Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/1174214
ascp now offers advanced modality insurance! ascpskincare.com/ami 51 Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics Institute Q: How did Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics get started? A: I fell in love! I had my own medi-spa in Washington State. Blame too much wine one night and Match.com and I fell in love with a man from Oregon. In addition to my medi-spa, I was working weekends as a laser educator, traveling from Western Canada to Northern California to train clinics on how to use lasers. Eventually, I opted to sell my medi-spa and move to Oregon. I could see the laws in Oregon were moving toward requiring additional education in order to operate lasers. Washington had already implemented Master Esthetician certifi cation that required additional education. We were the fi rst licensed advanced esthetic school in the state. Once we were licensed for advanced esthetics, we added basic esthetics to the school as well. Q: Why should estheticians strive to obtain advanced education? A: Our industry is constantly evolving. Most esthetics schools teach the very basic skills needed to pass the state exam, skimming the surface. In order to really become a skin care expert, we have to have additional education to build our skills and knowledge base. As new technology arrives on the scene, we need to be able to off er our clients the best treatments and skin care options. Q: Specifi cally, why should estheticians be trained in laser therapy? A: Laser and other high-energy treatments are eff ective tools to help clients with skin care needs, and with proper education and training, there is no reason why an esthetician should not be able to perform nonablative treatments. Oregon is a state that gives advanced estheticians a big scope of practice. If they have a collaborative agreement with a medical professional, they can have an independent laser practice and off er laser hair removal, skin rejuvenation, IPL, body contouring, cellulite reduction, and tattoo removal. FOLLOW THE LEADERS ascp skin deep special advertising section Mary Nielson, Executive Director, Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics Institute Q: What trends are you seeing in advanced techniques? A: Everything. This is an amazing industry with technology that gets better and better. I'm seeing new technology in body contouring that is really exciting because it's not all smoke and mirrors. Combination treatments with microneedling and radio frequency and other fractional treatments are fun to perform and give clients great results. Q: What are the hallmarks of a good leader? A: I think a good leader needs to have a passion for what she is doing and then inspire the team to see her vision and join in the cause! Our clear mission is to do the right thing for our students, clients, and staff . I am blessed at Spectrum to have a strong, qualifi ed team that inspires me every day with their dedication and willingness to go the extra mile for our students to help them in their success after they graduate. sponsored by As new technology arrives on the scene, we need to be able to offer our clients the best treatments and skin care options. —Mary Nielson