(January 16, Golden, Colo.) – Melissa M. Anderson is the recipient of the
first annual Gerson Award for Excellence in Esthetic Education, sponsored by
Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) and presented by the National
Coalition of Estheticians, Manufacturers/Distributors, and Associations (NCEA).
Anderson is a licensed esthetics instructor, holding the position of
associate professor at Bluegrass Community and Technical College in Lexington,
Kentucky — the only community and technical college in Kentucky to offer an
esthetics program. She has been in the industry for more than 27 years,
including 17 years as a teacher. She has also worked as an independent
contractor for a major manufacturer and owned her own spa.
Anderson holds
a bachelor’s degree in career and technical education from Eastern Kentucky
University, and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in education. She
believes innovative education is the key to success in establishing a career in
esthetics, and she implements new techniques and different learning styles to
accommodate today’s learner. Anderson also requires her students to participate
in community service as part of their professional development, and she
volunteers as an area trainer for the American Cancer Society’s “Look Good, Feel
Better” program, which works with cancer patients to counter the
appearance-related effects of cancer treatment.
ASCP congratulates
Anderson on being chosen as the first winner of this annual award, and is proud
to recognize her good work on behalf of esthetics students and the profession.
The mission of the NCEA is to define standards of practice through
certification and continuing education accreditation in order to represent and
advocate for the esthetic profession. The Gerson Award is named in honor of Joel
Gerson, whose 1977 Standard Textbook for Professional Estheticians paved the way
for state regulatory boards and licensing of estheticians. For more information
on awards and scholarships from NCEA, visit www.ncea.tv/scholarships-grants.
Founded in 2007, ASCP (www.ascpskincare.com) is the largest membership
organization for skin care professionals. It provides liability insurance,
publications including ASCP Skin Deep magazine and the Successful Business
Handbook, an online esthetician referral service, educational webinars,
marketing tools, and member discounts. Headquartered in Golden, Colo., ASCP has
12,500 members.
