Denise Mitchell – Director
Hello everyone and prospective students.
I am Denise Mitchell, Director & Hair Color Specialist
With a lifelong passion for beauty and education, I bring a wealth of experience and leadership to our cosmetology school as Director.
As a former salon owner and a dedicated color expert I have built a career rooted in creativity ans excellence.
I have successfully directed two thriving cosmetology schools, each known for producing top-tier talent in the industry. I am commitment to high standards and that is reflected in the incredible team of educators I lead. Carefully selected professionals who share my vision of delivering the best possible education to every student.
I believe in creating future beauty professionals by providing them with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to succeed. I pride myself in leadership that continues to shape a learning environment that is both inspiring and results-driven.
I am proud to have created such an amazing team here at Tuana European Beauty Academy.
Outside of school I love being with my husband and our two dogs.
Loretta Gonzalez – Lead Educator
Loretta Gonzalez here,
Lead Educator at Tuana Beauty Academy.
With over 20 years in the beauty industry, I am deeply passionate about every aspect of this career. As the Lead Educator I work closely with our talented staff to cultivate the next generation of top-tier professionals. Nothing brings me more pride than empowering our students to excel and securing employment for many of them even before graduation.
My journey began with 8 years as an Aveda stylist and cutting coach followed by 13 years as a salon suite owner at Sola Salons. Today, I rent a station at Tuana Hair Design where I continue to work alongside some of the industry’s best. In addition to my work behind the chair I have the privilege of leading our incredible team of educators.
As a Master Stylist, I specialize in hair cutting and love transforming my clients, helping them feel their very best. My passion for this craft extends to educating the next group of talent.
When I’m not working I enjoy spending quality time with my husband, three children and my grandchildren. I also love hiking and traveling and I feel incredibly grateful to be a part of the Tuana team and the vibrant community we’ve built here.
Hannah Lee – Esthetics Educator
I’m a licensed esthetician of two years, and my passion lies in helping people feel truly seen, understood, and supported in their skin. I specialize in treating adverse skin reactions and creating meaningful, intentional touch within every service. My approach is rooted in both science and connection—understanding not just what the skin needs, but what the person beneath it is experiencing.
I am the owner of The Skin Pursuit in Loveland, where I focus on delivering results-driven, corrective treatments while maintaining a warm, comforting environment. Continuing education is a core value for me. I dedicate much of my time to taking advanced trainings, mastering the newest modalities, and staying up to date with the latest ingredients, techniques, and industry standards. I believe the best estheticians never stop learning, and I hold myself to that standard every day.
Because education is so deeply important to me, I also pour that same passion into my students. I make it a priority to pass along everything I learn—new trends, updated safety standards, advanced treatment methods, and the kind of professional confidence that truly sets them apart. My goal is for anyone I teach to feel empowered, knowledgeable, and prepared to succeed in this industry.
Outside the treatment room and classroom, I value the time I spend with my family and my boyfriend, as well as our cat and dog who add their own chaos and comfort to daily life. Those moments help keep me grounded, inspired, and balanced.
Brandi Cordova – Cosmetology Educator
With over 13 years in the beauty industry and 5 years as the proud owner of my own salon suite, I’ve dedicated my career to creating hair that’s both stunning and effortlessly wearable. My passion lies in blonding transformations and lived-in color techniques that grow out beautifully, giving my clients that “fresh-from-the-salon” glow long after their appointment.
I believe great hair is more than just a look—it’s a confidence boost, a creative outlet, and a way to express your unique style. Every guest in my chair receives a personalized approach, from an in-depth consultation to a custom color plan that fits your lifestyle and enhances your natural beauty.
When I’m not behind the chair, you can find me staying ahead of trends through advanced education, perfecting new techniques, and drawing inspiration from beautiful colorful Colorado outdoors.
I have a passion for teaching and love watching and being a part of the growth of each student here at the Academy. Supervising the student service salon allows me to help the students with advanced techniques that help them reach their full potential.
Sabreena Unfred – Cosmetolgy Educator
Hi, Im Bree Unfred!
I teach nails in the classroom and supervise services in our student salon.
I’ve been a licensed cosmetologist for 9 years, and I’m incredibly passionate about all things beauty especially nails and esthetics. While I started my career working with hair, skin and nails, I discovered a deeper love for esthetics and eyelash extensions, I get to share my love for lashes teaching the process in advanced classes at Tuana.
As a cosmetology instructor, one of my favorite parts of teaching is watching my students grow, not just in their technical skills, but in their confidence. It’s an amazing thing to witness, and it inspires me every day!
Outside the classroom, I’m a proud mom to three energetic boys and a sweet baby girl, a wife of nearly 13 years, and a devoted dog and cat mom. Teaching nails has reignited my passion for this creative industry and I truly enjoyed working with students who share that same excitement and artistic spirit.
Kari Young – Cosmetology Educator
Hi everyone, I’m Kari Young and I supervise the student salon services here at Tuana Academy.
With 38 years in the Cosmetology industry, I have had the privilege of working across Hair, Nails, and Esthetics. While I am trained in all three areas my true passion lies in all things hair—especially cutting and coloring. For most of my career, I’ve worked as an independent contractor where I’ve been able to build lasting relationships with clients and continue honing my craft.
In 1999, I began teaching and I quickly realized how much I loved helping others grow and succeed. Over the years teaching has become one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career. I’ve been fortunate to learn alongside my fellow instructors and students, and I’m always inspired by their fresh perspectives. It’s incredibly rewarding to reconnect with former students and hear how they’ve gone on to excel in their careers, whether they’ve opened their own salons or ventured into other fields. Each success story reminds me how fortunate I am to play a small role in their journey. Regardless of where life takes them I will always be their cheerleader.
Originally from Colorado, I’m a daughter, sister, mother, and Nana to six amazing grandkids. Outside of work I’m passionate about fitness, water sports, golf, and spending time outdoors.
I am incredibly proud to be part of the talented team here at Tuana Academy and would love to help welcome you to our school, where we’re committed to empowering the next generation of beauty professionals.
