Brenda has been a cosmetology teacher at Orange/Ulster BOCES for 28 years.  She is an alumni of the program, earned her AAS in Business from SUNY Delhi, her BS in Vocational Technical Education from SUNY Oswego, and has worked in several salons throughout her career.  In addition to teaching, she is the Team Leader for her academy, and continues to work in her own salon. Brenda is a former examiner/assistant supervisor for the NYS Cosmetology & Nail Specialty Practical Licensing examinations.  Brenda has a Youtube channel, where she helps to prepare future licensed cosmetologists for their practical examinations.  She has also mentored new teachers and has served as a master teacher for student teachers.

Dave is a retired CTE Administrator, starting his career as a CTE teacher in the Carpentry program at Madison-Oneida BOCES.  Dave holds a BS in Vocational Education and a MSEd in Education Administration from SUNY Oswego.  He previously served on the Board of Directors for ACTEA, and is now serving on the NYSACTE Board of Directors for NYSTTTA

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Theresa is a recently retired Cosmetology Instructor. She worked at the Syracuse City School District for 24 years.  Theresa completed her BS in Vocational Teacher Preparation from SUNY Oswego. She has been a New York State Cosmetology State Board Licensing Examiner for over 35 years. In total, she has over 40 years as a New York State Licensed Cosmetologist. In retirement, she plans to mentor new CTE teachers & substitute teach within SCSD.

 Cynthia Thomas serves as an Assistant Professor for the Career and Technical Educator Preparation Department at her Alma Mater SUNY Oswego. She is a EdD student at the University of Buffalo and works to provide instructional, and professional support to future CTE professionals while staying dedicated to advancing the CTE industry through innovation and educational support. Prior to her transition to secondary education, she spent 7 years as a secondary CTE educator, instructional coach, and curriculum writer. She also facilitates the NYSACTE Fellowship and oversees the Region 1 policy. 

Anne Carnahan is a New York State Certified Cosmetology Instructor at Orleans Career and Technical School in Medina. She has over 35 years of industry experience and began her CTE career as an aide for 4 years at OCTEC and has now been teaching for 8 years. She has a BS degree in CTE and Vocational Education through Buffalo State College and along with teaching she continues to work part time at Logics Hair Salon in Amherst, NY.

Completing her Certificate in Advanced Studies in Educational Leadership from Syracuse University with certifications in School Building Leadership and School District Leadership, Karen Riche currently serves as an Assistant Principal of Career & Technical Education - Career Pathways Programs at Ulster BOCES. She has over 20 years of trade industry experience ranging from being a beauty services provider, private and public Cosmetology school educator, and an independent business owner. Karen has earned her B.S. in Vocational Teacher Preparation, M.S. Ed in Career & Technical Education, and NYS Work-Based Learning Programs for Career Development certification; all of which had been awarded from SUNY Oswego. Her commitment to ensuring young professionals are career-ready shows in her years of involvement with the career and technical student organization SkillsUSA, serving as the Service Cluster Manager at the annually held New York State Leadership & Skills Conference. 

Lisa currently teaches at the Robert H. Gibson Technical School in Troy. She has been a cosmetology teacher at Questar III BOCES, serving Rensselaer, Columbia and Greene counties for over 25 years. Prior to that she taught at the F. Donald Myers Education Center in Saratoga Springs and the Orlo School of Hair Design in Albany. Lisa completed her education requirements for teacher certification at SUNY Oswego and the University at Albany.  In addition to teaching Lisa has designed and published a PowerPoint series for Milady (a division of Cengage Learning). Lisa has vast experience as a private contractor in both salons and spas as a hairstylist and skin care specialist. She served as a New York State examiner for many years and is a union representative for New York State United Teachers.  

Sharon graduated from Dutchess BOCES CTI 40 years ago and worked in the Beauty industry as a stylist, colorist and salon owner and continues today as a lifelong learner. Sharon has been a Cosmetology teacher at Dutchess BOCES Career and Technical Institute since 2007 and also at Putnam Northern Westchester in 2004. Since 2022, she has moved into the WBL Coordinator position at Dutchess CTI.  She has an A.S. in Business Management from DCC and a B.S. in Vocational Technical Education from SUNY Oswego and her WBL Coordinator Certification. She continues to work in the industry and is an examiner for NYS Cosmetology Licensing Division. She is a lead advisor in SkillsUSA at her local BOCES and the VP of DCBFA. She uses the Framework to empower her students to become professional, self-motivated leaders and to excel in their futures.

Jaclyn Coscia is a dedicated and accomplished professional with over 22 years of experience in the beauty industry. She earned her Career and Technical Education (CTE) teaching certification from SUNY Oswego and currently teaches cosmetology at Lindenhurst High School on Long Island.

Jaclyn’s passion for the beauty industry is reflected in her hands-on expertise, her teaching style, and her commitment to professional collaboration. As the co-founder of the Long Island Cosmetology Teachers’ Association, she plays a key role in supporting fellow educators and strengthening the CTE. Her mission is to inspire and empower young individuals to pursue meaningful and rewarding careers in the trades.

Matt Sheehan is an accomplished educational leader specializing in Career and Technical Education (CTE) and technology education across New York State. As the Director of the Center for Career and Technical Excellence at Broome-Tioga BOCES, Matt manages the educational journey of 2,500 students and oversees 200 staff members, driving innovative programs across multiple locations. His leadership in developing the P-TECH curriculum and expanding CTE programs highlights his commitment to preparing students for the future workforce. He is a board member of the New York State Association of Career and Technical Education (NYSACTE), serving as the representative for the Association for Career and Technical Education Administrators (ACTEA) bringing his expertise to the work of both organizations.  Matt continues to influence and innovate within the field of education, ensuring that CTE remains a vital component of student success in New York State, and shares his knowledge and experience with us as ACTEA liaison.