Meet our Staff
Would you like to train with Industry Experts?
-one of the Author's of the Esthetician Textbooks you will be learning with......
-one of the main individuals responsible for licensure in Virginia.....
-the 1st full esthetician seat to serve on the state board, wrote the regulations & helped develop the state board examination....
-Executive Director of Virginia State Association of Skin Care Professionals, the association that works to keep high standards in Virginia's Esthetics Industry....
.....Why not have your finger on the pulse of the Industry too?
-one of the main individuals responsible for licensure in Virginia.....
-the 1st full esthetician seat to serve on the state board, wrote the regulations & helped develop the state board examination....
-Executive Director of Virginia State Association of Skin Care Professionals, the association that works to keep high standards in Virginia's Esthetics Industry....
.....Why not have your finger on the pulse of the Industry too?
PROFESSOR LAURA TODD
School Founder
Author & Industry Leader
Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Master Esthetician Instructor
Medical Esthetician & Trainer
Certified Cosmetic Laser Technician & Instructor
Laura Todd has years of experience in the industry including owner of the Institute of Advanced Medical Esthetics, an accredited Esthetics School in the State of Virginia. She owns a Medical Based Skin Care Spa, has worked with Plastic Surgeons, Dermatologists as a medical esthetician and she has collaborated with and worked side by side with industry icons.
She continues to participate in legislative issues, and previously lobbied for HB2510 as the co-chair of the Virginia Panel for Esthetics Licensure. HB2510 moved Virginia forward and resulted in the establishment of two-tier esthetics (Basic & Master) licensure.
As a result of her "no stone unturned approach", Laura continued to shape Esthetics history in Virginia by being Virginia's First Appointed, Full Term Esthetician Seat in 2005. She was appointed by the Governor, and served on the Board that regulates Esthetics in Virginia. Once appointed, Laura was the main contributor to the development of the Virginia Esthetics Regulations. The regulations are standards of practice, health and safety guidelines for Estheticians and Spas and include the curriculum and equipment requirements that Virginia Schools must follow.
After developing the Regulations the next task at hand was the development of the Esthetics Licensing Examinations. During her term appointment she was asked to serve as a subject matter expert and as the only representative for the Virginia Board of Cosmetology to create the theory portion of Virginia's & the nation's Master/Second Level Theory Licensure Examination for NIC.
In 2009 while serving on the Virginia Board she was appointed by her fellow board members as the only Master Esthetician participant in Virginia Master Practical Exam Development Committee. She and the committee developed the guidelines for the nation's first Master Esthetics practical exam. These guidelines were followed by NIC in the exam development process which led to Virginia's new master practical exam.
Laura was appointed in 2009 by The American Association of Cosmetology Schools as Virginia's State Relations Committee representative where she hopes to share her expertise in the esthetics regulatory process at the national level. It has long been Laura's aspiration to move from representing esthetics at the state level to the national level!
She continues to give back to the industry as the Institute's lead instructor for Medical Based Skincare. She is also director of The Virginia State Association of Skin Care Professionals where she continues to work towards advancements in Virginia's Esthetics Industry and protection of the practice for fellow Estheticians. In 2009 she participated in policy development for the medical board concerning the use of esthetics lasers in Virginia.
As a result of all of her dedication to Virginia's Esthetic Industry the State Board staff issued her license #1 for her school as well as license #1 as a Master Instructor in Virginia. She was recently recognized by the state board as well as her fellow board members with an appreciation of service award.
Laura's academic focus was pre-med, holds several University degrees including Bachelors of Science and continued on with classes that lead to a Masters Degree in Education. She is an author of leading esthetics industry textbooks and Laura continues to write as well as serves as a reviewer for Milady publishing.
Laura believes that "knowledge acquisition is a lifelong process and should never stop".
Laura is an Author of "Milady's New Master Esthetics" Text!
Milady's Standard Esthetics: Advanced is a brand new book created to introduce advanced treatments in the skin care industry. This text is designed for those students who are enrolled in an advanced esthetics course from 600-1200 hours. This in-depth, yet easy to understand resource is essential for programs that require advanced materials.
