Meet Our Esthetician Team

Jackie David
Founder and Director, Academy of Skin and Beauty
NYS Licensed Esthetician

Jackie is the Founder and Director of Academy of Skin and Beauty. She is a New York State Licensed Esthetician, Certified Permanent Cosmetics Professional (CPCP), and holds a BA in Speech Communications. Jackie’s vision is to advance esthetics education by creating an enriching learning experience focused entirely on esthetics learning utilizing modern procedures, technologies, and equipment. Jackie takes pride in her hands-on approach with students by helping them during their schooling and certification process, as well as supporting students throughout their esthetics career as a friend and mentor.

Jackie began her esthetics career as the owner of Jackie David Skin Care in New York City. Prior to entering the esthetics industry in 2008, Jackie was a television sales and marketing executive with national media companies including KTLA-TV in Los Angeles, Fox, and ABC Television in New York.

Jackie resides in Rye Brook, New York. She enjoys exercising and spending time with her husband, two children, Australian Labradoodle (see our Mascot below!), and cat.

Joselle Nicosia
Director of Education, Esthetics Educator

Joselle Nicosia is a New York State Licensed Esthetician and renowned makeup artist. Prior to being an Academy of Skin and Beauty educator, Joselle worked at De La Mer Salon & Spa and BLVD. Joselle’s early career included freelance makeup work in both print and television with Tom Ford and Estee Lauder. Additionally, Joselle has held senior operational roles as the Spa Director at Gurney’s Inn, Montauk, and Remedy Bar Spa.  Joselle stays up to date with the industry as an independent esthetician. Joselle’s specialty services include customized facials, chemical peels, organic spray tanning, eyebrow styling and waxing services.

Prior to her esthetics career, Joselle received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from SUNY Albany.

Joselle resides in White Plains, New York. She enjoys exercising and spending time with her two American Bulldogs, two boys, and husband.

Seja Alkhatib
Operations Manager

Seja graduated from Pace University with a bachelor’s degree in Biology, bringing a strong academic foundation and a detail-oriented mindset to ASB. With a passion for makeup and skincare, Seja’s prior experience includes working as a freelance makeup artist and volunteering at various New York hospitals, where she honed her eye for detail, creativity, and dedication to client care.

Outside of the office, Seja enjoys cooking traditional Palestinian food, connecting with her cultural heritage through family recipes and culinary traditions. Her other hobbies include photography and exploring techniques to capture the beauty in everyday moments.

Elena DeJesus Operations Associate Elena DeJesus is a student at the Fashion Institute of Technology with a lifelong passion for fashion and beauty. She first joined the Academy of Skin and Beauty in 2023, choosing it as the site for her senior year high school internship. From the very beginning, Elena felt a strong connection to the Academy’s welcoming environment and dedicated team. What started as an internship quickly evolved into a part-time role as an Operations Associate, where she continues to thrive. Working at the Academy has been a transformative experience for Elena—it has helped her grow in confidence, develop valuable professional skills, and discover the kind of supportive, inspiring community she wants to be part of. She credits the Academy with playing a major role in shaping who she is today, both personally and professionally .In her free time, Elena enjoys shopping, spending time with her dog, and Pilates.

Jordan Freund
Marketing Operations Associate

Jordan is a business student at Bentley University with a passion for creativity, connection, and communication. As the Marketing Operations Associate at the Academy of Skin and Beauty, he supports outreach, digital media technology, and new student engagement. His outgoing personality and natural ability to connect with others make him a valuable resource for prospective students beginning their esthetics journey. Jordan brings energy, insight, and a fresh perspective to the team.

Valerie Rose Klein
Esthetics Educator

Valerie is a Licensed Esthetician and Massage Therapist in NY and NJ.  She has extensive experience as an esthetician, spa manager, and mentor. She fell in love with the science of skincare and has dedicated her career to empowering clients and professionals alike. Specializing in holistic skincare, acne treatment, and advanced esthetic modalities such as Dermaplaning, Chemical peels, Laser and IPL, Buccal and Lymphatic Facial massage, and Facial cupping, Valerie’s approach goes beyond the surface—she believes that what we nourish our bodies which affects our skin, mind, and overall well-being. Her mission is to help individuals look their best and feel confident and radiant from within.

Valerie is passionate about creating a supportive and inclusive environment where women in the esthetics and spa industries can thrive. She is committed to mentoring and uplifting others, helping them unlock their potential and achieve their professional dreams. As a seasoned esthetician, leader, and trainer, Valerie is dedicated to sharing her knowledge and fostering growth within the esthetics community.

Her values of positivity, innovation, and holistic care are at the heart of her work. Whether she’s developing customized skincare protocols, managing spa operations, or teaching the next generation of estheticians, Valerie brings an unwavering commitment to excellence, compassion, and empowerment.

In her free time, Valerie enjoys learning and growing, karaoke, and spending time with family and friends.

