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Autism-friendly & safe zone for sensory

Sensory Safe Certification & Training

Our goal is to empower industry professionals by providing a robust curriculum which gives them knowledge and skills designed specifically for supporting guests with autism or sensory differences. Haircuts may be difficult for these individuals. The challenges can range from anxiety, to sensory sensitivities, or worse, trauma from past experiences. Our team has developed a systematic approach, embedded with research-based strategies, that enhances the industry professional’s ability to welcome anyone to their chair with confidence, competence, and most importantly, kindness.
Kate

Find a Sensory Safe Stylist, Barber or Salon Near You!

A Sensory Safe Provider has been trained and certified to offer haircuts to guests with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), sensory processing disorder (SPD), or those with a related disability. We are keenly aware of the importance of creating a safe space, developing a relationship, maintaining the guest’s trust, and establishing best practices. Our vision is to provide trained and certified professionals across the country, especially one near you!

STATES

COUNTRIES

(NATIONAL AND REGIONAL) EDUCATORS

PROVIDERS

NameCityStatePhoneEmailProviderPortfolio
Abby LawlessBonita SpringsFlorida239-849-4570abby@thesensorysafesalon.orgStylistInstagram Page
Maddie EricksonBonita SpringsFlorida815-632-8755maddie@thesensorysafesalon.orgStylistInstagram Page
Bobby SouzaBonita SpringsFlorida239-321-9862bobbyry98@gmail.comBarberInstagram Page
Gianna RoeBonita SpringsFlorida219-241-8557Giannabella8722@gmail.comStylistInstagram Page
Tara MillerStaffordVirginia717-877-7920styledbytaramarie@gmail.comStylistInstagram Page
Emily DennisWinston-SalemNorth Carolina336-922-4247Embabyyy21@gmail.comStylistInstagram Page
Rebecca PawlakWinston-SalemNorth Carolina336-922-4247Beck.n.em.llc@gmail.comStylistInstagram Page
Justin PitzWorcesterMassachusetts774-823-4772pitz.justin@gmail.comBarberInstagram Page
Nina ColonWorcesterMassachusetts774-578-5827Ncolon13@qmail.qcc.eduStylistInstagram Page
Ashley MelachaBonita SpringsFlorida507-491-6545an_vander@hotmail.comStylistInstagram Page
Amber RochelleFort MyersFlorida239-849-8455Gracefulhandsbeautylounge@gmail.comStylistInstagram Page
Kayteyln SheildsFort MyersFlorida360-977-0674kaytelynnrs@gmail.comStylistInstagram Page
Melissa NelsonCape CoralFlorida828-552-1436alexmyangel@msn.comStylistInstagram Page
Odaliz KearneyNorth PortFlorida941-875-4344odalizkearney@icloud.comStylistInstagram Page
Samantha DaultNaplesFlorida239-302-8757beachyblondessalon@gmail.comStylistInstagram Page
Mary RojasHurstTexas817-368-0214marybel89@gmail.comStylistInstagram Page
Pigtails and CrewcutsGreensboroNorth Carolina356-543-6787Greensboro@pigtailsandcrewcuts.comSalonInstagram Page
