About Our Staff

The staff at the Interior Academy of Hair Design are dedicated beauty professionals, committed to sharing their knowledge and providing a positive environment for all the students of Interior Academy of Hair Design.

Together we are "An Innovative Team With Heart."

Vera Stark

Chief Executive Officer

Vera Stark is the CEO of Interior Academy of Hair Design. Vera has been a licensed hairstylist for over 28 years, and during that time has worked as a stylist and an instructor. She has owned Interior Academy for just over 10 years now, and takes pride in continuously bettering the quality of education that the students receive. Along with her team, Vera is very passionate about the beauty industry and the success of her students. Being a business owner, Vera takes every effort to learn and grow within her business by taking professional and personal seminars, and contributing to the local community.

Laverne Stoesz

Hairdressing Instructor

Laverne Stoesz is a Hairdressing Instructor, who has worked in the beauty industry as a stylist for over 34 years. A former salon owner, Laverne has been an instructor in our stylist program for several years. After 4 1/2 years she moved away but is back with us once again. She loves the challenges of her position, and will be taking her instructors diploma in the fall of 2006. Best known for her mentoring style of teaching, and her endless patience, Laverne blends humor and teaching in her unique way to inspire her students. She keeps herself current with cutting and coloring classes that ensure that our future stylists are aware of the latest tends, as well as the classics.

Kim Holden

Administrator

Kim Holden comes to us after a couple years of travel, and brings her experience as a general manager of two busy Vancouver restaurants and most recently, office manager at a guest ranch. She is a self-proclaimed “Queen of Organization” and blends in well with the diverse and fun loving staff at the school. For you future students, Kim is the person responsible for producing your transcripts — she is the one to bribe...

Justin Thompson

Customer Relations and Reception

Justin Thompson, in charge of customer relations and reception, is a former student of Interior Academy, and has taken the position to help contribute to the team's positive forward momentum. She is a fully certified esthetician, has a wicked sense of humor, and brings a wealth of sales and customer service experience to the existing team. Justin also has also attended the three year business development program at TRU, and is a fantastic addition to the gang at Interior Academy.

Linda McDonald

Esthetics Supervisor and Instructor

Linda McDonald is Esthetics Supervisor and Instructor. Linda has been working in the esthetics industry for over 5 years. She is a licensed esthetician and a Certified Podologist International and is an active member of The Health Care Practitioners of Canada. With this designation she is able to do more advanced foot care. Linda has her certification in Sumishi Microcurrent. She has also had additional education in Deep Tissue Massage, Relaxation Massage, Hot Stone Therapy, Advanced Skin Care, Lymphatic Drainage and Gel and Acrylic and Artificial Nail Applications. Previous career education includes Radiology, Dentistry and Fine Arts, which contribute to a more knowledgeable career in Spa Therapy.

Shirley Langford

Esthetics Instructor

Shirley Langford is an Esthetics Instructor. Shirley has been a licensed esthetician for over 4 years. She has her certification in Sumishi Microcurrent. Shirley has taken part in many classes some of which include Nail enhancements, Massage and Skin care. She takes pride in teaching upcoming estheticians to achieve a higher standard by sharing her experience and knowledge as an instructor. Shirley is in the process of obtaining her Provincial Instructor’s Diploma through TRU.

Lorna Peraux

Hairdressing Instructor

Lorna Peraux is a Hairdressing Instructor. Lorna is the latest addition to the Interior Academy team and brings with her over 30 years of experience as a hairstylist. An Alberta transplant, Lorna has spent a great deal of her career instructing and training apprentices, has been in management, and is the former owner/operator of her own salon. Through her many years in the business, Lorna has attended countless hair shows and kept current with the day’s latest trends through additional training and demonstrations. Her no nonsense attitude and passion for the industry have made her a great fit within our team, but don't play board games with her — she’s vicious!