Andrew Todd
Owner, Stylist
Ideas man, visionary and hard working dreamer, Andrew Todd an expat from Britain came to the U.S. in 1981 with $200 in his pocket and a plan. His creativity and his love for helping people look and feel their best catapulted him to success at an early age. Andrew founded diPietro Todd with his wife Kim and flourishes as the creative leader of the company. He finds ultimate joy in cultivating cutting edge talent and has forged a one of a kind culture and presence in the hair industry. 25 yrs. later he is proud of his vision-----diPietro Todd Salons + Academy.
Kim Todd
Owner, General Manager
If Kim Todd is a bit thin on paper, it's because she's been in the Hair business since she was 18 years old. "I loved doing hair so much, I couldn't believe I got paid for it" says Kim. She started her career in Beverly Hills in the era of Warren Beatty's "Shampoo" and migrated up to San Francisco in 1985. There she met her husband and business partner, Andrew Todd. Together with John diPietro they opened 2 diPietro Todd salons and over the course of 25 years Andrew and Kim have opened 3 more as well as an Academy, parented 2 children and have trained and nurtured 100's of talented stylists and colorists. After working on clients for 18 yrs she decided to put down her scissors and concentrate on the general management of dPT. The rest is history and a dream come true.
Sam Hayes Jr.
Co-Owner Union Square, Stylist, Colorist
Born and raised in Sacramento, Sam began experimenting with his mother’s hair at the early age of 14 and has always been intrigued by hair styling. After graduating beauty school in Sacramento, he completed his master’s course at the L’oreal Institute in New York City on 5th Ave.
In Sam’s 12 years here, he has had many roles including stylist and colorist, in-house photographer, events coordinator and international wedding stylist. It is the fabulous array of clients and peers that keeps Sam in love with hair.
Winona Lewis
Co-Owner Pacific Heights, Stylist
With a great love for fashion, art and self expression, hair was the perfect medium for Winona. Helping people with their personal style so they can feel their best is what gives her the greatest joy. Growing up in the small enchanted coastal town of Big Sur, surrounded by many visual artists, she did her part as the towns hairdresser at an early age. Eventually she longed for the big city life, full of color.
While in London at Vidal Sassoon she met a Brit named Andrew Todd who was in dire need of an assistant. There began a long creative relationship along with Kim and John diPietro as they founded diPietro Todd Salons. For Winona the best part has been the amazingly colorful community that has blossomed from their collaboration. Today she is partner at the Pacific Heights salon and it is her big heart that keeps her clients and her employees smiling. She is just grateful to be a part of it.
Dylan Ponicsan
Co-Owner Walnut Creek, Stylist
Dylan Ponicsan joined diPietro Todd in 1996, via Beverly Hills. He's been a teacher, a mentor and is now co-owner of our Walnut Creek salon, having recently been voted "Best Hair Salon" by the readers of Walnut Creek Magazine. With a passionate work ethic, an artistic eye and a love for what he does, Dylan has, and will always have, a very loyal following. "I love hair. I've been doing it long enough that I don't know how to do anything else". That's fine by us - we'd like to keep him here for awhile.
Maggie Ponicsan
Co-Owner Walnut Creek, Colorist
Maggie was born and raised in Seoul, Korea and moved to Los Angeles when she was 15. She has always loved fashion and began her studies at a Los Angeles design school for fashion. There she learned her passion was for textiles, mixing prints, patterns and colors instead of design itself. She enrolled in the Vidal Sassoon Academy to learn more about styling and make-up to pursue a career as a stylist. There she discovered the world of hair color and fell in love..
She began her career in 1987 at Vidal Sassoon in Beverly Hills. After 10 years in Los Angeles, she moved to San Francisco and started her path at diPietro Todd. She quickly worked her way to becoming one of the lead colorists in the company and is now a partner at our Walnut Creek location.
Maggie is a true city girl and enjoys the hustle and bustle of big cities. She draws inspiration from people watching and has a strong sense of feel, good intuition and a sharp eye. Maggie brings these traits to her work and along with her 26 years of experience, she has a clear vision for her clients and combines different techniques to keep her work unique and special for each client. Maggie has seen the profession grow from once being a 'back of the salon service 'to becoming a leading specialty. She is proud and excited to be a colorist. Maggie also loves puppies.
Chris David
Co-Owner Palo Alto, Stylist
Even though Chris David grew up with 80's new wave hair on his mind,it was not where he thought life would take this Detroit native. Not until he had moved to Washington DC and started to date a hairdresser did Chris David realize there might be something to this 'hair' thing. When the salon needed a part Âtime receptionist he filled the position, and realized he had found his home. Spending the next seven years working behind the desk and managing the salon, Chris mastered all of the inner workings to ensure this boutique salon ran smoothly.
After much encouragement and after-work teaching from the staff, Chris moved to San Francisco and progressed through the diPietro Todd training program. He fulfilled his dream of getting out from behind the desk and onto the cutting floor behind a chair. Kim and Andrew Todd took notice of his professionalism and organization skills, along with his eye for detail in his work and asked Chris to join them as their partner in the Palo Alto location in 2010.
Amita Moticka
Co-Owner Mill Valley, Academy Educator
Amita Moticka started her hairdressing career at the age of seventeen. She completed her apprenticeship at Vidal Sassoon in Los Angeles. Upon completion, she began the teacher training program while working for Vidal Sassoon. After just a couple of years, Amita was fortunate enough to travel around the world to teach and work as a Platform Artist for Vidal Sassoon.
Amita came to diPietro Todd salon in 1997, where she lended her expertise in helping create Development, the assistant training program she would later become the Director of. Once the Development program began to thrive, Amita moved to New York to pursue her creative outlets such as film, videos, photo shoots, and numerous runway shows for designers such as Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Tula, and Betsey Johnson. Amita continued to travel to California on a regular basis to maintain her clientele on the west coast.
Over the years, Amita has had the pleasure of styling the rock n' roll locks of James Hetfeild (Metallica), Sammy Hagar (Van Halen), members of Wilco, Cake, Dieselhead, and Jolie Holland just to name a few. Amita also toured with the legendary band, Journey, as their personal hairstylist.
In 2004, Amita reunited with her partners at diPietro Todd, Shelley Mohr, Kim and Andrew Todd, and created the diPietro Todd Academy. Several years later, she now spends most of her time in San Francisco. When she is not traveling as an educator she is busy with a full clientele. In 2013, Amita became co-owner of the mill valley salon.
Shelley Mohr
Academy Director of Color
L'Oréal Professionnel Portfolio Artist
Shelley Mohr's love for coloring hair began in 1992 at San Francisco's top salon, diPietro Todd. It was there that she received her training as a color specialist and continued on to successfully build and maintain a large clientele at diPietro Todd's Mill Valley location. With her remarkable talent and intense passion for hair, Shelley not only became an educator, but soon thereafter was promoted to Director of Color Education for diPietro Todd's training program Development. Shelley has been influential in the training of diPietro Todd's future color professional and, thus, instrumental in the growth of diPietro Todd Salon's five locations.
In 2004, Shelley partnered with Kim and Andrew Todd, along with Amita Moticka, to create the diPietro Todd Academy. As Director of Color Education for diPietro Todd's professional academy, Shelley has developed a color curriculum that covers all aspects of color training and involves visual, written, and practical applications. She has also helped produce hair and fashion events representing L'Oreal Professionnel, Kérastase and Shu Uemura, as well as seasonal collections and photo shoots for diPietro Todd.
One of Shelley Mohr's major achievements to date has been her involvement in the L'Oreal Professionnel Creative Team as one of their featured Portfolio Artists. She has had the honor of working on multiple national collections and the opportunity to travel all over the country educating at salons and V.I.P. events, including trade shows and, most notably, Intercoiffure and The International Hair Color Exchange. Most recently, Shelley has been asked to teach on the Master's Stage, showcasing L'Oreal Professionnel's new premier color line, INOA.
Shelley has also been featured in professional industry magazines such as HairColor & Design, Modern Salon, Launchpad, and American Salon, covering topics ranging from salon business to color education and creativity.
When Shelley is not teaching or traveling, she is in the salon working with her clients, continuing to further her exploration of and passion for redheads, power blondes, rich brunettes, and corrective color.
Moises Villa
Creative Director, Stylist
Moises Villa landed at diPietro Todd at the age of 22 where he was recognized as a special talent early on and where his fruitful journey as a hair stylist began. In the 12 years that he has been with diPietro Todd, Villa has had creative involvement in photo shoots for the salon, been published as an editorial stylist for local magazines, + continues to teach + inspire our apprentices in our in-house Development program + Academy.
His work embodies a wide range of styles from conservative to the most daring avant garde. He has styled at the last 6 seasons of New York Fashion Week under the direction of Kerastase’s master stylist Odile Gilbert at shows such as Rodarte, Jason Wu, LAMB, Creatures of the Wind, Rachel Zoe, Thakoon, Suno, Phillip Lim and Theory.
