The ASCP School Forum is a connection-driven, education-first event designed exclusively for skin care school owners, educators, and administrators. This year's program addresses the real challenges schools are facing today in a rapidly evolving industry landscape. Every session is designed to support stronger schools, more confident educators, and better-prepared graduates. The ASCP School Forum is a connection-driven, education-first event designed exclusively for skin care school owners, educators, and administrators. This year's program addresses the real challenges schools are facing today in a rapidly evolving industry landscape. Every session is designed to support stronger schools, more confident educators, and better-prepared graduates.
Session Descriptions:
"Wellness Technology Trends and Schools: AI, Robots, and Beyond" Sherrie Tennessee, PhD, CHE, Director of Education, SpaSOS
Empower skin care educators with cutting-edge wellness technology insights. Explore how AI, innovative tools, and holistic approaches can revolutionize student training, career preparation, and future professional development in esthetics.
"The Toxic Leadership Disease: Diagnosing, Treating, and Transforming Leadership in Education" Ketia Bradley, EdD, Founder and CEO, Ivy Beauty Institute
In this transformative presentation, Dr. Ketia Bradley explores toxic leadership as a destructive force in higher education and trade schools—framing it as a "disease" that infects institutional culture, erodes morale, and compromises the success of students and staff alike. Drawing from over 25 years of experience across health care, esthetics, higher education, and counseling, Dr. Bradley delivers a compelling diagnosis of this widespread problem and prescribes a solution rooted in transformational leadership.
"Level Up Your Brand: Six Lessons from Getting on Game Shows" Jenn Lyles, Executive Director, Beauty Schools Marketing Group
Discover personal branding strategies that aren't only a win for yourself but also for your school! You'll learn how to better connect with Gen Z students on tours and in the classroom, from owning your strengths to researching your target demographic and crafting your story. As a bonus, you'll get a crash course in TikTok to better understand why video-based platforms are crushing competitor social apps and how you can capitalize on this craze. (You'll even learn the secret to getting cast on a game show!)
"The UnSession" Maggie Staszcuk, ASCP Program Director
Connect, collaborate, and spark new ideas with fellow educators in this dynamic, discussion-driven session. The UnSession is your chance to share experiences, explore solutions to common challenges, and gain fresh inspiration to bring back to your esthetics programs. Expect lively conversation, practical takeaways, and meaningful connections with peers who understand your work. Whether you're seeking new strategies, renewed motivation, or simply community, this session is a welcoming space to talk openly, learn from one another, and strengthen your impact as an educator and school owner.
"School Grants and Compliance: How to Access, Manage, and Report with Confidence" Christe Bomber, Consultant Sponsored by Hand & Stone
Christe Bomber guides attendees through the essentials of accessing, managing, and reporting school grants with confidence. The session covers best practices for compliance, effective grant management, and accurate reporting to help schools maximize funding opportunities.
"Ten Steps to be Job Ready" Lydia Sarfati, Founder and CEO, Repêchage; President, CIDESCO Section USA
Lydia Sarfati empowers the next generation of beauty professionals with actionable insights tailored to beauty school owners. In the evolving beauty industry, we must equip students with technical skills as well as the confidence and business acumen they need to thrive. In this session, we will explore how to inspire students to embrace their passion, polish their craft, and step into the professional world ready to shine. Let's ignite their potential and turn their aspirations into reality!
"State of Beauty and Wellness Schools" Carrie Perkins, Qnity Director of Learning and Development and Skin Care Professional
In this short and impactful session, you’ll hear key data points from ASCP’s partner Qnity for Schools on the financial challenges facing the next generation of beauty and wellness schools and graduates. Building on the most recent industry data, you’ll learn critical statistics and discover how educators can shape the next generation of skin care and beauty professionals to build sustainable and prosperous careers in their craft.
"Interstate Licensing Updates: Esthetics and Cosmetology Compacts" Les Sweeney, President, and Ashley Scobey, Executive Director, ASCP
Stay informed on the latest developments in the Esthetics and Cosmetology Compacts. Join ASCP as we share updates on progress, key initiatives, and potential impacts for your school. Learn how these changes may shape student opportunities, curriculum planning, and the future of licensure in the industry.