Our Team
Cinta Gibbons - President
With over 20 years in the beauty industry in Europe and the US, and having run a successful San Francisco salon for over 15 years, Cinta Gibbons is the ideal partner to own and operate the Cinta Aveda Institute, San Francisco.
Cinta Salon opened in 1991, and from the beginning attracted the best and brightest in the beauty industry; salon professionals passionate about beauty and dedicated to delivering current and cutting-edge styles. In April of 1995, her salon was invited to join the prestigious Intercoiffure Modaile, an international association that promotes excellence in the beauty industry.
Cinta is committed to continually mentoring and nurturing new talent, and is a renowned leader in promoting the highest level of excellence in the profession. Cinta is excited to connect her team of salon professionals to people interested in starting a career in the beauty industry.
Michelle Perroton – Institute Director
Michelle’s career in the Beauty Industry began in education over 5 years ago. While living in Los Angeles she began with Aveda Corporation as an Education Coordinator, planning Advanced Education events for the North-West Region. In 2 years she was promoted to Salon and Spa Development Partner, and worked directly with over 60 salons, helping them strategically grow their businesses; first in Orange County then in her native San Francisco Bay Area. It was during this time that Michelle noticed that many salons and spas struggled with the same thing- finding qualified, trained individuals to fill their staffing needs. She was inspired by the opportunity to join the Cinta Team and help grow the beauty industry from the ground up, shaping the industry’s next leaders.
Diane Behr – Director of Education
Diane has been with Aveda education since September 2003, beginning her teaching career with the Aveda Institute Minneapolis. Diane is an alumna of the Aveda Institute, Minneapolis. Her work with Aveda has taken her from behind the chair in a Las Vegas concept salon to training Educators and Salon professionals across the country; working as an Aveda Coach and Purefessional. Joining the Cinta Aveda team in June 2008, she loves working with a contagiously passionate, education focused team. Favorite "light bulb moment" with Aveda: Understanding 4MAT learning styles.
Charlotte Price - Esthetics Lead Educator
Charlotte has long been attracted to Aveda because of its strong environmental mission, high performing products and dedication to education. From the start of her career, Charlotte was drawn to education, passionate about the industry and sharing her craft with others.
She sought out salons with the same dedication to education and Aveda. Driven to expand on her passion for education Charlotte relocated to San Francisco’s Cinta Aveda Institute. Her experiences as an in-salon coach and spa manager enable her to share professional insight, in addition to her love for skin care and makeup with students.
Lara Becker - Esthetics Educator
Lara Becker is a Licensed Esthetician, Certified Massage Therapist and Certified Ayurvedic Body Therapist. Her training began at The Aveda Institute in British Colombia Canada where she completed the 1200 hour Esthiology Program. She then went on to work in an Aveda Concept Spa in Denver Colorado, while completing the Aveda Spa Coach Program. Lara moved back to her native Bay Area in 2005.
She has worked directly with healers, doctors, cosmetic chemists, equipment manufactures and successful business owners. Lara's strength as an educator is her practical and theoretical knowledge in both clinical approaches to skin care as well as holistic treatments and their applications. Her passion as an educator is the satisfaction that comes in seeing the progress of students who use their creativity and mindfulness to be great estheticians.
Emily Bishop - Cosmetology Educator
Emily is a graduate of the Aveda Institute in Minneapolis. After graduating in 2006, she moved back to her native North Carolina and worked in a family owned Aveda concept salon for 3 years. While working in such an intimate setting she learned how to nurture and educate every guest about their own beauty and health regimen. What inspires her is educating and inspiring others.
Stephanie Felo- Esthetics Educator
Stephanie started her career in the Beauty Industry as a makeup artist for Mac Cosmetics. While working there she became motivated to improve client’s skin and further her career in the beauty industry. Having a passion for a more natural approach to skin care and cosmetics, she was attracted to Cinta Aveda. Stephanie enjoys share her love for makeup and skin with her students.
Michelle Hamer- Admissions Coordinator
Michelle draws on 10 years of experience in Cosmetology School Admissions. Coming from a family of hair dressers she literally grew up in the beauty industry, and knows firsthand all that it has to offer. Michelle enjoys meeting anyone who is passionate about pursuing a career in the Beauty Industry!
Ricky Harris- Cosmetology Educator
Licensed Cosmetologist, Ricky completed cosmetology school in 2004. After working in salons in the Sacramento area, he turned to teaching to pursue a career in education. Ricky teaches the Intro phase where his passion and skill help inspire and prepare students for their future career in beauty.
Taylor Keahey - Student Records
Drawn to the beauty industry because of its personality and creative work ethic, Taylor brings experience stemming from several Aveda Institutes around the country. Now a part of the Cinta Institute, Taylor is excited to work with the best team in the network. Along with a slight coffee addiction, Taylor also indulges in lazy photography and generous portions of southern cuisine.
Candace Marks- Cosmetology Educator
Candace is a third generation hairdresser who began her career in 2004 at the Aveda Institute in Tempe, Arizona. After four years behind the chair she returned as an educator in 2008 and found her passion. From San Francisco originally, it had always been her dream to return, and she finally made that dream a reality by joining the Cinta Aveda team in 2009. Candace truly believes in living the Aveda mission, and views her success to be synonymous with her student’s success!
Alissa Masuda- Experience Center Lead
Alissa brings over 4 years of retail management experience to the Cinta Aveda Team. She began her career in the beauty industry at Lush Boutique in Beverly Hills. Upon relocating to her native San Francisco, she sought out Cinta Aveda to continue her career in luxury skin/body products. Alissa finds joy in being able to coach students on the skills and importance of retail.
Priscilla Varela- Cosmetology Educator
Licensed Cosmetologist, completed cosmetology school in San Francisco, at Miss Marty’s in 1997. Majored in college in fashion merchandizing and worked in the fashion industry over 5 years, prior to turning her artistic talents to hair. After working in salons in the bay area, she returned to teaching to pursue her career as an educator. Priscilla specializes in State Board and Business Classes as well as floor instruction where she can assist students in the current trends in the industry.