Pigtails and CrewcutsWinston-SalemNorth Carolina336-997-8981winstonsalem@pigtailsandcrewcuts.comSalonInstagram Page
Mallory McAvoy WaterfordMichigan248-618-3177malloriealicem@gmail.comBarberInstagram Page
Paris Olivia BirdMelbourne Florida 248-804-1430parisobird@gmail.comStylistInstagram Page
Kimberly Rowley Kirkland Washington 425-343-6308kimberly@kimberlyirenesalon.comStylistInstagram Page
Rebecca LadigBellefontaineOhio 937-441-7309Rebeccaclary87@gmail.comStylistInstagram Page
Maya Garcia AliceTexas 361-389-9299mayag0341@gmail.comStylistInstagram Page
Mireya MoralesHouston Texas346-719-9363beautysupplyhtx@gmail.comStylistInstagram Page
Megan Kennedy Fort Myers Florida 239-246-1983jedihairninja@gmail.comStylist Instagram Page
Angie Nicola Bonita SpringsFlorida 313-348-7933anutangie@gmail.comStylist Instagram Page
Heather HallowayPontotocMississippi662-760-3300hb2826@hotmail.comStylist Instagram Page
Crystal Short PontotocMississippi662-760-3300cshortkcs@outlook.comStylist Instagram Page
Brian Maxson Loveland Ohio 812-623-5727railwaybarbershopllc@gmail.comBarber Instagram Page
Jill Bice DelphosOhio 419-979-8518ruffy68@hotmail.comStylistInstagram Page
Allissa McraeBonita SpringsFlorida 239-201-7640alissiakmcrae@gmail.comStylistInstagram Page
Roman KhorouzanBothellWashington 425-343-6308Romandoeshair@gmail.comStylistInstagram Page
Kira BrysonWaterfordMichigan425-343-6308Kiraellework@gmail.comStylistInstagram Page
Dominic Muniz PhiladelphiaPennsylvania215-554-8135Hairwizardsedu@gmail.comBarberInstagram Page
Jonathan ValenciaPhiladelphiaPennsylvania215-678-6362j.josephv183@icloud.comBarber Instagram Page
Tracy JordanClarksvilleTennesse 931-436-1537tracy.jordan1016@gmail.comStylistInstagram Page
Christian MendezPhiladelphia Pennsylvania215-960-6484cjondarise04@gmail.comBarber Instagram Page
Emerald Vasquez LawrenceMassachusetts978-327-4600Emeraldvasquez5@gmail.comBarber Instagram Page
Sean QuellCohoesNew York518-268-7216Sean.quell@icloud.comBarber Instagram Page
Kaitlyn DivelbissSan AntonioTexas 530-312-6072Glazenaillounge@gmail.comNail TechInstagram Page
Lisa PerezMontgomeryTexas 210-573-2991Lisaperez1232@gmail.comStyist Instagram Page
Anthony WeilsGansevoortNew York 518-932-5987Weilsey4471@gmail.comBarber Instagram Page
Pigtails and Crewcuts-Aunt Nana K GreensboroNorth Carolina356-543-6787Greensboro@pigtailsandcrewcuts.comStylistInstagram Page
Pigtails and Crewcuts-Mrs. Jennifer GreensboroNorth Carolina356-543-6787Greensboro@pigtailsandcrewcuts.comStylistInstagram Page
Pigtails and Crewcuts-Ms. Drucilla GreensboroNorth Carolina356-543-6787Greensboro@pigtailsandcrewcuts.comStylistInstagram Page
Pigtails and Crewcuts-Ms. JeneaneGreensboroNorth Carolina356-543-6787Greensboro@pigtailsandcrewcuts.comStylistInstagram Page
