OUR TEAM
We're a diverse team that has a lot of fun, and we're all connected by our desire to serve others and our commitment to Aveda's mission.
Roberto Sinopoli
PRESIDENT
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A first-generation Canadian, Roberto was exposed to the hair industry from an early age by his mother who owned her own salon. As Roberto got older, his love for hair continued to shape his career as he opened two of his own salons and was a major player in bringing the Aveda Institute to Winnipeg. His love for hair manifests in his desire to help students grow as highly-skilled hairstylists and accomplished professionals.
Aveda’s mission matches his own – to give back to the community, maintain relationships with suppliers around the world, and remain committed to ethical product testing without the use of animals. With students and community as the heartbeat behind everything they do, Aveda Institute Winnipeg makes service and unique culture part of the entire experience.
Roberto’s love for hair is second only to his love for his wife and two daughters. He can’t wait to meet you, give you a tour around the school and help you achieve your potential.
Email: roberto@avedainstitutewinnipeg.ca
Connect: LinkedIn
Karyn Sinopoli
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
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(she/her)
Karyn's career has grown and evolved into the hair industry. Previously, she was the Director of Membership and Marketing at the Reh-Fit Centre and oversaw the Reh-Fit Foundation for 13 years. Karyn has a passion for people and for making a difference in their lives, and she is an active volunteer on the Advisory Committee for the GROW IN Gimli program. Aveda's mission speaks to her because she likes to give back to the community while leaving a healthy footprint.
When she's not at the Institute, Karyn is spending time with her two beautiful daughters, traveling, and keeping physically active.
Email: karyn@avedainstitutewinnipeg.ca
Cheryl Serpanchy
Business Development Manager
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(she/her)
Cheryl channels her passion for building community and inspiring career growth to help our students and alumni. Her role involves fostering a supportive and creative environment for students, ensuring they receive the guidance needed to succeed in the beauty and wellness industry. Students can expect full support from someone who cares about them and their career just as much as they do, and that support continues as they're out working in the industry
Cheryl's commitment extends beyond the workplace, where she spends her free time teaching yoga and meditation. An outdoor enthusiast, she enjoys hiking and windsurfing at the beach with her chocolate lab, Jackson, emphasizing a balanced approach to work and personal well-being.
Iza Mikus
ADMISSIONS REPRESENTATIVE
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(she/her)
Iza is a certified makeup artist with a strong customer service background from years of experience in the restaurant industry. With an unfailingly friendly and positive demeanor, Iza is always ready with a helping hand. She wholeheartedly appreciates the uplifting atmosphere that Aveda fosters for both guests and students. In her free time, Iza's passion for makeup and beauty products takes center stage, and she's currently on the path to becoming a wine sommelier.
Kalina Villamar
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
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(she/her)
Kalina loves to establish long-lasting relationships with everyone that comes to AIW, whether they are staff, students or guests. She is passionate about her students' education, and dedicated to their well-being and success. Aveda presents an opportunity for her to inspire others and create a positive environment, experience and atmosphere for everyone who walks through the Aveda Institute's doors.
When she's not at the Institute, you can find Kalina cooking, baking and spending time with family and friends.
Email: kalina@avedainstitutewinnipeg.ca
Natasha Urban
Education MANAGER
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(she/her)
National Aveda Pure-fessional Educator
A Canadian Aveda Educator with over 15 years of experience specializing in colouring, Natasha loves sharing her knowledge with the next generation of hairstylists. She spends her time innovating our curriculum, training new educators, and supporting all students. Natasha is passionate about Aveda's mission and loves that she can be part of preserving the environment and helping communities around the world.
When she’s not finding artistic ways to transform hair with colour, she’s spending time with her family and friends as well as attending hot yoga classes.
Email: natasha@avedainstitutewinnipeg.ca
Emily Suttorp
EDUCATOR
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(she/her)
National Aveda Pure-fessional Educator
After graduating from AIW in 2014 and working behind the chair for many years, Emily has returned to AIW to share her passion for hair through education. Students can expect a welcoming and supportive environment in her classroom, and to leave with a clear understanding of how to succeed in a salon environment. As a lifelong learner, she loves Aveda’s wholistic approach to education and the support our community provides.
In her spare time, Emily enjoys cooking with garden-grown ingredients and exploring the city with her dog, Pennie.
