“We are JD Academy!

Find your passion, it changes everything!”

Our educators have many years of hands-on experience in the subjects they teach at our East Bay Location in California.
JD Academy pursues educators who are currently active in the industry. They bring their real-life experience to the classroom.
Our educators strive to provide up-to-date information along with access to the latest technology. We design our curriculum to help make you marketable to future employers, not just to sit for an exam.

Janet D. Paradiso
President
Admissions Director

Elayne Becker
Executive Director Teacher Trainer
Author Licensed Cosmetologist
Ten years with JD Academy

 

Nancy Reyes
Financial Aid Director
Licensed Cosmetologist & Barber

De’Ahna “Dee” Turner Campus Director

Claudia Zelaya
Student Service Registrar

Lillian Denmead-Miller
Esthetician Educator
Licensed Esthetician
Milady Master Educator
Ten years with JD Academy

Belinda Gomez
Cosmetology Educator
Licensed Cosmetologist
Milady Master Educator
Ten years with JD Academy

Bernadine “Bernie” Tatum
Esthetician Educator
Licensed Cosmetologist
Milady Trailblazer Master Educator

Vessela “Vessie” Iordanova
Cosmetology Instructor
Licensed Cosmetologist
Milady Trailblazer Advanced Master Educator
JD Academy Alumnus

Enga Norton
Cosmetology Educator
Licensed Cosmetologist
Milady Master Educator

Karina Revuelta
Cosmetology Educator
Licensed Cosmetologist & Barber
Milday Master Educator

Josette Jelveh
Specialty Educator
Licensed Cosmetologist
Editorial Stylist
Ten years with JD Academy

Katie Quintana
Office Manager
Substitute Esthetician Educator
Licensed Esthetician
JD Academy Alumnus

Shirley Negron
Esthetician Educator
Spa Manager
Licensed Esthetician

Nicole “Nicky” Valencia
Admissions Representative
Licensed Cosmetologist
JD Academy Alumnus

Jennifer Matthews 
Esthetician Educator
Nurse
Licensed Esthetician

Denise Gaston
Esthetician Educator
Licensed Esthetician
Milady Trailblazer Master Educator

Aubrie Calico
Esthetician Educator
Licensed Esthetician

Cosmetology Instructor

Karen Alvarez
Website Design
Social Media

Micheala Paradiso
Inventory Control
Guest Services
BA Environmental Science

Amelia McCutcheon
Guest Services
Licensed Cosmetologist

Linda Bertaut, Licensed Esthetician, Reiki Master, Substitute Educator, 8 plus years with JD Academy

Linda Bertaut
Substitute Esthetician Educator
Licensed Esthetician
Reiki Master
Nine years with JD Academy

Maddy Mittone
Guest Services

Ian Summers Information Technology Lead

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Testimonials

I am a current esthetician student at this school. Highly recommend! The teachers are so supportive and kind. Everyone here truly cares about their students. I have learned so much from here and they really prepare you for state board.

Kayla D.

I wanted to say thank you for always keeping us informed and doing a wonderful job helping us however you can. Thank you for all you do! Emily

Emily, Student

I am a current esthetician student at this school. Highly recommend! The teachers are so supportive and kind. Everyone here truly cares about their students. I have learned so much from here and they really prepare you for state board.

Kayla T.

Ms. Janet. I have some exciting news for you today. I was just hired with Blue Mercury to start as a sales associate and later move into an esthetician position. The best part is it is literally right around the corner from my house. I couldn't wait to share the news with you. I'm literally crying out of JOY and GRATITUDE!!!! Thank you for having faith in me, you have no idea how much that means to me. Thank you for allowing me to get my education at JD Academy.

Brenda, Graduate

My daughter, husband and myself had facials done and it was absolutely fantastic. This place puts " beauty school name" to shame. This is an actual salon and spa. We will be returning again and again

Denise L. San Ramon

current downloads from the state board

Consumer Information