Meet Our Team
Meet our team
Dr. Shelly Kassam
Co-Founder and President
Dr. Shelly Kassam was born in Africa and raised and educated in London, England. She graduated from The University of London with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery and a Licentiate of Dental Surgery with The Royal College of Surgeons of England in 1981. Since 1998, Dr. Shelly has completed many Advanced Programs in Medical Aesthetics, Lasers and Facial & Body Rejuvenation. She has lectured internationally on the multidisciplinary use of lasers in facial rejuvenation, inner wellness, and holistic balance. Dr. Kassam hosted her own radio show and magazine column called The New You.
Yaletown Laser Centre (previously Yaletown Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Centre) was borne out of her own pain and loss of self after two car accidents and ensuing fibromyalgia diminished her successful career in dentistry. Determined to fight back, she ventured to India and recovered from this devastating condition with holistic Ayurveda Medicine, yoga and meditation. Her commitment to create a better sense of self and regain esteem and confidence is fueled by her own personal history and she is passionate about creating a centre that helps people realize their full potential and guides them towards their own journey of change.
Dr. Shelly works closely with the Medical Director and a highly skilled skin, laser and body care team to put together the latest in proactive preventive programs for anti-ageing, full face rejuvenation and body contouring.
“I strongly believe in a culture of care with active listening and kind compassionate delivery of personalized service, customizing each person’s treatment plan to synergize with their own goals and vision. Our hope is to provide excellence in a relaxed, fun, spa-like setting, with the latest cutting edge technology that is science-based and results-driven. Creating positive change in our patients’ lives invigorates our team and creates growth in all of us”.
Dr. Shelly is the proud mother of four sons. Her interests include yoga, meditation and lifestyle balance as well as reading, poetry recitals, theatre, travel and design.
Dr. Omar Kassam
Co-Founder and President
Dr. Omar Kassam is an Accredited Educator for the Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD) for Canada. He is one of the first dentists to integrate Lasers in General Dentistry practice in Canada. Last year, Dr. Kassam was honoured with a distinctive Master of Laser Dentistry award from the Academy of Laser Dentistry. He teaches worldwide on the use of lasers in dentistry and medicine, and the concept of the Dental Spa Experience. Moreover, Dr. Kassam conducts ALD courses for standard proficiency accreditation in the use of lasers for dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants.
Yaletown Laser & Cosmetic Dentistry (YLCD) was founded in 1998 by Dr. Shelly Kassam and Dr. Omar Kassam to provide a dedicated facility for cosmetic and laser dentistry. Drs. Kassam has been practicing for a combined 45 years in the field of cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry. Since 1998, the Kassam’s have focused their energies on laser and cosmetic makeovers, bio-aesthetic and neuromuscular dentistry and full mouth rehabilitations and preventative programs in a non-threatening, spa-like environment.
Dr. Omar Kassam is also the founder of Yaletown @ Kensington, a Cosmetic Smile Makeover and Bio-Aesthetic Rehabilitation Dental Centre in London, England where he visits once a month to treat patients and teach laser and cosmetic dentistry.
Dr. Anali Dadgostar
HBSC, MD, MPH(c), FRCSC
Medical Director, Medical Aesthetic Physician
Melodee Brown
Laser Technician
Melodee is a dedicated technician with a genuine passion for beauty and wellness. With a keen eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to enhancing her clients’ confidence, she expertly combines her technical skills with a deep understanding of the aesthetic industry. Melodee believes that true beauty comes from within and strives to help others feel their best.
Outside of her professional life, Melodee enjoys spending time outdoors, whether it’s hiking or simply soaking up the sun with her beloved dog by her side. Her love for nature complements her holistic approach to wellness, and she often finds inspiration in the beauty of the world around her.
With a vibrant spirit and a nurturing personality, Melodee is not just a technician; she is a trusted partner in her clients’ journeys toward self-improvement and empowerment.
Joan Southern
Medical Assistant
Joan Southern joined the clinic 14 years ago with her main responsibility assisting the Doctors with their injectable patients. She is responsible for making the patients experience at Yaletown Laser as comfortable and professional as possible. Joan can also be found at the front Reception desk to help with any skin products they may require. With a solid background in office administrative support, she earned her B.C. Realestate License. She also worked for Air Canada for 18 years as a Flight Attendant and has been in the Cosmetic Medical field for over 20 years. These positions gave her the ability to multi-task, work well under pressure and to have a positive, professional manner with outstanding Customer Service Care. On her time off you will either find Joan with her grandson or on the golf course.
Tanner De’Andrea
Patient Coordinator
Tanner comes from a luxury retail background, working for many high-end labels. This customer service experience has transferred seamlessly into our Patient Care Coordinator role. He has a passion for skincare and everything cosmetic, and believes that being happy on the inside comes from feeling great about the outside.
Chelsea Bian
Patient Coordinator
Chelsea Bian is our newest addition to the patient coordinator team. She graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2022 and has worked in the medical aesthetic industry since. With so many years of customer service under her belt, she takes pride in providing five-star service to our valued patients.
When she’s not at the clinic, you can find Chelsea chasing gorgeous sunsets with her first-born son – her pet corgi named Louis or at home on the hunt for her next vacation destination.
Lianne Bodaley
Patient Coordinator
Lianne Bodaley completed her dental reception course at Langara College in 2020 and has been a part of the Yaletown team ever since. When she is not at the front desk you can find her in New York or travelling around different countries. In her spare time she enjoys reading and attending concerts.
Christine Gwilim
Director of Dental Care/ Patient Care Coordinator
Born and raised in a quaint Ontario town, Christine discovered her passion for creativity early on. Following high school, she embarked on a journey into the world of beauty and aesthetics, to master the art of hair colour and precision cutting. Her innate talent and dedication soon established her as a sought-after master colour and cut technician. However, life had more in store for Christine. A pivotal moment came when she moved to Vancouver and transitioned into dentistry, where she found a profound connection and fell in love with the field. She has cherished a longstanding relationship with the esteemed Drs. Kassam, spanning over a decade.
Christine is happily married to her husband Mark; and their family includes two beloved dogs, Ruthie the Beagle and Rudy the Frenchie.
Consultations Available Now
Take the first step. Get your questions answered and find out which treatment option is best for your personal situation by meeting with one of our knowledgeable medical staff at Yaletown Laser Centre for an in-person consultation.
Simply fill out the form on this page, and one of our experienced team members will reach out to you promptly to schedule your consultation.
Take the First Step
Request A Consultation
If you would like to schedule an in-person consultation, please fill out the form on this page and one of our knowledgeable medical staff members at Yaletown Laser Centre will reach out to you promptly. You can also call our Vancouver, BC office directly to schedule 604-337-0768. Yaletown Laser Centre serves the greater Vancouver, BC area.
