Advanced Academy

Cutting Team

Members of the Advanced Academy Cutting Team train and certify Paul Mitchell Schools' Learning Leaders in our cutting system. They also lead the Advanced Academy cutting classes, including 3-Day Contemporary Cutting Foundations, 3-Day Accelerated Cutting Evolution, 3-Day Men's Haircutting, and 5-Day Contemporary Cutting Foundations and Accelerated Cutting Evolution.

Mike Helm

Advanced Academy Cutting Education Leader

Mike Helm is a successful Learning Leader, Master Educator, and Advanced Academy Cutting Education Leader who loves to share his expertise. He is a partner in Paul Mitchell The School – Phoenix, teaches advanced courses, and has helped to create and develop many school programs. Mike’s work can be seen in numerous trade magazines, including the cover of Hair Color and Design. He is president of the Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation and has completed several 545-mile AIDS/LifeCycle rides.

Dave Holland

Lead Cutting Specialist

Paul Mitchell School graduate Dave Holland has worked in the industry since 1996. A full-time stylist and member of the artistic team at Lunatic Fringe salon in Salt Lake City, Dave is a Cutting Specialist at the Provo and Salt Lake City Paul Mitchell Schools. As a member of the PAC team, he has worked onstage with industry icons and with Hollywood stars including Kate Hudson and Liv Tyler. Dave completed the 545-mile AIDS/LifeCycle ride, and his work has been featured in leading magazines.

Douglas Christensen

In just six years, Douglas Christensen went from Von Curtis Academy graduate (now Paul Mitchell The School – Provo) to owner of Nevada’s Reno Academy – A Paul Mitchell Partner School. An accomplished stylist, Douglas served as an educational leader at a prestigious Las Vegas salon and has worked with numerous celebrities. In his roles as Cutting Specialist and Advanced Academy Cutting Team member, Douglas travels around the United States sharing his enthusiasm and passion for education.

Jason Reyes

As a Paul Mitchell platform artist, Advanced Academy Cutting Team member, cutting specialist for Paul Mitchell Schools, and business owner, Jason Reyes travels nationally and internationally doing hair shows and training/inspiring current and future salon professionals. Fully fluent in English and Spanish, he is a featured artist on the Paul Mitchell Cutting System DVD. With over 17 years experience in men’s hair cutting, Jason was instrumental in helping to develop the Paul Mitchell Schools’ barbering curriculum.

Kent Skinner

Level 4 Cutting and Color Specialist, National Educator, and Senior Associate Kent Skinner brings information, humor, and artistry to hairdressing education. A musician and performance artist with a degree in studio art, Kent has worked with renowned artists including Robert Cromeans and Stephanie Kocielski. He has performed for several years at a Dallas children’s burn hospital invitational benefit and he volunteered at the Paul Mitchell Schools’ Habitat for Humanity build in Louisiana.

Christian Gaytan

A graduate and former Learning Leader at Trendsetters College of Cosmetology (now Paul Mitchell The School Bradley), Christian Gaytan pursued his dream of moving to the city when he joined Paul Mitchell The School Chicago. He has held every education position in the school, including his current role as Lead Cutting Specialist. He works part-time at the Hair Loft Ltd. and represents John Paul Mitchell Systems as a National Educator. “I educate because I want to help people realize their potential the same way I was helped to realize my own,” Christian says.