Suzanne L. De Franco
DiplAc, M.T. ASTEC
HEALTH CARE PROFILE
30 years of combined experience in advanced body work techniques. Presently combining cutting edge spa treatments in specialized "Surrender" retreats. 10 years experience practicing acupunture in a clinical setting.
Suzanne has been a part of the opening team at The Montage Resort & Spa, Laguna Beach, CA the first spa in the United States to hold a five star rating from Mobil Travel Guide. She is part of the "Surrender" retreat team that customizes treatments based on two years of ASTEC training. Featured in many major publications including Luxury Spa Finder Magazine.
Diagnostics:
Expert in the selection of proper treatment for specific conditions both in private, spa or clinical settings.
Patient/Guest Relationship:
Has intuitive, experienced and educated skills to assess individual needs including the emotional and physical needs of patients. Has a great deal of experience with patients who need a high level of confidentiality.
Research and Creation:
Signature Treatments, Wellness Treatments, Design and Spa Layout, Education for Spa Employees.
Comprehensive Education in Therapies:
Masters Degree in
Chinese Medicine |
‘ASTEC’ Spa Training
Certified in: |
Upper Level Massage Training
30 years experience |
Acupuncture
Chinese Diagnosis
Herbal Medicine
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Manual Lymph Drainage
Connective Tissue Massage
Aroma Therapy
Aroma Balancing
Hydro Therapy
Thallaso and Mud Therapies |
*see below
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Montage Resort and Spa, Laguna Beach, CA - Massage Therapist (2005- Present)
5 Star Spa – Opened the Resort with a handpicked team.
2 year ‘ASTEC’ Training Program Graduate.
Montage Mores Training.
Ritz Carlton Hotel, Laguna Niguel, CA - Massage Therapist (2003-2005)
5 Diamond Training in service and communication
St. Regis Hotel and Spa, Monarch Beach, CA - Massage Therapist (2002-2005)
Starwood Star Training.
Rapid Rehab International, Costa Mesa, CA - Massage Therapist (2002-2005)
Physical Therapy incorporating progressive techniques in Pilates and Gyrotonics.
Kristen Florion’s Spa and Salon, Laguna Beach, CA - Massage Therapist
Robert Muir Company – Boca Raton, FL
Developed treatments and therapy protocols for eco-tourists resorts n Cost Rica.
THERAPY AND HEALTH CARE EXPERIENCE
PRIVATE PRACTICE
1975 – present
Treatment for all conditions incorporating Acupuncture, Massage Therapy, Herbal Therapy, Stress Management and Reduction Techniques, Sports Medicine, Pregnancy Counseling and Performance Optimization for Professional Entertainers.
1976-1989
Personal Assistant and Massage Therapist
Princess Johara Bin Faisel of the Royal Family of Saudi Arabia
Management and Organization of personal health care for the Royal Family; administration of the household staff and finances, and social functions. Chief consultant for health and dietary needs, developed nutritional plans and prepared meals; customized and coordinated care plans for chiropractic, yoga, homeopathic medicine. Selected fitness spas, provided sports medicine counseling for Saudi Arabian National Championship Soccer Team.
1996 - 2001
Acupuncture and Bodyworks Clinic, Kaneohe, HI
Home Office, Kailua HI
1989 - 1995
Organized, promoted and taught massage classes: Beginning, intermediate and also Classes for couples. Many students consequently began their own careers as massage therapists. Recruited massage therapist and chiropractors for employment for the Saudi Arabian royal family.
1991-1994
Worked with Ashley Judd for several years, concentrating on relaxation and focus techniques
for optimum performance on both stage and screen.
Toured with Naomi and Wynona Judd using massage and relaxation techniques for optimizing stage performance and vocal acuity. Participated on several tours over a 4 year period.
Pregnancy Specialist Therapist for a large following of clientele including many high-profile patients. Used post-pregnancy therapies aimed at transitioning patients from pregnancy to successful professional performance.
Treated Sting’s Band during the Soul Cages tour.
EDUCATION
Masters of Oriental Medicine, Santa Monica, CA
Earned Degree in both Herbology and Acupuncture
Advanced studies of Anatomy and Physiology
Diplomat of Acupuncture, National Commission for Certification of Acupuncturists (NCCA) Licensed in State of Hawaii
Licensed Massage Technician, Academy of Health Science, Garden Grove, CA
Advanced Massage Training, Institute of Psycho-structural balancing, San Diego, CA
Nurses Training – Saddleback Community College, Mission Viejo, CA
Post Graduate Body Work |
Post Graduate Oriental Medical Studies |
| Specialized Acupressure, structural integration and deep tissue massage with Mary Burmesister, Jin Shi Jyutsu, Inc.
Pregnancy Year Specialist, with Kate Jordan, Specialized massage for pregnant women. Includes nutritional counseling and infant massage.
Polarity Therapy with Pierre Pannetier, acupressure to balance body meridians.
Lomi-lomi massage with Auntie Margaret Machado, teacher of massage and herbology on Hawaii. Also studied under Kapona Souza.
Apprenticeship with Eve Clute for emotional release techniques with basic massage summary of clinical experience.
Aromatherapy with Peter Holmes.
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Kikko Matsumoto OMD; Ted Kaptchuck, OMD; Mark Seem, OMD;
Jeffrey Yuen, OMD (Certified); Micky Shema, OMD; Yves Regina, OMD.
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1 year Sabbatical in India – studying meditation and emotional integration techniques.
2 year ‘ASTEC’ Training Program Graduate. 1st Graduating Class.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Faculty Member, Oriental Medicinal Institute, Honolulu Hawaii
Acupuncture, Eight Extraordinary Vessels
Point Location and Anatomy
Faculty Member, Emperors College of Oriental Medicine, Santa Monica, CA
Tui Na and Massage Therapy
Private Massage Classes
* 'ASTEC' - American Spa Therapy Education Certification Counsel
OTHER INTERESTS
Horsemanship
Music Production (Produced award winning hula rock cd in Hawaii)
Travel
Esoteric Studies
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