Marianne Strokirk Salons » Staff Bio

Staff Bio

361 W CHESTNUT 312-944-4428

JOHN CASTRO colorist

John Castro, a colorist in the industry for over 30 years.  As partner and senior color educator since the opening of the flagship salon he's had the prestige of celebrity clients as well as his everyday clients.  Traveling throughout the US to acquire new techniques that inspire great color is his trademark.  His "individual approach to color for every client" offers him the of the opportunity that he loves.  If you're in the business as long as he has means one thing ........"passion for what you do. John's motto is "keep it creative and you keep a client"

STACY WOODFORD DOUVLIS colorist

 

LINDA SAIMES colorist

 A senior colorist that started in the salon industry in late 80’s. During the 90’s worked as an educator for Joico and Paul Mitchell. Later joined Marianne Strokirk in 2000, because she wanted to work and learn from the best. During her tenure at the salon, she has taken continuing education courses via L’Oreal and Redken learning the latest trends and techniques in coloring. Due to her experience and education she has earned recognition in Chicago Magazine’s Best of the Best (2010) for her “happy redheaded clients as well as head-turning highlighted blonds”. Amongst her regular clients, she can list television personalities. She loves what she does because “The most rewarding feeling is having a happy client when they leave.”

ASHLEY KAISER colorist

Ashley began her career as a colorist at Marianne Strokirk in 2004.  Ashley focuses on continuing education received from Redken, Nordic Contrast, and L'Oreal.  Currently Ashley specializes in creating dimension in hair by using techniques that include low lighting, high lighting, demi and semi permanent color.  She is also skilled in giving her clients 100% gray coverage and corrective color.  Ashley also offers lye relaxers and Nordic Extension.

 

MELISSA ZELLER colorist

Providing a client with the look they've been dreaming about is what drives Melissa as a colorist everyday.  She strives to get to know her clients to the fullest because she believes that through thoroughly understanding their vision--she is able to give them exactly what they hope for before they even sit down in her chair.  She loves to assist her clients whether they wish to cover their pesky grays, lighten or darken their look to match their mood, or simply shape up their unqiue red locks.  She also enjoys working with Ombre color and Nordic hair extensions to play around with the newest trends.  Her certification includes Redken, L'Oreal Professional, Matrix color, and the education at Pivot Point Cosmotology School and the three years experience that she gained at Marianne Strokirk Salons has enabled her to become the experienced and driven colorist that she is today

 

JUSTIN JORDAL colorist

A graduate of the Regency Beauty Institute, Justin has been a
professional stylist and colorist since 2008. Even before schooling,he was influenced by his parents to have a passion for his work, and at the age of 16 found a creative and visually expressive outlet in doing hair. After graduating, he spent a year training under Marianne Strokirk’s top colorists, working on over 200 models to complete the program.

Always striving to be the best, Justin has advanced his skills with further training. He has studied with Patrick Fitzwater of Redken,Luis Alvarez of Aquage, and Kevin Murphy of Kevin Murphy.Additionally, Justin has advanced product knowledge of Kerastase,Pureology, Rene Furterer, Biolage, and Matrix.

As much as he expands his knowledge and skillsets, Justin desires to educate and teach other colorists the latest techniques. One of his most important messages would be to work closely with guests, using color and products to bring out their own natural beauty!

TRACY KUCIA PODESTA colorist/stylist

Tracy began her career as a stylist in the late 1980s at a high end chain salon in the Western Suburbs of Chicago.  There she became fully versed in hair cutting, coloring, and styling.  Additionally, Tracy gained the invaluable experience of working as a platform artist  as her salon provided all the education for the entire chain. In the early 90s, Tracy secured a position as a freelance artist for Sebastian International which launched her into an exciting and adventurous career involving constant cutting edge training, travel, teaching and platform work over the next 15 years.  Tracy has worked on numerous hair and fashion shows all throughout the United States, Canada, Italy, Sweden, Amsterdam, and Japan and has built lasting relationships with famous photographers and visionaries within the industry such as Geri Cusenza and Robert Labetta.  As her work and experience became more revolutionized, Tracy sought out a place to work amongst others who were extremely talented and where education and trends were at the forefront and immediately chose Marianne Strokirk Salon.  The unique aspect about Marianne Strokirk is that all the many talents are combined in the education process to stress continual learning and growth.  Tracy was able to bring additional education to the Salon’s apprentice program because of her extensive Sebastian experience.  Tracy continues to work and thrive at Marianne Strokirk Salon as one of the top stylist and colorist while remaining involved with the apprentices and their ongoing training. Tracy’s work has been featured in Town and Country Magazine as well as many other professional magazines.

BONNIE KUCEK stylist

Bonnie has been in the beauty industry since she was 15 years old. She has been a part of the team at Marianne Strokirk Salons since finishing cosmotology school in 2002.  Bonnie is a senior stylist specializing in cutting.  She enjoys doing various types of fashionable yet classic haircuts and styling.  She excels in doing the Keratin and Thermal hair straightening treatments.  Bonnie enjoys showcasing her work in beauty shows and participates in the education of current associates in training at the salon.

