Our Team

You’ll learn directly from Sal Misseri and a hand-picked team of working professionals — each at the top of their own craft, from precision cutting to color to editorial makeup. Meet your educators.

SAL MISSERI — Founder & Creative Director

Sal Misseri is one of the most decorated and versatile hairstylists in North America, recognized at the highest level in haircutting, color, men’s styling, and editorial. His credentials include 17 NAHA recognitions, NAHA Newcomer of the Year (2012), a BTC Big Shot Creative Colorist of the Year win, and international finalist honors across three continents. Sal founded Kaizen Education to pass a career’s worth of technique on to the next generation of stylists and salon owners.

SYDNEY MISSERI — Artistic Director, Haircutting

Sydney has perfected her craft since 2009 — trained at Sassoon, sharpened at London’s prestigious HOB Salon, and mentored by global artists including Allen Ruiz, Lupe Voss, and David Adams. She trained for two years exclusively alongside Sal, traveling for editorial shoots, runway, and shows. As Artistic Director of Haircutting for Kaizen Education, she coaches stylists across the country with precision, warmth, and creative vision.

Specialties: precision haircuts, balayage, bridal hair, custom color, makeup artistry.

KERRA COTICCHIA — Artistic Director of Hair Styling

Kerra takes a realistic approach to styling — considering each guest’s lifestyle, personal brand, and individual style when shaping a cut, style, or makeup look. Alongside her cosmetology license, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising. Her education runs deep: ABC cutting classes with Sassoon, Sharon Blain styling boot camps, an intensive with Vivienne Mackinder, and classes with Lupe Voss, Janelle Geason, and Alan Ruiz. Kerra trained solely with Sal for two years and has managed Kaizen Bridal. A Stars Photo Competition winner for Best Men’s Look, she believes education is the key to a longer, happier career.

Specialties: styling, makeup artistry, bridal, photoshoot work, editorial.

VICKI O’CONNOR — Master Colorist & Color Educator

With over 20 years of experience and the distinction of North American Master Colorist, Vicki is one of the most accomplished colorists in Chicago. She has trained alongside Sal in Parma, Paris, Amsterdam, and Barcelona, and was one of Davines’ key trainers when the brand launched in North America. For Kaizen, she doesn’t just do color at the highest level — she teaches it.

Specialties: hair color, balayage, highlights, color correction.

ANCA MORAR — Stylist & Makeup Artist

Anca has an undeniable passion for the beauty industry, matched by real talent. In the industry since 2015 after graduating from Douglas J. Aveda Institute of Chicago, she completed a two-year apprenticeship under one of Reverie’s Artistic Directors. She has traveled from New York to Las Vegas heading up makeup and assisting hair styling for the Kaizen Education team.

Specialties: styling, makeup artistry, editorial.

HANA GASHI — Stylist & Educator

Hana has worked backstage at New York Fashion Week (2022 and 2023), with her work featured on Vogue’s website. After a rigorous five-year apprenticeship, she traveled with Sal for Kaizen Education. A true full-service stylist with an editorial sensibility, she is one of the most thoughtful, detail-obsessed artists you’ll meet.

Specialties: cutting, color, extensions, special-occasion styling.

MARISSA WHITE — Color & Curls Educator

Marissa spent over three years training intensively under Sal, assisting and traveling across North America to develop expertise across the full spectrum of color. A Douglas J Aveda Institute graduate who also trained with Kaizen Education, her specialty in curly hair sets her apart — she understands how curls behave and how color reads on texture.

Specialties: color, curly hair, balayage, vivid color.

MARIA KORINEK — Bridal & Styling Educator

Maria is the stylist Chicago’s most discerning brides trust with their most important day. With recognition from the PBA Beacon Awards and a Behind the Chair Hot Shot Award nomination, she brings an editorial eye and meticulous detail to every updo and bridal look — and teaches the calm, reassuring craft of special-occasion styling.

Specialties: bridal hair, upstyles, precision cuts, women’s styling.