AGM - Board Director Candidates 2023

The Current Board of Directors can be found under the Board of Directors.
Meet Your 2023 Candidates!

I would like to start off by thanking the Cosmetology Association of Nova Scotia and its members for allowing me to be a part of the Board of Directors for the last few years. Serving as a board member has been a great privilege and one that I don’t take lightly. My goal is always to serve the members of the industry and CANS to the best of my ability and with an open mind and heart.
My name is Angela Burns and I have been a member of the Cosmetology Association of Nova Scotia for the past 25 years. I am a master hairdresser instructor and teach the Cosmetology program at the Nova Scotia Community College @ Pictou Campus. I have been proud to sit on the board representing the members and I ask for your continued confidence and support going forward. Please know that I have the best interest of CANS and its members always in focus. This is an industry that I love and adore and put my whole heart and soul into it to make sure that it is, and remains a respectable, professional, diverse, inclusive association and that all of its members are seen, feel heard, and appreciated. I look forward to working with you all for another three years if you will have me again!

Desiree Couillard is a licensed master esthetician with 14 years of experience that brought her from British Columbia to Nova Scotia.Desiree has succeeded in growing her career by attending inter-provincial as well as international education, and receiving guidance from mentors which inspired her to become a mentor to students from the NSCC esthetics program. She has continued her involvement in her industry by volunteering to be a judge for Skills Canada for two years.
Known for her eyebrow transformations and skin care treatments she has built her career here for the past 8 years. With an extreme eye for detail, she provides luxurious and completely personalized services for her clientele. She has a passion for continuing education, sustainability, and creating a routine in her services to guarantee consistency in her work.
Desiree is passionate about the beauty industry and would love to elevate the cosmetology community to increase the professional standards for current and future members.

“There is no definition of beauty, but when you can see someone's spirit coming through, something unexplainable, that's beautiful to me.” ~ Liv Tyler
Hair & Beauty services and products are necessary components of each individual's daily routine and style. Having an innate passion for customer service, a natural eye for inner and outer beauty, and assistance in these endeavours are the basis of what I seek to offer.
My name is Khalieha Cunningham, a Key Hairstylist/ Hair Department Head within the Film Industry. I have been concentrating on beauty-enhancing services for the past 16 years. As a licensed Hairstylist and Makeup Artist with the Cosmetology Association of Nova Scotia and a member of IATSE 849, my experience in both the Beauty and Film industry has taught me how to meet and exceed each client/cast's expectations. For me, there is no greater feeling than bringing to life an image of what a client/cast sees for themselves/character and would love for the rest of the world to see.
For the BIPOC community, there have always been overwhelming sentiments that there is not enough representation of black stylists well versed in all hair types but with a focus on textured hair styling present within the Canadian Beauty/Film industry. It is my hope to use my talents and experience to bring change to this shortage. I desire to enhance the beauty of those around me without doing damage to their hair or skin.

My name is Miry Tavger Mikhaelov. I'm Jewish and was born and raised in the former USSR. However, my journey didn't stop there. After graduating from university life took me to Israel, where I met with my husband. After bringing two beautiful boys to this world our little family made the life-altering decision to move to Canada, and we've proudly called it our home ever since.
My educational journey led me to HDC, where I graduated in 2021 with the highest honours and garnered a number of awards. Today, I stand as a Licensed Cosmetologist, a testament to my unwavering dedication to the craft. My commitment to excellence drives me to continually expand my knowledge and hone my skills through advanced courses in clinical aesthetics, a field that holds my true passion. Within the realm of modern cosmetology, I embrace innovative technologies and cutting-edge treatments. My pledge is to utilize only the finest professional products, ensuring the highest quality in my own boutique spa and laser clinic—a sanctuary of beauty and well-being. My aspirations reach even higher; I eagerly anticipate obtaining my Master Aesthetician license and the possibility of becoming an educator for the beginners in future.
I am eager to volunteer my time and efforts for the Cosmetology Association of Nova Scotia, recognizing its vital and invaluable work. With profound dedication, I hope to be granted the opportunity to contribute to the continued growth and safety of Nova Scotia Cosmetology.
Your consideration of my candidacy is greatly appreciated.

