Eric Fisher Academy

About Our Team About Our Team

Eric Fisher Academy - Wichita KS

Meet the Eric Fisher Academy Team

Our Eric Fisher Academy team is passionate about you and your education, whether that be in cosmetology or esthetics!

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Founder Eric Fisher

Eric Fisher’s story started like many others. He was first introduced to the cosmetology business when he watched his mom do hair in her salon. Later he dated a hairdresser and when he would visit her in the salon, the environment sparked his interest. He viewed it as an opportunity to listen to great music, surround himself with creative people, dress trendy, and be in a career where people look forward to seeing you.

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Cosmetology Education

So without much thought of where it would lead, Eric enrolled in cosmetology school. You’ll often hear him joke when he tells his story that the only time he ever saw his dad cry was the day he told him he was going to cosmetology school.

Eric first attended school in Wichita, Kansas. But as a former drummer in a band, Eric knew the key to success was discipline and practice. So upon completion of cosmetology school, Eric hitched a flight to London from his dad, who was a Boeing test pilot on the way to Kuwait, to attend Vidal Sassoon Academy. During his time in London, Eric’s passion for the industry grew. He began practicing haircutting three to four hours a day and his talent flourished.

Early Career

Eric began working around the world. He took jobs in Europe and Asia in places like London, Paris and Seoul. Loving every minute, he soaked up the knowledge and sought out ways to bring great hairdressing to the United States.

In 1987, after marrying his wife Mary, Eric applied for a much-desired position in New York City. Out of 200 applicants, Eric was offered the position. Though this was a great opportunity, Eric made the decision to stay close to his roots.

The Salons

He planned the opening of the first Eric Fisher Salon where he brought the European concept of styling assistants and apprentice philosophy to Wichita. After opening EFS, Eric’s entrepreneurial spirit flourished from the success. His reputation as a stylist and business owner grew. To meet the needs of the growing business, he opened a second salon in West Wichita, a third in Derby, and recently a fourth in downtown Wichita — the Eric Fisher Studio.

As the salon’s success prospered, Eric’s passion for education continued to grow and so did the desire to share his knowledge. Having hired recent graduates straight from school for his apprenticeship program, Eric recognized a need for improvement in the beauty education industry.

The Academy

This fueled his decision to open a cosmetology school. Eric Fisher Academy opened in May 2007 with the goal to provide future beauty professionals with a top-notch education and to help better their lives. Eric Fisher Academy has since grown to be one of the leading beauty schools in the nation with both a cosmetology program and an esthetics program.

With the success of the school, Eric saw the need for business education in the industry. From this, Prosper U and Prosper U PRO were developed. Eric’s successful journey now includes four salons, the academy, Prosper U, Prosper U PRO and numerous bestselling books and CDs. His knowledge and passion for education are the foundation of Eric Fisher Academy.

What the Industry Is Saying

If I were just beginning a career as a beauty professional and needed mentor to guide me to success, at the top of my list would be Eric Fisher. Luis Alvarez
 , International Hairstylist, Photographer and Co-founder of Aquage
Eric Fisher is a first-rate businessman and an expert in his field. Anyone in his industry or any other would greatly benefit from his knowledge. Jamie Coulter
 , Founder of Lone Star Steakhouse and Saloon
The standard is high at Eric Fisher Academy and the instructors are masters of their craft! The trickle-down effect from Eric Fisher is obvious. Alex Ioannou , Owner of TRIO Salon in Chicago, IL
Excellent customer service — the staff support was amazing. The students were tremendous and the Instructors are so inspiring! Marques Sutton , Master Barber and Educator - Tapered Barbershop

