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About Us

The Delmar Difference

Delmar College has been inspiring and training professionals since 1950!

Honoured to be recognized as the most respected name in post secondary for Cosmetology, with the largest alumni network in Alberta, we truly value the lasting relationships we have built.

Owned and operated by Dan and Carla Cavanagh, both of whom have their Bachelor of Education Degrees from the University of Alberta, as well as hold Masters Degrees in Educational Administration and Curriculum Development.

Our Instructors are professional Hairdressers, Barbers, Estheticians, Platform Artists, Medi- Spa and Salon Owners.
Leaders that understand the value of project based learning, encouraging you to think critically and creatively!

We are also registered under the Private Vocational Training Act and are members of the National Association of Career Colleges (NACC) as well as the Alberta Association of Career Colleges (AACS).

Let us share our passion for learning, and help you become the career professional you have always dreamt of!

Learn about our Rock Star staff Members

Vanessa Suppin
Vanessa Suppin
Director of Esthetics (Calgary Campus)

It’s your friendly neighborhood skin therapist. I love to talk to people about their skin or learning activities and lesson planning! As the Director of Esthetics at the Calgary campus I get to be a small part of all the classes that come here. That means that every class gets to enjoy at least one of my terrible dad jokes. My wife and I eloped during covid 2020, and I am still waiting to have a honeymoon. I dislike poorly folded sheets and the word pore when used to describe a follicle.

Tara Byrne
Tara Byrne
Director of Delmar College (Calgary Campus)

I graduated from Delmar College in 1993 and completed my Business Diploma from Mount Royal in 1994. In 1998, I rented a chair and worked for myself which was an AMAZING experience! In 2002, I moved to London, England! In 9 years there, I was Assistant Manager and Head of Training & Development for a group of salons. I took courses at Vidal Sassoon, Toni & Guy, Beverly Cobella, Wella UK, achieved my Assessor’s Award and Preparing to Teach in Life-Long Learning. I returned to Calgary in 2011 and in 2012 became the Director of Delmar College. I had come full circle!

Sarah Richardson
Sarah Richardson
Hairstylist (Calgary Campus)

As a 2nd generation hairstylist, my passion for hair and beauty started very young and I graduated from Marvel College a year after graduating high school.

25+ years in the industry has gifted me with many opportunities: attended Advanced Cutting with Aveda Institute (their first-ever class), worked behind the chair, styled hair for photoshoots and events like Western Canada Fashion Week, travelled worldwide for education, lead hairstylist for the World Championship of Performing Arts in Los Angeles for 6 consecutive years (a highlight).  My role as Educator at Delmar allows me to pass on my passion to see a new generation grow!

Michelle Blythen
Michelle Blythen
Hairstylist Instructor (Calgary Campus)

I started hairstyling in 2007 and apprenticed under HITO with an upscale salon in Whangarei, New Zealand.  Additional education with L’Oreal Professional, Wella, Sebastian, Joico, Oway, O&M, and Oligo. I specialise in precision cutting, brunettes, and curly hair.   My focus is teaching the “Why?” behind the “How?”.  I enjoy the science of hair, which is a huge plus as an educator!  Currently, I teach “on the salon floor” guiding students to make the right technical decisions with their clients.  Previously, I taught barbering classes.  You’ll also find me working behind the chair in Calgary’s first organic salon.

Marty Boechler
Marty Boechler
Advanced Cutting Program Instructor (Calgary Campus)

With 30+ years experience in the hair and fashion industries, my ongoing love for training has led to many accomplishments. I have had the privilege of working in the world of print; working with photographers and fashion designers as Key Hairstylist for various magazines. A nomination as Canadian Session Stylist of the Year, P&G Hairstylist of the Year, and placement during New York Fashion Week are just a few memorable highlights. I am the Education Liaison and Core Lead instructor guiding the delivery of our curriculum and expanding our student experience with Video Education, and our Advanced Cutting Program.

Leslie De León
Leslie De León
Client Services (Calgary Campus)

Fave restaurant: Lulubar. Hobbies: Cooking or relaxing at the park. Dislikes: Rude people

Top 3 accessories: Lip gloss, BB cream and a scrunchie 

Lena Omarzay
Lena Omarzay
Clinical Esthetics Instructor (Calgary Campus)

 My favourite anti-aging secret is to wear your SPF daily and to get on a great medical grade skin care routine, but my TRUE secret is to wear your ponytails so tight that it’s impossible to move any muscle on your face… well at least that’s what works for me. #RBF 

Outside of Delmar, I love spending time with family, especially with my son Farhan; he is the silliest, smartest, funniest, and most kind little boy on the planet.  

Cindy Brown
Cindy Brown
Receptionist (Calgary Campus)

Whether in person or on the phone you will be greeted with a kind and friendly personality. People often tell me that my laughter is contagious, I love to laugh. Favorite Treatments: Facials, Massage, Hot Stone, and Pedicures.

Likes: Family, my Havanese dog, Tucker, our Grandchildren, sweet & salty snacks. Dislikes: Unkind people. Outside of work I love candle making, crocheting, going for walks in nature with my husband and Tucker and family BBQ’s.

Chelsea Schneider
Red Seal Stylist (Calgary Campus)

Being a Red Seal stylist for over 27 years, this industry has given me so many opportunities to wear different hats. I am an artist, I’ve been a business owner, I’ve travelled the world, and become an educator.  I have competed nationally and I love continuing education! My favorites include:  Goldwell Scholar Program, Wella Master Color, Joico, Farouk Systems, Masters of Balayage, La Bioesthetique, Sassoon Cutting and Sally Rogerson Cutting.  I love passing down skills that include knowing the rules, then teaching how to artistically break them. I love to evolve with the industry and teach my students to do the same.

Chantal Imeson
Clinical Instructor (Calgary Campus)

Hey guys I’m Chantel. I am a clinical Instructor here at Delmar.  I graduated from here a few years back (they can’t get rid of me) and yes, they have tried!  I have taken all the courses that our Esthetics and Wellness Campus offers specializing in skin and nails.

I’m a mom of three and I am currently looking for a new home for my teenager (just kidding-kind of). I love animals more than people and naps. Country music, camping and the outdoors makes me happy and the only thing in this world I dislike is blue cheese. EW! 

Britta Siemens
Britta Siemens
Red Seal Stylist (Calgary Campus)

As a Red Seal stylist for 12 years, I managed two successful barbershops and work with community theater (15 productions, nominated for CAT awards 3 times).  My love for theory gets students excited about learning and understanding how it relates to the hands-on experience.  I am empathetic and patient, meeting students at their level and helping them grow.  I love a challenge and encourage students to step out of their comfort zone. I love continuing education, notably the American Crew Master Cutting and La Biosthetique Master Colourist programs. The apprenticeship class is a fast-paced environment keeping me and students engaged!

Alison Confrey
Alison Confrey
Director of Admissions (Calgary Campus)

As Director of Admissions, I am the first person you will meet when starting your journey into hairstyling and barbering. Being a licensed stylist and barber for over 25 years (in both Europe and Canada), I understand what it takes to succeed in this industry. My first role at Delmar was as an instructor and I was instrumental in the creation of our Barber program. Being in Admissions for the last 5 years, it excites me every day when I meet people starting their journey. Seeing our graduates spreading their wings and soaring in this creative, wonderful, crazy industry is amazing!!

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