Directors of Texas Laser
Tristen Hamilton
CEO
Katie Beck
Clinic Director
Kathryn L. Hamilton-Beck, founder, partner, and well esteemed industry professional of Texas Laser and Aesthetics Training Academy, is an integral pioneer member of the medical aesthetics community, developed Austin, Texas’s first full spectrum cosmetic vocational college. Katie designed the training curriculum to comply with the newly placed TX regulations, while providing an education that is unparalleled. Later, she amended and developed a unique Career Services Department that provides beneficial tailored resume/job placement assistance to graduates.
Prior to the revolutionary conception of combining a boutique Medical Spa and an Academy, Katie launched her passion for the aesthetics world in 2007 as a Beauty Educator at Sephora, where she achieved top ranking in Operations, and demonstrated product education and expertise through consultation. Katie’s very next opportunity working for one of the most reputable and sought after Plastic Surgeons, further surged her into the position to collect ideas for her next steps, and closer to crossing paths with her dynamic, and now, Business Partner, Tristen Hamilton.
While employed at a high rated Medical Spa from 2010-2012 in Austin, Texas, Katie finally meets Tristen Hamilton. At the time, Katie was practicing building powerful business skills as a General Manager and Medical Esthetician.
Together, the BRAND of Katie and Tristen, overflowed into what is known as Texas Laser & Aesthetics Training Academy.
Tristen M. Hamilton, is Partner, School Director, Licensed Aesthetics Instructor, Senior Laser Hair Removal Technician School Director and Co-Founder of Texas Laser and Aesthetics Training Academy, LLC. Tristen Hamilton is a licensed Aesthetics Instructor and a Certified Laser Hair Removal Technician with over 15 years of experience in the aesthetics industry as a Business Owner and Educator. Tristen has a vast array of knowledge in all aspects of the field, and the reputation to back it up.
Tristen began at young age leveraging the Aesthetics world, with heavy exposure to her family Spa and Salon businesses. With this initial involvement, then, adding on multiple licensing, treatments, and a unique customer service approach, Tristen shares accoladed between both excellence in operational standards, and top rated treatments in practice.
The vision of Katie and Tristen, is a laser focused dedication to the student, birthing an entirely new brand in the form of a full service laser and services treatment center, coupled with a medical aesthetics training institute. Then, providing a unique educational experience unmatched by any other. From this vision, the leading national laser hair removal & medical aesthetics training academy was born!
Texas Laser & Aesthetics Training Academy offers the latest in Laser Hair Removal licensing and Advanced/Medical Aesthetic Training Certifications. At TLATA, the internship offers documented work experience for students in a real medical spa during their training.
Katie and Tristen’s foundational mission at TLATA is to prepare each student to confidently enter the field of medical aesthetics training. They feel that it is imperative for the students to have a thorough understanding of laws, modalities being used, both the theory and the application of the technology.
As a whole, It is widely known, Katie and Tristen strive to provide students with an unmatched experience, knowledge, skills, and the training necessary to begin or enhance the goals and dreams for the student. Without question, TLATA is equipped to provide trainees with the opportunity to gain the knowledge and necessary skills to compete in the rewarding medical aesthetics industry. TLATA strives to employ the most elite instructors and medical aesthetics professionals. Our team only consist of the most highly trained & certified individuals in the industry, who have demonstrated a proficiency in all areas of the medical aesthetics arena over and over again. See for yourself! Look at our perfect score on our Yelp Reviews!
We hope to see you visit soon!
Ashley Krushin
Director of operations
Ashley’s role as Director of Operations at TLATA means she has her hands in just about everything around here. She loves working in a fast-paced environment where everyday is different and presents a new challenge. Ashley is a licensed esthetician who had been working at Nordstrom managing their cosmetics department but was seeking the opportunity to grow her career. One of the most challenging things about the esthetic industry for Ashley is that everything is constantly changing and it can be hard to keep up–but that’s what keeps things interesting! Ashley likes to relax at home with a delicious cup of coffee while playing solitaire, and isn’t afraid of a little pineapple on her pizza.
Kyle Greaves
School Director
Kyle serves as the School Director at TLATA. After years of being a manager and slinging drinks at Starbucks, Kyle decided it was time to make a move across the country without a plan. Luckily for us, he ended up here! As a licensed esthetician, Kyle’s background made him a natural fit for managing the day-to-day operations of the school. He spends his weekends elegantly sipping champagne with his felines, while contemplating what snack is next. If you see Kyle around the academy, be sure to ask him about his favorite pizza topping: pineapple.
