Our Team
KATHY BARNARD
In 2006, Kathy was given six months to live and it was at this time that she and her family founded Save Your Skin, to ensure that anyone diagnosed with melanoma would not have to travel this journey alone.
Kathy prioritizes patient care and support. She was a key player in federal tanning bed legislation for Canadian youth and she continues this area of focus on education and awareness, providing emotional and financial support to those dealing with melanoma and carcinoma skin cancers, prevention, access, and support of the ongoing research and treatment of skin cancer – from melanoma to actinic keratosis. As both a melanoma and immunotherapy survivor, Kathy and Save Your Skin Foundation hope to share the experience and knowledge gained, by leading other patient groups in knowledge and advocacy training to ensure equal timely access to new treatments for all cancer patients.
​
In 2003, Kathy was diagnosed with malignant melanoma, and by 2005 she was informed that her cancer prognosis was terminal. With limited help but unrelenting effort, Kathy's sons were able to locate a doctor who was researching a trial immunotherapy drug. In 2006, Kathy was given six months to live and it was at this time that she and her family founded Save Your Skin, to ensure that anyone diagnosed with melanoma would not have to travel this journey alone. Her battle with melanoma is ongoing – as long as the disease exists, Kathy will strive to fight it.
​
After completing her Bachelor of Education(ECCE) at Capilano University, Kathy embarked on a career in business as a Corporate Accounting Manager, at Royal Bank of Canada. From there she moved into marketing and communications, as Stakeholder & Government Relations Manager at Insurance Corporation of British Columbia. She was the first woman to ever coach baseball in the Little League World Series. Kathy is also the recipient of the British Columbia Community Achievement Award for her leadership in addressing and raising awareness around skin cancer issues.
​
Kathy resides on the traditional and unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan people.
JASMINE MACGOWAN
Jasmine started her career as a Graphic Designer & Public Relations graduate from Algonquin College. Jasmine’s professional experience has been unique. She has an extensive background in digital marketing for leading national organizations, successful projects for leading non-profit organizations, large Canadian health organizations and well-known consumer brands.
​
Jasmine has in-depth knowledge of both digital and traditional marketing. She delivers cutting-edge creative strategies and innovative campaigns that increase demand, accelerates growth and build brand recognition. Additionally, Jasmine has conceptualized multiple website designs, micro-sites, videos, and online campaigns.
As a teenager, Jasmine was diagnosed with cancer and underwent treatment & surgeries. This experience has shown her the importance of supporting patients and those affected by cancer. With her professional and personal experience, Jasmine is excited to advocate and help those affected by melanoma, non-melanoma skin cancer and ocular melanoma.
​
Jasmine lives and works on the traditional unceded, unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin Anishnaabeg People. She gratefully acknowledges the presence and stewardship of the Algonquin People, who have inhabited and cared for these lands long before today.
DAVID BARNARD
David Barnard has built his career in the optical industry, developing extensive experience in sales leadership, strategic partnerships, and business development within the North American eye care community. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with optometrists, opticians, and industry partners, helping organizations grow through collaboration and relationship building.
David brings a strong understanding of the optical profession and the broader eye health ecosystem. His experience working with leading organizations in the industry has allowed him to build meaningful partnerships that support innovation, education, and growth across the eye care sector.
As Senior Strategic Advisor of External Relations for the Save Your Skin Foundation, David supports the organization’s Ocumel Melanoma initiative, focused on raising awareness of ocular melanoma, a rare and serious form of eye cancer. In this role, he works to expand awareness within the optical industry and pursue partnerships and funding opportunities that support research, education, and patient advocacy across Canada.
David lives and works in Victoria, British Columbia, on the traditional territories of the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Lekwungen) Peoples, represented today by the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, and gratefully acknowledges their enduring stewardship of these lands.
Natalie Allan is a mother, writer, and melanoma survivor with a professional background spanning sales, finance, and leadership roles. She began her career in Ontario in the technology sector with OpenText and BlackBerry before later working with Scotiabank and Loblaw after several years of self-employment while raising her identical twin daughters.
​
In 2014, a diagnosis of metastatic melanoma – and shortly thereafter, thyroid cancer – shifted her focus toward oncology patient advocacy. Since then, she has contributed to national education initiatives with Save Your Skin Foundation and Ocumel Canada, combining strategic thinking, communication, and lived patient experience.
​
Today, Natalie provides event planning services focused on business and medical education. Public speaking and writing remain key parts of her professional toolkit, bringing storytelling and patient perspective to the experiences she helps create. She remains deeply committed to oncology patient advocacy and is proud to support Ocumel Canada with a first-hand understanding of the patient need.
​
Natalie lives and works on the traditional territory of the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation.
.jpg)
NATALIE ALLAN
Katie is an experienced marketing professional with an agency and events background. She has a passion for creating content, creating digital communities and connecting people together! Her skills include graphic design, copywriting, email marketing, website maintenance and more. Save Your Skin Foundation is her first experience in a non-profit but her experience with observing and participating in our initiatives and working alongside our team and patients has made her a strong advocate and firm believer in Save Your Skin’s mission.
KATIE DENNIS
Our patient-on-patient support
Nigel Deacon
Sherry Agriesti
MEDICAL TASKFORCE
Alberta
Dr. Ezekiel Weis
Alberta Ocular Brachytherapy Program Lead
​
Dr. John Walker
Alberta Ocular Brachytherapy
Dr. Michael Smylie
11560 University Avenue
Edmonton
​​
British Columbia
Dr. Aleksi Suo
Surrey, British Columbia
​
Dr. Vanessa Bernstein
BC Cancer
​
Dr. Katherine Paton
The Eye Care Centre
Manitoba
​Dr. Ralph Wong
St. Boniface General Hospital, Winnipeg
Nova Scotia
Dr. Hesham Lakosha
Halifax Eye Institute
​
Dr. Carman Giacomantonio
Dalhousie University
Ontario
Dr. Caroline Hamm Windsor Regional Hospital
Dr. Xinni Song
The Ottawa Hospital
Dr. Marcus Butler
Princess Margaret Cancer Centre / UHN
​
Dr. Hatem Krema
Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
​
Dr. Michael Ong
The Ottawa Hospital
Dr. Erika Giovannetti
UHN
​
Québec
​Dr. Thao Nguyen​
Œil Santé MD
Saskatchewan
Dr. Tahir Abbas
Saskatoon Cancer Centre
Saskatoon
​