Our Faculty

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 44 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.

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 fourteen 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**

Being an Esthetician and an esthetics instructor is something that I’ve always been passionate about. I feel as though that’s some thing my students could vouch for… My passion. Not only do I have a love of skin care as well as nails, but I have a devotion to my students to make sure that they are well prepared for the salon world. My goal is that they leave our school ready and excited to take on the beauty industry. It truly takes a lot of heart to be an instructor and I’m grateful I get to help light the way to success for our talented students.

I always knew I wanted to be a part of this industry! I graduated from Montana Academy in 2009 as a cosmetologist, and I was behind the chair for nine years, loving my career! I now have the privilege to work where I graduated from, passing on my skills and knowledge, still getting to do what I love. Hair color is my specialty, and I love seeing the students get just as excited as I do when they’re learning about their guest’s needs! I have met some of the best personalities in this industry and cannot wait to keep meeting more!

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 fourteen 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!

Hey! I’m Keri Kingland. I’m an alumnus of the Massage Therapy 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 six years for teaching and then studied Massage Therapy at Montana Academy.  Since I’ve started teaching, I’ve become certified in Kinesiology Tape, Blades, Cupping, Reiki, and Pregnancy massage. I enjoy being a part of the family here at Montana Academy, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds!

I began teaching in the beauty industry in 2005. I am a licensed Cosmetologist and Barber. I’m a certified M-ANT in nail technology and have an endorsement in Microdermabrasion. I hope to empower my students to reach their goals and beyond!

I am a licensed Cosmetologist and Barber. I am certified in eyelash extensions, hair extensions, and Microdermabrasion. I have been licensed to teach since 2008, and I am always ready to learn the latest and greatest, in every aspect our industry offers.

My name is Ayasha Plasterer. I have been in the beauty industry since 2014. I am a licensed Cosmetologist and  since starting at Montana Academy, I now am certified in Microdermabrasion. Being a part of the industry has been a passion of mine as well as helping others for a long time. It makes my day to be able to teach and watch students succeed for their future careers. Passing the knowledge and skills that I have on to all our amazing students truly is very rewarding. I am very excited for all our future classes to come!