As diPietro Todd's Creative Director he is constantly involved in growing + maintaining the diPietro Todd Salons + Academy brand through his work in supporting photo shoots, classes, + events produced by the Creative Team. Villa greatly influences these areas drawing from his professional + personal experience in the fashion, art, music + culture of San Francisco. He is a regular on the scene of fashion editorials, runway events, + industry educational productions. In his personal time he is constantly working to master the craft of hairstyling + considers it to be more than just a career—it is his lifestyle..
Shelley Mohr
Academy Director of Color
L'Oréal Professionnel Portfolio Artist
Shelley Mohr's love for coloring hair began in 1992 at San Francisco's top salon, diPietro Todd. It was there that she received her training as a color specialist and continued on to successfully build and maintain a large clientele at diPietro Todd's Mill Valley location. With her remarkable talent and intense passion for hair, Shelley not only became an educator, but soon thereafter was promoted to Director of Color Education for diPietro Todd's training program Development. Shelley has been influential in the training of diPietro Todd's future color professional and, thus, instrumental in the growth of diPietro Todd Salon's five locations.
In 2004, Shelley partnered with Kim and Andrew Todd, along with Amita Moticka, to create the diPietro Todd Academy. As Director of Color Education for diPietro Todd's professional academy, Shelley has developed a color curriculum that covers all aspects of color training and involves visual, written, and practical applications. She has also helped produce hair and fashion events representing L'Oreal Professionnel, Kérastase and Shu Uemura, as well as seasonal collections and photo shoots for diPietro Todd.
One of Shelley Mohr's major achievements to date has been her involvement in the L'Oreal Professionnel Creative Team as one of their featured Portfolio Artists. She has had the honor of working on multiple national collections and the opportunity to travel all over the country educating at salons and V.I.P. events, including trade shows and, most notably, Intercoiffure and The International Hair Color Exchange. Most recently, Shelley has been asked to teach on the Master's Stage, showcasing L'Oreal Professionnel's new premier color line, INOA.
Shelley has also been featured in professional industry magazines such as HairColor & Design, Modern Salon, Launchpad, and American Salon, covering topics ranging from salon business to color education and creativity.
When Shelley is not teaching or traveling, she is in the salon working with her clients, continuing to further her exploration of and passion for redheads, power blondes, rich brunettes, and corrective color.
Cares Mills
Assistant Academy Director of Color
Cares Mills began her hair coloring career in 1992 in New York City. After spending 3 years between Manhattan and Beverly Hills at Louis Licari Color Group, she joined the diPietro Todd Color department when she moved to SF in 1995. Currently, Cares is the Assistant Academy Director of Color for diPietro Todd Academy and also upholds the title as Artist for the Matrix/Logics Education Team.
She specializes in dimensional highlights and is known for her distinctive knife-based highlighting technique. Over the years, she has had the pleasure of working in film and television throughout Los Angeles and San Francisco with many famous models, actors, and musicians, but finds working with her every day clientele the most rewarding.
Emily Kern
Development Director of Color, Academy Educator, Colorist
Growing up all over the world, Emily has been creatively inspired by a wide range of culture, architecture, fashion and music. This diverse exposure has molded her into the creative eclectic colorist and individual that she is today. Emily joined diPietro Todd as a student in the training program back in 2001. Since then she has made a name for herself as a brilliant colorist and passionate teacher.
Emily specializes in creative color and is renowned for her blondes. She enjoys the balance of growing and maintaining a loyal clientele and sharing her daring approach to coloring hair with other colorists. Because of her remarkable talent in various hair coloring techniques and styling, Emily is currently a educator for the diPietro Todd Academy and the Director of Color Education for the diPietro Todd Development Program.
She has also worked on various photo shoots, fashion shows and is a regular platform artist at diPietro Todd's anuual Collective shows. Her work has been published in numerous issues of Hair Color and Design and she was listed as a top colorist in San Francsico in the New York Times bestseller "How Not To Look Old." She continues to inspire herself and others through what she considers to be the key to success: education.
Michael O'Rourke
Academy Educator, Colorist
Michael always knew what he wanted and to the surprise of no one achieved it in record time. One month out of high school he started as a colorists' apprentice at our Mill Valley location and four years later, after having trained in all salons, became a staff member at Palo Alto in 2005. While assisting in Palo Alto, Michael connected quickly with the staff and clients. He spends his time behind the chair working on the many of the Penninsula's top Venture Capitalists, Philanthropists, executives, professors, doctors, lawyers, dot coms, and many lovely housewives. Having spent the majority of his time with diPietro Todd in Palo Alto, there is no doubt that Michael feels at home here.
Just a few years after building a demanding clientele, Michael joined the Development Program as a color teacher and now oversees Palo Alto as the Department Head for Color. Michael enjoys wearing many hats at diPietro Todd. Michael is well versed in corrections, creatives, foil work, tinting, relaxers, and balayage services, but is known most well for his power blondes, and soft brunettes, natural redheads.
Michael thrives on working in a teaching salon such as diPietro Todd and draws inspiration from his peers as well as pop culture, high end fashion, and music. He simply loves this constantly evolving industry.
Debi Alley
Development Director of Cutting, Academy Director of Cutting
After her ten year career with Vidal Sassoon as a stylist, educator and assistant manager, Debi joined the diPietro Todd team in 2006. Debi has a passion for teaching, growing + sharing ideas. She splits her week behind the chair with clients, as Development Director of diPietro Todd's in-house apprenticeship program, and as an educator for our Academy, teaching fellow hairdressers in the industry.
Debi's proudest accomplishments are: creating the Altruist Project, a non-profit organization for hairdressers to donate their services to those in need, getting a black belt in Karate, and most importantly watching one of her students execute an amazing haircut.
Amita Moticka
Co-Owner Mill Valley, Academy Educator
Amita Moticka started her hairdressing career at the age of seventeen. She completed her apprenticeship at Vidal Sassoon in Los Angeles. Upon completion, she began the teacher training program while working for Vidal Sassoon. After just a couple of years, Amita was fortunate enough to travel around the world to teach and work as a Platform Artist for Vidal Sassoon.
Amita came to diPietro Todd salon in 1997, where she lended her expertise in helping create Development, the assistant training program she would later become the Director of. Once the Development program began to thrive, Amita moved to New York to pursue her creative outlets such as film, videos, photo shoots, and numerous runway shows for designers such as Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Tula, and Betsey Johnson. Amita continued to travel to California on a regular basis to maintain her clientele on the west coast.
Over the years, Amita has had the pleasure of styling the rock n' roll locks of James Hetfeild (Metallica), Sammy Hagar (Van Halen), members of Wilco, Cake, Dieselhead, and Jolie Holland just to name a few. Amita also toured with the legendary band, Journey, as their personal hairstylist.
In 2004, Amita reunited with her partners at diPietro Todd, Shelley Mohr, Kim and Andrew Todd, and created the diPietro Todd Academy. Several years later, she now spends most of her time in San Francisco. When she is not traveling as an educator she is busy with a full clientele. In 2013, Amita became co-owner of the mill valley salon.
Yureesh Hooker
Development Educator of Cutting, Academy Educator, Stylist
Yureesh's creativity began at a very young age in mid-town Manhattan as a multi-talented musician and artist. His perpetual appreciation for art became the window into his mind, heart, and soul, which encouraged his move to the Bay Area in 2001. Through his passion of visual arts and connection with people, he began his journey with diPietro Todd as an assistant in the Development program and after only a couple of years he landed on the floor at our Mill Valley location as a Stylist.
Yureesh, known for his warm and energetic personality, has built a solid following during his four years with diPietro Todd and is now an educator to our Academy. Yureesh continues to stay passionate about his role as a stylist and educator knowing that his only limit in this art form truly is his imagination.
Jay Chagnon
Stylist, Extensions Specialist, Academy Educator
Jay began his training by working closely with a New York editorial stylist from whom he learned a multitude of hair styling and extension techniques. After relocating to San Francisco, Jay began his career at diPietro Todd as a student in the development program and is currently one of the salon's most popular stylists, specializing in creative haircutting techniques and hair extension services.
Jay joined the diPietro Todd creative team as an educator and has worked on various runway and editorial projects. He has become an integral part of diPietro Todd's ongoing effort to bring up the level of hair and fashion and continues to be an inspiring force at the diPietro Todd Academy.
Sergio De La Fuente
Development Educator of Cutting, Academy Educator, Stylist
Sergio began his exploration of hair cutting in high school at age 17. His influences came from his local barber who was very traditional in the art of barbering. Sergio's reputation as the class barber grew and he soon began cutting many of his fellow students. He decided to pursue a career in hairdressing in his early twenties and attended cosmetology school. Sergio worked and trained at a few Vidal Sasson based salons in San Francisco before coming to diPietro Todd in 2004.
