MISS ACADEMY - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Director at MISS Academy Houston
Alexandra Pinard is the Academy Director at MISS Academy Houston and has lived in Houston her entire life! She attended Stephen F. Austin State University to pursue a career in the arts and uses her education to continue supporting Houston artists in a number of various capacities. Alexandra is married with her first child on the way and looks forward to including her son in her life at the Academy and beyond. Pageantry has become near and dear to Alexandra's heart and she is passionate about making sure everyone who walks through MISS Academy's doors feels welcomed, loved and cared for.
Arquella Hargrove is a business savvy coach and speaker, with over 18 years of experience in Human Resources Management, and clients that range from non-profit organizations to global fortune 500 companies. Arquella hosts her own weekly radio show, aimed at helping employers and employees to receive advice on managing teams, resolving conflict, turning contacts into contracts, and organizational communication. In addition to executive coaching and development, Arquella facilitates training and webinar sessions, speaks at conferences, and is co-author of the book, "Coaching Perspectives.". She currently serves on quite a few Board of Directors and Committees and is committed to giving of her time and expertise to MISS Academy.
Crystle Stewart-Sebrechts is our founder and a beauty and etiquette enthusiast. Born in Texas, the former model and current TV and Film actress also holds the title of Miss USA 2008.Throughout her entertainment career she gained exclusive access to resources in the fashion and beauty industry.
Crystle is certified in Etiquette Consulting by the International Etiquette & Protocol Academy of London and studied Consumer Science and Merchandising at the University of Houston. Her formal education combined with her celebrity resources has helped her create a unique and trendy environment for ladies to obtain skills of a lifetime.
Job Titles:
- PLASTIC SURGEON
- Founder and Physician of MIA Plastic Surgery
Dr. Phi P. Nguyen is the founder and physician of MIA Plastic Surgery in Houston, Texas. is skilled in the field of cosmetic plastic surgery and aesthetic, nonsurgical treatments and procedures. Dr. Phi, is extremely knowledgeable with over 20 years of medical experience, specializing in minimally invasive repair, maintenance, as well as facial rejuvenation surgery, rhinoplasty, labiaplasty, and vaginoplasty. Dr. Phi's use of modern technology, attention to detail, and passion for meeting the aesthetic goals of his patients is what sets him apart from others and why we welcome him to the MISS Academy board.
Job Titles:
- Licensed Professional Counselor
MISTY ROCKWELL MAKEUP ARTISTRY Misty is an established makeup and hair artist from Houston, Texas. Over the course of a 21 year career, she has distinguished herself from the crowd with her level of artistry and perfection, professionalism, and incredible work ethic. Misty keeps up with current trends by attending trainings and workshops, guaranteeing she is always the best artist she can be for her clients. With a naturally friendly and charismatic personality, it is no wonder that hundreds of clients seek Misty out each year, giving her extensive experience with commercial, editorial, weddings and pageants. Misty's work has been seen on the hit Bravo TV show, Married to Medicine: Houston, as well as local news outlets K-HOU and Good Day Houston. Her work has also been featured in an array of print and editorial publications such as Weddings in Houston, Modern Luxury, Allure, Houstonia Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, The Knot, Shape, and US Weekly. She is eternally grateful to no bring her incredible artistry and years of expertise to the classrooms of MISS Academy.
Elise is a Licensed Professional Counselor as well as an advocate of mental health, and believes there is so much to be done to break the stigma against mental illness. In 2015, as Miss Texas, she went on to win Miss International. With her platform Healthy Mind - Successful Life, she traveled all over the world discussing issues affecting people's ability to get the help they need towards mental stability. Elise continues her advocacy work in meeting with legislation on the state and national level. She uses her blogs and social media to "continue the conversation" in mental health. She also serves as a National Ambassador for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), is an Executive Board Member for NAMI Texas, and is also a Foundation Board Member for The Menninger Clinic. She is now excited about the further opportunity to invest in both of her passions - mental health and pageantry through the offerings of MISS Academy.
