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In 2000, Ginny became administrator of Bonita Beauty & Wellness Academy and sought to share her knowledge with others. This led to an expansion and overhaul in what was taught there, where she more than quadrupled the available selections and brought in some of the most talented instructors in all of Florida, only ever accepting excellence in her curriculum and staff. Now, having mastered every aspect of the craft, she has passed on her vast knowledge to the thousands of graduates of her school, and is always on the look out for new talent and a deeper understanding of new therapies to help people in the beauty and wellness industry.

Ginny is also a certified CIDESCO instructor! CIDESCO certification is one of the world’s most prestigious qualifications in aesthetics and beauty therapy, setting international standards since 1957. This level of training is reflected in our students, who take great pride in delivering caring, attentive service while maintaining the highest professional standards.Ginny's work ethic, coupled with the thriving success of her school, led for her and a small group of professionals to appear on TLC's Global Beauty Masters. There, her skills were put to the test on nation-wide television

Tonya is a Licensed Massage Therapist and experienced educator who earned her Massage Therapy License in 2011 from the Bonita Springs School of Massage, followed by national certification through the NCTMB. She began teaching in 2012, instructing courses such as Anatomy & Physiology, Hot Stone Therapy, Indian Head Massage, Essential Oil Treatments, and several additional modalities. She has also authored course materials for many topics used in classroom instruction.

With a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology/Economics and two years of graduate study in Mental Health Counseling, Tonya brings a strong mind–body perspective to her teaching. She practiced massage therapy in Naples and Bonita Springs from 2012 to 2021 and continues to enjoy receiving regular bodywork to stay connected to the client experience. Known for her clarity, warmth, and passion for the healing arts, Tonya is dedicated to preparing students for successful, meaningful careers in massage therapy.

With over 27 years of experience in the beauty industry, I began my career as a Nail

Technician and quickly developed a deep passion for both artistry and education. Twenty-five years ago, l graduated from a Beauty and Wellness Academy and since then, I have continued to advance my skills through ongoing education and specialized workshops.

Today, I proudly serve as an instructor at Bonita Beauty & Wellness Academy, where my primary focus is teaching Nail Technology. In my classroom, I emphasize strong foundational skills, attention to detail, creativity, and professionalism-preparing students for real-world success in the industry.

In addition to my nail technician program, l lead a variety of specialty workshops in esthetics, medical aesthetics, and permanent makeup. I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and staying current with the latest techniques, allowing my students to expand their expertise and confidence.

My goal as an educator is to create a supportive, hands-on learning environment where every student feels inspired, empowered, and ready to build a successful and fulfilling career in the beauty industry.

Sheila Nixon has been a core member of the Bonita Beauty and Wellness Academy faculty since December 2021, teaching Massage Therapy and Anatomy & Physiology. She brings a rare combination of clinical depth and classroom experience to her students — grounded in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, active licensure as a Registered Nurse, and hands-on certification in both massage therapy and medical esthetics.

In the classroom, Sheila designs engaging lesson plans that connect anatomy and physiology directly to clinical practice, helping students understand not just the “what” but the “why” behind every technique. She delivers instruction in both in-person and remote formats and takes pride in mentoring students through every stage of their preparation for the MBLEx licensure examination. Her goal is to ensure that every graduate leaves with the confidence, competence, and professional foundation to succeed.

Sheila’s instructional background extends well beyond the academy. She previously served as a Clinical Instructor at Baker College in Flint, Michigan, where she supervised nursing students in Medical/Surgical rotations at two regional medical centers, developed competency assessments, managed the Nursing Lab, and launched the college’s simulation lab program. That experience — teaching clinical skills in high-stakes, hands-on environments — directly informs how she approaches student learning today.

Sheila is passionate about creating a learning environment where students feel supported, challenged, and inspired to grow. She believes that a strong foundation in the sciences is the key to becoming a skilled, trusted, and ethical massage therapy professional.

Born into the beauty industry, I started cutting hair in 1975. Nine years later, I entered my career training in Tucson Arizona, where I worked as a manager, stylist and in salon educator for GADABOUT Salons and Spas. 

Starting in my 5th decade in the industry, I am committed to giving back what I have learned throughout my career. Here, at Bonita Beauty and Wellness Academy, we strive to teach the proper development for your State Board exam, but I try to give my students real world situations to better prepare them for the tasks ahead. 

It is a wonderful and exciting opportunity for anyone looking for a career to make positive changes in the people you meet. We look forward to introducing you to the world of Beauty and Wellness. 

I am a Certified Manual Lymph Drainage Specialist and Nationally Certified Therapeutic Massage Therapist as well as a Clinical and Oncology Certified Esthetician. I specialize in Pre and Post-Op Manual Lymph Drainage Therapy for Plastic Surgery and Oncology, Chronic Muscular Tension, Holistic Pain Management, and Clinical and Oncology Aesthetics. I recently received my International Diploma for Holistic Massage and Skin Care with ITEC recognized by 39 different countries around the world.

I administer only the Vodder method of Manual Lymph Drainage as practiced and taught in the Foldi Clinics in Germany the MLD Institute of Dr. Robert Lerner in New York and Ft. Lauderdale. This is the only Manual Lymph Drainage method backed by years of medical and scientific research and documentable results. Pre-op treatments enhance the immune system in preparation for surgery. The Post-op treatments keep the immune system performing at its optimum level for quicker recovery and reduction in scarring. For the Oncology patients, this treatment can counteract adverse effects of chemotherapy as well as enhance healing after surgery.

I also specialize in the relief of Chronic Muscular Tension and Holistic Pain Management. I am trained in deep tissue techniques, neuro-muscular therapy, trigger point work, stretching and ROM (Range of Motion), Pregnancy Massage, Sports Massage, Swedish Massage and Postural and Gait Assessment.

As a Clinical Esthetician, I pride myself in educating my clients on healthy skincare practices and using the most advanced clinical treatments designed to combat the aging process. As we understand more and more about how the body ages we can implement specialized treatments and utilize nutrient rich products to minimize fine lines and wrinkles and to change the appearance of the skin.

It is my life mission to help one person at a time achieve optimal health and wellness through natural and holistic means. I look forward to meeting you!