Since joining diPietro Todd, he has become part of the elite teaching staff. Along with teaching precision cuts for the in house training program, he also co-teaches other stylists from around the country at diPietro Todd's Academy. He has lent his expertise in cutting and styling at countless photo shoots and fashion shows, and has taken classes from coast to coast training with some of the industry's top stylists. Because of Sergio's extensive background in hair, he has been able to build a thriving clientele and is the hairstylist to some of Silicon Valley's most prominent figures.
Coco Leiva
Development Educator of Foundation, Academy Educator, Stylist
A Native to San Francisco, Coco has always taken advantage of the rich art and culture the city has to offer. Her career in the beauty industry began as a fashion major at the Academy of Art University. While she spent her summers and free time training and working as a makeup artist, she soon realized that hair was the next art to master. With her well rounded knowledge of fashion and beauty, she aims to help you find a haircut that best suits your aesthetic and lifestyle.
Fernando Perez
Development Educator of Cutting, Academy Educator, Stylist
A peninsula native, Fernando Perez grew up in a family of hairstylists and began with diPietro Todd in 2006. After finishing the rigorous training program, he went onto become a Development educator. Now he continues to master his craft by keeping up to date with trends and taking on going education. His aesthetics range from strong technical cuts to soft bouncy hair, whichever path you choose he’ll take you there.
Ali Salahshoor
Academy Educator, Stylist
Ali Salahshoor graduated from high school at the very young age of 16. From there he pursued a two year education in the field of Architecture. Ali always had a lingering passion for the world of hairdressing and discovered that he could implement concepts and theories from architecture school and apply them to haircutting and styling. Thus began the inspiration for his love of hair. Ali listened to his instinct and began his bountiful career as a hair stylist.
Ali completed his training at Vidal Sassoon where he built his reputation as a gifted hair stylist and soon after successfully ventured onto the roles of Educator and Art Director. Throughout the years, he has had the pleasure of traveling and teaching at Vidal Sassoon's salons and academies in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Toronto, and London. Ali continued to hone his craft while gaining insight and knowledge from his students and fellow hair stylists from all over the globe.
In 1995, Ali joined the diPietro Todd family for the next four years. He then moved to India to explore their culture. Upon his return from India, Ali became a proud
business owner opening Oud salon. In 2009, Ali decided to return to diPietro Todd and has quickly become one of our salon's top Stylists and Educator.
Ali is an impassioned educator and is known for his gregarious and resonating teaching style. His most rewarding moments as a teacher are when he makes a unique and purposeful connection with his students while watching them grow, learn, and apply themselves through his guidance.
John Mok
Director for Foundation, Stylist
Born and raised in Southern California (Del Mar), John studied biology and economics at UCSD and worked in microbiology before he started doing hair. After working at Cowboys and Angels, he decided to move to DPT and go through the cutting program. In 2012 he joined the Development staff as a Foundation instructor. He is inspired by design and architecture and is constantly amazed with nature and its diversity. John is always searching for new looks and trends in the media and how best to tailor a unique style for his clients. His specialties include two types of hair extensions.
Coco Leiva
Development Educator of Foundation, Academy Educator, Stylist
A Native to San Francisco, Coco has always taken advantage of the rich art and culture the city has to offer. Her career in the beauty industry began as a fashion major at the Academy of Art University. While she spent her summers and free time training and working as a makeup artist, she soon realized that hair was the next art to master. With her well rounded knowledge of fashion and beauty, she aims to help you find a haircut that best suits your aesthetic and lifestyle.
Gilbert Estrada
Development Educator of Foundation, Colorist
Originally from Salinas Valley, Gilbert Estrada was raised by parents who were hairstylists and business owners. Very determined and having an interest in the hair industry at a young age, he obtained his cosmetology license before graduating high school and moved to San Francisco to attend business school. Shortly after graduating, he began at diPietro Todd to pursue his passion in color and currently works at the Walnut Creek location.
Gilbert is always striving to be a master of his craft by continuing to attend color classes and extended education so that he can achieve great color on his clients while keeping the hair in excellent health. He is also a texture specialist in both perming and smoothing treatments.
Development Educator of Foundation, Stylist
Kris Taylor
Development Educator of Foundation, Stylist
Kris Estrada grew up in San Diego and although her fascination with hair had already begun, she opted to take her full ride scholarship for swimming at Cal State Northridge. When she wasn't in the pool she was hitting the books, which led to a degree in business with a minor in marketing. Not even a week after graduation she moved to San Francisco where she enrolled in Paul Mitchell Cosmetology school, followed by a seamless transition to Dipietro todd where she began her focus on cutting.
Pulling inspiration from street fashion, a specific fascination with London in the late 1970's/early 80's and combining it with her love for soft simplicity- there really isn't a look Kris can't pull off. She has a special talent to see the big picture with her clients- noting their personal style, facial features and lifestyle to create the perfect look or up-style. She loves working with all textures but understands sometimes a client's natural hair needs a little help with a keratin- a service she also offers. You can still find Kris in the water on her free time, as well as backstage at any fashion event she can get her hands on.
Emily Kern
Development Director of Color, Academy Educator, Colorist
Growing up all over the world, Emily has been creatively inspired by a wide range of culture, architecture, fashion and music. This diverse exposure has molded her into the creative eclectic colorist and individual that she is today. Emily joined diPietro Todd as a student in the training program back in 2001. Since then she has made a name for herself as a brilliant colorist and passionate teacher.
Emily specializes in creative color and is renowned for her blondes. She enjoys the balance of growing and maintaining a loyal clientele and sharing her daring approach to coloring hair with other colorists. Because of her remarkable talent in various hair coloring techniques and styling, Emily is currently a educator for the diPietro Todd Academy and the Director of Color Education for the diPietro Todd Development Program.
She has also worked on various photo shoots, fashion shows and is a regular platform artist at diPietro Todd's anuual Collective shows. Her work has been published in numerous issues of Hair Color and Design and she was listed as a top colorist in San Francisco in the New York Times bestseller "How Not To Look Old." She continues to inspire herself and others through what she considers to be the key to success: education.
Rebecca O'Reiley
Development Educator of Color, Colorist
Rebecca has worked at di Pietro Todd since 1999, and has been teaching in the color Development program for over 10 years. She enjoys traveling to New York, London and Europe for inspiration and education. From color that pops and shines to beachy blondes, Rebecca loves to enhance the natural beauty of hair!
Kelsey Mueller
Development Educator of Color, Colorist
Born and raised in the Bay Area, Kelsey enjoys living in San Francisco and working in Marin. From a young age, she wanted to be a part of the hair industry and began her career right out of high school. Since completeing the program at diPietro Todd, she continues to explore and learn new techniques to stay fresh with current trends. Being surrounded by such a diverse culture, she is inspired to create a unique look for every client. From brunettes to blondes, she is passionate about giving the hair variation, rich color, and extra sparkle. Kelsey is also a texture specialist in both perming and smoothing treatments.
Annie Campana
Development Educator of Color, Colorist
Annie graduated from CSU Chico with a degree in Journalism and Art History in 2006. After graduation, she quickly decided to pursue her lifelong passion for hair. She went on to study color at Paul Mitchell The School in San Diego and as much as Annie loved the beautiful beaches of Southern California, she realized that she's a Northern California girl at heart. Annie moved to San Francisco and joined the diPietro Todd team in 2008 and has since submerged herself into an exciting career as a colorist. Annie loves connecting with her clients and bringing out their natural beauty. She excels at perfecting a unique, individual color tailored to each of her clients. Annie's blondes do have more fun.
Erica Campbell
Development Educator of Color, Colorist
Erica first came into the beauty industry with aspirations to become a makeup artist, until realizing the amazing palette surrounding women's faces...their hair! Since then Erica has been making women feel beautiful with her hair color skills for 7 years with diPietro Todd Salon. She believes your hair is your number one accessory which can be changed by seasons or simply keeping a classic beauty look. Her favorite part of her day is making women smile and giving women more confidence with beautiful, healthy, shiny hair color.
Debi Alley
Development Director of Cutting, Academy Director of Cutting
After her ten year career with Vidal Sassoon as a stylist, educator and assistant manager, Debi joined the diPietro Todd team in 2006. Debi has a passion for teaching, growing + sharing ideas. She splits her week behind the chair with clients, as Development Director of diPietro Todd's in-house apprenticeship program, and as an educator for our Academy, teaching fellow hairdressers in the industry.
Debi's proudest accomplishments are: creating the Altruist Project, a non-profit organization for hairdressers to donate their services to those in need, getting a black belt in Karate, and most importantly watching one of her students execute an amazing haircut.
Yureesh Hooker
Development Educator of Cutting, Academy Educator, Stylist
Yureesh's creativity began at a very young age in mid-town Manhattan as a multi-talented musician and artist. His perpetual appreciation for art became the window into his mind, heart, and soul, which encouraged his move to the Bay Area in 2001. Through his passion of visual arts and connection with people, he began his journey with diPietro Todd as an assistant in the Development program and after only a couple of years he landed on the floor at our Mill Valley location as a Stylist.