Kat Orbanski
EDUCATOR
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(she/her)
Katherine loves the beauty industry because there’s always something new to learn and to teach. New trends, techniques and styles keep her evolving and curating looks that involve both technical precision and creativity. Aveda is a second home to Katherine because she can be her whole self, grow in her craft and support important environmental initiatives.
When she's not at AIW you can find Katherine cooking, watching documentaries, or taking her cat out for a walk.
Amilia Mulchand
EDUCATOR
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(she/her)
With twelve years of experience under her belt from high-end salon/spas, to smaller, boutique salons, Amilia is excited to share her knowledge with the next generation of stylists. She makes class fun and exciting, while still challenging her students to push themselves to their full potential. She values every moment of time with her students and loves supporting them and seeing them succeed as they launch their new career. Amilia believes in using the highest quality products on her guests, which is why she loves Aveda. They’re safe for our environment and our skin — a double win!
When she’s not teaching, you can find Amilia adventuring around our lovely city, being crafty, playing with her dog, or shopping!
IG: @mane_ladyy
Nicole Diamond
Educator
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(she/her)
After graduating from the Aveda Institute Winnipeg in 2017 and pursuing a successful career behind the chair, Nicole is ready and excited to share her expertise with new Aveda students! She offers a positive, supportive and uplifting environment, which results in building students' confidence and pushing them to their full potential. Nicole loves how Aveda gives back to local communities and wants to share that community love with her students.
You can catch Nicole spending most of her free time outside, whether it be skating with friends, going for hikes with her two dogs, or taking trips to the cabin.
IG: @stylesby_nicole
Amber Hobbs
Educator in training
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(she/her)
Amber is a seasoned hairstylist and makeup artist, and an Alumni of both our Cosmetology and Academy programs. In the past decade she's worked in Aveda salons in Winnipeg and Montreal, and she loves Aveda's community involvement and environmental values. Amber's committed to empowering her students to excel in their craft and build the confidence needed to navigate professional environments. Outside of work, she's an avid reader of true crime, enjoys DND and board games, and loves discovering new music.
IG: @babesbyamber
Keira Shersty
Educator in training
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(she/her)
Keria’s care and attention to detail is the first thing you’ll notice when sitting in her chair. Your satisfaction is her greatest priority, and she loves to have fun while she’s giving you the hair of your dreams. As an educator, students can expect Keria to be supportive, attentive and uplifting. She takes inspiration from all the educators she had when attending the Aveda Institute many years ago, and all the mentors she worked with in-salon. Keira is excited to give back by sharing her knowledge and providing a fun, safe and positive learning environment.
Keira appreciates how Aveda aims to protect the planet, as well as its inhabitants by having plant-derived ingredients that are ethically sourced. She views Aveda as a positive role model for the beauty industry.
In her free time, Keira enjoys doing all types of art - drawing, sculpting, and more recently, customizing dolls. She is also a music aficionado, and goes to see live shows whenever she can.
Jullie Robertson
STYLIST
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(she/her)
Jullie has high attention to detail, so she specializes in doing cuts that require technical skill and high precision. She loves finding the right cut that suits your style. If you're in Jullie's chair, you'll experience excellent customer service and you're sure to have a great time with her infectious positive attitude! For Jullie, Aveda is a fresh start that fuels her outlook on life and connects her to her passions, her community and to nature.
When she's not at the Academy Salon, Jullie enjoys staying active, playing sports and doing makeup.
IG: @beautyby.jullie
Jessica Beaugrand
Student Liaison
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(she/her)
A life-long student herself working towards an honours degree in Fine Arts, Jessica understands the dedication, courage and passion that it takes to achieve your educational goals. She brings this love of learning and passion to her position at AIW, dedicating herself to the success of all students, and she is proud to support creative education that is rooted in care. In her free time, Jessica can be found in her art studio late at night, painting pet portraits, eating good food and watching a lot of scary movies!
Email: jessicab@avedainstitutewinnipeg.ca
Anastasiia Borodiuk
Student Registrar
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(she/her)
Anastasiia brings a wealth of experience with 12 years as a Hairstylist and 3 years as an Educator, working at fashion weeks, on photoshoots and with clothing designers across Europe. She deeply resonates with Aveda's holistic approach to well-being, excellence, and environmental stewardship. This shared mindset fuels a dedication to elevate the standards of beauty and nurture a sustainable connection with the world around us. Anastasiia is excited to provide unwavering support and care drawn from her extensive experience as an Educator and Stylist. She understands the challenges of entering a new profession and is dedicated to providing the necessary encouragement for students to flourish.
