Global Internship Program

The Global Internship Program was inspired by the ever increasing worldwide need for Spa Management talent to have both the educational skills and practical experience in order to be effective leaders in our industry.

In an effort to help fill this growing demand for management talent, the Global Internship Program goal is to connect Spa and Wellness Education Graduates and Industry Professionals with experienced experts, in order to prepare these qualified candidates for a flourishing career in Spa and Wellness.

Using the formula of strategically uniting Spa Management education interns with industry experts, we believe this new Global Internship Program will be a central contributor in answering to the needs of 4 primary groups:

• Spa and Wellness Management Education Programs who need this component to enrich their core curriculum offerings.
• Spa and Wellness Management Students who need the hands-on experience to enhance their marketability and competitive advantage.
• Potential Spa and Wellness Management Employers who are looking for qualified candidates who can be developed efficiently to handle the ever increasing complexities of a Spa and Wellness Management career.
• Spa and Wellness Industry Professionals looking for an opportunity to further their careers in the Spa and Wellness Management market.

To learn more about Internship Resources in progress, please visit the Global Internships Program or contact Leslie Lyon.

Initiative Members

Wendy Bosalavage, Initiative Chair, President, American Leisure

As President of American Leisure, Wendy Bosalavage has redefined the way Americans interact with their communities, unwind and live the 21st century American dream. Wendy works with residential communities and hotels to bring health and wellness centers, programs, and education to residents. Her Nanuet, NY based firm provides consulting, design, marketing, and operations for lifestyle and recreation facilities, spas and fitness and wellness centers. In addition to her role at American Leisure, Wendy is one of the founders of the Medical Spa Society, the only non-profit organization created to promote the sound development of the medical spa field.

Sallie Fraenkel, President, Mind Body Spirit Network

Sallie Fraenkel is the Founder and President of Mind Body Spirit Network, a company that provides that crafts travel experiences with a focus on well-being of the individual and wellness of the planet. Fraenkel also offers marketing and business development consulting services to clients involved in wellness and travel-related industries. Fraenkel is the former CMO & COO of SpaFinder Wellness and EVP of the Global Spa and Wellness Summit. Fraenkel has 30 plus years of experience as a marketer and business development executive in the spa/ wellness and entertainment industries.

Kathryn Gallagher, Professor, Seneca College, School of Fashion and Esthetics, Canada

Kathryn Gallagher has worked in the spa industry for twenty eight years, beginning her career as an Esthetician, which led to management, sales, training and consulting for spa properties, before becoming a full time professor for the two and three year Esthetician and Advanced Spa Therapies program. Kathryn completed her graduate studies May 2016, at the University of Guelph, specializing in hospitality and tourism.

Shawn Hallum, Director of Spa Helani & Spa Champion (Hawaii & French Polynesia), The Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas, United States

Shawn Hallum has been an established and passionate member of the resort, hotel, spa, retail and wellness communities since 1995. He has served in leadership and executive roles for The Sports Club Company, Plus One Health Management, Bacara Resort & Spa, Premier Salons, and Red Door Spas. He currently serves Starwood Hotels as Spa Champion for Hawaii & French Polynesia. Academically, Shawn holds MSc. Degree in Complementary Alternative Medicine and undergraduate degrees in Business Administration and Sports Management (Wellness and Fitness).

Monique Lacobacci, Territory Manager and Educator, Image Skincare

With over 23 years of experience in the spa and wellness industry as a licensed Esthetician, Monique Lacobacci���s career has progressed from advanced esthetics to management and operations, sales, marketing and project and program consulting role. She is the Territory Manager and Educator in the Greater New York City area for Image Skincare, a Pharmaceutical grade skincare line for Physicians, Laser Clinics and Spas.

Reneta McCarthy, Senior Lecturer, Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, United States

With over ten years of hotel operations experience, Reneta McCarthy began her career with Mariott International as Housekeeping Manager, then as Director of Services for a full-service hotel. She later became one of Courtyard Hotels youngest general managers before returning to Cornell in 1992 for her master's degree. A year later she became Director of Rooms at the Statler Hotel. Reneta has now been teaching at Cornell in the operations management area since 1995 and will begin teaching the spas and wellness course starting in 2017. She was the faculty on record for the 80th Hotel Ezra Cornell, a student run industry conference, through The 91st Annual Hotel Ezra Cornell.

Anna L. Moine, Founder, Almbijoux

Anna L. Moine has crafted a varied and multi-dimensional expertise in the personal care market within both retail distribution and spa development. Anna's extensive experience includes brand building, product and retail development, financial planning, sales and distribution strategy, and management oversight. In 2013, she launched a new retail initiative, Almbijoux, to offer fine resorts and spas, a unique collection of semi precious jewelry.

Sheila Otieno-Osanya, Owner, The Spa People and The Spa at Marion on Nicol, South Africa

Sheila studied Hotel Management in Switzerland and once qualified began specializing in hotel operations. Sheila has held numerous spa and wellness management positions, including managing a 90 room 5 star resort in Zanzibar; Deputy General Manager at the Misty Hills Country Hotel & Spa in Johannesburg; and Spa Manager at the Westin Grand Cape Town Arabella Quays. In 2008 Sheila formed The Spa People consultancy and in 2016, opened her spa The Spa at Marion on Nicol in a 5 star boutique hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg.

Veljko Savic, Director of Spa, Hotel Del Coronado, United States

Veljko has extensive luxury spa experience prior to joining the iconic "Del". He worked for Four Seasons and The Ritz-Carlton brands and held Spa Advisory Council member position with Marriott International. His therapist background, hands on approach to leadership and passion for spa helped Veljko create unique "Aerial Silk Massage" and "The Night Spa" concept that lead his team to win Asia Spa Crystal award and gain innovative recognition within the industry.

Dr. Mary Wisnom, Spa Management Coordinator and Professor, School of Resort and Hospitality Management at Florida Gulf Coast University, United States

Dr. Mary Wisnom is a Professor and Coordinator of the Spa Management program in the School of Resort and Hospitality Management at Florida Gulf Coast University. Mary boasts over 25 years of hospitality experience in resorts and clubs in Michigan, Colorado and Florida. In 1996, she began teaching full time and in 2006 joined the FGCU faculty.

Internship testimonials

Global Internships
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