Yureesh, known for his warm and energetic personality, has built a solid following during his four years with diPietro Todd and is now an educator to our Academy. Yureesh continues to stay passionate about his role as a stylist and educator knowing that his only limit in this art form truly is his imagination.
Sergio De La Fuente
Development Educator of Cutting, Academy Educator, Stylist
Sergio began his exploration of hair cutting in high school at age 17. His influences came from his local barber who was very traditional in the art of barbering. Sergio's reputation as the class barber grew and he soon began cutting many of his fellow students. He decided to pursue a career in hairdressing in his early twenties and attended cosmetology school. Sergio worked and trained at a few Vidal Sasson based salons in San Francisco before coming to diPietro Todd in 2004.
Since joining diPietro Todd, he has become part of the elite teaching staff. Along with teaching precision cuts for the in house training program, he also co-teaches other stylists from around the country at diPietro Todd's Academy. He has lent his expertise in cutting and styling at countless photo shoots and fashion shows, and has taken classes from coast to coast training with some of the industry's top stylists. Because of Sergio's extensive background in hair, he has been able to build a thriving clientele and is the hairstylist to some of Silicon Valley's most prominent figures.
Fernando Perez
Development Educator of Cutting, Academy Educator, Stylist
A peninsula native, Fernando Perez grew up in a family of hairstylists and began with diPietro Todd in 2006. After finishing the rigorous training program, he went onto become a Development educator. Now he continues to master his craft by keeping up to date with trends and taking on going education. His aesthetics range from strong technical cuts to soft bouncy hair, whichever path you choose he’ll take you there.
Sam Hayes Jr.
Co-Owner Union Square, Stylist, Colorist
Born and raised in Sacramento, Sam began experimenting with his mother’s hair at the early age of 14 and has always been intrigued by hair styling. After graduating beauty school in Sacramento, he completed his master’s course at the L’oreal Institute in New York City on 5th Ave.
In Sam’s 12 years here, he has had many roles including stylist and colorist, in-house photographer, events coordinator and international wedding stylist. It is the fabulous array of clients and peers that keeps Sam in love with hair.
Kristen Bowers-Robles
Colorist
Kristen began her career in the hair industry in 1989 and completed her training at diPietro Todd. Her background in the hospitality industry makes her a natural fit to be head of the color department. She received recognition in Vogue for " Best Brunette Colorist in San Francisco" and is also particularly talented at balayage and mens color. On her days outside the salon she enjoys camping, trying new restaurants, and volunteers her time with youth.
Sarah Classen-Taylor
Colorist
Sarah began her career at Vidal Sassoon on Post St. in 1990 and then transferred to their New York location in 1993. While there she enjoyed teaching, editorial work and travel. In 2009 she returned to Post St. in San Francisco and joined diPietro Todd. She specializes in creative color techniques, natural blonde highlights, corrective color, natural reds and natural texture perms.
MacLaine DeFelice
Colorist
Most of all, Maclaine wants his clients to feel comfortable, taken care of, and the best that they can look and feel. He moved to San Francisco in 2000 to pursue a career in art/ photography then from 2003-2007, due to his natural talent for style and fashion, became a buyer for a women's boutique in the Marina. In 2008 he joined diPietro Todd and completed his extensive training. For him, being a colorist was a natural progression. Maclaine takes all of his experiences and creates beautiful, effortless, "Victoria's Secret" hair on a daily basis.
Stephanie Bulnes
Colorist
Stephanie's obsession with color started the very first time she picked up a paint brush at the age of four. A natural born artist and lover of life, creativity has always been a driving force. Stephanie has been studying and coloring hair for seven years and was first inspired to enter the field while she was a psychology student.
She was determined to find a career that combined her passion for art and love of the human race. Hair color was, and still is the perfect fit. Stephanie has a broad range of talent but her specialties are bombshell blondes, natural redheads, luminous brunettes, bold yet sophisticated creative color and keratins.
Jane Jelacic
Colorist
A veteran of Vidal Sassoon, Jane Sophia Jelacic developed a lasting passion for the art of hair at an early age. While attending the Univ of WI-Madison Jane realized her true calling was to attend the original Aveda Institute back in her hometown Minneapolis, MN and start her career as a hair color artist. Jane Sophia made her way to San Francisco and while with Vidal Sassoon worked and educated in Chicago, Atlanta, San Francisco, and London. Jane has many major accomplishments such as being featured in Allure Magazine, and the New York Times as the best colorist in SF. Her loyal, happy and new clients desire the best and include everyone from busy professionals, stay at home moms, artists and college students.
Stevie Lane
Colorist
Manase Moala
Colorist
Danielle Parliament
Colorist
Andrew Todd
Owner, Stylist
Ideas man, visionary and hard working dreamer, Andrew Todd an expat from Britain came to the U.S. in 1981 with $200 in his pocket and a plan. His creativity and his love for helping people look and feel their best catapulted him to success at an early age. Andrew founded diPietro Todd with his wife Kim and flourishes as the creative leader of the company. He finds ultimate joy in cultivating cutting edge talent and has forged a one of a kind culture and presence in the hair industry. 25 yrs. later he is proud of his vision-----diPietro Todd Salons + Academy.
Sam Hayes Jr.
Co-Owner Union Square, Stylist, Colorist
Born and raised in Sacramento, Sam began experimenting with his mother’s hair at the early age of 14 and has always been intrigued by hair styling. After graduating beauty school in Sacramento, he completed his master’s course at the L’oreal Institute in New York City on 5th Ave.
In Sam’s 12 years here, he has had many roles including stylist and colorist, in-house photographer, events coordinator and international wedding stylist. It is the fabulous array of clients and peers that keeps Sam in love with hair.
Debi Alley
Development Director of Cutting, Academy Director of Cutting
After her ten year career with Vidal Sassoon as a stylist, educator and assistant manager, Debi joined the diPietro Todd team in 2006. Debi has a passion for teaching, growing + sharing ideas. She splits her week behind the chair with clients, as Development Director of diPietro Todd's in-house apprenticeship program, and as an educator for our Academy, teaching fellow hairdressers in the industry.
Debi's proudest accomplishments are: creating the Altruist Project, a non-profit organization for hairdressers to donate their services to those in need, getting a black belt in Karate, and most importantly watching one of her students execute an amazing haircut.
Skip Cathey
Stylist
After returning from his first jaunt in London where he trained at Vidal Sassoon, Skip formally began cutting hair in 1980. He continues to return annually to London for ongoing inspiration and education and has also studied briefly at Bumble and Bumble in New York. Fashion and image always catch his eye and his hobbies include traveling, fitness, yoga and surfing. He loves to work with short hair and specializes in men's grooming and barbering.
Jay Chagnon
Stylist, Extensions Specialist, Academy Educator
Jay began his training by working closely with a New York editorial stylist from whom he learned a multitude of hair styling and extension techniques. After relocating to San Francisco, Jay began his career at diPietro Todd as a student in the development program and is currently one of the salon's most popular stylists, specializing in creative haircutting techniques and hair extension services.
Jay joined the diPietro Todd creative team as an educator and has worked on various runway and editorial projects. He has become an integral part of diPietro Todd's ongoing effort to bring up the level of hair and fashion and continues to be an inspiring force at the diPietro Todd Academy.
Kohl Katano
Stylist
Having nearly 20 years of experience in the hair industry, Kohl Katano continues to be amazed and intrigued by the power and possibilities ones hair can possess. A teacher in the Development program at diPietro Todd and a full time stylist, Kohl specializes in a variety of textures lengths and everything from what the kids are sporting in Japan to classic Sassoon hair cuts. Kohl is grateful she finds so much inspiration in the rich diversity here in SF.
Glenn Michael
Stylist
Glenn started his career in hair in 2003. He draws his inspiration from music and pop culture past and present. He is known for his precision cuts and attention to detail. He has a special passion for for all things aesthetic, including mid-century design, modern design, architecture and fashion. He also is competitive cyclist and yoga enthusiast.
Richard Rubia
Stylist
One of our earliest educators, Richard has been with diPietro Todd since we opened our doors 25 years ago. A California native, he has been in San Francisco for 35 years and trained at Vidal Sassoon under the art director at the time, Robert Anderson. He specializes in medium to long length and loves to give edgy but wearable cuts for the every day woman. Richard stays current with trends and attends our Academy to continue learning and growing
Ali Salahshoor
Academy Educator, Stylist
Ali Salahshoor graduated from high school at the very young age of 16. From there he pursued a two year education in the field of Architecture. Ali always had a lingering passion for the world of hairdressing and discovered that he could implement concepts and theories from architecture school and apply them to haircutting and styling. Thus began the inspiration for his love of hair. Ali listened to his instinct and began his bountiful career as a hair stylist.
Ali completed his training at Vidal Sassoon where he built his reputation as a gifted hair stylist and soon after successfully ventured onto the roles of Educator and Art Director. Throughout the years, he has had the pleasure of traveling and teaching at Vidal Sassoon's salons and academies in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Toronto, and London. Ali continued to hone his craft while gaining insight and knowledge from his students and fellow hair stylists from all over the globe.