Tori Flores
Director Of Education
Tori has recently been promoted to our Director of Education. She is an Aesthetics Academy instructor, Medical Aesthetician, and Professional Laser Technician, but you’re likely to find her doodling on her iPad making fun presentations for her students. Tori loves that this industry provides hope and self-confidence to people who deserve to feel special and beautiful. She is currently working on developing new courses and curriculum for some advanced aesthetics certification courses, and our newly opened Aesthetics Academy. Never one to take life too seriously, remembering that some turtles can breathe out of their butts is a little fun fact that makes Tori smile on a daily basis.
Lily Sparkman
Licensed Esthetician,Aesthetics Academy Instructor
Lily is a Medical Aesthetician and former TLATA student that has returned to be one of our Aesthetic Academy instructors. She’s also our go-to Lash and Brow expert. One of her favorite parts of this job is that everyone–students, patients, and coworkers–are all so excited to be here! Lily struggled with cystic acne as a teenager and really enjoys guiding her clients in the right direction when they are dealing with skin issues. When she describes her job to little kids, she tells them that she makes little wigs, but for eyelashes instead of the top of your head.
Austin Foss
Professional Laser Hair Removal Instructor
Austin has been at TLATA since the beginning: he was the first employee! Austin is one of our advanced aesthetics instructors and is a Professional Laser Technician. He loves working in this industry because he enjoys working with people who share a similar passion, and everyday holds a new adventure. Austin feels that there is so much information to grasp when you’re new to this field that it can be really challenging, but he loves the challenge and thinks pushing yourself to learn new treatments and techniques is super rewarding. Austin never believed in Santa, because he is too smart to fall for that. On the weekends, you’ll find Austin taking his sweet time, doing vegan stuff and whatever.
Valya Bek
Licensed Esthetician, Professional Laser Hair Removal Technician,Aesthetics Academy Instructor
Valya considers herself a Jedi with a laser! With a decade of experience as a Professional Laser Technician and Medical Aesthetician, Valya spends her days at TLATA training future laser technicians and estheticians. She loves expanding her skill set in order to help people reach their career goals and is currently helping create the curriculum for the Aesthetics Academy. Valya will never say never, even to pineapple on pizza.
Casey Choate
Professional Laser Hair Removal Technician
Casey works for TLATA as a Laser Hair Removal instructor who is a Professional Laser Technician and also a licensed esthetician. She loves that this industry is always advancing and there’s always something new to learn and master. Casey decided to become an esthetician because she struggled with skin issues and wanted to educate herself in order to help others as well. On her time off, you might catch her getting a spray tan before a body-building competition.
Vanessa Salazar
Professional Laser Hair Removal Technician, LSO
Vanessa is a Jill-of-All-Trades! She is an instructor, licensed esthetician, Professional Laser Technician, and Microblading Technician. Vanessa loves constantly learning and challenging herself to keep up with the latest, and always-evolving technologies. Though she is ageless, she has been in this industry since she was 18 years old. She stumbled into a career she loved based on the recommendation of a technician at a medspa who was treating her skin for bad acne. Her passion for beauty and the results of her own skin treatments led her to pursue a career making others feel just as powerful and beautiful. Vanessa spends her weekends baking delicious treats and doing creative projects around her house. She’s an adrenaline junky who thinks consuming dairy is way scarier than skydiving!
Kristi Maples
Licensed Medical Aesthetician, Aesthetics Academy Instructor
Kristi is one of the Aesthetic Academy instructors and has over a decade of experience in Medical Aesthetics. Kristi is passionate about corrective skin care and helping others feel beautiful. If you’re considering a big life change, one piece of advice Kristi would share is that everything works out the way it should when you have faith in yourself. Though there may be many things Kristi would never do again, deer hunting ranks at #1 because it’s impossible for her to sit quietly for that long. Ask her about the health benefits of pineapple on pizza, seriously.