Josh Rogers, is a celebrity trainer and owner of Results Fitness. Rogers holds a BS in Exercise Science from Western Kentucky University, and his personal training and group fitness certifications from the National Academy of Sports Medicine. His clientele includes Victoria Secret Super Model, Sofie Rovenstine; Olympic Gymnast Gold Medalist, Shawn Johnson; Todd and Savannah Chrisley of the hit reality show, "Chrisley Knows Best"; and many other celebrities. He is a regular TV personality on WSMV's "Today in Nashville" and can also be seen on the hit talk show "Pickler & Ben" discussing all things fitness. Rogers has been featured on the Travel Channel, The Zone, CMT, VH-1, & MTV. He also has an extensive modeling background, which includes print work, commercials, music videos, and hosting gigs. Josh resides in Nashville, Tennessee but is happy to make his way over to Houston to lend MISS the support as we need.
Joy Williams is an Award- Winning Celebrity Hairstylist whose articles can be found in American Salon magazine, Oprah Magazine, Insider Magazine, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Martha Stewart and more! Most recently, Joy was named New Talent Hairstylist of the Year 2021 by the Texture Style Awards, the first ever award competition focusing on stylists that do ALL textures of hair! Joy was an Executive Master Educator and Master Platform Artist as well as the first Black Woman On- Air Personality for CHI Haircare on the Home Shopping Network.
Joy has the versatility to work with all hair types and textures and is a Texture and Color Specialist. She has been a Lead Hair Stylist for the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA Pageants since 2019. Joy has worked with the last 3 Miss USA winners in a row among countless other Titleholders. A consummate Educator, she has trained hundreds of other professional stylists and students both in the US and Internationally! She brings with her a flare for knowledge and the ability to break down education in a practical way while encouraging and elevating each individual she comes into contact with.
Keith E. McWilliams retired from the U.S. Army after 20 years of service. He is the owner of two businesses, which serve the greater Houston area and he has also written and published a children's book titled, Biscuit and Ace: "Never Say Never." Keith served as a past President of the Board of Directors for the Child Care Council of Greater Houston, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of families and children. His passion for education is also exemplified by his honorary membership of the State of Texas Parent Teacher Association as he was also selected by Katy ISD to be a member of Leadership Katy; a district Leadership Team. Keith earned his Bachelors of Science degree in Management, holds a Master in Business Administration, and currently pursuing a Master of Science in Leadership. He is the father of two children, Johnathon and Jasmine, and married to his soulmate, Shawntell McWilliams. Keith and Shawntell share a strong commitment in assisting educators, students, and the community and he is excited to bring his passions and expertise to the MISS Academy classrooms!
Keylee boasts of twenty successful years in Hollywood celebrity fashion included styling, costuming, designing, personal shopping, and sharing her fashion expertise on television and red carpets. Keylee's passion was ignited when dealing with fine jewelry. She transitioned her career into brand consulting, buying, designing, creating, and dealing in stones. Jewelry led Keylee to her now-husband Josh Helmich, a third-generation fine jeweler. Together, they founded Helmich Luxury Group, a private jewelry company and consulting firm creating one-of-a-kind fine jewelry; and consulting with clients globally. Keylee was also Miss Teen USA 1995 and went on to be the co-director of Miss California USA, Miss California Teen USA, Miss New Hampshire USA, Miss New Hampshire Teen USA, Miss New York USA, & Miss New York Teen USA.
Originally from Portland, Oregon, Kristen moved to California to attend Pepperdine University where she graduated with her Bachelor's degree in International Relations in 2000, and Master's degree in Public Policy in 2003. While attending college, she began her pageant career with the Miss Universe Organization. Eventually she founded three of her own official preliminary pageants for the Miss California USA and Miss California Teen USA organization (Miss Malibu, Miss Santa Monica and Miss Beverly Hills).
As a preliminary director and pageant coach, she has prepared contestants from all over the country for state, national and international pageants. She worked extensively with former Miss USA titleholders Nana Meriwether and Olivia Jordan for the entirety of their pageant careers, as both women started with Kristen's preliminary pageants in the state of California. Most recently she coached Miss Teen USA 2020 Kiilani Arruda for both her state and national wins. Kristen's favorite part of the pageant industry is self development, encouraging young women to grow and helping them set attainable goals on the journey to the crown and throughout life. She's elated to continue her career as the new Academy Director of MISS Academy LA.