In 1995, Ali joined the diPietro Todd family for the next four years. He then moved to India to explore their culture. Upon his return from India, Ali became a proud
business owner opening Oud salon. In 2009, Ali decided to return to diPietro Todd and has quickly become one of our salon's top Stylists and Educator.
Ali is an impassioned educator and is known for his gregarious and resonating teaching style. His most rewarding moments as a teacher are when he makes a unique and purposeful connection with his students while watching them grow, learn, and apply themselves through his guidance.
Nona Zandinejad
Stylist
Nona grew up with a family of artists and designers and is a third generation hairdresser. Watching her mom and aunt design beautiful costumes at a young age made her realize that she wanted to be in the beauty/fashion industry. Her mom taught her that true beauty comes from individuality.
Nona received her bachelors of fine arts in Fashion Design and Illustration and graduated from Paul Mitchell beauty school. She is always continuing her education and has taken courses with Toni and Guy in London and Nick Arrojo in New York. Nona is one of the bright new talents at diPietro Todd and lends herself to wardrobe/costume design for hair shows and photo shoots and has recently become an educator for our Development program. She specializes in all lengths of hair, extensions and avant garde styling.
Hannah Skelton
Stylist
Hannah has always had a love for aesthetics, the arts and working with her hands so she had an instant penchant for cutting and styling. She finds working with hair very similar to sculpture or drawing. While Hannah draws a lot of inspiration from music, geometry, nature and literature she is most inspired by people themselves with all their distinctive traits and incongruities. She loves to work with silhouettes, lines, shading and dimension to best flatter the bone structure and features of the individual.
Frank Lane
Stylist
Frank grew up in the Bay Area racing motorcycles or riding BMX nearly every day. As an amateur he raced motorcycles as a top ranked expert and at the age of 16 as a professional. At the age of 21 he found hair and moved to San Francisco to become part of the diPietro Todd team. Frank is also a painter, rock climber, mountain biker and is inspired by all people who push their personal, physical and artistic/creative boundaries.
As a hair stylist he feels an obligation to keep up with current trends and is constantly looking for new techniques to custom tailor each clients hair to fit their bone structure, face shape, lifestyle and personality. Frank specializes in creative haircutting, bob shapes, women’s short styles or "pixies", and men's hair cutting.
Shelby Cowell
Colorist
Shelby knew in high school that she wanted to be a colorist. With the name "diPietro Todd" scribbled on a piece of paper given to her by her childhood hair stylist, she headed to San Francisco to pursue her career. After beauty school she landed a job as an assistant in the Development program at diPietro Todd. Fiercely motivated and truly inspired, she treated her apprenticeship like the Harvard of hair. She gets her inspiration from the sun and enjoys using balayage to mimic it's effects. She also loves to play with texture and considers herself an expert when it comes to hair smoothing treatments.
Shelby calls herself a "color geek", constantly wanting to learn new techniques and her fun personality makes spending time in her chair an absolute pleasure.
Erica Campbell
Development Educator of Color, Colorist
Erica first came into the beauty industry with aspirations to become a makeup artist, until realizing the amazing palette surrounding women's faces...their hair! Since then Erica has been making women feel beautiful with her hair color skills for 7 years with diPietro Todd Salon. She believes your hair is your number one accessory which can be changed by seasons or simply keeping a classic beauty look. Her favorite part of her day is making women smile and giving women more confidence with beautiful, healthy, shiny hair color.
Kara Corvi
Colorist
After graduating college from San Diego State University in 2005 with a degree in psychology, Kara decided to explore the exciting and creative field of hair. Inspired by Southern California and sunny weather, Kara has a passion for blonding. Whether it's balayage or highlighting, Kara remains strong to her belief that blondes really do have more fun! As her career takes off she is ready to explore what's next in the color world and excited everyday for what lies ahead!
Emily Kern
Development Director of Color, Academy Educator, Colorist
Growing up all over the world, Emily has been creatively inspired by a wide range of culture, architecture, fashion and music. This diverse exposure has molded her into the creative eclectic colorist and individual that she is today. Emily joined diPietro Todd as a student in the training program back in 2001. Since then she has made a name for herself as a brilliant colorist and passionate teacher.
Emily specializes in creative color and is renowned for her blondes. She enjoys the balance of growing and maintaining a loyal clientele and sharing her daring approach to coloring hair with other colorists. Because of her remarkable talent in various hair coloring techniques and styling, Emily is currently a educator for the diPietro Todd Academy and the Director of Color Education for the diPietro Todd Development Program.
She has also worked on various photo shoots, fashion shows and is a regular platform artist at diPietro Todd's anuual Collective shows. Her work has been published in numerous issues of Hair Color and Design and she was listed as a top colorist in San Francisco in the New York Times bestseller "How Not To Look Old." She continues to inspire herself and others through what she considers to be the key to success: education.
Michelle Sandoval
Colorist
Michelle began her highly successful career with diPietro Todd in 1992. Within a few years of completing her training she had a flourishing clientele and became one of the leaders in her field of color in the San Francisco Bay Area. As a result of her many years of experience, Michelle has recently been named Best Colorist in SF by Allure Magazine (09/2011) and again in 2012 by Refinery 29. Michelle is specifically known for her passion for corrective color work. Her personal goal is to share her skill and knowledge with the hairdressing community at large. Michelle loves to travel and uses any opportunity to visit other salons all over the world to gain inspiration.
At diPietro Todd she has been the Head of the Color Department at Pacific Heights, an Academy teacher and played a significant role in helping put together diPietro Todd’s own in house color training program called “Development". In addition to her extensive color knowledge, Michelle is widely known for her texture services. In a profession dominated by tints and foils, Michelle sets herself apart by using perms and relaxers to compliment her color. With her years of experience she is able to take these long-forgotten techniques and transform them into cutting edge looks, keeping her at the forefront of this ever-evolving industry.
Hannah Watson
Colorist
Hannah is now in her 7th year as a colorist and is presently obsessed with the color red. Her profession has allowed her to explore all aspecs of color and she loves meeting new clients and exploring color with them. "Love of beauty is taste; the creation of beauty is art" - Emerson.
Phillip Nguyen
Colorist
A Southern California native, Phillip moved to San Francisco to pursue his career in business. After completing his Bachelors in Finance at San Francisco State University, he realized that he wanted to marry his knowledge of business with his creativity and become a hairdresser. He loves creating soft and dimensional color that looks natural, custom-made for every person in his chair.
Winona Lewis
Co-Owner Pacific Heights, Stylist
With a great love for fashion, art and self expression, hair was the perfect medium for Winona. Helping people with their personal style so they can feel their best is what gives her the greatest joy. Growing up in the small enchanted coastal town of Big Sur, surrounded by many visual artists, she did her part as the towns hairdresser at an early age. Eventually she longed for the big city life, full of color.
While in London at Vidal Sassoon she met a Brit named Andrew Todd who was in dire need of an assistant. There began a long creative relationship along with Kim and John diPietro as they founded diPietro Todd Salons. For Winona the best part has been the amazingly colorful community that has blossomed from their collaboration. Today she is partner at the Pacific Heights salon and it is her big heart that keeps her clients and her employees smiling. She is just grateful to be a part of it.
Andrew Todd
Owner, Stylist
Ideas man, visionary and hard working dreamer, Andrew Todd an expat from Britain came to the U.S. in 1981 with $200 in his pocket and a plan. His creativity and his love for helping people look and feel their best catapulted him to success at an early age. Andrew founded diPietro Todd with his wife Kim and flourishes as the creative leader of the company. He finds ultimate joy in cultivating cutting edge talent and has forged a one of a kind culture and presence in the hair industry. 25 yrs. later he is proud of his vision-----diPietro Todd Salons + Academy.
Moises Villa
Creative Director, Stylist
Moises Villa landed at diPietro Todd at the age of 22 where he was recognized as a special talent early on and where his fruitful journey as a hair stylist began. In the 12 years that he has been with diPietro Todd, Villa has had creative involvement in photo shoots for the salon, been published as an editorial stylist for local magazines, + continues to teach + inspire our apprentices in our in-house Development program + Academy.
His work embodies a wide range of styles from conservative to the most daring avant garde. He has styled at the last 6 seasons of New York Fashion Week under the direction of Kerastase’s master stylist Odile Gilbert at shows such as Rodarte, Jason Wu, LAMB, Creatures of the Wind, Rachel Zoe, Thakoon, Suno, Phillip Lim and Theory.
As diPietro Todd's Creative Director he is constantly involved in growing + maintaining the diPietro Todd Salons + Academy brand through his work in supporting photo shoots, classes, + events produced by the Creative Team. Villa greatly influences these areas drawing from his professional + personal experience in the fashion, art, music + culture of San Francisco. He is a regular on the scene of fashion editorials, runway events, + industry educational productions. In his personal time he is constantly working to master the craft of hairstyling + considers it to be more than just a career—it is his lifestyle..
