"One person with passion is better than forty people merely interested." - E. M. Forster
Driven by a passion for education and her wealth of aesthetic knowledge and experience, Julie continues to make SWINA the amazing experience it is as the executive director. Julie first began working for SWIHA in 2003 as the admissions director. She was then transferred to our sister school, Phoenix Therapeutic Massage College, for a few years serving as the executive director and taking on the task of overseeing three campuses.
In 2007, Julie came back to SWINA as the executive director. Her enthusiasm for learning and passion for education, combined with her 11 years of experience in the school industry, make Julie an amazing asset to the SWINA team. Known for her saying, “We don’t enroll students, we enroll graduates,” Julie strives to provide her students with the tools they need for success.
“I am passionate about giving our students the best education in this industry,” says Julie. With her dedication, education and experience, she continues to do just that.
Julie has been in the healing arts industry for over 15 years.
She is a licensed aesthetician, massage therapist, laser technician, hypnotherapist and a life coach.
With a wealth of knowledge behind her, Julie serves as a role model for students and staff alike.
William Zecco - Director of Education / Instructor
Will, a native of Boston, Massachusetts, relocated to Arizona in 2003. For over 35 years he has been involved in many aspects of the Cosmetology, Spa and Aesthetics industry as a licensed cosmetologist and aesthetics instructor.
No stranger to education, Will has been an educator for Laboratorie Biosthetiques in Aesthetics, Graham Webb International and Framese of Italy. In addition, Will owned his own hair and skin care salon back east for many years and was Salon Manager for LePli Day Spa in Boston for 15 years and worked as a stylist / make up artist for television and film.
Will owns his own mobile bridal unit, The Alternative Wedding Solution, specializing in Wedding and Event Styling and Make up Application. His work has been published in Wedding Site Magazine, Phoenix Bride and Groom and Arizona Bridal Magazine. Will brings not only his expertise in the aesthetics industry to SWINA, but a strong business development back ground as well.
Dave has a passion for all things skin care! He started in the industry a dozen years ago by becoming a Licensed Massage Therapist, and then added his Aesthetics License shortly thereafter. Drawing upon his background in education, Dave is currently an Instructor at Southwest Institute of Natural Aesthetics in Tempe, Arizona.
"We are a progressive State…there is a ton of interest in growing, expanding and networking here." One of Dave’s many goals is to help develop a networking group that will assist Aestheticians as they "build their dream"!
After completing a 1000 Master Massage Program, Dave worked as an LMT at The Phoenician Resort. Over the past 10 years Dave has also been a Trainer and Educator for various skin care product lines. Dave also has taught Anatomy and Pathology to aspiring LMT’s.
Edie’s passion for aesthetics runs deep. In 1971, she started a career as a cosmetologist and worked for nearly 8 years as a hair stylist. Realizing her passion for teaching, Edie applied for her instructor’s license to teach cosmetology in 1976.
With a growing passion for skin care and make up application, Edie then continued her education attending courses at Christine Valmy in New York City, Jerimack Jet in Spokane, Washington, and Betsy of Denver, Colorado, in Television and Photo Shoot Application. Edie then took her passion a step further and attended school for her aesthetics license at the Academy of Aesthetics, Arts and Sciences and later, also attended Imaj j to become a certified Laser Technician.
In 1986, Edie embarked on a new chapter in her life as she moved from her home in Denver, Colorado, to Arizona. Currently, she is as an aesthetic instructor at SWINA teaching both theory and practical aesthetics application and advanced peels for our laser program. Edie is a valuable asset to our program and to our students, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and experience.
Born in Fresno, California, Lydia moved to Phoenix with her family in 1998 and for the past 9 years, she has worked in some aspect of the aesthetics industry including pre and post care for plastic surgery in a medical office. In 2001, she attended the National Aesthetics Institute in Scottsdale, Arizona.
To further her education, Lydia completed the Aesthetics Instructor program at SWINA, and got her license to teach in 2008. With a passion for serving others and her knowledge for aesthetics, Lydia has been an incredible addition to the SWINA education team of instructors. Her compassion, patience and attention to detail are great gifts that she continues to share with the staff and students alike.
Stefanie began working at a day spa in Phoenix in 2002. Soon promoted to Aesthetic Department Chairman, she began training and organizing the other aestheticians.
Stefanie completed her Instructor training with SWINA in 2006. She specializes in teaching the beginning White Unit Classes and Clinic Supervising. Stefanie is a certified Rhonda Allison Chemical Peel technician & a Licensed Laser Technician.
Charlie has been a Massage Therapist and in the spa industry for over 7 years. After graduating, Charlie was recruited to help open and run one of Arizona’s top day spas. He later left the spa to pursue his passion for education. Charlie became a full-time instructor at the Arizona School of Massage Therapy, teaching a wide range of modalities, including Basics and Advanced Massage, Acupressure, Shiatsu, Hydrotherapy and Reflexology.
In mid 2006, Charlie was approached by one of the worlds leading spa companies – Steiner Leisure. There, Charlie was the Corporate Lead Spa Trainer for the US market and Caribbean. While with Steiner, Charlie trained and helped develop spas all around the world ranging from Jamaica to Los Angeles.
In 2008, Charlie ran and operated two, Four Diamond Spas in Sedona, Arizona; Amara Resort and L’Auberge de Sedona. There, Charlie worked on menu creation, brand recognition, P&L and the daily operations of the spas. He also helped with the Spa at L’Auberge’s $500,000 expansion.
Charlie has extensive knowledge in the training and development of spa therapists as well as the design and implementation of spa protocols. Charlie currently teaches the AOS Degree program for Spa Management over at SWIHA and is the Public Relation Specialist at SWINA. His main focus is to build relationships with spa Owners and Directors to help better our community within the spa industry.