VIOLETTA DICRISTOFANO stylist

 Violetta is a native of Chicago, who trained at Pivot-Point Cosmotology school and joined the team at Marianne Strokirk Salons in 2002.  She is a self-anointed 'perfectionist', who prides herself in giving you the look you want.  She is very educated professionally, known for her skills in creating fantastic, cutting edge haircuts, especially short hair and famously known for "bobs" ,bridal, formal event styling and fabulous blow-outs.  Violetta says a "great, unique haircut requires precision and very minimal care at home." She is certified to perform all types of straightening treatments like Japanese, Vertical, and Global Keratin as well as the Nordic Hair Contrast Extensions.Violetta's training is extensive and includes sessions with Orlando Pita through Kerastase NYC, Redken Exchange and the Vidal Sassoon Academy.  Violetta is a contributing beauty editor for www.familiesintheloop.com and written up in Chicago Parent June 2011.

MARNI RIX stylist

Urban style mixed with Midwestern charm, Marnie brings both talent and personality to the chair of each client she serves.  With now 10 years of professional salon experience, Marnie’s skills showcase art and technical precision in hair cutting and styling.  Marnie’s portfolio of services include high end therapy and maintenance services such as hair straightening, Global Keratin and a Japanese Thermal Reconditioning Treatment.  In addition to her talents as a stylist, Marnie values the relationship she has with each of her clients.  She recognizes that your time with her is personal, relaxing and ultimately valued.  Marnie’s  attention to detail and genuine care make a trip to Marianne Strokirk Salons a coveted experience

TONI SCAVO stylist

Toni started her career as a stylist at the age of 17.  She assisted at various salons in the Chicagoland area until reaching Marianne Strokirk Salons in 1996.  While trained extensively at Strokirk, Toni strengthened her ability to cut and dress hair through fine tuning the expertise in the art of texturizing and dry cutting.  Creating movement in the hair while maintaining a strong shape is her signature.

Since 2000 Toni has played a key role in shaping and developing the apprenticeship program at Marianne Strokirk.  She has been the education director since 2002, and it is in this arena that Toni's real passion lies.  Toni has received extended education at the DiPietro Todd Academy, L'Oreal Institute and Redken Exchange in NYC.  She infuses the new skill set with the discliplined education received from her mentor, Marianne Strokirk.  In addition, she became a Kerastase TECH team member in Spring 2011. Currently Toni is specializing in the global Keratin System and Nordic Hair Extensions.

GLORI SIRIRATTUMONG stylist

After Glori Sirirattumong received her Illinois cosmetology license in 2005, she first began her career in the industry at Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salon and Spa.  Then in February 2008, she became the newest member of our salon.  Originally from Bangkok, Thailand,she continues to find her inspirations in both Western and Easterntrends. She is also extremely motivated to work with different types of hair texture in the business.  She always bring her warm personality and good taste to the art of hairstyling.  She prides herself on her consistency and her attention to details.  Glori believes in the balance of maintaining the integrity of a healthy yet stylish mane, and to always taking the time to cater to each client’s specific needs.

PAT SPATA stylist

Pat has been a hairstylist for the last 30 years, and the last 20 have been here at the Marianne Strokirk Salons.  During her career, her work has been featured in national publications such as Elle, InStyle, Seventeen, and Rolling Stone magazine.  She has styled hair for the Elite Modeling Agency's portfolios and appeared as a guest hairstylist on the national TV show "Ambush Makeover."

 Cutting and designing hair has been her passion, and the relationship she has with her clients makes each day special for her.  Many of her clients have been with her for as long as 20 years!  She looks forward to each one of her hair cutting sessions as an artistic opportunity.  Using the latest hair cutting techniques, while referencing your hair texture, facial shape, hair length and hair color she creates or refreshes a hairstyle that is perfect for you and how you want to express yourself.  Whether you want your hair to be playful, soft, cutting edge, contemporary, professional, or simply beautiful, she is honored to help you achieve that quality.

JESSE WYATT stylist

After arriving in 2000, Jesse took a job with MVMT ( a chicago based creative agency) working with such clients as Oscar De La Renta, Steelcase, Design Tex and 10 Cane Rum.  At 28 he decided to take his creative side in a different approach incorporating his knowledge of motion design and fabrication into the world of hair.  Since the beginning Jesse has always specialized in the high-end lifestyle and has always had the ability to explore styles that set the bar for fashion and tech standards by successfully integrating cutting-edge styling/fasion techniques and tech developments.  His goal is to enhance ones individuality, not to remake an image according to ideal standard.

KELLEY MASINO stylist 

CHRIS CAUDILL stylist
 

GANKA LECOMPTE nail technician

Ganka joined the Strokirk team in 2001.  Prior to this she gained her education and experience in doing nails in her home country of Bulgaria.  Her attention to detail and superior customer service, have earned her many loyal customers.  She specializes in natural nail care and detailed pedicures.  In 2004 she became certified by the Conservatory of Esthetics, and added facial and body waxing to her list of services.  She is one of the few certified nail technicians in Chicago to perform Shellac manicures.  She prides herself in being very friendly and accomodating, as well as being punctual and professional.