Jay Chagnon
Stylist, Extensions Specialist
Jay began his training by working closely with a New York editorial stylist from whom he learned a multitude of hair styling and extension techniques. After relocating to San Francisco, Jay began his career at diPietro Todd as a student in the development program and is currently one of the salon's most popular stylists, specializing in creative haircutting techniques and hair extension services. Jay joined the diPietro Todd creative team as an educator and has worked on various runway and editorial projects.
He has become an integral part of diPietro Todd's ongoing effort to bring up the level of hair and fashion and continues to be an inspiring force at the diPietro Todd Academy.
Daniel Coker
Stylist
Daniel Coker started his career with diPietro Todd in 1998. He likes cutting and styling hair of all types and loves making people look and feel great. He draws inspiration for new styles from the diversity and creativity of the bay area.
Eva Kwok
Stylist
Eva is a San Francisco native and who first began with diPietro Todd as a receptionist 18 years ago. Little did she know then, that diPietro Todd Salon was her calling! She is not only a great listener, but also strives to make clients happy with her attention to detail. Recognized more by her peers for mens barbering and styling, she is equally talented and meticulous with the ladies. She strongly believes that as with life, change is inevitable- so is hair.
Chad Robinson
Stylist
Chad has been with diPietro Todd since 1991, a seasoned professional who's main focus is classic style and beauty for women and men, and always strives to stay on time. After 9 years with diPietro Todd, Chad moved moved to NYC where he met and worked with Orlando Pita for 5 years. Chad worked with Orlando at NYC Fashion Week on numerous shows from Oscar de la Renta, Zac Posen, Michael Kors, and Victoria Secret just to name a few. Chad has also worked with some amazing photographers like Mario Testino on Estee Lauder campaigns and Annie Liebovitz for Vanity Fair. After 5 years Chad moved back home to SF and soon becane an uncle, which is his favorite past time, and being a dad to his dog Jolene.
Kris Taylor
Development Educator of Foundation, Stylist
Kris Estrada grew up in San Diego and although her fascination with hair had already begun, she opted to take her full ride scholarship for swimming at Cal State Northridge. When she wasn't in the pool she was hitting the books, which led to a degree in business with a minor in marketing. Not even a week after graduation she moved to San Francisco where she enrolled in Paul Mitchell Cosmetology school, followed by a seamless transition to Dipietro todd where she began her focus on cutting.
Pulling inspiration from street fashion, a specific fascination with London in the late 1970's/early 80's and combining it with her love for soft simplicity- there really isn't a look Kris can't pull off. She has a special talent to see the big picture with her clients- noting their personal style, facial features and lifestyle to create the perfect look or up-style. She loves working with all textures but understands sometimes a client's natural hair needs a little help with a keratin- a service she also offers. You can still find Kris in the water on her free time, as well as backstage at any fashion event she can get her hands on.
Ching Hoang
Stylist
Andy Luddeke
Stylist
Linh Nguyen
Stylist
Kelsey Mueller
Development Educator of Color, Colorist
Born and raised in the Bay Area, Kelsey enjoys living in San Francisco and working in Marin. From a young age, she wanted to be a part of the hair industry and began her career right out of high school. Since completeing the program at diPietro Todd, she continues to explore and learn new techniques to stay fresh with current trends. Being surrounded by such a diverse culture, she is inspired to create a unique look for every client. From brunettes to blondes, she is passionate about giving the hair variation, rich color, and extra sparkle. Kelsey is also a texture specialist in both perming and smoothing treatments.
Cares Mills
Assistant Academy Director of Color
Cares Mills began her hair coloring career in 1992 in New York City. After spending 3 years between Manhattan and Beverly Hills at Louis Licari Color Group, she joined the diPietro Todd Color department when she moved to SF in 1995. Currently, Cares is the Assistant Academy Director of Color for diPietro Todd Academy and also upholds the title as Artist for the Matrix/Logics Education Team.
She specializes in dimensional highlights and is known for her distinctive knife-based highlighting technique. Over the years, she has had the pleasure of working in film and television throughout Los Angeles and San Francisco with many famous models, actors, and musicians, but finds working with her every day clientele the most rewarding.
Shelley Mohr
Academy Director of Color
L'Oréal Professionnel Portfolio Artist
Shelley Mohr's love for coloring hair began in 1992 at San Francisco's top salon, diPietro Todd. It was there that she received her training as a color specialist and continued on to successfully build and maintain a large clientele at diPietro Todd's Mill Valley location. With her remarkable talent and intense passion for hair, Shelley not only became an educator, but soon thereafter was promoted to Director of Color Education for diPietro Todd's training program Development. Shelley has been influential in the training of diPietro Todd's future color professional and, thus, instrumental in the growth of diPietro Todd Salon's five locations.
In 2004, Shelley partnered with Kim and Andrew Todd, along with Amita Moticka, to create the diPietro Todd Academy. As Director of Color Education for diPietro Todd's professional academy, Shelley has developed a color curriculum that covers all aspects of color training and involves visual, written, and practical applications. She has also helped produce hair and fashion events representing L'Oreal Professionnel, Kérastase and Shu Uemura, as well as seasonal collections and photo shoots for diPietro Todd.
One of Shelley Mohr's major achievements to date has been her involvement in the L'Oreal Professionnel Creative Team as one of their featured Portfolio Artists. She has had the honor of working on multiple national collections and the opportunity to travel all over the country educating at salons and V.I.P. events, including trade shows and, most notably, Intercoiffure and The International Hair Color Exchange. Most recently, Shelley has been asked to teach on the Master's Stage, showcasing L'Oreal Professionnel's new premier color line, INOA.
Shelley has also been featured in professional industry magazines such as HairColor & Design, Modern Salon, Launchpad, and American Salon, covering topics ranging from salon business to color education and creativity.
When Shelley is not teaching or traveling, she is in the salon working with her clients, continuing to further her exploration of and passion for redheads, power blondes, rich brunettes, and corrective color.
Michael O'Rourke
Academy Educator, Colorist
Michael always knew what he wanted and to the surprise of no one achieved it in record time. One month out of high school he started as a colorists' apprentice at our Mill Valley location and four years later, after having trained in all salons, became a staff member at Palo Alto in 2005. While assisting in Palo Alto, Michael connected quickly with the staff and clients. He spends his time behind the chair working on the many of the Penninsula's top Venture Capitalists, Philanthropists, executives, professors, doctors, lawyers, dot coms, and many lovely housewives. Having spent the majority of his time with diPietro Todd in Palo Alto, there is no doubt that Michael feels at home here.
Just a few years after building a demanding clientele, Michael joined the Development Program as a color teacher and now oversees Palo Alto as the Department Head for Color. Michael enjoys wearing many hats at diPietro Todd. Michael is well versed in corrections, creatives, foil work, tinting, relaxers, and balayage services, but is known most well for his power blondes, and soft brunettes, natural redheads.
Michael thrives on working in a teaching salon such as diPietro Todd and draws inspiration from his peers as well as pop culture, high end fashion, and music. He simply loves this constantly evolving industry.
Rachele Cianciolo
Colorist, Resident Keratinologist
Rachele is a Marin County native and has had an intense passion for fashion and beauty all her life. She received her formal training at diPietro Todd Salon and has been with the company since 2001. She is known for her unique ability to create the most natural and beautiful highlights on both blondes and brunettes. She is well know for her ability to smooth and straighten hair by doing the keratin complex service on her clients. Her favorite part of her job is connecting with clients on a personal level and developing lasting relationships with them. Rachele's innovative and artistic approach to hair color, paired with her bubbly personality will give you an amazing color experience and leave her clients with gorgeous results.
Kristy Harris
Colorist
Amita Moticka
Co-Owner Mill Valley, Academy Educator
Amita Moticka started her hairdressing career at the age of seventeen. She completed her apprenticeship at Vidal Sassoon in Los Angeles. Upon completion, she began the teacher training program while working for Vidal Sassoon. After just a couple of years, Amita was fortunate enough to travel around the world to teach and work as a Platform Artist for Vidal Sassoon.
Amita came to diPietro Todd salon in 1997, where she lended her expertise in helping create Development, the assistant training program she would later become the Director of. Once the Development program began to thrive, Amita moved to New York to pursue her creative outlets such as film, videos, photo shoots, and numerous runway shows for designers such as Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Tula, and Betsey Johnson. Amita continued to travel to California on a regular basis to maintain her clientele on the west coast.
Over the years, Amita has had the pleasure of styling the rock n' roll locks of James Hetfeild (Metallica), Sammy Hagar (Van Halen), members of Wilco, Cake, Dieselhead, and Jolie Holland just to name a few. Amita also toured with the legendary band, Journey, as their personal hairstylist.
In 2004, Amita reunited with her partners at diPietro Todd, Shelley Mohr, Kim and Andrew Todd, and created the diPietro Todd Academy. Several years later, she now spends most of her time in San Francisco. When she is not traveling as an educator she is busy with a full clientele. In 2013, Amita became co-owner of the mill valley salon.
