Meet Our Team
AMY DUZAN
Director of Education/Founder
With over 23 years in the Hair & Esthetics industry and over a decade of experience as a successful business owner, Amy is passionate about helping students and beauty professionals thrive.
Amy took her training in Hairstyling in 2003 and Esthetics in 2004. After completing both programs she knew one day she wanted to help students in this industry receive the best education possible in this industry- and here we are!
After building her first business, Elite Training Center in 2013, she expanded to create a space where individuals in the health and beauty industry can grow their own successful businesses(right next door!) with tailored support.
She is dedicated to offering the best programs in the province, taught by the most experienced and passionate instructors, all while ensuring our facility and learning resources stay up to date, so that Elite can provide top-tier education to the next generation of beauty professionals!
- What do you specialize in? Helping future beauty pros master their craft, gain confidence, and prepare for the real industry. Also, keeping my coffee warm for more than 5 minutes (still working on that one).
- Go-to coffee order (or fave snack): a nice fresh (it's probably never actually fresh) brewed coffee with french vanilla creamer. Most days I will drink any kind that is in front of me.. lol.
- If I wasn’t in the beauty industry, I’d be… literally nothing - I decided weeks before I started my hairstyling program and here I am! I had no other plans.
- Song that hypes me up: anything by Nelly
- Most relatable instructor moment: that I have helped so many students since I began teaching in this industry - including a few who are now working alongside me as instructors!
- Best advice for students entering this industry: Trust the process. You will hear me say this over and over during your programs but it's the truth. You will get where you want to be if you trust the process!
CASS SMITH
Operations Director/Coordinator, Student Liaison, Social Media
“Moving back home to Moose Jaw and finding my home at Elite has been one of the most positive and uplifting stages in my life. I LOVE this team of strong and inspiring women.
What I like to bring to the table is giving a mix of having fun with professionalism. My goal when I walk in to work each day is make everyone as an individual feel special and to show the public that they too can find their home in Elite.”
- What do you specialize in?Making people laugh and feel good and to show off to the world how amazing our crew is!
- Go-to coffee order (or fave snack): literally anything from Starbucks!
- If I wasn’t in the beauty industry, I’d be… a high school counselor
- Song that hypes me up: anything by the Black Eyed Peas gets me dancing on a table real fast
- Most relatable instructor moment: making my goal to help the quieter people bloom during their time with us!
- Best advice for students entering this industry: don't compare your chapter 1 to someone else's chapter 10.
DEIDRE ISINGHOOD
Esthetics Instructor
Originally from Moose Jaw, SK, Deidre brings over 13 years of experience in the esthetics and beauty industry. After refining her skills in high-end spas across Vancouver and Victoria, she expanded into advanced esthetics and permanent makeup, gaining valuable expertise along the way.
Since returning to Moose Jaw in 2017, she has been dedicated to beauty education at Elite, sharing her passion and knowledge to help students develop their skills, build confidence, and launch successful careers in the industry.
“I got into this industry because I didn’t want to wake up everyday hating my job and dreading going to work. I always had a passion for all things beauty, so becoming an esthetician was the best decision I could’ve ever made for my life. Now, having the opportunity to be an educator, I’m able to share my knowledge and experiences with my students to teach them that they can be successful and love what they do all at the same time.”
When she’s not instructing, Deidre enjoys relaxing at home with her husband and Shih Tzus, watching anime, gaming, and sipping a warm drink!
- What do you specialize in? as a Journeyperson in both trades (Skincare Tech & Nail Tech), I love all aspects of this industry, but advanced skin treatments, massage and brows will always have a special place in my heart!
- Go-to coffee order (or fave snack): I'm not a coffee drinker, but I love Taro Boba Tea, matcha and if you want to know the way to my heart - it's through baked goods! 💖
- professional organizer or graphic designer
- Song that hypes me up: anything EDM, house, indie/folk, rock and of course 90s/early 2000s 😆
- Most relatable instructor moment: watching a student overcome their anxieties and limiting beliefs that they can't do something or aren't good at something to truly believing in their skills and becoming confident when they are working with their clients! Not to mention, I love when old students come back to visit and catch up - it's so fulfilling watching them "grow up" and go on to lead successful careers....*wipes tear* 😌
- Best advice for students entering this industry: never be afraid to ask questions and make mistakes! We've got your back, plus you'll learn waaay more from your mistakes than you will from your successes.
SHANDA MAYER
Hairstyling Instructor
As Shanda says, “I’ve been gracing the halls as your favorite hairstyling instructor at Elite since 2017.”
Shanda started her hairstyling career in 2006 being “personally victimized by the Kelly Clarkson red and blonde highlights.”
Since then she’s spent countless hours taking advanced education in everything from lived in blondes color classes to barbering skills such as achieving that perfect fade and hot shaves.
When instructing, Shanda loves seeing the lightbulb moments when something clicks for her students, but more than that she appreciates a little sarcasm and some good natured ribbing.
When she’s not working you can find her sipping her favorite drink, walking her dogs, playing old Nintendo games with her husband or screaming Taylor Swift songs in her car.
