Meet the Instructors


Joanne Slocum

Instructor / Chair

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Joanne's passion for hair began at a young age with the cutting of Barbies hair to cutting or perming anyone who was a willing participant. It was a natural transition for Joanne to attend Hairdressing school in 1993. Progressing from school to salon, Joanne worked next to amazing mentors and in different capacities of the Salon Business. After working behind the chair and educating for a Global Hair Colour Company, Joanne stepped into an instructor's position in 2013 and in 2019 into the Department Chair position. Joanne's strong belief is that student and graduate success stems from a combination of strong foundational skills, critical thinking, and a continuous learning mindset.

Joanne is a Red Seal hairstylist, holds the Provincial Instructors Diploma, and is a proud recipient of a VIU Provost Teaching and Learning award for Excellence in recognition of: Teaching Design and Practice that Employs Innovative Practices for Student Learning.

When Joanne is not engaging in teaching and learning you will find her boating, or hiking with her family and two rottweilers, Duke and Daisy.

Arden Magtiza

Instructor

photo of instructor Arden Magtiza

Arden is a VIU hairdressing graduate and a Red Seal hairstylist with over 17 years of industry experience. A few years after graduating, she was thrilled to join the VIU Hairdressing Team in 2011, after feeling inspired by her instructors' teaching methods and drive to see their students succeed. Arden holds the Provincial Instructors Diploma and has been working as an instructor in the Hairdressing Department since 2016. 

Arden has a passion for education and loves to inspire and share her knowledge and experience with the fresh faces of the industry. Seeing students grow and thrive to become successful in such an exciting career is what motivates her every day.

Arden continues to work behind the chair one day per week, continuously honing her skills and working on her amazing clientele at a local boutique salon. She has a love of everything hair colour, especially the science behind the formulations!

On her days off, Arden can be found hiking and exploring the trails around Vancouver Island with her husband, two sons, and two rescue pups. Dogs are her second passion, and she can often be heard talking about her fur babies.

Karly Menzies

Front End Instructional Assistant/Instructor

photo of Karly Menzies

Karly is a Red Seal Certified hairstylist, who got her start in the hair industry by volunteering with local photo shoots. When she realized her hobby was a passion, she began her hairdressing journey at VIU in the Hairdressing foundation program in 2008.

Over the past decade Karly became an educator for multiple top professional hair product and color brands, involved with many of industries runway stage shows, and has been recognized multiple times in the Canadian Hairdressing Awards.

In 2022 with 'always further education' mindset, Karly stepped away from hair behind the chair and joined VIU as the Front-End Instructional Assistant and Instructor. Karly has embarked on her teacher's education as she is progressing through the PIDP - Provincial Instructors Diploma. In her spare time Karly loves creating different craft projects, taking photos, biking, kayaking, and hiking on Vancouver Island. 

Janine Vanger

Front End Instructional Assistant

photo of Janine Vanger

Janine started her career in the hair industry over 20 years ago working as a salon coordinator and bookkeeper. 10 years ago, she decided it was time to join the fun behind the chair and she went back to school and obtained her certificate in Hairdressing through VIU. Janine enjoys that this career is full of continuous learning and loves to inspire and encourage the students to never stop learning and growing. She holds certificates in counselling, conflict management, bookkeeping and her Red Seal Certification along with several certificates from professional brands and educators. She loves building relationships with students and clients to ensure everyone gets the best care and attention and feels welcome. Her passion and knowledge for client care and all things hair have made her a natural fit for the team at VIU hairdressing.

Sonja Park

Front End Instructional Assistant

photo of Sonja Park

Sonja began her hairdressing journey over 30 years ago as a salon apprentice. During this time Sonja received the Red Seal in Cosmetology which provided Sonja the opportunity to work abroad in Wales, UK. Sonja has worked with a local theatre company, organized fashion shows, and in 2008 stepped into salon ownership by opening a boutique salon. 

With a passion to learn and grow Sonja completed the PIPD Provincial Instructors Diploma and in early 2023, Sonja joined the VIU hairdressing team as a Front-End Instructional Assistant/Instructor. Sonja loves being part of the team at VIU and sharing her knowledge, experience, and fun facts to eager learners coming into the amazing industry. When Sonja is away from the salon, she loves gardening, paddle boarding and spending time with her grand animals. Sonja's moto is when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. 

Gina Easton

Instructor, VIU Cowichan

photo of Gina Easton

Gina, known for her perpetual smile, leads the Hairstylist program at VIU’s Cowichan Trades Center and is no stranger to the notion of mentoring and educating.  Upon obtaining her Hairdressing certification through VIU (then Malaspina College) in 1993, she ran her own salon for many years, during which time she mentored many apprentices prior to joining the VIU instructional team in 2013.  Gina holds her Provincial Instructor Diploma as well as Red Seal certification. Gina enjoys training and preparing students for competing in Skills Regional, Provincial and National Competitions. 

When she’s not teaching, Gina loves spending time with her large Italian family and friends.

Anatasia Antoniadis

Instructor, VIU Saanich

photo of Anastasia Antoniadis

Anastasia began her apprenticeship in hairstyling in her home country of Greece when she was only 14 years old. after graduating from Amarantos Hair Design and Aesthetics she left for Canada and began building her successful career as a Hairstylist. As a master stylist for Regis hair salon Anastasia trained many Junior stylists, which ignited her desire for teaching. In 1996 Anastasia began instructing at the International Hairdressing School in Victoria, at the same time she opened her own salon, which she successfully managed for twenty-one years. Anastasia is a dedicated lifelong learner; with extensive knowledge in many professional hair colour lines. In 2004 Anastasia completed her Red Seal in Hairstyling and went on to pursue her certificate in Adult and Continuing Education from the university of Victoria. Anastasia was instrumental in establishing the Saanich School District & Vancouver Island University Hairstyling Program for its original inception in 2008. Her creative lessons, positive energy, and skillful teaching has launched new hairstylists into the industry for 27 years and counting!