Meet Your Educators
At Tuana Academy, we’re committed to staying at the forefront of today’s beauty industry. Our mission is to support students at every stage of their journey—exploring enrollment, stepping into the classroom, earning their license, and building their careers.
Our Admissions Team
Our admissions team is truly the heart of that process. Each member brings real experience as beauty professionals, salon owners, and educators. They understand what it takes to succeed in this industry because they’ve lived it, and they’re here to guide students with honesty, knowledge, and genuine support.
In the Classroom
Inside the classroom, our educators deliver current, relevant instruction using the latest techniques and technology. We’ve designed our curriculum to do more than prepare you for the state board—we prepare you for the real world. Our focus is helping you become confident, skilled, and marketable to future employers, with the hands-on experience and professional insight you need to thrive.
Denise Mitchell
Director & Hair Color Specialist
Hello everyone and prospective students,
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 and excellence.
I have successfully directed two thriving cosmetology schools, each known for producing top-tier talent in the industry. My commitment to high standards 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 on leadership that continues to shape a learning environment that is both inspiring and results-driven. I am incredibly 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 & Master Stylist
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 naturally to educating and guiding the next group of upcoming 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.

Brandi Cordova
Cosmetology Educator & Blonding Specialist
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 the 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.

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.

Brittany
Cosmetology Educator
With more than a decade in the beauty industry, I have had the opportunity to work as a hairstylist, extension specialist, salon manager, educator, and business owner.
Today, I proudly own and operate my own studio salon, giving me firsthand experience in both the creative and business sides of building a successful career in this industry.
I specialize in hair extensions and dimensional color and have spent years educating and mentoring new talent. I believe cosmetology education should go beyond technical skills and prepare students for the realities of working behind the chair—from consultations and building strong client relationships to professionalism and growing a successful clientele.
As an educator, my goal is to create a supportive and approachable environment where students feel comfortable learning, asking questions, and developing their own creativity. I love helping students build confidence, strengthen their skills, and discover what a successful career in the beauty industry looks like for them.
I’m excited to be part of the Tuana Academy team and to share my industry experience with the next generation of beauty professionals.

Jazznique Rodriguez
Cosmetology Educator
With 7 years in the beauty industry, my passion for cosmetology is just getting started! I’m Jazznique, a Cosmetology Educator with a love for all things vivid color and the transformative power of hair extensions.
I’m passionate about helping future beauty professionals master bold, high-impact color while maintaining the health and integrity of the hair. From understanding the science behind color theory to learning the technical precision of beaded rows and tape-in extensions, I love sharing the knowledge and techniques that can help students grow into confident and successful professionals.
In addition to teaching, I continue working behind the chair at my own booth, allowing me to stay connected to the industry and up to date with the latest trends, techniques, and styles. I believe continuing to grow as a stylist helps me bring real-world experience and fresh knowledge into the classroom.
One of my favorite parts of being an educator is helping students discover their creativity, strengthen their skills, and gain the confidence to express themselves through their work. I’m excited to be part of the Tuana Academy team and to help the next generation of beauty professionals elevate their craft and create a little magic along the way! ✨

Kina Harding
Cosmetology Educator
Hi everyone, I’m Kina Harding!
I have been a licensed cosmetologist for over 20 years after graduating from Hair Dynamics in 2006. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work in all areas of cosmetology, including hair, skin, and nails.
Today, I proudly own and operate my own private salon studio in Loveland, Colorado, where I continue doing what I love every day while building lasting relationships with my clients. Over the years, I’ve developed a passion for helping people feel confident and beautiful while staying current with the latest techniques and industry trends. My experience behind the chair has given me a strong foundation that I now enjoy sharing with the next generation of beauty professionals.
Teaching has become one of the most rewarding parts of my career. I love mentoring students, sharing real-world knowledge, and helping them build both the technical skills and confidence they need to succeed in this industry. Watching students grow and achieve their goals is what inspires me every day.
Outside of the salon and classroom, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, continuing my education, and finding new ways to grow both personally and professionally. I am grateful to be part of the incredible team at Tuana Academy and look forward to helping students develop the skills, confidence, and passion needed for a successful career in the beauty industry.