Pigtails and Crewcuts-Ms. Tia GreensboroNorth Carolina356-543-6787Greensboro@pigtailsandcrewcuts.comStylistInstagram Page
Pigtails and Crewcuts-Ms. Tianaa GreensboroNorth Carolina356-543-6787Greensboro@pigtailsandcrewcuts.comStylistInstagram Page
Pigtails and Crewcuts-Ms. ToyaGreensboroNorth Carolina356-543-6787Greensboro@pigtailsandcrewcuts.comStylistInstagram Page
Pigtails and Crewcuts-Ms. TaylorGreensboroNorth Carolina356-543-6787Greensboro@pigtailsandcrewcuts.comStylistInstagram Page
Emily WorthingtonNorth BrookfeildMassachusetts774-757-7212worthingtonemily09@gmail.comStylistInstagram Page
Philip Girouard IIWorcester Massachusetts774-239-6840pgirouardii@gmail.comBarber Instagram Page
Zachary Pitz Worcester Massachusetts774-437-9923hermitkingpit@gmail.comBarber Instagram Page
Andrew JarobskiWorcester Massachusetts774-407-3571drewskiicutz@icloud.comBarber Instagram Page
Michael ScovilWorcester Massachusetts508-282-1334mikethebarber@gmail.comBarber Instagram Page
Jamie Kirshner Arcadia Florida 239-340-0929jamie@eduamerica.orgAmbassador Instagram Page
Pigtails and CrewcutsTyler Texas 903-707-4717tylertx@pigtailsandcrewcuts.comStylistInstagram Page
Pigtails and Crewcuts- AndreaTyler Texas903-707-4717tylertx@pigtailsandcrewcuts.comStylistInstagram Page
Pigtails and Crewcuts-TiffanyTyler Texas 903-707-4717tylertx@pigtailsandcrewcuts.comStylistInstagram Page
Pigtails and Crewcuts-AngelaTyler Texas903-707-4717tylertx@pigtailsandcrewcuts.comStylistInstagram Page
Pigtails and Crewcuts-Brianna Tyler Texas903-707-4717tylertx@pigtailsandcrewcuts.comStylistInstagram Page
Pigtails and Crewcuts-AnaidTyler Texas 903-707-4717tylertx@pigtailsandcrewcuts.comStylistInstagram Page
Zoe Belisle‑SpringerMontrealCanada 333-333-3333zoe.belislesp@phorest.com Ambassador
Megan Zito-Collins Bonita SpringsFlorida 239-947-5283mzittocollins@gmail.comAmbassador Instagram Page
Pigtails and Crewcuts-Mrs.MelWinston-SalemNorth Carolina336-997-8981winstonsalem@pigtailsandcrewcuts.comStylistInstagram Page
Pigtails and Crewcuts-Mrs. Somer Winston-SalemNorth Carolina336-997-8982winstonsalem@pigtailsandcrewcuts.comStylistInstagram Page
Pigtails and Crewcuts-Ms. JeneaneWinston-SalemNorth Carolina336-997-8983winstonsalem@pigtailsandcrewcuts.comStylistInstagram Page
Pigtails and Crewcuts-Ms. Kendyl Winston-SalemNorth Carolina336-997-8984winstonsalem@pigtailsandcrewcuts.comStylistInstagram Page
Pigtails and Crewcuts-Ms. Kylie Winston-SalemNorth Carolina336-997-8985winstonsalem@pigtailsandcrewcuts.comStylistInstagram Page
Pigtails and Crewcuts-Ms. Taylor Winston-SalemNorth Carolina336-997-8986winstonsalem@pigtailsandcrewcuts.comStylistInstagram Page
Pigtails and Crewcuts-Ms. Toya Winston-SalemNorth Carolina336-997-8987winstonsalem@pigtailsandcrewcuts.comStylistInstagram Page
Pigtails and Crewcuts-Ms. TiaWinston-SalemNorth Carolina336-997-8988winstonsalem@pigtailsandcrewcuts.comStylistInstagram Page