Jack
Laser Hair Removal Technician
Jack is a Professional Laser Technician who instructs laser hair removal students at TLATA. He loves the fast-paced days filled with helping students further their education and careers. Jack has not only worked hard to build a career in this industry, but he also enjoys receiving frequent treatments and exploring new skin care options. One of Jack’s biggest pet peeves is the amount of misinformation that is so readily available for the consuming public. He takes pride in ensuring clients understand the benefits of the treatment and that it’s the correct treatment for their concerns. Jack’s zygomaticus muscles make him smile everyday.
Hope Beimeret
Patient Coordinator
Hope loves her job as a Patient Coordinator at TLATA. She earned her esthetic’s license about a year ago, and loves seeing people achieve their skin and appearance goals. Hope acknowledges that starting in an industry where you don’t know anyone and have to build your knowledge and confidence can be daunting, but getting the right education for you is the best first step. When she’s not working, Hope loves to spend time thrifting, eating vegan snacks, and lounging with her cat, Plum. Hope is an amazing whistler, and has competed at the national level.
Carlee Macias
Patient Coordinator
Carlee started working at TLATA as a Patient Coordinator after completing her esthetician’s license at a competing esthetic school. She knew this was the best place in town to learn advanced treatments, and wanted to be a part of the amazing crew. Carlee loves yoga, her doggo, and knitting. Much like a Labrador Retriever, Carlee is able to catch any type of food in her mouth when tossed her way without issue
Jaclyn Layton
Patient Coordinator
Jaclyn is one of our newest Patient Coordinators, and so far loves being a part of the TLATA team. She spends her free time outdoors hiking and soaking up the beautiful weather with her sweet pup, Leo. Jaclyn is one of the many vegetarians that work for TLATA. She enjoys hunting down the best vegetarian spots in Austin, and you will find her at Bouldin Creek on the regular.
Peyton Guevara
Social Media Coordinator
Peyton is the Social Media Coordinator here at TLATA. Simply put, she makes pretty things to post online! On the weekends you will find her on a yoga mat, chasing that zen. If you’re looking to gain a skill, Peyton thinks everyone should learn how to do their laundry better! Oh, and she thinks you need to stop being picky about pineapple on pizza.
Kaylee
Social Media Coordinator
Kaylee has recently rejoined the TLATA team as a Social Media Coordinator. She is a licensed esthetician who also holds her Laser Hair Removal Technician license, as well as many certifications. She is a former TLATA student and instructor who moved to Colorado and shifted directions in her career. Kaylee loves being creative and enjoys the challenge of learning the ins and outs of all of the social media platforms. On the weekends you can find her wandering the mountains with her cute family. She is an adventurous person, but do not come near her pizza with pineapple.
Laura Ritz
Microblading Instructor
Laura works for TLATA as a Microblading Technician and Microblading instructor. She loves her career because she is able to help people feel more confident about their appearance. Laura opened the first microblading-only studio in Austin, but eventually realized having coworkers to learn and grow alongside was an important aspect of her career. Unexpectedly, Laura has an impressive and vast shark tooth collection. Laura is currently working on some exciting new curriculums for classes not yet offered at TLATA. Stay tuned!
Avery Koch
Student Affairs Advisor
Avery joined the TLATA team as a Student Affairs Advisor and loves the good vibes this place has to offer. Coming from a previous life as a corporate event planner, Avery felt right at home coordinating the licensing and certification courses because they are like planning mini-events on a daily basis. On the weekends, you’ll find Avery tapping it back in a spin class, or waiting in line at Trader Joe’s. Her canine companion, Nelson, is the light of her world. When you notice her flawless complexion, have her tell you the story of how an esthetician changed her life.
Shane Pflieger
Student Affairs Advisor
Shane works for TLATA as a Student Affairs Advisor. He’s a graphic designer turned licensed esthetician, who just likes to make things look their best! Some of the best advice he received before changing careers was to embrace the scary stuff–with great risk comes great reward, especially if it’s your passion. In his free time, you can find him lusting after the sun from a shady spot covered in SPF.
Mason Jones MD
Dr. Mason Jones attended The University of Texas at Austin and then The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. He completed his residency in Family Medicine at the UT Health Science Center in Houston in 2006.
Dr. Jones is Board Certified in Family Medicine. He is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, the Texas Medical Association, and the Travis County Medical Society. Dr. Jones and his wife, Stacy, have traveled the world extensively, and they have a son, Griffin. Dr Jones also enjoys woodworking and doing home improvement projects.