Pat resides in Newtown NS, where she instructed hairdressing for over 30 years at the Nova Scotia Community College, in Port Hawkesbury. Most recently Pat taught from Jan 2023 until April 2023 at NSCC Pictou campus.
Pat has traveled to Ottawa to work with many other hairstylists from across Canada helping to build the new Hairstylist Red Seal test and she spent the last 4 years overseeing apprentices and instructing the first-ever Apprenticeship Hairdressing pilot project with the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency and the Cosmetology Association of Nova Scotia and has just completed the second pilot.
Pat is always volunteering her time for the industry, currently, she sits on the Cosmetology Association Nova Scotia, Board of Directors and is the current Board Chair, also known as President.
Get Involved
2020 Elections - Get Involved!
The Association is always seeking leaders and thinkers "who are members in good standing" to contribute to the work of the Associations Executive Board.If you have been a cosmetologist for one hundred (100) years or one (1) it does not matter, your voice and your thoughts do.
2020 AGM October 3rd at 5:30 pm
As a self-regulated, diverse, and inclusive industry, we hope you will come out and have your voice heard at the 2020 Annual General Meeting at DoubleTree by Hilton located in Dartmouth on October 3rd, 2020 at 5:30 pm.
Board Diversity
Cosmetology Association remains diverse and inclusive in its role of Governance thanks to the members. Your vote counts! To ensure the Cosmetology Association remains diverse at the Board level, the policy requires: • 2 Hairstylists (one Master)
• 2 Estheticians (one Master)
• 2 Cosmetology Instructors (1 NSCC & 1 PCC)
• 2 Specific Licence holders (Nail Tech, Body Hair Removal, Make-up Artist, etc.)
• 1 Cosmetology Business Owner (large or small)
If you are interested in running in the 2020 election, please click here for further information.
Join a Committee!
If you are interested in becoming involved in your industry and would like an opportunity to make a positive contribution, contact us now! The Cosmetology Association is seeking professional and passionate members to join our committees. We have the following opportunities available:- Education Committee
- Discipline Committee
File a Complaint
NOTE: A refund for services rendered does not fall within the jurisdiction of the Cosmetology Association to impose.
For a copy of the Association's official complaint form, please click here.
Please read the information below in full:
The purpose of the disciplinary process is to ensure the protection of the public and to maintain the preserve the integrity of the practice of cosmetology. (2012 c.39, s. 43)
A complaint may be initiated by:
- a member;
- any body, corporate, or association;
- an inspector hired or engaged pursuant to Section 40;
- a committee of the Association; or
- any other person.
Upon receipt of the complaint, the Executive Director may make any inquiries and take necessary steps to address the complaint and within 30 days, the Executive Director will provide their findings in writing to the respondent and the complainant. (2012, c.39, s. 48)
Within 30 days of receipt of the complaint, the Executive Director shall dismiss the complaint (in accordance with s. 5 of the Act), informally resolve the complaint, or refer to the complaint to the Discipline Committee.
The Executive Director may dismiss a complaint under the following guidelines:
- it is outside the jurisdiction of the Association
- it is frivolous or vexatious
- it is absent supportive facts
- the incident took place more than 2 years ago.
2017 Competitions
Fearless Competitions
Individuals wishing to compete must send to the Association the applicable Competition Entry Fee, as well as the Competition Entry Forms found here on or before Friday, September 1, 2017. Entrants must be currently licensed with the Cosmetology Association of Nova Scotia.Start brainstorming, Instagramming, and pinning to your Pinterest boards, Cosmetologists, it's time to get creative! The Association is hosting two competitions Saturday, September 16th at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre in Cape Breton during the 2017 AGM Weekend Event.
This year's theme: FEARLESS
It’s surreal and real, fiction and fictional. Conquer your competitors by taking notes from real or fictitious victors. Draw inspiration from ancient cultures; think Viking Era, Roman Empire, Asian Dynasties, etc., or fictitious worlds with triumphant heroes; think Hunger Games, Vikings, X-Men, Game of Thrones, Jurassic Park… that’s right, even predatory animals are a go #fierce
Total Look Competition | Entry Fee: $100
Teams of up to three (3) are accepted; however, the team must have one Hairdresser as well as one Esthetician and/or Makeup Artist. Should an individual wish to enter solo, they must hold a licence in Hairdressing as well as Esthetics and/or Makeup Artistry.
Competitors are required to complete a total, themed look from head-to-toe. They have complete freedom of design to showcase their interpretation of the FEARLESS theme. Movement in color, design, makeup, and attire must be a completed look suiting the model. Hairpieces/ornaments, supports, wefts, and extensions made of hair may be used, but 50% of the natural hair must be visible - open to all hair colors.
On the day of the competition, competitors will complete their total look on-stage applying facial makeup in the allotted one-hour time frame. All other components (hair, props, body paint, nails, costume, etc.,) must be complete prior to taking stage. Entrants will be disqualified if models arrive with facial makeup; the face must be clean with no residue and/or makeup. The Cosmetologist on-stage completing the look must hold a current licence in Esthetics or Makeup Artistry.
Winner is Coming... To the Victor go the Spoils!
First, second, and third place winning entrants will receive bragging rights, and be awarded with the following prize money:
Winner: $2,000
1st Runner-up: $1,500
2nd Runner-up: $750
NOTE: Entrants must report to the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre in Sydney C.B. for competition registration no later than 5 o'clock pm on Saturday, September 16, 2017.
Nail Art Competition | Entry Fee: $50
Entrants must create themed nail art depicting their interpretation of FEARLESS on ten nail tips, displayed in a shadowbox. All work must be completed prior to arriving at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre; there will not be a work station or an electrical outlet available.
All nail art must be made from professional nail products (colored liquid and powder acrylic, light-cured gel, wraps and resin, polish, embellishments, etc.) The theme must be followed on all ten nails, whether that means each nail flows into the next or each nail is different from the rest. No matter the technique used to carry out the vision, entrants must not stray from the FEARLESS theme.
Fighting Tooth and Nail
First, second, and third place winning entrants will receive bragging rights, and be awarded with the following prize money:
Winner: $1,000
1st Runner-up: $500
2nd Runner-up: $250
NOTE: Entrants must report to the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre in Sydney C.B. for competition registration no later than 5 o'clock pm on Saturday, September 16, 2017.
JUDGING
All judging decisions are final. The Association will be selecting judges who are highly trained in the industry, experts in their field of study, and experienced in competition. Judging will be based on originality, visual interest, color, balance, complexity, workmanship, attention to detail, overall impression, and the entrant’s ability to effectively depict the FEARLESS theme.
Get inspired from past competitions; check out the entries in the slider!