Our Team
ABOUT Ruth Chriqui
Ruth Chriqui, founder of Shevaya Wellness, a dedicated holistic and health advocate, philanthropist, and family-oriented individual with a passionate commitment to improving healthcare systems and supporting individuals through their wellness journeys.
Her path into healthcare advocacy began in the 1990s when a cherished family member fell ill, igniting her desire to fight for the rights and care of others in need. In 2000, Ruth faced a personal crisis when her husband was misdiagnosed with Crohn’s disease, which was later determined to be bladder cancer. This harrowing experience inspired her to tackle the complexities of the healthcare system with determination and resilience. Ruth believes that systematic failures contributed to her husband’s passing in 2004, motivating her further to advocate for improved healthcare support.
Ruth’s challenges continued in 2006 when her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. The painful journey underscored her commitment to enhancing the Quebec medical system and providing assistance to families in crisis.
In 2016, she founded a health and wellness clinic, providing guidance to others navigating the intricacies of healthcare and sharing holistic approaches to well-being as well as research on cannabinoids in clinical practice in collaboration with McGill University and the University of Tel Aviv.
Ruth is a certified with the International Members of Holistic Medicine and has studied holistic wellness with Dr. Athena Perrakis, for over a decade. As a certified holistic practitioner, she utilizes holistic methods to rebalance the mind, body, and spirit, guiding clients toward optimal well-being.
In 2017, Ruth expanded her team at Shevaya Wellness with the addition of Karen. Together, they adapted their services in response to the pandemic, to address individuals affected by breast cancer and genetic mutations.
This work reflects her dedication to exploring innovative practices to enhance patient care and promote overall health. Through Shevaya Wellness, Ruth continues her mission of fostering self-discovery and wellness through dynamic vibrational wellness practices. Inspired by her mother, Rosa, who embodied a holistic lifestyle. Ruth Chriqui is not only committed to her personal journey but is dedicated to empowering others to find their path to well-being and true happiness
ABOUT Karen Malkin-Lazarovitz
Transforming personal experience into powerful advocacy.
Karen is a passionate advocate for women’s and men’s health and a leading voice in the hereditary cancer community. Her journey began in 2008, when her father tested positive for a BRCA mutation, prompting Karen to undergo genetic testing and discover her own BRCA2 mutation. Faced with this knowledge, she made the courageous and proactive decision to take control of her health through a full hysterectomy and oophorectomy, followed by a double mastectomy with reconstruction. Complications led to an additional eight surgeries, each of which she approached with resilience and determination. Rather than letting fear define her path, Karen found empowerment, purpose, and a deep commitment to helping others do the same.
She is the founder of EMPOWERink, an organization that connects breast cancer survivors, previvors, and thrivers with tattoo artists who volunteer their time and talent to cover surgical scars at no cost—transforming healing into art and restoring confidence and body autonomy. Karen also founded the BRCA Sisterhood, a thriving online peer-support community of over 10,000 members dedicated to women navigating hereditary cancer risks. She launched the first-ever BRCA support group in Montreal and continues to provide support to anyone in need, both locally and globally.
Karen’s advocacy extends beyond hereditary cancer. She has contributed her expertise to Hope & Cope and the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, supporting individuals and families affected by cancer through education, mentorship, and emotional support. She is also an ambassador for Pink in the City, a breast cancer organization. These experiences have further enriched her understanding of patient needs and strengthened her ability to provide guidance across diverse cancer journeys.
A sought-after speaker, Karen has shared her story and expertise across Canada and internationally, including engagements in Iceland, Florida, California, and Philadelphia. Through education on cancer genetics, body image, intimacy, breast cancer, reconstruction, and available options, Karen empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their health. Her mission is simple but powerful: to ensure no one facing hereditary cancer ever feels alone, unheard, or powerless—and to help every person reclaim their body, their voice, and their future with confidence and pride.