Indigenous 
Submitted by Aba Mortley, Program Coordinator, Esthetician
We are thrilled to share the remarkable growth of the Esthetician program at St. Lawrence College! With an overwhelming increase in demand, we are proud to welcome our largest intake yet, 90 students! They are supported by an additional section and a brand-new lab designed to enrich their learning experience.
This expansion reflects more than just numbers; it highlights the growing recognition that esthetics is an employable field with a strong and diverse future. Our program teaches not only advanced skin and body care techniques, but also the equally important interpersonal and people skills that allow students to connect with clients, build trust, and create meaningful experiences. These skills are transferable across industries, making esthetics graduates adaptable and highly employable in a range of settings.
At a time when many professions are being reshaped by technology and automation, esthetics remains rooted in the human touch. The work of an esthetician cannot be replaced by AI - it is about connection, care, and creating confidence, all of which require empathy and presence. This is why the profession continues to offer consistent job opportunities for graduates.
Over the past year, we have also taken the opportunity to review and update our curriculum to ensure our students are beginning their journey with the latest industry knowledge and current trends. Importantly, we have also worked to integrate Indigenous learning concepts into our teaching and practice, ensuring that our ways of learning, sharing, and delivering care reflect diverse perspectives and holistic approaches to well-being.
This exciting milestone would not have been possible without the dedication and support of our incredible team. We are thankful to Aidan Wornes, Associate Dean, for his support, Andi Cooper for securing space allocation and with the lab build out and equipment, and Geoff Pfoh for the sweat and hard work of getting the new lab ready. We are truly grateful for such a supportive community of colleagues who share their love of learning and knowledge with our students every day.
With this strong foundation, we are confident that our new students will thrive in their learning journey and carry forward the passion, skills, and professionalism that make esthetics such a rewarding and vital career. Here’s to an inspiring year of growth, learning, and success!