[tabby title="Linda & Mike McPherson"]

MONTANA ACADEMY OF SALONS CEO & MONTANA ACADEMY OF SALONS CFO, FAO

An opportunity presented itself in 2006, and we seized it: to join a group of like-minded salon owners who decided to dedicate and develop student careers. The Salon Professional Academy, opened in October 2006. In 2013 we made the decision not to continue as a franchise and changed our name to Montana Academy of Salons. We believe the decision was the best choice for our staff, students and guests. The change has empowered our creative independence and our vision of bringing the latest trends, education and products in an upscale environment.

As salon and spa owners, we bring over 35 years of experience in the industry. Our vision was to bring what’s new and trending in New York to Montana. Fashion and style forecasting happening in New York is now happening right here in Great Falls. Our hope and vision is to expose quality education to all students through our facilitators, who continually receive education from top inspired educators, around the world. The education at Montana Academy is geared toward the success of each student. Business strategies are taught and applied through everyday practices.

We constantly update, create and develop the curriculum to stay on top of the ever-changing beauty and massage industry.

Our commitment to our students doesn’t end with graduation. We believe in fostering relationships with all alumni and encourage their return to share experiences with other students, and take part in advanced educational events.
We look forward to helping you take the first step toward your career.

[tabby title="Miss Conner"]

I was one of those kids who never knew my true calling, constantly stumbling through different activities such as softball, dancing, even band at one time. I kept thinking "I won't know what I'm good at until I try everything. Finally I found it. It was teaching, but not teaching Esthetics, not just yet, but choir. I found singing, and I knew that if I taught others how to do what I loved that my life would always feel full and complete. Makeup and skincare is something that started slow for me, then rapidly I was drawn in by it. I was drawn in by the industry with all of it's artistry and liveliness and the way you are able to connect with someone through the power of touch. Being in the chair, as amazing as it is, wasn't fullfilling me the way I planned. Teaching Esthetics is something that fills my bucket, everyday. I love sharing my experiences, my knowledge and my passion with students who are exactly where I was at one point in my life, bright eyed and ready for all this industry has to offer.

[tabby title="Ms. Cooper"]

There are so many reasons why I love this Industry! The love of hair and being able to share my knowledge with those around me, are just two of the many reasons I choose this career. I have been teaching now for over 3 years and am glad I get to teach what I love! I feel with all I have to give to the students I teach will help them not only in the art of hair, but with life skills to get them to the next level. I really truly believe in Redken and have always used their products and enjoy working with all the Redken Artist. Redken has the best to offer in Education, in the world, and I am so happy to be apart of the team. As a Top 20 Educator I’m going to bring my best every day! **Shoot for the stars**

[tabby title="Mrs. Cummings"]

Can you imagine being nine years old and your mother asking you if you could fix her best friends hair Friday night before she goes to a party. Yes, nine and I was really considering going outside to play. I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. I love hair! Everything to do with hair. There is so much in Cosmetology profession besides cutting hair. I graduated from June’s College of Beauty in 1974. I worked seven years at The Hair Do Salon. I spent 15 years in Washington State doing booth rental. Where I acquired exceptional advanced education. I returned to Montana in 1993 and worked in various salons in Great Falls. In 2004 I opened my own salon. Six years later in 2010 the opportunity for a Teaching position was available at Montana Academy of Salons. Teaching has always been one of my goals in life. I sold my salon and have been teaching four years now. My passions are hair-cuts, color and makeup. I want my students to feel the same passion for this Cosmetology profession that I do. Whether you are the Educator or Cosmetologist this profession requires continuous education. This business is always evolving with new ideas and creativity. Its exciting. Let me mentor you to become bigger, better Cosmetologists to continue this fabulous profession!

[tabby title="Mrs. Kingland"]

Hey! I’m Keri Kingland and I’m the massage therapy educator. I’m an alumni of this program and I fell in love with the school so much that I was inspired to come back to teach! I Originally went to college for 6 years for teaching and then studied massage therapy here at the academy. Right after I graduate I work with Rejuvenation Studio, eventually becoming a small business owner when I bought the company. I operated my studio until I was invited to become the massage therapy educator. Now I have the privilege of combining the two passions I fell in love with, teaching and massage therapy, here at the Montana Academy of Salons. When I was growing up I never envisioned having such a wonderful experience with owning my own business and then being asked to teach massage therapy. However, now that I’m in it, I couldn’t imagine my life any differently! I really enjoy being a part of the family here at the Montana Academy of Salons, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds!

[tabby title="Miss Peters"]

I am a cosmetologist and barber facilitator.  When it came to choosing what I wanted to do, I always knew, coming from a long line of cosmetologists, I knew I had a passion for hair. Graduating from The Salon Professional Academy in 2012, I became a third generation cosmetologist in my family. Returning to the Montana Academy of Salons in 2014 to retrieve my second license as a barber, my passion grew larger!  After practicing for a little under five years behind the chair I then got the opportunity to achieve my dream and begin to teach students that share my passion in hair and skin! Being in this industry I have learned that it is not just a job, or a career, it is a life style that I see myself growing with the rest of my life and will always pass on my knowledge to the up and coming talent.

[tabbyending]