Jackie Fuller, of Theresa, graduated from Moraine Park’s Cosmetology program in 2002. She worked as a hairstylist at Cedar Community Assisted Living in West Bend for 11 years until a new passion led her back through Moraine Park’s doors.

At Cedar Community, Fuller fell in love with transforming people’s hair and putting smiles on the residents’ faces, especially in hard times. Eventually, watching residents fall ill and experiencing loss in her own family took a toll, and she realized she was destined to do more.

“By the time I was 27, I had lost both of my parents,” Fuller said. “Watching them get sick without knowing how to help was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do. Being so young and not having my parents was, and still is, a challenge. I felt driven to learn how to help people in their time of need.”

Fuller enrolled in Moraine Park’s Nursing program in 2020 and will graduate in December. Since starting the program, she has become the vice president of the Student Nursing Association and a member of the Beaver Dam Campus Student Senate.

Outside of school, Fuller enjoys spending time with her family. She has a fiancé and two teenage sons. The boys both fully support their mom going back to school and love to help her study with flashcards and quizzes.

“My kids are getting older,” she said. “I want to be able to show them they can be anything they want to be and that it’s never too late.”

Fuller was recently hired at Froedtert in West Bend where she works as a critical care technician. After she graduates, she will stay at Froedtert as a nurse and plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). She still tends to her first passion by keeping her cosmetology license up to date.

“From my first appointment at Moraine Park, I was encouraged to make steps forward in my career,” Fuller said. “It took me a while to push through those doors, but I am so glad I did. Moraine Park has been there every step of the way, allowing me to explore both of my passions.”

Thank you, Frontline Workers.

It’s no secret frontline workers fuel the economy. Each year, more than 1,000 Moraine Park alumni enter the workforce and make an impact on local industries and current worker shortages. We are incredibly proud of the many alumni in our communities and the passionate work they do to keep us moving forward.

For more stories like Jackie’s, check out our Spring 2022 NEXT Magazine.

Moraine Park Technical College’s Early Childhood Education and Cosmetology programs collaborated earlier this month, Dec. 7, to learn about hair care techniques for children with ethnic hair.

The Cosmetology students used mannequins with textured hair to teach Early Childhood Education students how to detangle, braid, twist and style the hair with elastics.

“A lot of times when we care for children it involves grooming their hair throughout the day,” Anne Paradies, Early Childhood Education instructor, said. “It’s important that students are prepared to care for all hair types.”

The collaboration was spurred by Early Childhood Education student, Monica Dreifuerst, who works at a childcare center.

“We take the children swimming often, and that requires some hair maintenance afterwards,” Dreifuerst said. “I love doing the kids hair, but I realized quicky I didn’t know the best way to care for textured hair. I never want any of the children to feel left out, so I really wanted to learn.”

This training is the first collaboration between Moraine Park’s Cosmetology and Early Childhood Education programs.

“We hope to continue collaborating on this training with future classes,” Paradies said. “The Cosmetology students are the best resource, and it is a great learning experience for everyone involved.”

Moraine Park’s Early Childhood Education program is a 2-year associate degree program. In class, students learn to care for and educate children while playing a key role in their development. Graduates from the program are prepared to work with children from birth to 8-year age range and are well-prepared for a variety of Early Childhood Education roles. For more information visit morainepark.edu/academics/programs/early-childhood-education/.

Tell us about yourself:

I am from Plymouth, WI and graduated from there.  I love animals which I have a kitten that lives with me and 2 dogs and 1 cat at my mom’s.

What made you decide to go into the Cosmetology field?

I have always had an interest for cosmetology so I decided to go to school and pursue it.

Why MPTC?

I was looking for the nearest school.

What do you love most about the program?

I love being able to do something I enjoy.

What are your plans after graduation?

I want to find a job as soon as I graduate.

For more information, visit morainepark.edu.

Tell us about yourself:

• I am from Chicago and have lived in Fond du Lac for four years.
• I have a 17 yr old son and 14 yr old daughter.
• I enjoy walks, watching my son play basketball, bowling, movies and going out to eat.

What made you decide to go into the Cosmetology field?

I have done hair since I was a little girl and always did family and friends hair.

Why did you choose MPTC?

I received my HSED from MPTC and decided to further my schooling.

What do you love most about the program?

I love to learn things that I thought I knew and also to be even better as a stylist.

What are your plans after graduation?  

To work at a shop and also run my own business!

For more information on Moraine Park programs, like cosmetology, visit morainepark.edu/programs. 

Check out some of the creative color projects the cosmetology students worked on.  Students take all they have learned about color over the past 16-weeks to come up with a finished manikin head.  There are many factors that go into the final grade.  Some scoring guides are that they have to use at least two different techniques (slicing, weaving, hand painting, fading of colors), creativity, incorporating methods for depositing and lightening hair and a finished style.  This is a fun project but also important because it is 25% of their final grade for their Highlighting and corrective color class!  

To find out how you can start your cosmetology career, click here https://www.morainepark.edu/programs/cosmetology/

Tell us about yourself.

I’m from Oakfield.  I was home schooled until seventh grade and then went to Oakfield public school.  I love music and would perform at every school singing event.  Spending time with my family and friends is my favorite.  My sisters are my best friends, we do a lot together.   In my spare time I enjoy writing meaningful journal/blogs and photography.

What made you decide to go into the Cosmetology field?

I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do for college, but I’ve always had an interest in beauty and making others feel beautiful.  I like all aspects of hair, nails and makeup.

Why did you choose MPTC?

It is only about 20 minutes away from home.  Also my hairstylist went here in the Cosmetology program and it has good reviews!

What do you love most about the program?

I love learning new techniques and knowledge I didn’t know before this program.

What are your plans after graduation?

I was already offered a job at the salon I go to.  But I do have 10 months to figure it out!

For more information about Moraine Park programs, like cosmetology, visit morainepark.edu.

Cosmetology students practiced hair tinting on each other during week 8!

For more information on the Cosmetology program, visit morainepark.edu/programs/cosmetology

Tell us about yourself:

I am from Fond du Lac and have lived here my whole life.  I love hanging out with my family and friends.  Makeup is one of my favorites and I am always practicing on friends and family.

What made you decide to go into the Cosmetology field?

I have always been interested in the beauty industry and have done friends and families hair and makeup.

Why did you choose MPTC?

I still live at home and I wanted to go somewhere nearby.

What do you love most about the program?

Everything, I am really enjoying the program.

What are your plans after graduation?

To work in a salon or spa with this career and move out on my own!

To find out more about the Cosmetology program, please click here.  Start as soon as January 2019.

For more information on Moraine Park, visit morainepark.edu.

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