 

 

41 E OAK LOCATION

 312-640-0101

LIZZ CAPPETTA colorist

As a veteran, Lizz joined Marianne Strokirk Salons in 1996, and has been in the industry over 20 years!  Lizz excels in soft, multi-dimensional hair color.  She is an expert when it comes to beautiful redheads and natural blondes.  She customizes the color technique for every client, being that each client is an individual.  Her clients love her laid back personality and the fact that they always look and feel more beautiful as soon as they step out of her chair.  Lizz loves perfecting her craft by continuing her education in and outside of the salon. 

 TODD KEMPTON colorist

  A member of the Strokirk team since 2003, Todd comes from an art and fashion background.  While Todd excels at all hair colors, soft natural blondes are his passion. Trained in Nordic Hair Extensions, Balyage, Deve Curl and INOA color

"Fashion is an everyday part of life why shouldn't your hair be the best accessory you have"

"Trends stay for a short time, a classic color that suits your skin tone and lifestyle will never fail"

 KAELEY PARK colorist

Kaeley is an expert colorist and Nordic Hair extensions specialist.  She is constantly working to stay ahead of the trends by furthering her education. Kaeley is also a Redken Master Specialist with an in-depth understanding of the Redken color line.  Each of Kaeley’s clients are treated as individuals with unique wants and needs.  Her goal is to go beyond her client’s expectations on every visit.  While she enjoys all aspects of hair color and the creativity involved; her favorites are multi-dimensional color and redheads.

 

KATE PICKEN colorist

 Trends and fashion are an ever evolving subject. Having a fabulous haircolor should be no different. Giving clients a beautiful end result that is current, yet works for them as an individual, is what Kate believes in. Kate has been with Marianne Strokirk for 3 years. Whether it's sunkissed highlights, a vibrant redhead, or rich brunette; Kate is consistant and confident in her abilities as a colorist. Also, never one to turn down a challenge, color corrections are always an opportunity for her to showcase her skills. Creativity, personality and energy is what you get when you sit in her chair. 

JANELLE REYNOLDS stylist

 

BONNIE KNOBLOCH stylist

Since starting in the hair industry over ten years ago, Bonnie has been specializing in all aspects of styling for the past six years. Her specialization ranges from haircuts, blowdries, special occasion updos, straightening treatments, and hair extensions.
Known for her blow-dries that last for days and her long-lasting haircuts, Bonnie has an eye for precision cutting and customizing the hairstyle to fit her clients.  Bonnie’s clients rave about the “life changing” effects of the Keratin Treatment.

Not only has Bonnie trained under Marianne Strokirk but also several master Redken artists and celebrity stylist, Orlando Pita. Bonnie is involved as a teacher in the training program at Marianne Strokirk Salon. She has been featured in Chicago Social (CS) Magazine as editor’s choice for best haircut of 2009 and also featured in Chicago Magazine for her work as a stylist. She has also appeared several times on the national TV show, “In the Loop with I-village, as a beauty consultant.

 

INGRID SCHWEITZER stylist

 

 One of the newer additions to the styling floor is Ingrid Schweitzer.  Trained 2 ½ years at the Marianne Strokirk Salons, clients appreciate the time she takes to show them how to style their hair.  She specializes in detailing both short and long hair, modern to classic cuts, updos and special occasion styles drawing inspiration from the latest global trends.  Participated in the Maercedes Benz fashion week, Miami 2011.

ANDREA TRITT stylist

Andrea is the newest addition to the Marianne Strokirk Family!  Andrea, a graduate of Pivot Point Academy in Evanston, has trained under Marianne for the past two years. She excels and enjoys working with both long and short hair styles.  Her expertise varies from traditional long layers to the classic bob and the ultra short pixie. She also specializes in blow-dries, keratin treatments, thermal reconditioning and the new Nordic Contrast Hair Extensions. She stays current with the latest trends, but also has knowledge and appreciation for classic styles.  Andrea is passionate about her work and committed to client satisfaction.

 

 KRISTEN WARKEN stylist

ROSEMARY MONICA stylist

A 2011 graduate from Marianne Strokirk's advanced in-house training program.  Rosemary has transferred her visual eye as a performer into the art of hairstyling.  She is extremely meticulous about her cutting techniques and her clients appreciate the time she takes in detailing her work.  In her eyes, " a great haircut can hold a beautiful shape as it grows."  Rosemary studied at Pivot Point International Academy, on top of training under Chicago's most elite hair stylists.  Rosemary has taken advanced classes under DiPietro Todd Saon and from Redken NYC.  Before Marianne Strokirk, Rosemary trained at a high end salon in Chicago's western suburbs.  With such ambition Rosemary will keep continuing to grow as a well known stylist.