Int’l, in 2013 the Academy became Crave Beauty Academy. During her time in Wichita, Stacey worked as an Educator/Guest Services Director, Associate Director, Director and Senior Director. Stacey is now responsible for compliance with governing agencies, and ensuring the academies are following all regulatory requirements to maintain the standard that Crave Beauty Academy expects. Her primary role includes regular campus visits, at which time Stacey has an opportunity to interact with staff and students, as well as financial aid compliance and processing.  Stacey feels that her season in life is to continue to grow and always inspire to do the same, believing that her career choice in Cosmetology has afforded her the opportunity to experience so many things, and working at the academies has proven to offer such.

Hollie Holtzinger, Executive Administrative Assistant & Licensed Cosmetologist

Hollie graduated from Crave in April of 2015 as a Licensed Cosmetologist.  Shortly after graduating, she accepted a position as a Designer at Ulta Beauty where she did hair and makeup services.  After some time, she decided to join the Crave team in early 2018.  She is currently the Executive Administrative Assistant.  She enjoys being back in the school atmosphere where she gets to meet so many new people, all of which have a unique story.  She has always had a love for the beauty industry and a passion for helping people feel beautiful.  Now she is able to see the students’ successes and the joy this industry brings them as well.

Sarah Ortiz, Creative Director, Licensed Cosmetologist