I graduated from Mitchell High School in 1996. I enrolled in the LATI Cosmetology Program the fall of 1997. Only completing half the program I decided to move back to Sioux Falls in the spring of 1998. I tried out other careers in the computer and banking industries only to feel like I didn't have my heart into it and I wasn't happy. So, I decided to pack up myself and my son and move back up to Watertown to complete what I had once started many years before. I graduated from the program in March of 2003. I am now employed in a fast paced hair salon in Sioux Falls, and loving it. I know that the beauty industry was my calling and the only regret that I have is that I didn't complete the course back in 1998. The program at LATI is truly the best, and the education that I and many others girls have received is top of the line. Going out into the real world can be very intimidating and with my training that I have had I am confident that I will succeed. What's next for me?? I just take it day by day, and know that I am doing what I was meant to do.
Kathy Wehr Cosmetology ‘03 Sioux Falls, SD
Ashley Holm
Ashley joined Christoffels & Company in July of 2003. She was raised and attended school in Harrisburg, SD, where she was active in FFA, music, and various student organizations. Following graduation Ashley attended Cosmetology School at Lake Area Technical Institute in Watertown, SD. While attending Lake Area she was honored to be selected "Student of the Semester" and participated in intramural sports. A finalist in the 1st "Survivor" event at Lake Area, she was also a member of the "Reciting Commercial" for the college and active in various campus organizations. Time away from work is enjoyed with racing events, sports, horseback riding, and Ashley is a huge Minnesota Vikings fan. Her professional mission is to gain the trust and respect of her clients, to greet them each visit with a smile and have them leave with a smile on their face.
Ashley Holm Cosmetology ‘03 Christoffels & Company
Lenny Hayes
Lenny Hayes is currently a stylist for Premier Salon & Spa at Macy’s in Minneapolis, MN. He graduated from Lake Area Tech Cosmetology Department in 1999. He went on to get his B.S. degree in Applied Management from National American University in 2006 and is currently working towards a Masters degree in Adlerian Studies with a major in Management Consulting & Organizational Leadership. Lenny’s expected graduation will be June 2008.
Lenny comments, “With all of my educational accomplishments so far today, I give my credit to Lake Area Tech for building the foundation of my success and achievements.”
Lenny Hayes Cosmetology ‘99 Premier Salon & Spa at Macy’s in Minneapolis
Coleen Duke
I graduated from Castlewood High School in 1983, and enrolled in the cosmetology program and started in January of 1984. I completed the course and graduated in March of 1985. I started my career at Regis Hairstylist in Watertown, SD. It was a very progressive salon and I learned a lot. After working there for about 5 1/2 years, I transferred to Regis in Eden Prairie, MN and continued to work for the Regis Corporation for another year. In December of 1991, I needed a change and started working at Salon 2000, also in Eden Prairie. After six months there, a management position became available at Regis. After going through three extensive interviews I was offered the position in June of 1992. I spent seven years managing in Eden Prairie and during that time I had the great opportunity to travel abroad and experience lifestyles in Europe by winning the top award recognized by the company. Within the time I was managing, I also became a group supervisor, which entails overlooking the management of five other salons in the Midwest. I did this along with my other duties for about two years. In June of 1999, I was offered the management position at Regis Corporation's premier salon, Progressions, at Mall of America. Accepting the position, my work was cut out for me! I continued my management position until March 2000. At that time I transferred back to the Eden Prairie Center Regis Salon to simplify my life and give up my management position. This is where I currently work and am enjoying the simpler life style for a while. Who knows what is next?!
Coleen Duke Cosmetology '85 Regis Hairstylists Eden Prarie, Mn
