Ten-year Milan Institute veteran and Vacaville campus leader will lead the Houston career training campus beginning September 21
HOUSTON, TX — July 27, 2026 — Milan Institute today announced the appointment of Toniika Wakefield as Campus Director of its Houston campus, the career training school located at 70 FM 1960 West between Spring and Aldine. Wakefield will begin her official transition on September 21.
A Decade of Leadership at Milan Institute
Wakefield recently celebrated 10 years with Milan Institute. Her Milan journey began as a Massage Therapy Instructor in Las Vegas, followed by roles as Professional Development Instructor, Career Services Coordinator, and Dean of Education. In January 2022, she relocated to California to become Campus Director in Vacaville, where she built a strong campus culture and consistently delivered exceptional operational results.
Milan Institute Leadership on the Houston Appointment
“Throughout her career, Toniika has continuously demonstrated outstanding leadership, operational excellence, and an unwavering commitment to student success,” said Val Robinson, Chief Operating Officer of Milan Institute. “Houston will undoubtedly benefit from Toniika’s wealth of experience, leadership, and passion for education. We are confident she will continue the positive momentum already underway and lead the campus to even greater success.”
Toniika Wakefield on Joining the Houston Campus
Reflecting on the move, Wakefield expressed gratitude to both campus teams.
“To team Vacaville — thank you from the bottom of my heart. The last four and a half years have been some of the most rewarding years of my career. Together, we celebrated victories, overcame challenges, laughed, learned, and built something incredibly special,” Wakefield said. “While my office may be moving to Houston, my heart will always carry a piece of Vacaville with it.”
“To team Houston — I cannot tell you how excited I am to join you,” she continued. “I truly believe that great things happen when passionate people come together with a shared purpose, and I can’t wait to begin this journey with all of you.”
Recognizing Interim Leadership in Houston
Wakefield also recognized Melissa Martinez, who has served as interim director in Houston while continuing in her role as Campus Director in Las Vegas. Under Martinez’s leadership, the Las Vegas campus was named 2025 Campus of the Year, and Martinez was named Director of the Year in 2025. The Las Vegas campus also earned Best Beauty Salon and Best Hair Salon honors in the 2025 Fox5 Viewer’s Choice Awards.
“Allow me to express my appreciation for everything Melissa has done to support the Houston campus during this transition,” Wakefield said. “Her willingness to step in, serve, and lead wherever needed speaks volumes about her character and heart.”
Career Training Programs at Milan Institute Houston
The Milan Institute Houston campus offers hands-on career training in cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, massage therapy, medical assisting, and HVAC-R. Houston students can choose day or evening classes, apply for financial aid and scholarships if they qualify, and pursue an accredited online high school diploma alongside their program if eligible.
Milan Institute — Houston Campus
70 FM 1960 West, Houston, TX 77090
Phone: 281-800-8961
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
About Milan Institute
Founded in 1985, Milan Institute is a family-owned career training institution offering programs in beauty, healthcare, wellness, and skilled trades across campuses in California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas. Depending on location, Milan Institute and Milan Institute of Cosmetology offer Cosmetology, Advanced Cosmetology, Esthetician, Advanced Esthetician, Barbering, Manicurist/Nail Technology, Massage Therapy, Medical Assisting, Administrative Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant, and HVAC-R programs. Milan Institute is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education, and Milan Institute of Cosmetology is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences. For more information, book a campus tour.