Owner / Dean / Director: Deedee Crossett
Admissions Director: Colleen Jacques
Financial Services Director: Yuto Navarrete
Education Leaders: Danielle Thomas and Rene Zamora
Deedee Crossett, She/Her, Dean— dcrossett@sfiec.edu
Founder and owner of the San Francisco Institute of Esthetics & Cosmetology since 2002, Deedee Crossett is an industry pioneer for raising the bar of undergraduate education for Barbers, Cosmetologists, Estheticians, and Nail Technicians. After graduating from Washington State University with a B.A. in Communications and an emphasis in Public Relations, Deedee spent approximately eight years working in marketing and sales promotions for both public and venture-backed companies, including a position at Kinko’s, now a division of FedEx. Desiring a career change, Deedee obtained her Esthetics license in 2001 and has worked as an Esthetician, Spa Consultant, and Esthetics Trainer. With a goal of opening her own spa, Deedee discovered that well-trained employees are always in demand by the beauty industry. With that in mind, she redirected her energy—from owning her own spa—to creating a superior undergraduate Cosmetology, Barbering and Esthetics school in San Francisco.
Deedee collaborated with Paul Mitchell Advanced Education and established the first partner school of its kind where outstanding education, ‘real life’ techniques, and phenomenal customer service became the priority—in addition to passing the state licensing exam. Deedee is a member of the South of Market Business Association, American Association of Cosmetology Schools, and Skin Inc. magazine’s Editorial Advisory Committee.
Melissa Gallipeau, They/Them, Operations Leader — mgallipeau@sfiec.edu
Melissa has been with SFIEC for over 14 years. They began at the service desk in January of 2010. Their keen eye for detail and organization lead to them being promoted to Operations Leader.
They are responsible for in-house graphic design work as well as a myriad of other behind the scenes functions. If you ever wonder who makes sure the Financial Services office is well stocked in chocolates, it's Melissa!
Melissa works remotely from Portland where they live with their wife, Katie, and two dogs, Bear and Zola.
Colleen Jacques, She/They, Director of Admissions — cjacques@sfiec.edu
Colleen began her career in Miami as a Sales Representative for Ocean Drive magazine where she developed a love for fashion, hair, makeup, and photography. She became a publisher soon after and launched her own local lifestyle magazine focused on art, nightlife, beauty, and fashion called Clique Magazine.
After attending an art school for photography, she moved to Canada and pursued her love of music as an electro-house DJ. When she returned to the United States, she was introduced to the world of admissions in colleges of arts and design, as well as culinary arts, in which she has been working for the past nine years until joining our team. Colleen has always wanted to attend cosmetology school, being drawn to the beauty industry; hence; San Francisco Institute of Esthetics & Cosmetology is the perfect fit for her talents.
Colleen can be reached by phone at (415) 230-7416, text 415-230-7430, or email at cjacques@sfiec.edu or during her regular office hours.
Yuto Navarrete, He/Him, Director of Financial Services — ynavarrete@sfiec.edu
Yuto Navarrete began his career with San Francisco Institute of Esthetics & Cosmetology's Financial Services in February 2011. He grew up on the islands of Guam and Hawaii and attended the University of Hawaii receiving a BBA degree in Finance. He moved to the “mainland” and started his career in financial aid for a private university in 2004. Yuto understands and appreciates the importance of financial aid for student's seeking a career in the beauty industry and finds it gratifying supporting aspiring individuals who are seeking a quality education.
Yuto works remotely in Vegas with his wife and daughter and he travels to San Francisco every 5-8 weeks and is on campus
Yuto can be reached by phone (415) 230-7418, text (415) 213-2101, and email (ynavarrete@sfiec.edu).
education team:
Bradley Drapkowski, He/Him, Cosmetology Learning Leader, Makeup & Nails Mentor – bdrapkowski@sfiec.edu
Bradley has over 30+ years of experience in the beauty industry. Originally from Los Angeles, Bradley relocated to San Francisco several years ago to continue his journey within hairdressing. From working in entertainment and fashion to weddings and behind the chair, Bradley grew into a salon educator role 10+ years ago. Since that time, his love for teaching has grown and he finds it a rewarding experience. Bradley loves the progressive hair business, including cutting, coloring, make-up artistry and nails.
Danielle Thomas, She/Her, Education Leader: — dthomas@sfiec.edu
Danielle Thomas has 15+ years of industry experience. As a Paul Mitchell the School graduate, Danielle has worked behind the chair as a stylist, Salon Manager, Learning Leader, Color Specialist and Education Leader. Danielle is level 4 in Paul Mitchell Cutting and Color. She is certified in Dulce Lashes and trained with Tammy Taylor’s nail systems; however, her passion is hair coloring with an emphasis on blonding. As the Education Leader she strives to grow Future Professionals into successful licensed professionals.
Michael Mouton, He/Him, Esthetician Learning Leader:
Michael Mouton is an SFIEC graduate and licensed esthetician. As the lead of the esthetics department, Michael is a Dermalogica Expert, oncology trained/certified, has advanced training with Bio-Theraputics electrical modalities and was an esthetician with Hand Stone Massage and Facial Spa. Michael loves teaching CORE classes as well as mentoring students on the clinic floor in basic skincare, waxing, peels, microdermabrasion, nano exfoliation, dermaplaning, lash and brow tinting, and lash extensions. His nickname with the students is "WAX DADDY".
Rene Zamora, He/Him, Education Leader:
Rene Zamora is dual licensed in Barbering and Cosmetology. Originally from LA, he has been a dedicated professional since 2012. Rene held the position of Cutting & Color Specialist at the Santa Barbra PM School and Education Leader at the PM school in Sherman Oaks. Students will find Rene on the clinic floor, core classroom and technical zone. As an Education Leader, he is responsible for team trainings and certification. He is passionate about all aspects of the school business and enjoys coaching future professionals thru their journey.
Rene has a new love of exploring San Francisco with his new electric bike!