October 2025 SPCP Insights
In this issue:
Upcoming November Sip 'n Share
Reflections on the first-ever SPCP Paramedical Tattoo Summit
We recognize and Celebrate Members' Achievements
Congratulations to the 1st Certified Paramedical Tattoo Professionals
CPCP & CPTP Exam Review
New members benefit - Gallagher Health Programs
Call for Areola Tips and Articles
Don't Miss November Sip 'n Share with Pam Neighbors, CPCP
Pam will be presenting on the Nuances of Scalp, Hairlines, and Scars on Monday, November 10th, at 7:00 PM CST! You won't want to miss this one.
Members can earn one credit hour. For more details or to register, click the link below.
Paramedical Tattoo Summit in Review
By Vicki Hansen, CPCP, SPCP President
Just a few weeks ago, the first-ever SPCP Paramedical Tattoo Summit took place! Not another professional gathering, but a celebration of why we do what we do.
Speaker lineup?
We invited some of the most talented, passionate, and inspiring artists in the field. Our speaker lineup was as impressive as it was diverse:
an artist who was raised in a tattoo shop,
two estheticians with skin expertise that would make any plastic surgeon proud,
several artists who have spent years fine-tuning their art,
and an artist/nurse specializing in the science behind skin healing and infection control.
It was a powerhouse group, to say the least: decades of experience, shared stories, and how to heal with art!
Medical Tattoo
Somewhere between laughter and learning, we took a moment to address the language of our craft and what it really means.
While the term “medical tattoo” is loosely used, we understand that a true medical tattoo can refer to those small radiation marker dots.
For decades, we have referred to this advanced form of tattooing as paramedical art. Some may say it’s “just a tattoo,” but restoring even a hint of normality after life traumas can create a lifelong passion for artists.
It takes skill, a delicate touch, and a deep understanding to work on compromised skin. We saw many examples of confidence-restoring tattoos.
Although we have been creating post-trauma tattoos for many years, WE FINALLY HAVE THE CERTIFICATION TO MAKE IT OFFICIAL!
Congratulations to all the new CPTP holders!
The setting couldn’t have been more fitting
sunlight pouring through big windows,
a perfect view of the local baseball field,
and great dining nearby.
Plus, there was a conveniently located bar for our wine-drinking members (no judgment, just good taste).
More than a summit:
The hum of the tattoo machines during the workshop was soul-filling. We learned, we laughed, and yes, there may have been a few tears (in a good way).
Beyond education and ambiance, what made this summit truly special was personal connections. This event allowed everyone to share, mentor freely, and build genuine, lasting relationships. It was one of those rare gatherings that, when people left, they felt professionally inspired and personally recharged.
This was more than a summit; it was a milestone. It was an event dedicated to artists who pour their hearts into helping others heal. While the summit may have been a chapter, the story of paramedical tattooing has just become much more exciting!
We Celebrate and Recognize Members' Achievements
Our SPCP Ambassador for 2025 is Robin Hays-Velez. This award recognizes an individual who has gone above and beyond in dedicating their time, energy, and passion to advancing the mission of the SPCP.
Robin has generously devoted her time to representing the SPCP at the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA), helping to strengthen relationships, advocate for best practices, and raise awareness about the standards and integrity our organization upholds. Her commitment and leadership embody the spirit of this award.
Please join us in congratulating Robin Hays-Velez, CPCP, CPTP, DAAM., for her outstanding contributions and unwavering support of the SPCP community.
Congratulations to our Amazing Paramedical Tattoo Summit Presenters:
Julie Michaud, CPCP, Shanan Zickefoose, CPCP, Kris Fernicola, Pat Shibley, CPCP, Vicki Hansen, CPCP, Terry Lively, CPCP, Robin Hays-Velez, CPCP, Micah Doke, CPCP, and our EmCee, Kimberly White, CPCP.
We also wish to celebrate the following dedicated members for their special efforts:
YPC Chair 2025 - Kandi Rourke, CPCP
CPCP Highest Score - Heather Anderson, CPCP
Outstanding service, dedication, countless contributions, and ongoing commitment - Stephanie, Wilson, CPCP
In Memoriam for outstanding dedication & contributions - Pamela Green, CPCP
Success takes a village, and our SPCP Village is large!