Beyond her career, Anastasiia spends her time enjoying moments with family and continuously learning.
Email: anastasiia@avedainstitutewinnipeg.ca
Susan Lamirande
Finance
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(she/her)
Susan is always ready to lend a hand and put a smile on your face. After years of working in accounting and finance for various organizations in B.C., she’s brought her skills to Winnipeg. A true animal lover, Aveda’s cruelty-free practices and focus on caring for the planet are part of why she loves the brand. She also feels the supportive, team-oriented culture of the space is something truly special and a rare find in the industry.
When she’s not enjoying the company of the team, Susan enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Pat Paskaruk
RETAIL MANAGER
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(she/her)
With more than 12 years of retail management experience, Pat is an expert at providing exceptional service to every guest, every time. She loves building relationships and connecting with others, ensuring she meets the needs of every guest who walks through our doors. Her love of Aveda products and dedication to providing high-quality service makes her an asset to our team.
When she's not in the Experience Centre, you can find Pat entertaining, gardening, or reading a good book.
Lauren Messervey
Aveda Ambassador & Retail Advisor
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(she/her)
Lauren is deeply connected to Aveda's environmental consciousness. Aveda's commitment to giving back to the planet and embracing eco-friendly practices while delivering luxurious experiences is what drew her to the brand, and what keeps her excited to come to work every day. As an ambassador, she infuses her vibrant spirit and cheerleading energy into every interaction, creating an uplifting and welcoming atmosphere for students.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Lauren loves the creative world of literature, film, and writing.
Kyle Borbely
AVEDA ADVISOR
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(he/they)
With ten years of experience in guest services and retail, Kyle is an expert in providing an exceptional and memorable experience to everyone he interacts with. Guests can expect a warm greeting and a relaxing check-in, while experiencing all that Aveda has to offer. To Kyle, Aveda represents being the best version of himself while also doing his best to care for the world around us.
Outside of the Institute, Kyle is passionate about interior design and textile arts, such as embellishing and needle felting.
Blanto Palma
AVEDA ADVISOR
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(he/him)
Blanto extends a warm and inviting atmosphere to all who walk into the Aveda Institute. With a genuine dedication to ensuring guests, students, and every individual receive the help they need, Blanto goes above and beyond to create a positive and supportive environment.
Aveda holds a special place in Blanto's heart. He enjoys being a part of a community driven by a shared passion to positively influence others' lives every day. Inspired by the transformative power of attentiveness, patience, sincerity, and care, Blanto strives to contribute his best efforts to Aveda's mission. Beyond the realm of beauty and wellness, Blanto's interests span the realms of film and photography, writing, comics, drawing, art, fitness, and traveling.
Naomi Brien
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
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(she/her)
Naomi has lived in Winnipeg her whole life, and loves the community and entrepreneurial spirit of our city. As a Makeup Artist and graduate of the Asper School of Business, she is passionate about the creativity and transformative power of the beauty industry. She loves Aveda’s strong stance on social and environmental responsibility, and when she’s not at Verde, Naomi enjoys sustainable fashion, reading a good book and continuing to explore our city.
Email: naomi@avedainstitutewinnipeg.ca
Merylle Santiago
MULTIMEDIA Designer
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(she/her)
Merylle started her career in the Philippines, where she developed her skills in graphic designing, content creation, branding, and video editing. She later moved to Canada with her family, and learned more about different cultures and the importance of diversity. Merylle is drawn to Aveda because of its mission to make a difference beyond the beauty and hair industry. As a nature lover, Aveda’s stance on environmental responsibility is part of why she loves the brand.
In her free time, Merylle loves making art, journaling, reading, lettering, and everything in between.
Alyssa Duchnycz
Social Media Coordinator
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(she/her)
Alyssa grew up using Aveda products, and loves the brand's passion for protecting the planet and its inhabitants. She wants to share their mission with the world, and express it through visual and creative mediums. As a certified makeup artist and social media enthusiast, she is excited to represent Aveda.
In her free time, Alyssa loves to do anything creative, whether it's makeup, drawing, digital media or dancing. You can find her performing around Winnipeg with her dance team.