Our Team

Meet Our Team of Esthetics Experts

Sara Gonyaw, LE, LI Esthetics Director & Laser Tech

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.

Shannon Hagerty, LE, LI Part-Time Esthetics Instructor & Professional Makeup Artist Owner at Your Beauty Ball, LLC

Shannon has been a licensed esthetician since 2012...

Shannon Hagerty, LE, LI

Shannon has been a licensed esthetician since 2012 and a professional makeup artist for over ten years. Her passion turned to teaching when she was a rep for a national skincare line. Her sales and marketing background help students reach their business goals while learning traditional esthetics techniques. Shannon appreciates both the scientific and holistic sides of esthetics while believing that blending the two is best.

Breanna Gonzalez, LE Instructor's Assistant

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

Breanna Gonzalez, LE

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. After graduating from Skin Institute, she quickly received a job working at a lash and brow bar in St. Louis, where she gained extensive knowledge on eyelash extensions and more advanced treatments like dermaplaning, and chemical peels. Her compassion and devotion to helping her students succeed is what makes Breanna a great addition here at Skin Institute..

Sarah Blackburn, L.E. Esthetics Instructor Sarah graduated from the Skin Institute in 2007.

She has worked as an esthetician ever since 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. More

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.

Skin Institute