Our Young Professionals Committee was recognized for YPC Content Creation. This team included:
Autumn Sharp, CPCP, Amy Urenda, CPCP, Jessica Wilson, Micah Doke, CPCP, Khrysten Nicole, CPCP, and Samantha Maner-Jorgensen.
YPC Service and Dedication - Megan White
SPCP Service and Dedication - Brie Bonner, CPCP
SPCP Sip 'n Share Presenters:
Kimberly White, CPCP, Pat Shibley, CPCP, Vicki Hansen, CPCP, Shanan Zickefoose, CPCP, Angela Torresi, CPCP, Molly Klipp, CPCP, Rose Prieto, Saville Warren-Pena, CPCP, Melba Czosnowski, CPCP, Pam Neighbors, CPCP, Stephanie Wilson, CPCP, and Thomas Nguyen, CPCP.
Newsletter Contributors:
Shanan Zickefoose, Executive Director, Angela Torresi, CPCP, Vicki Hansen, CPCP, Judith Culp Pearson, CPCP, Celine Cakici, CPCP, Julie Michaud, CPCP, Pam Neighbors, CPCP, Molly Klipp CPCP, Marla Nutter, CPCP, Robin Hays-Velez, CPCP, Meg Melchert, CPCP, and Nahid Farzinzad, CPCP.
Congratulations
To all of our very first Certified Paramedical Tattoo Professionals, we celebrate and applaud your achievement. Thank you for taking part in this industry first event.
Heather Anderson CPTP, Kimberly Bearden CPTP, Leslie Biasi CPTP, Zoe Braun CPTP, Melissa Briggs CPTP, Samantha Cham CPTP, Maria Concepcion CPTP, Nahid Farzinzad CPTP, Daniel Fenton CPTP, Tisha Griffith CPTP, Robin Hays CPTP, Julie Michaud CPTP, Thomas Nguyen CPTP, Yvette Proenza CPTP, Autumn Sharp CPTP, Brenda Wolk CPTP, Sigrid Yorke CPTP
CONGRATULATIONS
TO OUR NEWEST CERTIFIED PERMANENT COSMETIC PROFESSIONALS
Samantha Bleich, CPCP, - NJ, USA
Miranda Fenrich, CPCP, - CA, USA
SPCP Exam Review
The CPCP Exam review has been a popular and successful class. It's designed to help candidates prepare to take the exam. To date, 100% of those who have taken the class and followed the suggestions, have passed.
Those taking the CPTP will also find it very helpful, as it bolsters the candidate's chances of passing.
It covers exam content, resources, study tips, and practice questions.
The final exam review class for 2025 is scheduled for:
Tuesday, November 4th at 6:00 PM, CST. The CPCP exam will be November 10th.
For more information & to purchase the class: https://spcp.org/exam-review-registration
The class is led by our Exam Chairperson, Judith Culp Pearson, CPCP, who worked in the industry for over 35 years and is a Lifetime Member.
LATEST NEWS - New Member Benefits
Association Health Program: Members now have access to comprehensive, turn-key health insurance solutions with our partner, Gallagher. This program is designed to assist members in accessing the coverage they need for individuals/families and business owners/employees with affordable and strategic coverage options. This includes major medical plans, Medicare/Medicare Advantage, dental, vision, life, and a full suite of supplement/voluntary coverage solutions.
Click here to learn more: https://ahs-member-us.ajg.com/spcp/
FIND OUT MORE: UPCOMING INFORMATION WEBINAR - Please join us for an informative and educational webinar in which we will review the basics of the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals Member Health Insurance Coverage Program offered to all members through the partnership with AJ Gallagher. The Gallagher team will present a complete overview of this program and discuss how members can access these affordable coverage options that include Medicare/Medicare Advantage, major medical coverage, and health coverage options for business owners and their employees along with a full suite of other health coverage solutions.
Call for Areola Articles & Tips
We will be featuring tips and articles on areola restoration in the November Newsletter; things practitioners should know before they start, when they are ready to start, what to look for in a trainer, what to look for in training content, and anything else related to restoring color to the breast area. Please send your submission (with any related images) to: [email protected]. Deadline: November 14, 2025. Questions? Email: [email protected].
