Cosmetology » Instructors

Instructors

Electra Manley
Instructor
Cosmetology
413-863-9561, ext. 156

[email protected]

 

Electra Manley has been in the beauty industry for over 40 years. She specialized in corrective color as a senior stylist at Jean Paul in New York for 10 of those years. Electra also has extensive experience as a teacher and stylist at other private beauty schools in New York, including Paul Mitchell and the Orlo.

 

Electra joined the Cosmetology Program at the Franklin County Technical School in 2010 with great enthusiasm for sharing her professional knowledge and experience. She is a licensed vocational teacher in Massachusetts, and a licensed cosmetologist in Massachusetts, New York and Connecticut.

 

Electra fosters a supportive and engaging learning environment that enables students to develop creative and technical hair design skills, and to prepare for successful professional licensure and career outcomes.

 

Electra served for eight years as an FCTS student advisor for SkillsUSA, guiding dozens of students to awards at the state and national levels, and is certified in SkillsUSA career essentials. A highlight of this work was when a student she accompanied to compete in Louisville, KY for nails placed 4th in the nation.

 

In 2016, Electra lead the establishment of an annual regional vocational school competition called Beauty School Battles which allows students to showcase their unique artistic talents. The event was suspended during the Covid pandemic, and will resume in May 2022.

 

Electra specialized in hair color at the Wella Education Center, Paul Mitchell The School in New York City, Redken NYC 5th Ave, and also in Bologna, Italy. She has completed coursework at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, NY and at Greenfield Community College in Greenfield, MA.

 

Jennifer Gilman
Instructor
Cosmetology
413-863-9561, ext. 155
 
Jennifer Gilman brings a passion and enthusiasm for teaching as Franklin County Technical School’s newest Cosmetology teacher.
 
FCTS Cosmetology students are fortunate to have Gilman as their instructor as she owns a deep well of knowledge and experience both as a teacher and someone who’s worked in the profession. Prior to coming to the tech school, Gilman taught for 15 years at Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School in Northampton. 
 
Gilman, who last taught at Worcester Technical High School, took a year off from working in the classroom but missed the experience and wanted to return.
 
“I think I bring something passionate and inspiring to the students since I still work in the profession,” she said. “I like to give something back and I like teaching this age group. The most rewarding thing is to take the kids who are on the fence about going into this profession and swaying them over and finding what drives them.”
 
Gilman said there are several avenues to a career in Cosmetology, including hair stylist, skin care, manicurist and more. It’s a matter of a student finding their niche and what practice area gives them their “spark.”
 
Along with teaching and professional experience, Gilman has an extensive educational background. She attended Keene Beauty Academy and Quinsigamond Community College. Gilman has a Bachelor of Science degree in    Occupational/Vocational Science from Fitchburg State University and is studying for her Master’s degree in Occupational Education from the university.
 
Gilman has also furthered her education through trainings and earning several professional licenses. 
According to Gilman, being a cosmetologist can be a very fulfilling vocation. A good cosmetologist can change a person’s attitude and bolster their self-esteem.     
 
“There’s something rewarding about making people look and feel great,” Gilman said. “I like taking people who come to us not feeling good about themselves leave with their heads held high and full of confidence. I want the students to know that this is a good profession that provides a valuable service.”
 
Gilman and her husband Jamie live in North Brookfield and have a daughter Erica. In her spare time she enjoys snowboarding, mountain biking and spending time with her new granddaughter.