LEARN FROM PEOPLE WHO'VE
done the work.
At Douglas Education Center, you’ll learn from instructors who have worked in the industries they teach. They bring real-world experience, practical knowledge, and industry insights into every classroom, lab, studio, salon, and training environment.
They understand what employers expect because they’ve done the work themselves. They know the skills that matter, the challenges you’ll face, and what it takes to build a successful career.
Just as important, they are committed to helping students succeed. They answer questions, share their experiences, provide guidance, and help students build the confidence that comes from learning by doing.
Many students tell us the support they received from instructors and staff played a major role in their success. At DEC, you’re more than a number. You’re part of a community that wants to see you grow, achieve your goals, and build a future doing work you enjoy.
administration
Presidents Office
Education
Admissions
Financial Aid
Michael Crosby
- Director of Financial Aid / Primary Campus Security Authority / Title IX Coordinator
724.653.2196
Business Office/Bursar
Career Services
Marketing & PR
Information Technology
Reception
Program Signators
Tom Savini
- Tom Savini’s Special Make-up Effects
George A. Romero
- George A. Romero’s Filmmaking Program
FACULTY
Beauty & Wellness Programs
Karen Nelson
- COSMETOLOGY SUPERVISOR
724.653.2190
Diploma General Cosmetology, Pittsburgh Beauty Academy
Diploma Cosmetology Teacher, Pittsburgh Beauty Academy, Licensed Cosmetology Teacher
Since 2003, Karen has helped shape the next generation of beauty professionals through her leadership of DEC’s Cosmetology Academy, mentoring students and sharing her passion for cosmetology and nail technology.
Bonnie Pitzarella
- INSTRUCTOR
724-653-2191
A.S.T. Cosmetology Management Pittsburgh Beauty Academy, Licensed Cosmetology Teacher
Since joining DEC in 2004, Bonnie has become a trusted leader in esthetics education, drawing on her personal industry knowledge and practical salon insight to guide students and build strong connections throughout the beauty community.
Kissie Cobb
- INSTRUCTOR
724-653-2224
Diploma, Douglas Education Center, Licensed Cosmetology Teacher
Drawing on more than two decades of experience as a stylist and salon manager, including leadership roles at several Pittsburgh-area JCPenney salons, Kissie shares real-world expertise and a commitment for empowering students to succeed in the beauty industry.
Rachel Spyra
- INSTRUCTOR · COSMETOLOGY
Diploma, Cosmetology Teacher, Penn Commercial, Licensed Cosmetology Teacher
With more than a decade of experience as a cosmetologist, as well as experience as a brand educator and salon leader, Rachel brings creativity, industry expertise, and an enthusiasm for building confidence to her students, just as she does for the clients she serves at her own salon.
Christina Benton
- Instructor
Instructor
Diploma, Massage Therapy, Laurel Business Institute, Licensed Massage Therapist
Christina brings more than 20 years of experience in the massage industry, including work at Nemacolin Woodlands and as a private massage therapist managing her own mobile practice. Her extensive hands-on experience, understanding of client care and billing procedures, and attention to detail help students build a strong foundation in the fundamentals of massage therapy.
Chelse McQuaide
- Coordinator of Massage Therapy
ASB, Massage Therapy, McCann School of Business & Technology, Licensed Massage Therapist
With more than a decade of experience in spa and chiropractic environments, Chelse combines expertise in therapeutic modalities and pain management with a commitment to helping students develop the knowledge, confidence, and client-centered approach needed for success in the field.
Trisha Kindermann
- PROGRAM DIRECTOR / Instructor
Certificate, Skin Care & Esthetician Program,
Rizzieri Aveda School for Beauty and Wellness, Licensed Esthetician
As a practicing esthetician and permanent makeup artist, Trisha has also owned and managed Citrinity Skin, an esthetics and permanent makeup spa, for over 10 years and has provided professional education to beauty practitioners on leading skincare products, treatment protocols, and advanced esthetic solutions.
Skilled Trades Program
Fred Gibbons
- Lead Instructor for Skilled Trade Programs
Diploma, Class A CDL, Truck Driving Institute, Commercial Driver’s License
Fred Gibbons has almost 25 years of truck driving experience, specializing in commercial driver training, safety compliance, and preparing students for successful careers in the trucking industry through hands-on, real-world instruction.
General Education
Rodney Boyce
- Instructor
BFA, Communications Graphics, Edinboro University
In addition to more than 20 years of university teaching experience, Rodney is a graphic designer and the founder of an international architectural graphic design firm that specializes in visual, environmental, and experiential design.
Diane Garry
- INSTRUCTOR
MSEd, Duquesne University BS, Secondary Education, California University of Pennsylvania
With over 40 years of experience in education, Diane has served as a school psychologist, a transition coordinator, and an instructor for both psychology and French.
