May 2009 Guest Speakers

Jill Cressy

Jill Cressy is the Assistant Program Manager at the Faculty of Physical Education and Health, University of Toronto. Ms. Cressy oversees the Fitness, Movement, Dance, Martial Arts and Sport programs at the U of T Athletic Centre and presents workshops on Energy Management, Conflict Resolution, Leadership Empowerment, Voice Coaching, Workplace Vitality, Core Conditioning and Nia (a blend of dance, martials arts and yoga). Jill Cressy is a certified Black Belt Nia Instructor, Can-Fit-Pro Fitness Instructor Specialist, PhysicalMind Institute Pilates Instructor, CALA Aquafitness Instructor, GRAVITY Group Instructor and Personal Trainer, with a Bachelor degree in Physical and Health Education. Ms Cressy presents wellness seminars and workshops for a variety of leadership conferences and business organizations.

Jonathan Gilbank

Jonathan co-presents a portion of the Financial module with Leslie. Jonathan Gilbank is a graduate from the Wilfrid Laurier University School of Business & Economics. While receiving his Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a specialization in accounting, he worked as a freelance consultant in the Accounting Information Systems field. Grasping the opportunity, Jonathan and a business partner co-founded JR Consulting, a professional Accounting Information System Consulting Firm. Positions and experiences include Financial Analyst; Material Specialist and President and Lead Instructor for the Wilfred Laurier University School of Business & Economics IT department.

Vicki Malo

Vicki has been working in the beauty industry since 1986 as a highly trained Esthetician, CIDESCO Diplomat, RMT, BSc Pod, and Licensed Beautician. She has also taken numerous seminars and classes on business aspects in the salon industry.

As a past business owner of both a Clinical Salon and a Day Spa, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her classes.

Vicki's education experience includes advanced skin care, advanced foot care, infection control and business aspects in the salon industry. She is a National Educator with Footlogix and NASP teaching advanced classes across North America. She also is a platform speaker at trade shows.

She brings to her students her love and passion for the industry, along with a strong commitment to continuing education. In this new era of salons and spas, Vicki believes education is the key to continued success.

Vicki is currently working with KvG Group/The Footcare Experts in both sales and education, helping to bring leading edge technology to the Salon, Spa and technician.

Marilyn Patterson

NATURAL COSMETIC SOLUTIONS, INC

Marilyn Patterson will speak on organic and natural ingredients, including guiding rules in the cosmetic and skin care industries. Marilyn is the owner of Natural Cosmetic Solutions, Inc., a consulting company that works with its clients to develop natural cosmetic products following Ecocert guidelines for plant based, safe ingredients.

With her degree in Honours Chemistry from the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, Marilyn has been a teaching assistant in the Chemistry Department at Guelph University; Administrative Assistant for the Organic Laboratories; and Director of Research and Development for a cosmetic company. All of this eventually led to her founding her own consulting company, focusing on natural cosmetic formulations. Marilyn has been a member of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists since 1996 and has held the positions of Secretary, Vice Chair and Chair as well as Program Chair.

Marilyn now works with companies to help them develop safe, environmentally friendly cosmetics. With 13 years experience in the industry, Marilyn brings vast experience and knowledge of the ins and outs of formulating organic products in North American and Europe.

Katharin von Gavel

Katharin von Gavel is a recognized educator in the Foot Care industry since 1982 and has been a featured platform speaker at industry meetings across North America. She has studied Dermatology and Paramedical Esthetics in Europe and received a degree in Chiropody. In addition, Ms. von Gavel is a Doctor of Acupuncture, a Certified Podologist, and a Pedorthist. Ms. von Gavel has owned and operated medi-spa clinics in Canada with a subspecialty in advanced foot care for 25 years. She also developed proprietary protocols with the use of lasers and licensed clinics in Canada, South America and Europe. As the Founder and Director of Education of The North American School of Podology, she leads the on-going product research and client training programs for the North American market. In 2002, her company became the North American importer for Allpresan foot care products produced in Germany.

Most recently, due to advances in technology, Ms. von Gavel has replaced Allpresan with the next generation of foot care mousse. She has taken on the lead role as CEO of KvG Group, the manufacturer of the first Pediceutical line of foot care products under the brand name of FootlogixTM. Her mission is to improve the professionalism of the foot care industry, hoping to create an independent identity for professional pedicurists. Her knowledge and expertise continue to enhance the development of this industry throughout North America.