Meet the Team

Teresa

Founder, CEO and Owner of YourNewSchool / Nail Technology Instructor

Judy

Account Executive / Nail Technician

Amber

Account Executive / Nail Technician

Marie

Education Specialist / Cosmetology Instructor

April

Director of Business Development / Cosmetology/Barber Instructor

Shelly

Account Executive / Cosmetologist

Emily

Account Executive / Makeup Artist

Diana

Education Specialist / Cosmetology/Barber Instructor

 

Teresa
Meet Teresa Lewis, the passionate owner of YourNewSchool. Her beauty industry journey began at Alma’s Facial Clinic at 16, sparking a love for the craft. Teresa funded her college education using nail skills gained after obtaining a technician certification.

Armed with an accounting degree, Teresa landed her dream job at a major nail product manufacturer. In two years, her true calling emerged—working with beauty schools, leading to building a National School Division for OPI.

After 20 years at OPI, Teresa founded YourNewSchool, a dedicated resource for beauty schools. Committed to the industry, she serves in organizations like SkillsUSA, AACS, and NIC, shaping a brighter future.

Beyond her professional feats, Teresa holds a Nail Instructor license in Illinois, showcasing her enduring connection to the craft. With a passion for numbers and taxes, she runs a small tax business. Teresa's dynamic engagement in beauty and education continues to thrive.

 

April
Meet April Seifert, YourNewSchools Director of Business Development, since 2019. With a background as a School Director in Florida, she brings a wealth of experience to her current role. April's 25+ years in the Beauty Industry include licenses as a Cosmetologist in 3 states and a Licensed Barber in Florida. She spent a decade managing Professional Beauty Supply Company Stores for a major manufacturer.

April's intimate knowledge of the school environment positions her well at YNS, addressing the daily challenges School Owners face. Her goal is to provide customers with optimal options, exceptional service, and top-notch products.

Beyond work, April recently married her High School Sweetheart after 30 years. A lover of the beach and vibrant nature colors, she became a certified scuba diver 15 years ago, joining the 1% of the population with this unique certification.

 

Judy
Meet Judy Sheils, an individual with over 30 years of collaboration with Teresa Lewis. Joining the YNS Team in 2012, this experienced professional serves as the Midwest Account Executive. With a remarkable 35-year tenure as a licensed Nail Tech in Chicago, IL, her journey in the Beauty Industry is extensive.

Having found passion at OPI, particularly in the Beauty School division, she brings a wealth of expertise to YNS. The joy of working closely with customers, addressing their daily needs, and providing exclusive professional products, exceptional customer service, and top-notch education defines their commitment.

Despite being the senior member of the company, Judy exudes a youthful spirit and openness to new adventures. A fun fact reveals her adventurous side – at the age of 60, she went skydiving with her granddaughter, describing the experience as a unique "face lift." Proudly wearing the banner of a "fun grandma," she brings a vibrant energy to the YNS family.

 

Shelly
Meet Shelly Torniainen, a licensed cosmetologist based north of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Shelly's journey began in her dream salon, progressing from hair and nail services to Salon Manager. With 25 years of salon experience, she developed a passion for teaching, later joining the OPI National School Division as an Educator and Sales Representative for 12 years.

Amid industry changes, Shelly transitioned to YourNewSchool as an Account Executive. Managing schools across 15 states, she leverages her expertise in various product lines to contribute to their success.

Outside work, Shelly enjoys family time at her cabin in northern Minnesota, indulging in activities like boating, fishing, golfing, snowmobiling, and embracing Finnish traditions with a HOT sauna, a splash in the lake, or even a roll in the snow!

 

Amber
Meet Amber Klein, an accomplished Account Executive at YourNewSchool overseeing 16 states in the southeast and northeast. With a remarkable 11-year tenure at YNS and 17 years under the guidance of our CEO, Amber takes pride in being an integral part of the team.

As a licensed nail technician, Amber's passion for the beauty industry shines through. Her favorite aspect is collaborating with inspiring individuals dedicated to the success of future professionals. Providing customers with tailored orders, educational benefits, top-notch products, and unparalleled customer service is Amber's forte. She views her customers as family and feels honored to be part of their journey.

Beyond work, Amber is a self-proclaimed girly girl who cherishes beauty, family, fun, food, and football. Beach vacations, outdoor activities, and spontaneous adventures are all part of her vibrant and dynamic lifestyle.

 

Emily
Meet Emily Lewis, an Account Executive at YourNewSchool since 2018, focusing on the West Coast states while also representing a couple on the East Coast. Despite commencing her career in psychology research, Emily discovered her true passion lay in the beauty industry. With six years of experience as both an account executive and a makeup artist, she specializes in event makeup and skincare.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Emily is a cancer survivor actively giving back to her community. She serves on the board of a non-profit dedicated to children with cancer, Camp Quality, showcasing her commitment to making a positive impact beyond the beauty industry.

 

Marie
Meet Marie Strauch, YourNewSchool's Educational Specialist with a rich beauty industry journey since 1997. With roles ranging from Cosmetology School Instructor to Make-Up Artist, Marie's diverse expertise enriches her current position.

Notably, she coached students to success in Bridal Long Hair Design competitions at events like The Midwest Beauty Show and The Premier Orlando Show in 2006. At YourNewSchool, Marie leads the development of educational programs and personally oversees Virtual Education, offering monthly classes covering various beauty products and techniques.

In her free time, Marie enjoys working in her salon alongside her daughter and engages in creative endeavors like flipping furniture and remodeling. Beyond her love for beauty tools, she shares a passion for power tools, showcasing a dynamic presence both professionally and personally at YourNewSchool.

 

Diana
Meet Diana Jackson, a dynamic hairstylist with a unique background—a young Latina-Polish-American girl from Chicago who grew up making candy money through hair braiding. After exploring various states, she settled in NC and found her place in the vibrant YNS tribe in Chicago. Diana's diverse family and community exposed her to different hair, nails, and skin textures, proving to be a career blessing.

Licensed in 2011 as a Cosmetologist in Spring Hill, FL, Diana excelled in a leading salon and taught Cosmetology. Her journey expanded with a Barber License, leading her to teach Barbering classes. Adaptability, a love for education, and a passion for the beauty industry brought her to the YNS team. Diana's goal is to leverage her Spanglish and experience to foster the success of the company and its associates.