From Amazon.com
Advanced Face and Body Treatments for the Spa
Laura Todd is an Author: "Advanced Face and Body Treatments for the Spa... It is a complete guide for providing the most imaginative and cutting edge spa treatments." Laura is a specialist in Lymphatic Drainage techniques and received advanced training in European LD techniques of the face and body while in Italy in 2006. Included Topics: Lymphatic Drainage, Laser, IPL, Microcurrent, LED, Ultrasound, Cellulite treatments, European Skincare and Body Techniques.
- From Amazon.com
What does Laura like to do in her free time?
Laura likes to run, hike, cycle, and loves adventures.
Laura "loves to push herself to go beyond her perceived limits and hopes to inspire her students to do the same."
"My take away from all of the training I have done for these events is ...YOU GOTTA HAVE AN AWESOME COACH!
For my students..... I aspire to be their AWESOME COACH!"
"Just like you have couch to 5k coaches and training plans for runners who have never run before, I want to help them go from ...start to awesome estheticians.... and have a bright career and future ahead of them."
Laura likes to run, hike, cycle, and loves adventures.
Laura "loves to push herself to go beyond her perceived limits and hopes to inspire her students to do the same."
"My take away from all of the training I have done for these events is ...YOU GOTTA HAVE AN AWESOME COACH!
For my students..... I aspire to be their AWESOME COACH!"
"Just like you have couch to 5k coaches and training plans for runners who have never run before, I want to help them go from ...start to awesome estheticians.... and have a bright career and future ahead of them."
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29.3 mile "Triple challenge" Run Laura Finished a 29.3 mile "Triple challenge" where she did a half marathon (13.1 miles) then traveled to do a 5k (3.1 miles) and then did another half marathon (13.1 miles). Laura loves to push herself to go beyond her limits and hopes to inspire her students to do the same. |
PR & PB - personal records and personal best ....striving for your best....
Laura "hopes to inspire all of her students to strive for their best in their educational endeavors!" |
Triathlon - Swim, Bike, Run
Jack of all Trades and MASTER them all! Laura enjoyed her Triathlon challenge. She said "transitioning between 3 sports was easier when you are very organized and that organization is one of her strong points and that she likes to pass on this skill set to her students." |
Marathon 26.2 miles
Laura completed her 1st Marathon (26.2 miles) in 2017.
Laura was honored to train with the Marathon Training Team where she made lots of new running friends. Laura said "Marathon Day was only 1 day, the training it took to get there was 6 months of grueling preparation, sacrifices and about 800 training miles. This reminds me of my student's journey....it take 6 months of sacrifice and dedication to graduate and they get to shine at the state board exam."
Fall Ultra Marathon Training An Ultra Marathon is any race beyond 26.2 miles. (Laura is training to complete her first 50K Ultra Race in early 2018.) |
Laura loves hiking in AZ.
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Laura gets a little shopping in on one of her continuing education trips.
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PROFESSOR MATTHEW
Master Esthetician Instructor
Medical Esthetician & Trainer
Certified Cosmetic Laser Technician & Instructor
Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Matt comes to the Institute of Advanced Medical Esthetics with a background in Science, Biology, Pre Med and Corporate Management with a strong focus in Customer Service.
He received his Esthetics training from the Institute in Medical Esthetics & Cosmetic Lasers.
Matt has over 5 years experience working in a medical based skincare spa and has climbed the corporate ladder from technician to the prestigious position of Spa Director and Lead Technician. Clients Love working with Matt with his direct approach to skincare and say he is a wealth of knowledge.
Additionally, Matt has been working the last 5 years as a Lead Instructor at the Institute of Advanced Medical Esthetics spa where he also spends his time working side by side with aspiring Esthetician Students. As a License Master Esthetician Instructor and Certified Medical Esthetics and Cosmetic Laser Trainer, Matt brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom.
Ask anyone and they will tell you.... Matt's classroom is always filled with smiles and laughter as he makes sure every student is engaged at all times and is having the time of their life - even with the Institute's rigorous and challenging approach to their medical based skin care curriculum.