The Eric Fisher Academy Team

Stephenie Dugan Director
  • Joined EFA team in: 2012
  • What you like most about working at EFA: The team I work with and learning new things.
  • Favorite song of all time: I don’t have just one!
  • Something you’re hilariously bad at: Dancing
  • Fun fact about you: It’s on my bucket list to go to Alaska and see the Northern Lights.
Erin Sutton Assistant Director
  • Joined EFA team in: 2007
  • What you like most about working at EFA: We have a great team and it’s a fun environment. We work hard and play hard!
  • Favorite song of all time: Any song by Nelly
  • Something you’re hilariously bad at: Singing or playing any musical instrument
  • Fun fact about you: I showed pigs when I was younger.
Nora Urista Admissions Leader
  • Joined EFA team in: 2021
  • What you like most about working at EFA: How kind and welcoming everyone is! It’s such a positive environment.
  • Favorite song of all time: Girls Just Want to Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper
  • Something you’re hilariously bad at: Running
  • Fun fact about you: In elementary school I had way to much fun with some craft scissors and had to rock a mushroom haircut for awhile.
Carol Werner Admissions Coordinator
  • Joined EFA team in: 2022
  • What you like most about working at EFA: The positive and upbeat atmosphere.
  • Favorite song of all time: Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond
  • Something you’re hilariously bad at: Cooking, but I try really hard!
  • Fun fact about you: I love to camp and be outdoors.
Lynna Cherry Financial Aid Leader
  • Joined EFA team in: 2014
  • What you like most about working at EFA: It’s such a fun environment to work in and I enjoy the people I work with.
  • Favorite song of all time: Crush by Dave Matthews
  • Something you’re hilariously bad at: Flip cup
  • Fun fact about you: I once had lunch with John Mayer.
Jenny Slane Guest Services Manager
  • Joined EFA team in: 2013
  • What you like most about working at EFA: Watching the students grow from start to finish.
  • Favorite song of all time: Anything from the 90’s era
  • Something you’re hilariously bad at: Having a consistent exercise routine.
  • Fun fact about you: I have 5 kids.
Adrienne Moore Career and Academic Advisor
  • Joined EFA team in: 2022 (But EFA has had my heart since 2010, when I graduated from here.)
  • What you like most about working at EFA: The environment and staff.
  • Favorite song of all time: Ditty by Paperboy
  • Something you’re hilariously bad at: Being serious when I have to be!
  • Fun fact about you: I’m from California.
Jennifer Kuhn Cosmetology Supervisor
  • Joined EFA team in: 2011
  • What you like most about working at EFA: I love working with the students and being able to help them see their potential.
  • Favorite song of all time: Here to Stay by Korn
  • Something you’re hilariously bad at: I am so bad at dancing.
  • Fun fact about you: I am always doing a new sport or activity because I love to learn.
Christina Franklin Cosmetology Learning Leader
  • Joined EFA team in: 2011
  • What you like most about working at EFA: I love the creativity and passion for our industry here at EFA.
  • Favorite song of all time: Billie Jean by Michael Jackson
  • Something you’re hilariously bad at: Karaoke
  • Fun fact about you: I have a pet bunny named Pix.
Melissa Meyer Cosmetology Learning Leader

Follow: @efa_melba

  • Joined EFA team in: 2018
  • What you like most about working at EFA: Being involved in the professional development and education of our Future Professionals as well as our Learning Leaders.
  • Favorite song of all time: My Life by Mary J. Blige
  • Something you’re hilariously bad at: Snapchat — it’s tragically hilarious!
  • Fun fact about you: I have a tattoo of a stick of butter with wings on my ankle. You know — a butterfly!
Kolene Sugars Cosmetology Learning Leader

Follow: @efa_kolene

  • Joined EFA team in: 2017
  • What you like most about working at EFA: The passion for this profession I see from both staff and students.
  • Favorite song of all time: Anything by Creedence Clearwater Revival
  • Something you’re hilariously bad at: Drawing animals — they all end up looking the same.
  • Fun fact about you:  My parents raised buffaloes and I was the 1st runner up for the American Buffalo Association Queen contest.
Dominique Ringle Cosmetology Learning Leader
  • Joined EFA team in: 2020
  • What you like most about working at EFA: Learning something new every day from some of the best in the business.
  • Favorite song of all time: Baba O’Riley by The Who
  • Something you’re hilariously bad at: Anything crafty
  • Fun fact about you: I’m an encyclopedia of pop culture knowledge.
Nikki Quach Cosmetology Learning Leader

Follow: @efa_nikki

  • Joined EFA team in: 2021
  • What you like most about working at EFA: I love the interactions I have with all the students and sharing my experiences with them.
  • Favorite song of all time: Props & Mayhem by Pierce the Veil
  • Something you’re hilariously bad at: I can’t roll my R’s.
  • Fun fact about you: I model as a hobby in my free time!
Trae Collins Cosmetology Learning Leader

