Meet Our Team
IMAj Institute Staff Directory
Gary Begley – President
Licensed Aesthetician – Supervising Laser Technician – Laser Safety Officer – Master Sculptor Artisan – Laser Lecturer
Gary Begley has been at the forefront of the Laser and Clinical Aesthetics community for more than 30 years. His technology and application innovations have helped to advance the science of skin care. He served as Western Regional Director of the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) 2012-2015. From 2010 to 2021, Gary served as the Chairman of the Arizona Board of Cosmetology. Mr. Gary was appointed Chairman of the Board of Arizona Barbering and Cosmetology in January 2022 where he still serves.
Peggy Begley – Clinical Director
Licensed Aesthetics Instructor – Cosmetic Laser Technician – ITEC Internationally Certified Aesthetician – ITEC Certified Instructor
As a seasoned business professional and a Licensed Aesthetician with a true passion for skin care, Ms. Peggy directs the daily operations and growth of IMAj Institute. Ms. Peggy provides guidance to aspiring aestheticians. Ms. Peggy also serves as a liaison to regulatory agencies on behalf of the school. Ms. Peggy’s caring leadership is the heart and soul of IMAj Institute.
Ran McBryde – Medical Director
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner, Board Certified
Dr. McBryde is a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She obtained her doctorate degree from Arizona State University and a bachelor’s degree from University of Texas Medical Branch. She has worked on two clinical trials at Mayo Clinic as a research fellow. As a primary care provider, Dr. McBryde focuses on individualized evidence-based care. She has additional experience in cardiology, dermatology and clinical research. Dr. McBryde brings a high level of professionalism to IMAj Institute and is skilled in the training and use of Botox Cosmetic and other injectable products. As IMAj Institute’s Medical Director, Dr. McBryde actively contributes to IMAj Institute understanding of medical issues and reviews records and protocols to ensure medical accuracy.
Joanna Wilson – Aesthetics Instructor, Student Services Coordinator, IT Integration
Licensed Aesthetics Instructor – Licensed Cosmetologist
Ms. Joanna’s many skills make her an essential member of our staff. She not only teaches classroom and clinic for daytime and hybrid programs but also ensures our students have the information and guidance need to be successful in their educational goals. Ms. Joanna also integrates our IT Systems to ensure our processes support our business.
Kelli Van Horn – Business Development Manager
Licensed Aesthetician – Cosmetic Laser Technician – Marketing & Sales Strategist
Ms. Kelli brings creativity, drive, and heart to her role at IMAJ Institute. As Business Development Manager, she leads the school’s marketing and growth initiatives — from energizing enrollment campaigns to building community partnerships that expand IMAJ Institute’s reach across the Valley. With a background in sales, marketing, and aesthetics, Ms. Kelli blends strategy with passion to deliver results that inspire. Her upbeat energy and genuine love for the industry make her a motivating presence for students, staff, and partners alike.
Rachel Pepelaskov – Admissions Coordinator
Licensed Aesthetics Instructor- Licensed Aesthetician – Cosmetic Laser Technician
Ms. Rachel joined the IMAj Institute team with a genuine love for learning and a passion for the aesthetics industry. As an IMAj Institute alumni and former instructor, she is dedicated to supporting others as they begin their own journey. As our Admissions Coordinator, she loves to learn about your career goals – and is always happy to share her insight and experience to help others find their path in aesthetics.
Alyssa Lewis – Student Services Specialist, Aesthetics Instructor
Licensed Aesthetics Instructor – Licensed Aesthetician – Supervising Laser Technician
Ms. Alyssa has extensive experience working in the retail medical spa environment and her extensive technical knowledge makes her a valuable resource to IMAj Institute students. She also is the go-to person when students have questions about their educational progress. In addition to her instructor duties and student services duties, she keeps the internal supply system functioning which keep the students supplied with the materials they need to practice their aesthetic and laser arts.
Kai Farley – Laser Director, IMAj Institute Laser Safety Officer
Licensed Aesthetics Instructor – Licensed Aesthetician – Supervising Laser Technician, Cosmetic Laser Technician
Ms. Kai, as our Senior Laser Instructor, ensures our Laser Program provides our students with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful as a Cosmetic Laser Technician. She does a fantastic job of teaching laser principles in ways students understand. Ms. Kai exhibits an artistic touch in getting the best results from our multiple lasers and high-energy devices. She is our Laser Safety Officer and ensures our students understand and exercise laser safety. Ms. Kai’s bright, cheery, positive personality brings joy to our campus.
Sarah Jacobus – Supervising Laser Technician
Licensed Aesthetician – Cosmetic Laser Technician – Supervising Laser Technician
Ms. Sarah is an IMAj Institute team member with knowledge of both Aesthetics and Laser. She is skilled in presenting our laser curriculum in a way that is understandable to students. Students will see Ms. Sarah most often in the laser lab teaching cosmetic laser techniques.
Risa Coler – Aesthetics Instructor
Licensed Aesthetics Instructor – Licensed Aesthetician – Cosmetic Laser Technician
Ms. Risa joined IMAj Institute with a love for skin care and she has a developed a love of teaching since joining IMAj Institute. Her teaching includes many student involvement activities which enrich the student experience and create a positive culture which permeates throughout the school. She lays a solid foundation for students as they begin their new and exciting career in aesthetics.
Motoki Kinjo – Aesthetics Instructor
Licensed Aesthetics Instructor – Licensed Aesthetician – Cosmetic Laser Technician, Skin Classic Instructor
Mr. Moto moved to the United States from Japan in 1994. After becoming an accountant and working as an International Tax Consultant, he realized he would be happier helping people feel better on the inside and out. Mr. Moto’s goal is to ensure that all students have the knowledge and guidance needed to pass their state board examination and be successful in their professional career. In addition to owning Moda Pelo Salon Spa, his passion is to be a great educator and to help create our future industry leaders.
Viridian Shumate – Aesthetics Instructor
Licensed Aesthetics Instructor – Licensed Aesthetician – Lash Extender Educator
Ms. Viri began her career as a makeup artist in Los Angeles in 2009 and went on to become lash artist in 2012, a Licensed esthetician in 2013, and a Licensed Laser Technician in 2024. Before graduating from IMAj Institute as a licensed aesthetic Instructor, she owned a successful spa in Houston, Texas. She’s passionate about empowering future estheticians through hands on learning and inspiring them to blend creativity with the science of beauty
Jenci Villalobos – Front Office Coordinator
Licensed Aesthetician
Ms. Jenci is the welcoming face you will see when you arrive at IMAj Institute during our nighttime hours and on Saturdays. She keeps the scheduling and appointments running smoothly for our students taking hybrid classes. Miss Jenci is the IMAj Institute contact for spa guests, students, and clients during these hours.
Kathy Ellsworth – Business Consultant, Compliance Officer
Certified Instructor Trainer – Certified Lead Auditor- BS Behavioral Science
Ms. Kathy supports behind-the-scene functions of IMAj Institute. Her responsibilities include policy development, curriculum specialist, and sustained compliance with oversight organizations. Ms. Kathy’s goal is to establish and maintain processes that support IMAj Institute’s mission of Training the Best Aestheticians in the World. Ms. Kathy’s experience includes compliance auditing, corporate training and human performance management.We’d Love to Hear From You
Let’s start your journey in advanced aesthetics.
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