Matt believes that there is "no challenge he can't take on" to ensure each of his students the success they desire and deserve, while embarking on their new career. He takes a "leave no student behind" approach with each moment in the classroom and strives to maintain unwavering commitment from each student toward their own personal self improvement and professions growth in the industry.
Matt takes a personal interest in every student and his motto is that "everyone is a winner in his classroom". He loves to see the students flourish and grow towards the professional he knows they can be.
Matt not only drives his students to success, he too is driven to improve himself and maintain a competitive edge in the field of Esthetics by seeking out advanced educational opportunities he can comeback and share with his classroom.
Matt holds certifications and advanced training with:
•Fraxel Laser
•Sonophoresis & Iontophoresis
•Dermal Needling & Collagen Induction Therapy
•Laser Rejuvination, Pigment and Vascular Imprefections
•Advanced Peeling & Medical Grade Skincare
Just to name a few.
Matt is also active in State, National and Federal regulatory matters. He lobbies for the continued improvement of the Esthetics Industry in Virginia and Nation Wide and attends state board meetings to stay up to date on regulatory matters in Virginia.
"Estheticians in Virginia don't know how lucky they are to have one of the widest scopes and practices in the Nation. I am grateful, as are the rest of the estheticians in Virginia, to Laura Todd, the person who made all of this possible. She along with a strong grassroots movement, elevated Virginia to one of the nation's greatest states to work in as an esthetician."
"It has been such a privilege to learn from and work alongside the Esthetician Legend, Laura Todd. Her leave no stone unturned approach and undying work ethic is contagious to everyone around her. She challenges and inspires everyone to be the best person they can be!"
"I look forward to each an every graduate of the Institute to become as inspired with the Esthetics Industry as she has inspired me to be."
"I personally invite anyone who is serious about becoming a Top Esthetician to enroll in the Institute so we can help you achieve your career goals."
Master Esthetician Instructor
Medical Esthetician & Trainer
Certified Cosmetic Laser Technician & Instructor
Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Matt comes to the Institute of Advanced Medical Esthetics with a background in Science, Biology, Pre Med and Corporate Management with a strong focus in Customer Service.
He received his Esthetics training from the Institute in Medical Esthetics & Cosmetic Lasers.
Matt has over 5 years experience working in a medical based skincare spa and has climbed the corporate ladder from technician to the prestigious position of Spa Director and Lead Technician. Clients Love working with Matt with his direct approach to skincare and say he is a wealth of knowledge.
Additionally, Matt has been working the last 5 years as a Lead Instructor at the Institute of Advanced Medical Esthetics spa where he also spends his time working side by side with aspiring Esthetician Students. As a License Master Esthetician Instructor and Certified Medical Esthetics and Cosmetic Laser Trainer, Matt brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom.
Ask anyone and they will tell you.... Matt's classroom is always filled with smiles and laughter as he makes sure every student is engaged at all times and is having the time of their life - even with the Institute's rigorous and challenging approach to their medical based skin care curriculum.
Matt believes that there is "no challenge he can't take on" to ensure each of his students the success they desire and deserve, while embarking on their new career. He takes a "leave no student behind" approach with each moment in the classroom and strives to maintain unwavering commitment from each student toward their own personal self improvement and professions growth in the industry.
Matt takes a personal interest in every student and his motto is that "everyone is a winner in his classroom". He loves to see the students flourish and grow towards the professional he knows they can be.
Matt not only drives his students to success, he too is driven to improve himself and maintain a competitive edge in the field of Esthetics by seeking out advanced educational opportunities he can comeback and share with his classroom.
Matt holds certifications and advanced training with:
•Fraxel Laser
•Sonophoresis & Iontophoresis
•Dermal Needling & Collagen Induction Therapy
•Laser Rejuvination, Pigment and Vascular Imprefections
•Advanced Peeling & Medical Grade Skincare
Just to name a few.
Matt is also active in State, National and Federal regulatory matters. He lobbies for the continued improvement of the Esthetics Industry in Virginia and Nation Wide and attends state board meetings to stay up to date on regulatory matters in Virginia.
