Our Team

Meet Our Team of Esthetics Experts

Victoria Zubiena Owner & School Director of Skin Institute

Victoria has owned and managed Skin Institute in St. Louis, MO since 2005....

Victoria Zubiena, School Owner/Director

Victoria has owned and managed Skin Institute in St. Louis, MO since 2005. Her vision was to create the best esthetics school that would prepare her students for real life upon graduation. She has accomplished that and more in the past fifteen years, with some of our graduates working at the most prestigious salons, spas and doctor's offices in the area.

Her previous 30+ years experience in the esthetics and beauty industries have helped tremendously in owning a school designed to aid in the health and beautification of the skin. Before opening Skin Institute, Victoria was a professional makeup artist and earned a prestigious scholarship to train under Max Factor in LA. In St. Louis, she was the lead makeup artist for Elite Modeling Agency before becoming an agent herself. She has a keen eye and intuition for seeking out the next best estheticians as well as the latest and greatest trainings and techniques.

All of her experience lead up to owning the best esthetics school in St. Louis and choosing the perfect staff and students to do it. Skin Institute remains a leader in the industry thanks to Victoria's perseverance and strive for excellence.

Sara Gonyaw, LE, LI Director of Education

Sara has been an esthetician for over ten years...

Sara Gonyaw, LE, LI

Sara has been an esthetician for over ten years. She comes to the school with a medical esthetics background with eight years of experience at two of the nation's top laser companies. Prior to esthetics, Sara served our country as a Naval Search and Rescue Swimmer. From there, she went on to be an H3 helicopter mechanic before turning her passion for esthetics. She shares her passion and enthusiasm for esthetics with every student at the Skin Institute.

Breanna Gonzalez, LE, LI Licensed Instructor & Owner of SkinWizard LLC

Breanna first received her Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Missouri- St. Louis...

Breanna Gonzalez, LE, LI

Breanna first received her Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Missouri- St. Louis, where she found her love for people. Breanna chose to further her education by tapping into her passion for esthetics and encouraging everyone around her to feel special and beautiful. She owns her own business where she specializes in more advanced services like dermaplaning and deeper chemical peels. Breanna is also a 2x-certified lash technician. She also specializes in skincare products and ingredients, because she believes having a better understanding of ingredients allows her to tackle skin conditions with ease. Her compassion and devotion to helping her students succeed is what makes Breanna a great addition here at Skin Institute.

Mia Mudd, LE Licensed Esthetician & Teacher's Assistant

Mia has had a true love for all things beauty...

Mia Mudd, LE

Mia has had a true love for all things beauty related from a very young age. It was an easy decision for Mia in choosing to go to esthetics school to pursue her passions. She graduated from Skin Institute in 2023 and started her business Divyne Aesthetics right away. She specializes in waxing and is very passionate in the Esthetics industry. Mia is devoted to always learning in a rapidly developing field, and she is excited to spread her knowledge and help students find their place in this industry.

Sarah Blackburn, LE, LI Licensed Instructor

Sarah graduated from the Skin Institute in 2007...

Sarah Blackburn, LE, LI

Sarah graduated from the Skin Institute in 2007. She has worked as an esthetician ever since graduating with experience in both day spas and med spas. She has vast expertise with different lasers, devices, and several skincare lines. She inspires the students with her passion for the industry and her well rounded knowledge. Her goal is to help prepare every student for a fulfilling career in the field of esthetics.

Grace Goris, LE Licensed Esthetician & Teacher's Assistant

Grace graduated from Skin Institute in 2019...

Grace Goris, LE

Grace graduated from Skin Institute in 2019.

Shanon Hagerty, LE, LI Licensed Instructor & Owner of Your Beauty Ball LLC

Shannon is a professional makeup artist of over 20 years...

Shannon Hagerty, LE, LI

Shannon is a professional makeup artist of over 20 years, licensed esthetician and esthetics instructor. She graduated from Skin Institute in 2012 and has loved the industry ever since. Although she’s worked in spas, corporate skincare sales and other sales positions, education always calls her back. She loves guiding students through theory and practical exercises to enhance their real world skills in esthetics.

Lisa Fialka Front Office Coordinator

Lisa has been our welcoming face at the front desk ...

Lisa Fialka

Lisa has been our welcoming face at the front desk for over a year at Skin Institute. Her warm energy and kind nature are appreciated by all who come in contact with her! Lisa provides exceptional customer service and administration support.