Our Team

Our team is here to help you succeed

Lorie Chadsey

Director & Instructor

Continuing her passion for teaching and the future of the Beauty & Wellness Industry Lorie has proudly been the director of Academy Of Excellence for decades. At the helm she has led the school and salon + spa to become one of Victoria’s best. “I have always strived to elevate the industry, I want my students education to be the foundation to a successful and prosperous career! My students inspire me everyday & keep me young!”

Arlene Brookall

Hair Design Instructor

As a “High Achievement Award” recipient and graduate of the Academy of Excellence herself, she brings almost a decade of experience and a keen eye for detail in both cutting & colour.

She has over 20+ yrs of Customer Service background & is committed to the best possible experience of both the students & our guests.

She can often be seen cracking jokes & coming up with fun new ways to make the learning experience a positive one!

Wendy Charlton

Hair Design Instructor

Wendy completed her four year apprenticeship at age 14 in England and wrote the British Exam. She is a fully certified Master Stylist in Canada, and also holds a Pivot Point Chicago Instructor Certificate. Wendy has done advanced training at Vidal Sasoon and Tony & Guy in London, England and has been a salon owner and worked directly on Film Fashion runway and TV. Before joining the Academy of Excellence she was an instructor for ten years at Blanche Macdonald in Vancouver. “I am passionate about this industry and love to share all my education and experience with my students”

Jessica Hewitt

Salon/Spa Co-ordinator

Jessica has worked in customer service for over a decade, enjoying interacting and meeting new people daily.
Having graduated from a spa practitioner program herself, her love of this lifestyle spills over into her position as salon/spa coordinator.
“I look forward to helping students and guests every day.”

Shannon Burton

Director of Admissions

Establishing a career in the beauty industry was all I had ever envisioned for myself. Starting off at a young age of 11 cutting my families hair by was just the beginning. Graduating with my Cosmetology license in 1992 lead me on a wonderful journey in the beauty industry. Starting my career in a full day spa, then renting a station, becoming an Instructor and onto opening my own Cosmetology Academy in 2003.

I am very passionate about the beauty industry and the quality of life that it offers! The beauty industry brings opportunity for great financial, personal and educational growth to name just a few. Promoting this industry comes naturally to me, I enjoy talking about Cosmetology and encouraging others to be proud of their dreams within the beauty industry! It is an amazing opportunity to be in a position as the Director of Admissions at AOE! It is rewarding to help others fulfill their dreams within the BEST industry in the world!

“Do what you love, and the money will come!” -Oprah

Melinda Rose

Esthetic/Spa Therapy Instructor

I have had a successful career as an Esthetic/Spa Therapist for over 15 years. I have been fortunate to turn my experience and love of this industry into a teaching position with passionate students at the Academy of Excellence in Victoria, BC.

The first 6 years of my career were spent living in Banff, AB working at a beautiful boutique spa. The past 10 years of my career have been spent working at the Fairmont Willow Stream Spas in Banff, AB and Victoria, BC.

Educating my amazing students on how to make the world more beautiful, makes me proud!

“Beauty Begins the moment you decide to be yourself!” – Coco Chanel

The team at the Academy binds together like family. We are stronger together because we truly have caring hearts!

Free Academy Tour

Choosing a school should be fun and informative! The first step is to schedule a tour to visit the campus and meet with our Registrar. Allow us to answer your questions, show you the campus, and see first-hand what it’s like to be an Academy student! If you feel the Academy of Excellence is a good fit, you can schedule an interview and proceed with the enrollment process.

Lets Make This Your Year! Let Us Get You All The Info You Need. Don't Sit On The Sidelines. We're Friendly And Love Helping. Book A Free Tour Of The Academy.

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