Job Titles:
- COACH
- EXECUTIVE
- Executive Coach and Owner of WOW Consulting Group
Mary E. Banks is an executive coach and owner of WOW Consulting Group, LLC. Mary has enjoyed a successful 25 year career in both the financial services and oil and gas industries and she has vast experience in the areas of leadership development, employee relations, change management and team-building. In addition to her extensive corporate experience, Mary is a published author of three books, The Multi-Faceted Woman published in 2003, Living by Faith 9 to 5 in 2006, and 52 Weeks of WOW Faith in 2009. Mrs. Banks is a much requested keynote speaker on women's issues and faith in the workplace and she has been involved in the leadership of several non-profit and civic organizations and so we are honored to have her on team MISS.
Melissa Gomez is a creative makeup artist with experience in all aspects of media makeup. She is immersed in the performing arts and this exposure has given her the capability and understanding to create the right shadows, and contouring to stand out on any platform, stage, or occasion.
DAVID WEINCEK INTERVIEW TECHNIQUES David Weincek is a NYC based actor, spokesman and host. David has acted in every medium; toured the world as a spokesperson for many companies and frequently serves as Emcee for many corporate & live events. An honors graduate from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, David enjoys using his vast experience to mentor others.
Monica Lewis is a leading expert in the industry of etiquette and protocol. With more than ten years of experience, Mrs. Lewis is renowned for her vibrant personality and highly interactive presentation skills. She is the author of "Say Yes to Manners", "Practice Good Manners" Workbook and co-author of the "Breaking BAD in Business" series. As an author, motivational speaker, wife, and mother, Monica is committed to bringing a positive change everywhere she goes and she also devotes many hours to mentoring teenage girls and boys across the country, including MISS Academy.
Born in New York City and raised in Puerto Rico and Miami, Paul Anthony became a stylist at the age of 19. Paul has trained and specialized in haircuts, coloring, styling, make up and overall beauty makeovers. Having worked with Channel, Valentino, Dior, YSL, Fendi, Versace and others, Paul has traveled extensively throughout Europe and the US for training and educational seminars, keeping up with the ever changing beauty industry. He is committed to sharing his talents and experience with MISS Academy.
ASHLEY ARGUETA MAKEUP ARTISTRY Ashley's passion for makeup is unlike and unmatched by others. She knew when she was in kindergarten that she wanted to become a professional makeup artist when she grew up! That dream has since become a reality. Her passion for her career is apparent from her beautiful artistry! It brings so much joy to her heart to be able to make someone feel so beautiful on their special day! Her goal with every student is to give them the tools to take the beauty she sees on the inside and translate it on themselves outwardly.
Sharron Melton is an Emmy nominated and Award Winning Journalist with several decades of Anchoring, Reporting, and Producing experience. She is currently the Morning Anchor at CW39 Houston and has been an anchor in Houston since 2007. She's also been an Anchor and Reporter in Miami, Florida, Mobile, Alabama and Roswell, New Mexico.
Sharron has also been involved in the world of pageants for over 30 years. She is a former Miss New Mexico in the Miss America Program, as well as a Former Miss Arlington and Miss Houston. She's also held titles as San Antonio, TX Miss T.E.E.N. and San Antonio's Junior Miss.
Sharron has a podcast called "Sharing the Sugar with Sharron" and was named One of the 50 most influential Women in the City of Houston, by "Houston Woman's Magazine". She holds a Master's Degree in Television Communication from Eastern New Mexico University and a Bachelor's Degree in Speech Communication and Journalism from Texas A&M University.
Steven Grant is the owner & operator of Grant Foto which is based out of Houston Texas. He has been in the photography business for 12+ years and specializes in beauty, business & pageant photography. He is the proud sponsor of Miss Houston, Miss Texas USA, and most recently Miss USA and enjoys bringing his superior photography skills to MISS Academy experience. Through the lens of Grant, ever student becomes a star!
A lawyer-turned-charity matchmaker, over the past decade Todd Krim, known in Hollywood circles as "Mr. Charity," has fostered partnerships between countless nonprofits and celebrities, advised for-profit companies on social impact campaigns, and produced widely-publicized charity events. For the past few years,Todd has donated his services to The White House and Congress arranging for celebrities to testify on the Hill and supporting First Lady Michelle Obama's Reach Higher Initiative and College Signing Day. He is most excited to bring along his contacts and charity charm to the MISS Academy board.