"Estheticians in Virginia don't know how lucky they are to have one of the widest scopes and practices in the Nation. I am grateful, as are the rest of the estheticians in Virginia, to Laura Todd, the person who made all of this possible. She along with a strong grassroots movement, elevated Virginia to one of the nation's greatest states to work in as an esthetician."
"It has been such a privilege to learn from and work alongside the Esthetician Legend, Laura Todd. Her leave no stone unturned approach and undying work ethic is contagious to everyone around her. She challenges and inspires everyone to be the best person they can be!"
"I look forward to each an every graduate of the Institute to become as inspired with the Esthetics Industry as she has inspired me to be."
"I personally invite anyone who is serious about becoming a Top Esthetician to enroll in the Institute so we can help you achieve your career goals."
What does Matt like to do in his free time?
Matt likes to run, hike, cycle, and loves adventures.
Matt likes to run, hike, cycle, and loves adventures.
Cycling is Matt's favorite sport. In 2017 he completed an 100 mile bike race on the Capital Trail
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Mountain biking.
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Matt has completed several races and provides great support and gear for Laura during her races too.
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Matt loves to travel and enjoy a great meal
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Matt is out on a run but always has time to stop and meet new friends.
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Matt & Laura hiking in Arizona
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Laura has convinced Matt to do some laser hair removal for her.
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Matt & Laura get a little shopping in on one of their continuing education trips.
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PROFESSOR PATRICIA
Master Esthetician Instructor
Medical Esthetician & Trainer
Certified Cosmetic Laser Technician & Instructor
Patricia comes to the Institute of Advanced Medical Esthetics with a background in Science, Auditing, Corporate Management with a strong focus in Customer Service.
She received her Esthetics training from the Institute in Medical Esthetics & Cosmetic Lasers.
Patricia has over 14 years experience working in medical based skincare spa and as a Master Esthetician Instructor, Medical Esthetician & Trainer, Certified Cosmetic Laser Technician & Instructor.
Patricia brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom and caring atmosphere, even with the Institute's rigorous and challenging approach to their medical based skin care curriculum.
Patricia takes a personal interest in every student loves to see the students flourish and grow in their journey towards their new career.
Patricia holds certifications and advanced training with:
• Lasers, IPL
•Sonophoresis & Iontophoresis
•Laser Rejuvination, Pigment and Vascular Imprefections
•Advanced Peeling & Medical Grade Skincare
Just to name a few.
Master Esthetician Instructor
Medical Esthetician & Trainer
Certified Cosmetic Laser Technician & Instructor
Patricia comes to the Institute of Advanced Medical Esthetics with a background in Science, Auditing, Corporate Management with a strong focus in Customer Service.
She received her Esthetics training from the Institute in Medical Esthetics & Cosmetic Lasers.
Patricia has over 14 years experience working in medical based skincare spa and as a Master Esthetician Instructor, Medical Esthetician & Trainer, Certified Cosmetic Laser Technician & Instructor.
Patricia brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom and caring atmosphere, even with the Institute's rigorous and challenging approach to their medical based skin care curriculum.
Patricia takes a personal interest in every student loves to see the students flourish and grow in their journey towards their new career.
Patricia holds certifications and advanced training with:
• Lasers, IPL
•Sonophoresis & Iontophoresis
•Laser Rejuvination, Pigment and Vascular Imprefections
•Advanced Peeling & Medical Grade Skincare
Just to name a few.
Medical Director
Dr. James Cook is a graduate of Eastern Virginia Medical School and Eastern Virginia Graduate School of Medicine and has been practicing for over 30 years in the specialty areas of Family Medicine, Medical Wellness, Preventative Medicine, and General Medical Care. Dr. Cook brings a wealth of information and we are excited to share his insights.
Dr. James Cook is a graduate of Eastern Virginia Medical School and Eastern Virginia Graduate School of Medicine and has been practicing for over 30 years in the specialty areas of Family Medicine, Medical Wellness, Preventative Medicine, and General Medical Care. Dr. Cook brings a wealth of information and we are excited to share his insights.