Donna Koltash
- INSTRUCTOR
BA, Christian Education, Maranatha Baptist Bible College RN, Southside Hospital School of Nursing ASB, Administrative Office Technology, Douglas Education Center ASB, Medical Business Administration, Douglas Education Center
Since joining DEC in 2004, Donna has brought her extensive nursing background directly into the classroom to enrich her students’ learning experience. Though now retired from nursing, she remains actively engaged in the study and research of biological anthropology.
Darlene Mazak
- INSTRUCTOR
MS, Secondary Education, Duquesne University BS, Elementary Education, Slippery Rock University
Having over 20 years of experience in teaching a variety of math courses, Darlene also has leadership experience with overseeing adjunct faculty, as well as, practical experience in professional accounting.
Wendy Miller Norris
- INSTRUCTOR
BFA, Creative Writing, Full Sail University MFA, Creative Writing, Southern New Hampshire University
Along with multiple years of experience in teaching both in high school and college, Wendy is a published author and has been a local reporter for print news articles.
George A. Romero's Filmmaking Program
Robert Tinnell
- Director of George A. Romero’s Filmmaking Program
BA, Cinema, Columbia College AA, General Studies, Fairmont State College
Robert Tinnell is an award-winning American filmmaker, screenwriter, producer, and graphic novelist from West Virginia. He is particularly known for combining a lifelong passion for horror, fantasy, and popular culture with work across film, television, and comics. His film, Feast of Seven Fishes, won the Audience Choice Award for a Narrative Feature at the 2019 Heartland International Film Festival.
Steve Dixon
- INSTRUCTOR
ASB, The Factory Digital Filmmaking at Douglas, Douglas Education Center
A DEC alum, Stephen Dixon is an award-winning filmmaker, director, and producer whose work spans narrative film, documentary, and commercial projects, and who is also associated with Zombie Club, contributing to its creative development and genre-driven storytelling.
Aaron Moore
- INSTRUCTOR
ASB, The Factory Digital Filmmaking at Douglas, Douglas Education Center
Over the past 20 years, Aaron Moore, also known as “Thor,” has been actively involved as a cinematographer, director, writer, and other key positions within the film industry. His work credits include: The Zombie Club, Megan’s Christmas Miracle, The Cabin, Captain Happy Sun, and The Third Experience.
Brad Stalnaker
- INSTRUCTOR
BFA, Art, West Virginia University
Since joining DEC in 2010 as a film instructor, Brad has built a multi-faceted career in film, television, and motion graphics, serving as a multimedia Specialist at WVU since 2000 and contributing as an illustrator, animator, and producer on multiple award-winning projects.
Andy Westfall
- INSTRUCTOR
ASB, The Factory Digital Filmmaking at Douglas, Douglas Education Center
Andy Westfall is a film producer, production manager, and assistant director known for his work on independent features and documentaries with over a decade of experience within the production pipeline.
Tom Savini’s Special Make-up Effects Program
Jerry Gergely
- Director of Tom Savini’s Special Make-up Effects Program
Jerry Gergely is an Emmy-nominated special makeup effects artist and educator known for his work on films and television projects including Night of the Living Dead, My Bloody Valentine, The Dark Half, and Babylon 5. Director since the inception of the program in 2000, his current projects include Terror Night Theatre and guest appearances at Monster Bash and Weekend of the Living Dead.
Dejah Gilgour
- INSTRUCTOR
ASB, Tom Savini’s Special MakeUp Effects, Douglas Education Center
For 15 years, Dejah Gilgour has been the owner and creative force of a custom Halloween prop studio in Pittsburgh called Sapien Studios. She is also known for her work at national and international haunted attractions including Hundred Acres Manor, ScareHouse, and Hysteria Haunted Attraction.
Jesse Lechok
- INSTRUCTOR
AST, Industrial Design Technology, The Art Institute of Pittsburgh
In addition to teaching and custom prop creation, Jesse Lechok is the owner of Dimension X Studios and an avid musician. His distinguished career portfolio and diverse professional background includes make-up artist work on television series, Mayor of Kingstown and American Rust.
Chris Pirt
- INSTRUCTOR
ASB, Tom Savini’s Special MakeUp Effects, Douglas Education Center
Chris Pirt is a seasoned special make-up effects artist, prop fabricator whose career includes creation and ownership of Demon House, a local haunted attraction, where he has utilized his skills in designing and fabricating immersive creature effects and props.
Cody Ruch
- INSTRUCTOR
ASB, Tom Savini’s Special MakeUp Effects, Douglas Education Center
Cody Ruch, a horror festival award winner, is an accomplished and skilled practical effects artist with credits on films including Curtains for Christmas , The Boy from Below , and CarousHELL 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Facilities/maintenance
Our advisors.
DEC’s Advisory Board includes leaders from the industries our students aspire to join. Their guidance helps keep our programs relevant, current, and aligned with the skills employers value most.
Board Member 01
[COPY NEEDED] One-sentence bio explaining their relevance to DEC’s programs.
Board Member 02
Board Member 03
Board Member 04
Board Member 05
JOIN OUR
team.
Interested in teaching at DEC? We’re always looking for working professionals who want to share their expertise.