Follow: @efa_trae

  • Joined EFA team in: 2022
  • What you like most about working at EFA: I love the passion we all have.
  • Favorite song of all time: Any song by TLC (I’m a 90’s kid!)
  • Something you’re hilariously bad at: Making pancakes.
  • Fun fact about you: I’m a Real Housewives fanatic.
Jessica Beck Cosmetology Learning Leader
  • Joined EFA team in: 2009
  • What you like most about working at EFA: Being there for the students’ ah-ha moments. I love seeing the lightbulbs go off when the information starts clicking.
  • Favorite song of all time: Fishin’ in the Dark by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
  • Something you’re hilariously bad at: Gardening. I kill every plant I own.
  • Fun fact about you: I got on stage at a Godsmack concert.
Kim Shriver Esthetics Supervisor

Follow: @efa_kimshriver

  • Joined EFA team in: 2015
  • What you like most about working at EFA: I love sharing my knowledge with the students and watching them grow. Also, we have the best Christmas parties!
  • Favorite song of all time: Friends in Low Places by Garth Brooks
  • Something you’re hilariously bad at: Dancing
Alannah Adamson Esthetics Learning Leader

Follow: @efa_alannah_

  • Joined EFA team in: 2022
  • What you like most about working at EFA: The positive environment and the great people I work with.
  • Favorite song of all time: Anything by Mac Miller
  • Something you’re hilariously bad at: Reaching the top shelf.
  • Fun fact about you: I’m 4’11.
Aimee Freeman Esthetics Learning Leader

Follow: @efa_aimee

  • Joined EFA team in: 2022
  • What you like most about working at EFA: Being a part of the students’ new journey and watching them grow and evolve with newfound confidence. Also being a part of a great team – I love the people I work with.
  • Favorite song of all time: Dear Agony by Breaking Benjamin
  • Something you’re hilariously bad at: Cooking
  • Fun fact about you: I played the viola for 7 years.
Acelyn Garcia Esthetics Learning Leader
  • Joined EFA team in: 2023
  • What you like most about working at EFA: Sharing my love for esthetics and watching my students grow professionally. We also have the best team!
  • Favorite song of all time: The Less I Know the Better by Tame Impala
  • Something you’re hilariously bad at: Whistling
  • Fun fact about you: I grew up in a town of 400 people!
Savannah Duling Savannah Duling
  • Joined EFA team in: 2023
  • What you like most about working at EFA: Getting to see my students progress from beginning to end and being their cheerleader.
  • Favorite song of all time: King Tulip by Suicideboys
  • Something you’re hilariously bad at: Dancing
  • Fun fact about you: I had a pet Turkey when I was 10!
Treva Brawner Inventory Coordinator
  • Joined EFA team in: 2014
  • What you like most about working at EFA: The fun and supportive work family.
  • Favorite song of all time: Screen Door on a Submarine by Rich Mullins
  • Something you’re hilariously bad at: Dancing
  • Fun fact about you: I also work as a beautician in a retirement home and I love it!
Devon Sechrist Administrative Services Manager
  • Joined EFA team in: 2008
  • What you like most about working at EFA: Working with my friends.
  • Favorite song of all time: 40 Dogs (Like Romeo and Juliet) by Bob Schneider
  • Something you’re hilariously bad at: Cooking
  • Fun fact about you: I made my dress for senior prom.
Christina Jacks Director of Marketing
  • Joined EFA team in: 2012
  • What you like most about working at EFA: My coworkers
  • Favorite song of all time: Fine Line by Harry Styles
  • Something you’re hilariously bad at: Reading a ruler
  • Fun fact about you: I cheered competitively for 2 years.
Maisie Pryce Marketing Coordinator
  • Joined EFA team in: 2016
  • What you like most about working at EFA: The creative, trendy environment and the pickles in the EFA Café.
  • Favorite song of all time: Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress by The Hollies
  • Something you’re hilariously bad at: Mathematics
  • Fun fact about you: I’m an avid reader and I complete about 50 books every year.
Jennifer Maddox Gonzalez Director of Human Resources
  • Joined EFA team in: 2008
  • What you like most about working at EFA: I really enjoy the energetic environment and the life-long friendships I’ve made with team members.
  • Favorite song of all time: The Chain by Fleetwood Mac
  • Something you’re hilariously bad at: Winking
  • Fun fact about you: I can play a mean tambourine and I’m a really good mixologist!
Paige Johnston Human Resources Coordinator
  • Joined EFA team in: 2017
  • What you like most about working at EFA: The friendships and spa services!
  • Favorite song of all time: PUSH (Feeling Good on a Wednesday) by Lorde
  • Something you’re hilariously bad at: Cooking
  • Fun fact about you: I love word puns!