Don’t see a location near you?

Would you like to sponsor a haircut or certification for your local salon, stylist, or barber?

Donations propel our mission forward. It is the lifeblood of our organization since we aim to keep all of our guest’s haircuts at a price point they can afford. We need your help!

Please consider donating to our 501(c)3, The Sensory Safe Salon and Spa! For a nominal fee of $39, an individual will receive a haircut. In addition, donations of $295 will provide an industry professional with the opportunity to gain access to the curriculum and training elevating their career capabilities.

FOR SALON PROFESSIONALS

Become a Sensory Safe Provider

The Sensory Safe Salon and Spa offers training for certification across the United States. We will deliver an experience rich session to stylists, with heart, inspired by our mission to provide a safe salon service to customers who have special needs by teaching an autism overview, behavioral techniques, and desensitizing strategies which lead to a successful salon experience for all.
Salon Professionals
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Are You Ready To Get Certified?

Our regional educators are certified and trained with our proprietary curriculum to help you better serve guests with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), SPD, or anyone with disabilities or special abilities. Our regional educators are equipped with the knowledge and most importantly, with the heart to set you or your salon/barbershop up for success. Help us change the world and drive this mission forward! Search for a Regional Educator near you below.

Calendar of Events

Emily and Becka flyer
January 7 - Justin Flyer

National Educators

NameMy "Why"CityStateSchedule TrainingPortfolio
Abby LawlessMy "Why"Bonita SpringsFloridaKate@thesensorysafesalon.orgInstagram Page
Maddie EricksonMy "Why"Bonita SpringsFloridaKate@thesensorysafesalon.orgInstagram Page
Bobby SouzaMy "Why"Bonita SpringsFloridaKate@thesensorysafesalon.orgInstagram Page
Gianna RoeMy "Why"Bonita SpringsFloridaKate@thesensorysafesalon.orgInstagram Page
Tara MillerMy "Why"StaffordVirginiaKate@thesensorysafesalon.orgInstagram Page
Emily DennisMy "Why"Winston-SalemNorth CarolinaKate@thesensorysafesalon.orgInstagram Page
Rebecca PawlakMy "Why"Winston-SalemNorth CarolinaKate@thesensorysafesalon.orgInstagram Page
Justin PitzMy "Why"WorcesterMassachusettsKate@thesensorysafesalon.orgInstagram Page
Nina ColonMy "Why"WorcesterMassachusettsKate@thesensorysafesalon.orgInstagram Page
Ashley MelachaMy "Why"Bonita SpringsFloridaKate@thesensorysafesalon.orgInstagram Page

The Mission and Motivation Behind The Sensory Safe Salon and Spa

Kate Owens-Heins Founder/CEO

Gen Image-straight outta kates-little boy

About Us

since 2018

We, at The Sensory Safe Salon and Spa, are committed to making impactful industry changes to better serve the autism community and those with sensory differences by educating and certifying industry professionals through our elevated curriculum platform. The knowledge and experience used in creating our curriculum is research-based principles designed by educators, behavior specialists, and stylists trialing this practice for over 5 years.

Not only are we striving to help individuals with disabilities receive a haircut/salon service with dignity, but we also plan to educate industry professionals, Globally, on our trademarked methodology. Our goal is to provide the knowledge and a curriculum for all industry professionals with this mutually benefiting certification and business practice.

As of now, there is no education for industry professionals on how to serve this very important community’s needs appropriately. We have created it and are excited to share it with you! After years of honing our skills, we need your help to spread our vision across the United States and the world. We are thinking big!

“The Sensory Safe Salon and Spa envisions a world where individuals of all abilities can enjoy haircuts with comfort and confidence, fostering self-expression and empowerment while promoting acceptance and understanding in the community. Everyone knows someone touched by autism. Let’s join together to make this part of their life a little easier”, says Andrew Tuttle, Board member.

If you didn’t know, receiving haircuts or salon services is a HARD process, typically resulting in a traumatic experience for both parties. The Sensory Safe Salon and Spa is here to change all of that, and with your help, change the industry!

Mission

Our Mission

To create a Sensory-Safe Salon environment for anyone and everyone, especially guests with special needs and sensory processing sensitivities. We strive to provide individuals with dignity while also producing a salon experience that leads to a life-long benefit of inclusion. Through our elevated educational platform, we are providing communities with sensory safe salons, training well-prepared cosmetologists with a heart, and constantly improving the salon experience to be more inclusive and diverse. It is our belief that it doesn’t take an expert to be kind.

Vission

Our Vision

We envision a world where individuals of all abilities can enjoy haircuts with comfort and confidence, fostering self-expression and empowerment while promoting acceptance and understanding in the community.

Dear Parent(s)/Caregiver

“Do not be afraid. This is a safe place. We know what we’re getting into. There isn’t anything we haven’t seen.”

-Kate Owens
*Hairstylist of 23 years
*Owner of Kate’s Kuts in Bonita Springs
*Mother of Child with Autism
*Founder of The Sensory Safe Salon

Plan Ahead

Every individual is different, and your preparation and insight are critical for the success of the haircut experience.

Please be sure to fill out the questionnaire as thoroughly as possible.

Trained Professionals

We have a Trained Behavior Technician on staff, and all of our stylists you book an appointment with our Sensory Safe Salon and Spa Certified™. 

“No Sorries! This is a safe unapologetic space.” -Maddie Erickson

Ensuring a positive and comfortable experience for EVERY individual during a haircut is our priority at The Sensory Safe Salon and Spa.

“No Sorries! This is a safe unapologetic space.”
– Maddie Erickson

Ensuring a positive and comfortable experience for EVERY individual during a haircut is our priority as a Sensory Safe Provider.

