Director of Education
Meet the staff at The Salon Professional Academy! Our trained educators are accessible, approachable and committed to your success. They empower and motivate students to explore their creativity and gain confidence in all abilities through one-on-one, in the classroom and on the floor instruction.
Penny Nelson
Mrs. Nelson has been the Director of Education for the Salon Professional Academy since the school opened its doors in 2006. Penny’s extensive knowledge and experience in the cosmetology field are an asset to the school and its students. Penny graduated in 1987 from the Stevens Point Area Beauty Academy and began her career as a stylist at JC Penny’s in Stevens Point. In 1989 she and her husband relocated to Madison where, after additional education and experience, she became a salon director at RZ and Company. As a salon director, one of her responsibilities was to train new employees. In 2002, Penny and her family relocated to Onalaska where she began working at Sue Kolve’s Salon & Day Spa. As the Director of Education for the Salon Professional Academy, Penny’s responsibilities include mentoring and training educators, writing curriculum and over seeing the day-to-day operations of the school. However, her real love is coaching and mentoring the students as they prepare for their future careers in the cosmetology industry.
“I believe to be successful in life you need to surround yourself with successful people," says Penny. "Throughout my career I have been fortunate to work with and for people who have this same philosophy. I look back at my career as a stylist behind the chair and I have to thank the people who believed that sharing their knowledge and skill with others makes everyone better. Individuals like Ruth Zacharias, Michael Cole, and Sue Kolve were key role models for me who stressed professionalism, integrity, and the concept of paying it forward. If it weren't for my past and present employers as well as co-workers, I would have never been as successful.”
"I went into education because I believe it is my turn to pay it forward. I hope my experience and knowledge will help someone else accomplish their dreams and to be as rewarded in their career as I have been in mine."
When asked “what is the one key attribute that every cosmetologist needs to be successful,” Penny replies, “communication.” “The most important thing in cosmetology is communication. If you can listen first and respond with great customer service, then success will follow.” This statement is definitely true about Penny Nelson.
