Saundra Shapiro, Owner

Saundra Shapiro is an entrepreneur in the truest sense. She has harnessed this entrepreneurial spirit into the birth and growth of two business ventures - Beaners Fun Cuts for Kids, and presently, Compassionate Beauty. Saundra acquired her Masters in Business Administration at Queens University while operating Beaners. After two significant events -- the recurrence of a Beaners client's ovarian cancer and her best friend's cervical cancer -- Saundra's attention shifted substantially. 

"Cancer was surrounding my life; it was at work and now it was in my personal life. Louise's diagnose showed me a different side to the cancer. Cancer was no longer just a disease; it had a face and that face was the face of my best friend. As I watched her struggle I did all I could to help ease her pain and help to restore her dignity. We struggled together as I shaved her head and I helped her to find a wig which best resembled her former lush, dark hair. I was there to listen and she told me about the things that she longed for - simple things that “normal” women could enjoy without feeling humiliated or uncomfortable - things like facials, manicures, and massages.  We talked the way only best friends could about her fears and her wants. These conversations became the foundation of what would become Compassionate Beauty, an environment created in order to provide women with all the “normals” of life and without fear of being judged during their cancer journey." -- Saundra Shapiro

Saundra served on the Canadian Cancer Society Board, learning about cancer as a disease, the need for different support services and research dollars, and the politics of board governance. "The Board provided me with a vast amount of information and through it I was able to see both the strengths and weaknesses in the care women were able to receive."

After much reflection and education, Saundra decided to take necessary action. She put her entrepreneurial skills to work and started a new company -- Compassionate Beauty Ltd. -- on May 2, 2005, her best friend's birthday. 

Today, you will find Saundra at the Calgary Compassionate Beauty location supporting women through their journey and continuously striving to offer them products and services that bridge the gap between the Oncologist's office, and daily life.

Shannon Gallagher, Client Coordinator

Shannon is our client coordinator and go-to girl for all things Compassionate Beauty. With compassion, knowledge, and understanding, she is happy to help you in any way possible – whether it’s booking an appointment, answering your questions, learning new scarf tying techniques, fitting you for garments, or lending an ear. Shannon came to Compassionate Beauty after her five year position at Optimal Therapies at Mount Royal University.

Shannon is passionate about women’s health and wellness, especially when it involves helping others. She is a competitive fitness model (since 1999) and graduated from MRU after studying Physical Education, Activity, and Sports Administration. She has made living an active lifestyle a priority in her own life. So next time you are in the store, feel free to pick her brain!

As with many of our staff, Shannon was drawn to join our team at Compassionate Beauty from personal experience. Unfortunately, cancer touched Shannon’s life when she lost her mother to breast cancer in 2003. However, Shannon is excited to help others through their journey as she had helped her mother. “Being able to give back is an amazing opportunity and I am thrilled to be a part of this extraordinary team.”

Colleen McDonald Sanheim, Wig Stylist

Colleen has been in the hairdressing industry for the past seventeen years and has always given her clients 110%.  She joined Compassionate Beauty™ in 2007 and in doing so, has helped hundreds of women going through one of the toughest parts of cancer treatment, medical hair loss. She is a dedicated volunteer at Look Good Feel Better™,  sharing her knowledge and expertise about wigs, scarves, and scalp care. She has developed further her wig and hair skills by attending specialized courses in both Toronto and New York. These skills include cutting, altering the wig cap to better fit the scalp, and becoming a Trichologist (specialist in scalp care). Her experience is evident from the look on her client's faces as they leave our store-they are thrilled with their customized, natural-looking wig!

Lydia Healey, Mastectomy & Compression Fitter

Lydia is our Ceritified Mastectomy Fitter, Compression fitter, and Post Surgerical fitter.  She is a valued part of the team and loved by all of her clients.  She has an easy going nature and gently encourages women through their initial fitting process. Lydia Healey graduated from SIAST College, Saskatoon with her diploma as a SCA for long term care. She has worked in hospital, home care and long term care most of her adult life. Lydia has had considerable experience with wounds and other related issues of the elderly.  Lydia has over 6 years of experience in this field, and will ensure your comfort and proper fit.

Jana White, RMT

Jana White is a certified massage therapist with five years experience in the field.  She has been employed in the spa industry in White Rock, BC, Radium, BC, and Calgary, AB.  Jana also spent time as a clinical supervisor at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy.  Having always felt drawn to the field of oncology massage, Jana knew for sure after her partner James was diagnosed with Lymphoma in 2009 that she would dedicate her career to the field of massage and its benefits for cancer patients.  Shortly after beginning her practice at Compassionate Beauty, Jana saw the critical need for specialized training in the treatment of lymphedema.  She completed her Dr. Vodder Lymphedema Therapist training in November 2010. Jana is passionate about helping people maintain their overall sense of wellness throughout all stages of their journey in order to safely and effectively work with her clients.

Jody Stoski, Tattoo Artist

Jody is a graduate of both the Bio Touch Institute in Canada and Kolorsource in the USA.  At Bio Touch Institute, Jody trained under Lisa Lam, an ophthalmologist, who has been providing semi-permanent makeup, non-surgical tattoo removal, and other skin treatments since 1992.  At Kolorsource, Jody trained under Dr. Linda Dixon a medical physician, who has been offering semi-permanent makeup services since 1995. Jody is trained in Dr. Dixon's own Dixon Technique which is proven to produce rich lip colour, eyebrow hair-like strokes and smoky, smudgy eyeliner in less time with better colour results. Before venturing in the world of micropigmentation and cosmetic tattooing, Jody was a highly sought-out national makeup-artist with Estee Lauder. Jody is thrilled to offer her semi-permanent enhancements at Compassionate Beauty.