About Us

Touched By Beauty, Empowered By Knowledge

Since 1985, the Aesthetics Institute has provided a top-quality education.  It currently offers programs in Esthetics (skin care), Nail Technology, and Electrology (permanent hair removal). Its distinguished reputation is recognized throughout the Pacific Northwest. Launch your new career with a solid foundation from the Aesthetics Institute.

Licensed by the Oregon State Department of Education, the Aesthetics Institute prepares students to the highest standards of education by offering comprehensive programs in Esthetics, Nail Technology, and Electrology.  The highly structured and interactive courses give our students the tools and knowledge to succeed in today’s competitive marketplace.

The Institute is proud to be one of the few schools that teach with the practical utilization of state-of-the-art technology throughout their programs.  This practical knowledge and experience gives graduates of the Aesthetics Institute a unique advantage in the industry.

Cynthia Mendoza, the school’s founder, opened the institute because she felt the curriculum for Esthetics and Nail Technology at that time was lacking in technology, practical skills, and the sciences. She opened the school in 1985 under the name of the Oregon College of Electrology and Thermology in downtown Portland.  The name was changed to the International College of Electrology and Thermology with the addition of a satellite college in Bilboa, Spain.  The name was then changed to the Aesthetics Institute and moved to its current southeast Portland location.

Ms. Mendoza constantly updates the curriculum to ensure graduates leave the Institute with a solid foundation and are prepared for the demands of the current work environment.

Faculty

Cynthia Mendoza

C.P.E., L.E.I., L.C.I

Director of Education
CIDESCO Diplomat

Ms. Mendoza is the Founder and Director of Education at the Aesthetics Institute.  With over 20 years of experience as an Electrologist, Desirologist, Esthetician, Owner of 3 Clinics, Instructor, Curriculum Developer, Marketing Consultant, and Business Appraiser, she offers her students invaluable and varied expertise.

She is a licensed instructor by the Oregon Department of Education and an Esthetics America Educator.  She also holds the prestigious CIDESCO International Diploma.  She is certified in Dr. Vodder’s Lymph Drainage and Hypnosis.  She is licensed in Esthetics, Nail Technology, Hair Technology, Barbering, and Electrology.

She has been a guest lecturer for the dermatology department of Oregon Health Sciences University and also a regular columnist for a professional newsletter.  She conducts continuing education both nationally and internationally.  She travels around the nation attending conferences to keep the school curriculum up to date.


Monique Raab

L.E.I., L.F.I., L.N.I.

Instructor

Ms. Raab is a 1999 graduate of the Aesthetics Institute.  That year she was featured in the magazine Nails as the youngest nail technology license holder in the United States.

She has attended schools in both the United States and South America to broaden her scope of practice.  She was accepted into a prestigious medical school in Peru, but decided to return to Portland and teach at the Aesthetics Institute– licensed through the Oregon Department of Education.

Her passion for continued education is demonstrated through the many seminars she teaches and attends.  She brings this passion to the classroom.

Ms Raab is a licensed Electrologist, Nail Technologist, and Esthetician.  She holds special certification in Medical Esthetics.