- What do you specialize in? confidence boosting, it is important to me that every client who sits in my chair regardless of whether it's a men's cut, blonding service or even a perm leaves feeling their best.
- Go-to coffee order (or fave snack): a lactose-free chai latte (or pumpkin spice if its fall)
- If I wasn’t in the beauty industry, I’d be… a dog trainer or maybe a party planner (I LOVE throwing a good theme party).
- Song that hypes me up: anything by Taylor Swift
- Most relatable instructor moment: my most memorable instructor moment came on a Thursday evening shift when one of my students accidentally knocked over a full pot of wax, a few blow dryers, paper towels, wax cleaner and a ton of laughs got it all cleaned up, but I'll never forget it!
- Best advice for students entering this industry: to check your ego and learn from absolutely everyone you work with because everyone has something to teach you and don't forget to have some fun!
HEATHER JEBSON
Hairstyling Instructor
Heather started in this industry back in 2004. After working in the industry for a few years, she ultimately went on to be a co-founder and owner of one of the top salons in Saskatoon for 15 years.
“I would say as a hairstylist some of my top achievements in this industry would be working with and learning from highly accomplished hairstylists across the world. As a salon owner, some of my top achievements would be helping and growing many hairstylists careers over the years, as well as, creating a multiple award winning salon in sales and brand achievements.
What I love about this industry is the joy of helping people. As a stylist you get to bring joy to so many people in your career. There are so many wonderful parts to this career like creating amazing hair styles and colors, or being apart of a bridal party’s morning, having long lasting friendships with people who once were strangers, and the opportunity to travel the world while doing hair.
Not only as a hairstylist, do you get to create and enhance people’s beauty, you also get to be a unique part of another person’s life.”
- What do you specialize in? I love all aspects of the hair industry and don't specialize in one specific thing other than helping people!
- Go-to coffee order (or fave snack): caramel macchiato blonde roast
- If I wasn’t in the beauty industry, I’d be… in architectural design or something to do with gardening.
- Song that hypes me up: pretty much everyting BUT country....you'll always catch me signing throughout the day
- Most relatable instructor moment: when I was a student I can remember completing all my perms for signatures - so I know what my students go through! 😆
- Best advice for students entering this industry: embrace change, and focus on your people skills. You may be a hairstylist, but you're in the business of people and having good people skills will help you get through the tougher situations as a hairstylist.
BROOKLYN BANILEVIC
Hairstyling Instructor
Brooklyn, who was born and raised in Moose Jaw has been doing hair for just over 5 years and own’s her own business right next door at The Common and was one of the first since it opened! 
Brooklyn’s always dreamt of becoming an instructor, so when the opportunity presented itself she didn’t hesitate to take it! She absolutely loves being around students who are motivated and eager to learn about this industry. Brooklyn could talk about hair literally all day long so she figured she should surround herself with people willing to take in the information she has to give, rather than her friends and family who probably can’t stand to hear it anymore
When she’s not at work she’s probably at home curled up under a blanket in a sweat suit (she own’s about a 100 and if you know her, she practically lives in them!) Brooklyn’s hair has been every color in the book, and she changes it at least once a month, so if you can’t recognize her, that’s probably why!
Brooklyn’s boyfriend and herself moved into their first home last December and together raise his daughter, who is 3 and their son who’s almost 2. She has 2 hairless cats named are Franklin and Felicia
who, even though they live with her parents after she moved, still say’s they’re hers!
- What do you specialize in? lived in colors, bridal, making your hair beautiful! 😉
- Go-to coffee order (or fave snack): Can't ever go wrong with an iced capp, or an iced chai lattee! 🤤🤤Big lover of anything salty aka chips hahaha
- If I wasn’t in the beauty industry, I’d be…I asked my parents because I truly didn't know the answer (as being a hairstylist is all I've ever wanted to do) according to them my future didn't look too bright. My mom said I'd probably be a bum and my dad had no answer! 🤣
- Song that hypes me up: anything by Post Malone. He lives rent free in my brain 24/7 or The Spins by Mac Miller
- Most relatable instructor moment: one time during a foil class, I shower how to do a proper foil on a students mannequin, once she was finished all of hers, we opened up[ the foils to go through them and see how they looked. After opening the first one I went on to say what could've been done better and what specific things need to be worked on - turns out that foil was the one I did! 🤣 Made for a good laugh, clearly I needed to do better too! Hahaha
- Best advice for students entering this industry: it doesn't come easy, but it'll be so worth it!
EMILY MUNROE
Hairstyling Instructor
- What do you specialize in? I love all things coloring! Brunettes, blondes, reds or rainbow! 🌈
- Go-to coffee order (or fave snack): I'm not really a coffee drinker, but I do love the occassional ice cap or tea!
- If I wasn’t in the beauty industry, I’d be… I have absolutely no clue! So happy with this career!