 

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What Clients Are Saying about The Sensory Safe Salon and Spa Certified Experience

A Sensory Safe Provider serves the individual AND the family. Parent(s) or guardians often feel discouraged and disconnected from the community when it comes to a haircut.

Our goal is to provide an all-inclusive experience for the individual getting the haircut and their loved ones. The Sensory Safe Salon and Spa can show you how!

Meet Our Sensory Safe Staff

  • Salon Professional
  • Heart for children on the spectrum
  • Master sensory stylist with multiple years of experience
  • Over 300+ hours of sensory-cutting experience
  • 40+ success stories
  • Passion for helping others and making a change
  • Salon owner
  • Parent to a son with autism
  • Journey to Sensory Sensitive Shop
  • Educating, supporting, and growing stylists
  • Industry-changing mission
  • Registered behavior technician for six years, working with children for 9 years
  • Salon Professional
  • Has worked in all settings; home, clinic, school, and community
  • Has worked with all ages, and a wide range of behaviors
  • Started cosmetology school to build a bridge between beauty and autism and give as many families as possible an unapologetic space
  • Dedicated to providing the safest and most inclusive salon experience for you and your loved ones!
  • Autism Consultant with a passion to positively impact autistic individuals and families
  • Professional Educational Leader with 20+ years of experience
  • Parent of a son with Special Needs
  • Community Stake Holder and Advocate
  • Motivated, curious, and open to new perspectives and opportunities

Meet Our Board

CEO and Founder of the Sensory Safe Salon and Spa

  • Salon owner
  • Parent to a son with autism
  • Journey to Sensory Sensitive Shop
  • Educating, supporting, and growing stylists
  • Industry-changing mission

Chief of Staff

  • Autism Consultant with a passion to positively impact autistic individuals and families
  • Professional Educational Leader with 20+ years of experience
  • Parent of a son with Special Needs
  • Community Stake Holder and Advocate
  • Motivated, curious, and open to new perspectives and opportunities

Vice Chairman

  • Graduated Worcester State College. BS Psychology
  • Program/Project Management 22 years at Raytheon , Ma
  • Substitute teacher 3 years , NC
  • Business Tutor 4 years, Eastern Florida State College
  • Volunteer groups
  • United Way
  • SowMuchGood
  • Big Brother/Big Sister
  • Kate’s Kuts

Lead Educator Specializing in Behavior

  • Registered behavior technician for 6 years, working with children for 9 years
  • Salon professional
  • Has worked in all settings; home, clinic, school and community
  • Has worked with all ages, and a wide range of behaviors 
  • Started cosmetology school to build a bridge between beauty and autism and give as many families as possible an unapologetic space
  • Dedicated to providing the safest and most inclusive salon experience for you and your loved ones!
Secretary

  • CEO, Education Advocates of America
  • Founder, Target Your Purpose 501c3
  • Special Education Teacher and Former Principal and Assistant Principal for 25 years
  • Nationally Board Certified Advocate for Special Education (NAEST) and member of Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates
  • Dyslexia and Autism Certified and Orton Gillingham Trained
  • Facilitated more than 3,000 IEP meetings

Master Sensory Stylist

  • Salon professional
  • Heart for children on the spectrum 
  • Master sensory stylist with multiple years experience 
  • Over 300+ hours of sensory cutting experience
  • 40+ success stories
  • Passion to help others, and make a change

Treasurer

  • Operations manager at Kate’s Kuts 
  • Small business owner 
  • Accounting background 
  • Chef 
  • Dog Trainer 
  • Small engine mechanic 
  • Toured with Pearl Jam 
  • Safety educator

Book your Sensory Safe Cut Today!

It’s simple! Find a Sensory Safe Provider and call or email to set up an appointment near you. All haircuts by appointment only.

Want us to help point you in the right direction? Please, click the button below. Provide your name, location, the individual’s name getting the haircut, and a phone number and someone will contact you with the next steps!

 

Sponsor a Haircut Today!

For just $39, you can provide a safe salon experience for families and individuals in need!

The Sensory Safe Salon and Spa is a registered 501c3 and is supported by community partners and donations.

(239) 333-9732

kate@thesensorysafesalon.org

By Appointment Only

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(239) 333-9732

kate@thesensorysafesalon.org

By Appointment Only

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