Andrew Todd
Owner, Stylist
Ideas man, visionary and hard working dreamer, Andrew Todd an expat from Britain came to the U.S. in 1981 with $200 in his pocket and a plan. His creativity and his love for helping people look and feel their best catapulted him to success at an early age. Andrew founded diPietro Todd with his wife Kim and flourishes as the creative leader of the company. He finds ultimate joy in cultivating cutting edge talent and has forged a one of a kind culture and presence in the hair industry. 25 yrs. later he is proud of his vision-----diPietro Todd Salons + Academy.
Maya Batki
Stylist
Maya came to us in 1995 and completed the advanced training program within the walls of diPietro Todd. Since then, she has been a consistent part of the salon family. From metal smithing to razor cutting, Maya has always enjoyed taking classes and continuing her education. She has a thirst for knowledge in her work and her life. Her focus and specialty in cutting, is working with a client's natural texture, and creating soft and sexy hair. Maya has a way of listening to her clients, for she truly understands that her main goal is to have them leave her chair feeling and looking amazing.
Yureesh Hooker
Development Educator of Cutting, Academy Educator, Stylist
Yureesh's creativity began at a very young age in mid-town Manhattan as a multi-talented musician and artist. His perpetual appreciation for art became the window into his mind, heart, and soul, which encouraged his move to the Bay Area in 2001. Through his passion of visual arts and connection with people, he began his journey with diPietro Todd as an assistant in the Development program and after only a couple of years he landed on the floor at our Mill Valley location as a Stylist.
Yureesh, known for his warm and energetic personality, has built a solid following during his four years with diPietro Todd and is now an educator to our Academy. Yureesh continues to stay passionate about his role as a stylist and educator knowing that his only limit in this art form truly is his imagination.
Coco Leiva
Development Educator of Foundation, Stylist
A Native to San Francisco, Coco has always taken advantage of the rich art and culture the city has to offer. Her career in the beauty industry began as a fashion major at the Academy of Art University. While she spent her summers and free time training and working as a makeup artist, she soon realized that hair was the next art to master. With her well rounded knowledge of fashion and beauty, she aims to help you find a haircut that best suits your aesthetic and lifestyle.
Development Educator of Foundation, Stylist
Paul Carter
Stylist
Rebecca O'Reiley
Development Educator of Color, Colorist
Rebecca has worked at di Pietro Todd since 1999, and has been teaching in the color Development program for over 10 years. She enjoys traveling to New York, London and Europe for inspiration and education. From color that pops and shines to beachy blondes, Rebecca loves to enhance the natural beauty of hair!
Seema Rani
Colorist
Having been born in New Delhi, color has always been a big part of Seema's life. Along with a love of color, she feels a deep sense of creativity, and is able to express that through hair. Seema entered the world of hair at the top and got her career started through the intense and vigorous training program offered at diPietro Todd. She truly enjoys all of the inspiration that comes from working with such an amazing and creative team of stylists and colorists. Working in Palo Alto has given her the opportunity to collaborate with an equally exciting and creative clientele.
Becca Rodgers
Colorist
Becca Rogers began her career in the beauty industry in Southern California at the age of 19 when she turned her love of make up into a career and became an educator for Sebastian’s make up line. A year later she started doing hair. One day while working as a make up artist at a Sebastian show, she met a fellow employee making the move to San Francisco and decided to join them and see where this passion for beauty would take her. She entered the training program at diPietro Todd where she apprenticed under some of the most successful colorists in the company. After completing the apprenticeship program, Becca joined the staff at our Palo Alto location. With 10 years in the industry, Becca continues to love making women beautiful everyday drawing inspirations from fashion, her fellow co-workers, food and the outdoors.
Bobbie Kramer
Colorist
Bobbie's journey with hair began in 2002, and brought her to diPietro Todd in 2007. Her attention to detail and great ability to communicate with her clients translates through her work. She loves everything about color from natural variation to head turning creative hues, and enjoys staying up to date with current trends by continuing her education every chance she gets.
Whitney Ryan
Colorist
Whitney has always been passionate about beauty and fashion. She began her studies in hair right out of high school at the Paul Mitchell School in San Diego, and then moved to San Francisco to surround herself in the diverse culture and current trends of a big city. With further study of color at diPietro Todd, she has become a prodigy in creative color by blending honey, copper, & gold, to create buttery sun-kissed blondes, and beautiful multi-dimensional brunettes. Great hair is the first thing people notice, and Whitney loves to create a signature color which highlights the natural beauty of each of her clients.
Tanis Steyvers
Colorist
Tanis was born in Calgary Alberta, Canada and grew up in California’s central valley. Ever since she was a kid she knew she wanted to do hair, always practicing her skills on friends and family. Soon after graduating high school she moved to Southern California where she attended the Paul Mitchell School of Cosmetology in Costa Mesa.
The next few years after graduating cosmetology school were spent as a stylist at an Aveda salon in Modesto, California and a makeup artist for Lancome and Estee Lauder in Boulder, Colorado. After working more closely with color and continually being inspired, she decided to focus solely on being a colorist. She then moved to San Francisco and completed the training program at diPietro Todd to become a color specialist. Tanis also specializes in Keratin smoothing treatments.
Tanis believes in this ever changing profession, a colorist should always stay on top of what is current as well as having a strong foundation for the classics. She continues her education through research and taking classes at our very own academy here at dPT. From bright beachy blondes to shiny striking brunettes, Tanis loves being creative with color and believes in enhancing your natural beauty...and having fun while doing it!
Chris David
Co-Owner Palo Alto, Stylist
Even though Chris David grew up with 80's new wave hair on his mind,it was not where he thought life would take this Detroit native. Not until he had moved to Washington DC and started to date a hairdresser did Chris David realize there might be something to this 'hair' thing. When the salon needed a part Âtime receptionist he filled the position, and realized he had found his home. Spending the next seven years working behind the desk and managing the salon, Chris mastered all of the inner workings to ensure this boutique salon ran smoothly.
After much encouragement and after-work teaching from the staff, Chris moved to San Francisco and progressed through the diPietro Todd training program. He fulfilled his dream of getting out from behind the desk and onto the cutting floor behind a chair. Kim and Andrew Todd took notice of his professionalism and organization skills, along with his eye for detail in his work and asked Chris to join them as their partner in the Palo Alto location in 2010.
Andrew Todd
Owner, Stylist
Ideas man, visionary and hard working dreamer, Andrew Todd an expat from Britain came to the U.S. in 1981 with $200 in his pocket and a plan. His creativity and his love for helping people look and feel their best catapulted him to success at an early age. Andrew founded diPietro Todd with his wife Kim and flourishes as the creative leader of the company. He finds ultimate joy in cultivating cutting edge talent and has forged a one of a kind culture and presence in the hair industry. 25 yrs. later he is proud of his vision-----diPietro Todd Salons + Academy.
Jeffery Dahl
Stylist
Growing up in Alaska gave Jeffrey inspiration and an appreciation for design from nature. He fell in love with San Francisco and the Bay Area and has made it his home for 30 years. For 15 years he worked in the food industry, developing an appreciation for food and cuisine styles, and loves the fusion of food and design. This led Jeffrey to study hairdressing and joined diPietro Todd in 1995, first at the Union Square salon and then as part of the team opening the Palo Alto salon in June 1998.
He draws his inspirations from nature, fashion and architecture, and is influenced by colors, shapes, modern and art deco styles. One of his great inspirations in the world of hair was being a network educator, training at Bumble & Bumble Academy in New York City at various times from 2003-2007. There he learned new techniques for razor and scissor cuts, providing unique hair design possibilities. In NYC, he also explored the fusion of fashion and hair and enjoys bringing a variety of choices and styles to clients. Jeffrey enjoys continued exploration of hair and design through ongoing courses at the diPietro Todd Academy, allowing him to bring fresh styles and a personal touch to make his clients look their best
Sergio De La Fuente
Development Educator of Cutting, Academy Educator, Stylist
Sergio began his exploration of hair cutting in high school at age 17. His influences came from his local barber who was very traditional in the art of barbering. Sergio's reputation as the class barber grew and he soon began cutting many of his fellow students. He decided to pursue a career in hairdressing in his early twenties and attended cosmetology school. Sergio worked and trained at a few Vidal Sasson based salons in San Francisco before coming to diPietro Todd in 2004.
Since joining diPietro Todd, he has become part of the elite teaching staff. Along with teaching precision cuts for the in house training program, he also co-teaches other stylists from around the country at diPietro Todd's Academy. He has lent his expertise in cutting and styling at countless photo shoots and fashion shows, and has taken classes from coast to coast training with some of the industry's top stylists. Because of Sergio's extensive background in hair, he has been able to build a thriving clientele and is the hairstylist to some of Silicon Valley's most prominent figures.
