SLC Esthetician Program Returns to Skills Trades Competition 

Submitted by Dr. Aba Mortley, Program Coordinator, Esthetics 

After a five-year hiatus, the Esthetician program is proud to return to the Skills Trades Competition, taking place May 4–6, 2026. This milestone marks not only the revival of competitive excellence within the program, but also a powerful story of resilience, mentorship, and growth. 

The program last participated in the Skills Trades Competition in 2019, when Esthetician student Katie Salamone earned gold. Shortly after, the COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented disruption to hands-on education and competitions across the country. Like many programs, Esthetician at SLC paused its participation in Skills as safety restrictions reshaped learning environments and limited opportunities for experiential competition. 

Today, the program returns with renewed energy and in a remarkable full-circle moment, Katie Salamone is now a faculty member in the Esthetician program. As part of the team preparing students for the 2026 competition, Katie brings both lived experience and professional insight, bridging past achievement with future potential. 

Supporting this journey is a dedicated team of exceptional educators. Alongside Katie, Elisabeth Gingras, Sheila Doyle, Diana Boboti-Senis, and Paisley Mattes will be working closely with students, offering technical guidance, mentorship, and encouragement throughout the preparation process. Together, they represent the strength, expertise, and collaborative spirit of the Esthetician program at SLC. 

On January 28, 2026, the Esthetician program hosted a preliminary competition to identify students who will represent SLC at Skills. The response was inspiring: fourteen students stepped forward to compete, demonstrating enthusiasm, confidence, and a strong commitment to excellence in their craft. 

Beyond the competition itself, this moment represents something deeper for the Esthetician program at SLC. It reflects the strength of hands-on education, the importance of mentorship, and the value of creating opportunities where students can test their skills on a provincial stage. It also underscores the program’s commitment to preparing students not only for the workforce, but for leadership, innovation, and excellence within the beauty and wellness industry.

As we look ahead to May, we are excited to continue enriching our students’ education and to once again represent St. Lawrence College at the Skills Trades Competition. The return to Skills is more than a comeback; it is a celebration of legacy, learning, and the next generation of esthetic professionals.