- Song that hypes me up: I love me some 90's dad rock. Can't go wrong with anything Matchbox Twenty! 🤘🎸
- Most relatable instructor moment: I'm always excited to get to know the students and gain some great memories! 🙏
- Best advice for students entering this industry: Never stop learning new skills and keep an open mind, you never know where your path leads! 🤗
RAELLE SEIDA
Casual Hairstyling Instructor
Originally from Cold Lake, Alberta, but having lived in Moose Jaw forever, Rae says,
“I’m not a big city girl by any means; so I feel pretty grounded here! I’m surrounded by lots of family in MJ, which makes this feel like home 🏡💛”
While it may have taken a few years after graduating high school to figure out if she should go to beauty school, Rae ultimately decided there’s something to be said about turning a hobby into a career. She loves that it feels like she never works a day in her life and is forever grateful for taking that leap! 🙏
After working in 3 salons throughout her career, you can now find her right next door to Elite, creating magic behind the chair @ The Common (also an OG since the day it opened, alongside her bestie Brook!)
Raelle loves continuing her education, and surrounding herself with like-minded business bosses to keep her motivated!
“You’ll always know when I’m in the building with an obnoxious laugh to follow! When I’m not at work, I’m usually enjoying my down time at home with my husband, one-year-old son, and fur babies. You will often find us in a field with our 2 Cane Corso doggos throwing Frisbees! I love cooking and baking when I get the time! Also a professional online shopper (love me some good deals). I’m a Gemini through and through, so summertime is always my vibe ☀️✨ (depends who you ask but I’m always a Rae of sunshine 😄)”
- What do you specialize in? Extensions, all things color and bridal hair! (And being very organized 😄)
- Go-to coffee order (or fave snack): Believe it or not, I’m not a coffee drinker! But will always say yes to redbull 🪽 If you ask my starbucks order though, it’s usually a refresher or iced chai tea latte (with oatmilk & non dairy salted caramel cold foam) 🤪!
- If I wasn’t in the beauty industry, I’d be… L O S T. But for real, my whole life has revolved around the beauty world. My entire family would tell you, I’ve been a lover for all things beauty since a little girl!
- Song that hypes me up: Always Posty! (‘Go flex’ really hits different) But I do love a good country playlist 😄 yeeehaw
- Most relatable instructor moment: When a student asks for a check on a rolled perm, I always check about 6 to 8+ rods, because one time when I was in hair school, Amy thought she’d find a fish hook in my perm so she opened rod by rod until it was almost all taken out, so now I always think I should be looking for the same haha! (BTW Amy never found any fish hooks in my perms 😏😄)
- Best advice for students entering this industry: Show up as your best self. Keep a positive mindset and attitude. ✨️ Always challenge yourself. Where there is struggle, there is growth!
LACE PELLETIER
Casual Guest Artist
Lace has lived in Moose Jaw her whole life and was always a creative child constantly doing crafts, anything artsy, seeing what she could get up to and get her hands on next, so it only makes sense that she chose a career that let’s all of that flow, the possibilities are endless and there’s always so much more to know and learn!
She has been in this industry since 2020, graduating from Elite and we are so happy it’s where she chose to go. In Lace’s words:
“It’s such an incredible school- everyone is so positive and uplifting, it feels like a full circle moment to be able to share my knowledge there for the past almost 2 years! I love being there to connect more with the students/be apart of their journey, it’s a nice change of pace from the busy day to day with clients. I chose to do the full esthetics program knowing I would solely focus on my nail career alone after school (in all honestly I just really wanted to be there for longer😏) but I also have a passion for doing brow wax/tinting in turn as well!”
Lace started out working at 2 other spas here in town, until recently when she made the switch to rental/what now feels like home, doing my own thing inside of Chic Hair Lounge. This July will be 1 year since she made Leopard Lace Beauty official.
When she’s not working you can find her:
“at home with my 3 cats Bianca, Brielle, Bellini 🐱🐱🐱 shopping (always buying Vivier 👀), or at the gym… when I’m not slacking. You’ll also find me living and breathing nails day in and day out, I’m constantly ordering new supplies. I’ve been collecting art/supplies since before I had even started the esthetics program and I would say it’s one of the best parts!!”
- What do you specialize in? I love everything even it comes to nails but I would say I specialize most in the sculpted gel nail extensions and nail art (I can’t wait to continue my education/expand my knowledge 💅
- Go-to coffee order (or fave snack): French vanilla with half coffee from Tim Hortons, or anything made with a shot of blonde espresso/oat milk from Starbucks
- If I wasn’t in the beauty industry, I’d be… Another creative career or something to do with planes/trains, I find them fascinating and I think it would be cool to do something that involved travel 🤩✈
- Song that hypes me up: anything EDM, Mac Miller, also been loving Bad Bunny lately as well 💃🏻
- Most relatable instructor moment: One time when there was a game planned for the day I didn’t fully understand the instructions (one person was blindfolded doing the others nails when they actually didn’t have to be- but made it 10x funnier, messier, and was a good laugh) 😂🫣
- Best advice for students entering this industry: Always always see it through, and show up unapologetically as yourself every single day.