Diana Luong
Stylist
A bridal makeup artist since 2001, Diana saw the potential of expanding into hair and how cohesive the two industries are. She studied at The Paul Mitchell Institute and went on to complete the extensive apprenticeship program at diPietro Todd in 2008. Diana enjoys precision cutting and teaching her clients how to style their hair for any occasion
She specializes in classic, contemporary, men’s barbering and hairstyling. Traveling around the world has given her much appreciation and inspiration for the business and wanting to further her career. Most recently, Diana has become a Foundation teacher in our Development program.
Fernando Perez
Development Educator of Cutting, Academy Educator, Stylist
A peninsula native, Fernando Perez grew up in a family of hairstylists and began with diPietro Todd in 2006. After finishing the rigorous training program, he went onto become a Development educator. Now he continues to master his craft by keeping up to date with trends and taking on going education. His aesthetics range from strong technical cuts to soft bouncy hair, whichever path you choose he’ll take you there.
Claire Sternberg
Stylist
Claire started her career with Dipietro Todd in 2006. After graduating Cal Poly with a BA in Psychology, Claire attended Vidal Sassoon Academy and then moved to San Francisco to work for Dipietro Todd. She loves combining her knowledge of people and her ability to listen with the artistic side of cutting hair. Her favorite part of the job is making people feel beautiful and better about themselves by giving them a flattering haircut and the skills to take care of it at home
Jordan East
Stylist
Maggie Ponicsan
Co-Owner Walnut Creek, Colorist
Maggie was born and raised in Seoul, Korea and moved to Los Angeles when she was 15. She has always loved fashion and began her studies at a Los Angeles design school for fashion. There she learned her passion was for textiles, mixing prints, patterns and colors instead of design itself. She enrolled in the Vidal Sassoon Academy to learn more about styling and make-up to pursue a career as a stylist. There she discovered the world of hair color and fell in love..
She began her career in 1987 at Vidal Sassoon in Beverly Hills. After 10 years in Los Angeles, she moved to San Francisco and started her path at diPietro Todd. She quickly worked her way to becoming one of the lead colorists in the company and is now a partner at our Walnut Creek location.
Maggie is a true city girl and enjoys the hustle and bustle of big cities. She draws inspiration from people watching and has a strong sense of feel, good intuition and a sharp eye. Maggie brings these traits to her work and along with her 26 years of experience, she has a clear vision for her clients and combines different techniques to keep her work unique and special for each client. Maggie has seen the profession grow from once being a 'back of the salon service 'to becoming a leading specialty. She is proud and excited to be a colorist. Maggie also loves puppies.
Caroline Gardunio
Colorist
Caroline started her career with diPietro Todd eight years ago. In that time she has worked at the Union Square salon and is currently at the Walnut Creek location. Caroline has risen to the level of Master Colorist and is known for the "better than natural" looks she creates for clients. According to Caroline, "There's nothing more beautiful than healthy looking hair".
Jen Houk
Colorist
Jenn began at diPietro Todd's flagship salon in Union Square in 2001 and quickly strengthened her skills as a colorist. Based on her belief that continued education is important to one's success behind the chair, she became an educator of the Development training program in 2004. By 2009 this passion for training resulted in a promotion to the Assistant Director of Color Education. When the Walnut Creek location opened in 2009 she decided that a change in her surroundings was another professional growth opportunity. She has loved helping build a new salon with the partners of diPietro Todd and is grateful to have a job that she loves showing up to everyday.
Annie Campana
Development Educator of Color, Colorist
Annie graduated from CSU Chico with a degree in Journalism and Art History in 2006. After graduation, she quickly decided to pursue her lifelong passion for hair. She went on to study color at Paul Mitchell The School in San Diego and as much as Annie loved the beautiful beaches of Southern California, she realized that she's a Northern California girl at heart. Annie moved to San Francisco and joined the diPietro Todd team in 2008 and has since submerged herself into an exciting career as a colorist. Annie loves connecting with her clients and bringing out their natural beauty. She excels at perfecting a unique, individual color tailored to each of her clients. Annie's blondes do have more fun.
Stacy Klotovich
Colorist
Even back when Stacy was a young girl, if you asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up the answer was always "a cosmetologist". Throughout Stacy's childhood she had a affinity for hair and you could find her playing "beauty salon" with various dolls and friends. Stacy could hardly wait to become a cosmetologist and recieved her license before receiving her high school diploma. She knew color was her ultimate passion. Stacy began to work for di Pietro Todd in 2006 and found her home the minute she stepped though the downtown salon's elevator doors.
In 2009 she returned to her hometown when she transfered to the Walnut Creek location. The health, integrety, and shine of hair is of most importance to her. Stacy believes it is her love for nature and the out-doors that inspires her to use natural beautiful shades and tones that compliment the individual client. When Stacy is not in the salon coloring hair you can find her dining about the city or trying out new hobbies from tennis to paddle boarding.
Jessica Simoni
Colorist
Jessica is a Bay Area native and has always had a love for painting and working with her hands. She has been playing with hair from a young age. After graduating from Paul Mitchell she wanted to extend her knowledge of color and started at dpt. Jessica loves to get her inspiration through nature, photography, and those whom surround her. She is passionate about red and beachy golden blondes. She also specializes in straightening treatments.
Gilbert Estrada
Development Educator of Foundation, Colorist
Originally from Salinas Valley, Gilbert Estrada was raised by parents who were hairstylists and business owners. Very determined and having an interest in the hair industry at a young age, he obtained his cosmetology license before graduating high school and moved to San Francisco to attend business school. Shortly after graduating, he began at diPietro Todd to pursue his passion in color and currently works at the Walnut Creek location.
Gilbert is always striving to be a master of his craft by continuing to attend color classes and extended education so that he can achieve great color on his clients while keeping the hair in excellent health. He is also a texture specialist in both perming and smoothing treatments.
Dylan Ponicsan
Co-Owner Walnut Creek, Stylist
Dylan Ponicsan joined diPietro Todd in 1996, via Beverly Hills. He's been a teacher, a mentor and is now co-owner of our Walnut Creek salon, having recently been voted "Best Hair Salon" by the readers of Walnut Creek Magazine. With a passionate work ethic, an artistic eye and a love for what he does, Dylan has, and will always have, a very loyal following. "I love hair. I've been doing it long enough that I don't know how to do anything else". That's fine by us - we'd like to keep him here for awhile.
Andrew Todd
Owner, Stylist
Ideas man, visionary and hard working dreamer, Andrew Todd an expat from Britain came to the U.S. in 1981 with $200 in his pocket and a plan. His creativity and his love for helping people look and feel their best catapulted him to success at an early age. Andrew founded diPietro Todd with his wife Kim and flourishes as the creative leader of the company. He finds ultimate joy in cultivating cutting edge talent and has forged a one of a kind culture and presence in the hair industry. 25 yrs. later he is proud of his vision-----diPietro Todd Salons + Academy.
Mikey Francisco Alejandro
Stylist
Being a musician in high school means having an image to uphold. Mikey was always able to creatively express himself through numerous hairstyles and so it was that his journey with hair, began with music.
He draws much of his inspiration from the worlds of fashion, music and pop art and takes great pleasure in knowing people can walk out of his chair with their heads a little higher. Mikey "listens" to his clients' hair and helps them to look the way they feel.
Not one to be restricted by social norms, he finds ultimate satisfaction in expressing himself through crafting hair styles and creating music.
John Mok
Director for Foundation, Stylist
Born and raised in Southern California (Del Mar), John studied biology and economics at UCSD and worked in microbiology before he started doing hair. After working at Cowboys and Angels, he decided to move to DPT and go through the cutting program. In 2012 he joined the Development staff as a Foundation instructor. He is inspired by design and architecture and is constantly amazed with nature and its diversity. John is always searching for new looks and trends in the media and how best to tailor a unique style for his clients. His specialties include two types of hair extensions.
Dawn Seelenbacher
Stylist
Dawn's aspiration to become a hairstylist began as a child, growing up in her mother's salon where she loved to watch her mother work. Following cosmetology school, Dawn apprenticed at diPietro Todd, where she worked closely with the Bay Area's top hairstylists. She has built a thriving clientele and has worked on numerous fashion shows and photo shoots.
The culmination of her experiences at diPietro Todd has created a desire for Dawn to share all she has learned over the years as an educator for the diPietro Todd Academy and as the Director of Cutting Education for the diPietro Todd Development Program.
Sam Vilaysak
Stylist
Ever since Samantha was young she couldn't bundle her creative energy, she's a natural artist. After beauty school she attended Cinema Makeup school in Los Angeles, California and specialized in special effects makeup. She's a talented makeup artist but found her true passion in creative haircutting and styling. Her inspiration is found in sci-fi movies, anime and design. Samantha is diversely creative and keeps a keen eye for expressive details.
Katelyn Brace
Stylist
Born and raised in Napa California, Katelyn graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, earning a degree in business with a minor in marketing. She loved doing hair from a very young age and her training officially started at Paul Mitchell the school of San Francisco followed by the cutting program with diPietro Todd. Katelyn specializes in both cutting and extensions.
Shyla Lane
Stylist