OB Nwaogbe Esthetics Educator OB Nwaogbe is a New York State Licensed Esthetician, Esthetics Instructor, and beauty entrepreneur with 13 years of experience in corrective skincare and professional education. She is the founder of Oh Be You Facial Bar and UDODI Skincare in Brooklyn, NY; a line dedicated to making effective skincare accessible to all—especially those with melanin-rich and sensitive skin. Before entering the beauty industry, OB spent years working as a television reporter and producer in Washington, D.C. Her background in journalism and communications has fueled her passion for educating, mentoring, and empowering the next generation of estheticians—both in the treatment room and the classroom. OB’s specialties include corrective skincare for acne and hyperpigmentation, dermaplaning, hydrodermabrasion, BioRePeel treatments and much more. She is also passionate about business education and regularly teaches marketing fundamentals and branding strategies for beauty professionals. OB is known for her warm, honest teaching style and her ability to break down complex topics into real-world, relatable lessons. She is committed to helping students not only master their craft, but also build the confidence and skills needed to succeed in today’s esthetics industry. Outside the classroom, OB enjoys long-distance running, creating content, and inspiring estheticians to build their own beauty empires.

Tricia Clark Esthetics Educator Tricia is a New York State Licensed Esthetician and educator with a rich and diverse background in wellness, travel, and aesthetics. She began her journey on a 100-acre horse farm in Michigan, where she developed a strong work ethic and a lifelong connection to nature. Before joining the Academy of Skin and Beauty as an educator, Tricia worked as both a medical esthetician and esthetics instructor. Her early career took her around the globe as an international flight attendant, giving her a unique global perspective that continues to influence her work today. Tricia remains active in the industry as an independent esthetician, specializing in mobile spray tanning services. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Education from Western Michigan University. Tricia resides in New York with her twin children. As a former ballroom dance instructor, she finds joy in movement and creativity, and is passionate about mentoring future estheticians as they build meaningful careers. Tricia is committed to ongoing professional development and personal growth.

Annette Pugliatti Esthetics Educator Annette is a Licensed Esthetician and Cosmetologist with decades of experience in both clinical and holistic skincare. She was a pioneer in the early ’90s, becoming the first esthetician in New York to introduce and perform the art of body sugaring hair removal—an achievement that highlights her forward-thinking approach to beauty and wellness. Annette specializes in clinical acne and anti-aging facials, body sugaring, microdermabrasion, chemical and enzyme peels, microcurrent, electroporation, and mesoporation. Her personalized, results-driven treatments are rooted in her belief that balance is essential for healthy skin and overall well-being. As the founder and owner of Tutta Bella Spa & Salon in Rye, New York, Annette grew a successful business into a 1,700-square-foot spa and salon known for exceptional service and cutting-edge treatments. Her leadership, commitment to excellence, and passion for client care established Tutta Bella as a trusted destination in the industry. Since selling her business, Annette has continued to work independently, bringing her deep knowledge, warm demeanor, and collaborative spirit to every environment. She is dedicated to empowering others and continues to inspire professionals and clients alike. In her free time, Annette enjoys connecting with others, exploring new wellness trends, and spending time with her family.

Joanna Kruszynski Esthetics Educator Joanna is a Licensed Esthetician in NY, NJ, and CT, a Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, and a Reiki Master. She has worked extensively in medical esthetics, management, product development, business and education. Joanna keeps up with the newest trends by working as an esthetician, performing customized facials, laser procedures, consulting, and integrative nutrition. Before her esthetics career, she flew aboard LOT Polish Airlines, where she investigated and implemented anti-aging practices to prolong youthful appearance. Joanna lives in Westchester, NY.

Diane Rabadi

Esthetics Educator

Diane is a New York State Licensed Esthetician and certified in lash extensions. With over a decade of experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her work. As an esthetician, Diane is dedicated to helping clients achieve their skincare goals through customized treatments and product recommendations. Her skills as a lash technician allow her to enhance clients’ natural beauty with precision and care.

With a commitment to excellence and ongoing education, Diane is passionate about sharing her expertise with aspiring beauty professionals, guiding them to develop the skills and knowledge needed for success in the industry.

Diane also enjoys cooking and cherishing moments with her loved ones.

Allison Courtenay
Esthetics Educator

Allison is a New York State Licensed Esthetician and Massage Therapist and holds a MBLEx National License in Massage Therapy. Allison is the owner of Second Star Aesthetics and Massage in Harrison, NY, specializing in Corrective Korean Skincare, using advanced modalities to help her clients look and feel their best. She began her career in the beauty and wellness industry in 2014, working in luxury day spas and alongside top Westchester medical providers.

Allison draws from a wealth of clinical experience, and a strong background in hospitality to bring client-centered, result-driven care to her clientele. Her love of learning and passion for skincare lead her to the classroom, where she inspires students to cultivate their curiosity, skill, and professionalism into a rewarding career.

When she’s not in the classroom, Allison enjoys spending time in nature, reading, and performing arts.