Sun Signature Article - October 2009

Sun Signature Article - October 2009
By Nancy Canfield

When LeAnne Kordis, owner of The Alternative Salon and Spa was working on her PhD in Behavioral Therapy, she never realized where she’d be putting that education to work.

As her “bread and butter,” she trained as a hairstylist and makeup artist, eventually earning her li- cense as a Medical Esthetician. That required five years experience under doctors such as plastic surgeons, and three years of study. She also added acupuncture to her skill set.

The more LeAnne worked with people on their hair, skin and scalp, the more she learned the complex- ity of their dissatisfaction with their appearance. It came from within, and LeAnne wanted to apply a more holistic approach.

Eventually, she branched out to include Healing Beauty, or medical tattooing, especially for cancer pa- tients, in terms of giving a woman back a part of her that disappeared, her aureola.

The Susan Koman Foundation has invited LeAnne to write ar- ticles for them.

When patients complete chemotherapy, they may be left with no eyebrows or eyelashes; tattooing is a better alternative to false hair which may come off inopportunely.

“Tattooing helps people feel more normal, because they look it. The prescription for health and beauty go hand in hand with feeling good about yourself. “Women wear many hats, have many emotions; they’re multi-faceted,” LeAnne says.

In counseling clients, LeAnne found that many people are the victims of domestic violence either as children or adults. In fact, that was the thrust of her PhD dissertation, trying to help young victims to cope with their past and become successful despite their pain. Lots of image issues there.

After a number of years down- town San Diego, LeAnne brought her talents to Rancho Bernardo in 2004, intent on providing more personalized services.

Located in the Bernardo Plaza for the past year, right near Mas- sage Envy, LeAnne and her staff of 20 are ready to help you improve your image. Give her a call and find out how at (858) 485-7895.