Meet Our Team

Gary Duchnowski

Chief Operating Officer/ School Director

Mr. Duchnowski has over 30 years of experience in the post-secondary education sector throughout the United States. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and has an extensive background in College Admissions, Education, and Campus Management. Mr. Duchnowski’s mission is to educate, train, and help students achieve their career goals.

Jay R. Christmas

Director of Education

Mr. Christmas has over 12 years of experience in the Beauty Industry in both retail and spa management. As a New York State licensed Esthetician and Massage Therapist, Mr. Christmas supports a structured, disciplined approach to learning. He manages the school’s courses to prepare students for successful careers in the skin care industry. Mr. Christmas inspires excellence in the instructional team and upholds the standards and integrity of the school’s policies and procedures. Simply put, he wants the best for our students!

Regina Manning

Admission Director

Ms. Manning is a licensed esthetician, beauty blogger, and skin enthusiast. After working as a journalist for nearly 15 years, she became an Atelier Esthetique Institute of Esthetics graduate, where she incorporates her love of fashion and beauty into the perfect career of introducing others to the profession of esthetics. As the school’s Enrollment Director, she gets to know each student and stays with them from the day they enroll until they graduate and enter the professional world of beauty and esthetics.

Tessy Guerrero

Continuing Education Coordinator

Ms. Tessy is a graduate of Atelier Esthetique Institute of Esthetics. As an Esthetician, she expresses her passion for the industry by sharing her knowledge with others while eager to learn about the latest trends, processes, or methods to achieve “eternal beauty.” Ms. Tessy values “continued education” and helps students, graduates, and industry professionals build on their knowledge and skills by taking Advanced Courses to strengthen their “toolbox.”

Francisco Catedral

Admissions Representative

Esthetician, Make-Up Artist, Lash Expert and Beauty Educator, Francisco possesses an instinctive passion and expertise in the beauty industry. He has been mastering his style as a professional makeup artist for over a decade.  As a principal make-up artist, he has participated in ads, videos, short films, campaigns and commercials.  His acute business and sales experience make him a perfect advisor to assist new students in getting started in an exciting new career.

Irene Johnson

Finance Director

Mrs. Johnson has been with Atelier Esthetique Institute of Esthetics for over 20 years. She possesses an Associate’s Degree in Accounting and Information Systems and has over 35 years of experience in accounting and financial management. As Finance Director, Mrs. Johnson maintains all student accounts as well as the school’s financial records. Mrs. Johnson is happy to provide help and assistance to anyone who asks.

Wendy Delgado

Senior Financial Aid Administrator

Ms. Wendy has an extensive background in Financial Aid having worked for three other New York State institutions.   She is passionate about helping students and their families complete the necessary requirements so they can begin the educational journey into Esthetics.  

Hilda Candelario

Financial Aid Administrator

Ms. Candelario has worked in various advisor and administrative roles within the Financial Aid and Bursar departments of colleges and universities over the past 7 years.    She studied liberal arts, Nursing and Medical Billing and Coding.  Ms. Candelario is enthusiastic about helping students secure the financial assistance needed for their education.  

Jeannine Troncoso

Student Services Coordinator

Ms. Jeannine is happy to share her experience and passion for the beauty industry with our students. Ms. Jeannine has a BA in English and was the Spa Director for many years at Skin Spa New York. She is here to assist our students throughout their program and help keep them on track toward graduation. Ms. Jeannine also helps students sign up for New York State licensure and provides job placement assistance and resources.     

Licensed Instructors

Workshop Guest Instructors

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