In anticipation of her 30th anniversary providing chiropractic care in New York, Hawaii, and Florida, Dr. Deborah Leible, made a thoughtfully conscious decision to move from healthcare to the spa setting. “In this way, I could continue to facilitate the goal of health, healing and wholeness working with others in an environment that allows for mind and body relaxation,” she explains.
After graduating from the New York Chiropractic College, in 1988, she continued to expand her hands-on-skill set to include certification in acupuncture and licensure in massage therapy. She went on to learn how to perform soft tissue specialties in manual lymphatic drainage, oncology massage, Hawaiian Lomi-Lomi, acupressure, and cupping so she could provide the best possible alternative health care for her clients.
“As a provider for the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) nonprofit organization and due to the high standards of their board of directors, I knew that obtaining a Holistic Spa Management Certification would be the first step required to make a successful transition to a spa setting.
The American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS) accredited wellness programs (including spa management) were impressive and recommended by NCBTMB. ACHS’s distance learning self-study format and virtual classroom were a perfect fit for my working schedule,” says Deborah.
ACHS is a military friendly school approved for Veterans Association tuition benefits. Though the cost of tuition wasn’t a deciding factor in Deborah’s enrollment in the ACHS Holistic Spa Management Certification Program, she was delighted to know that as a veteran’s widow, she was able to utilize a benefit her husband worked so hard to earn.
The ACHS Holistic Spa Management Program is perfect for employees and managers of a local day spa as well as professionals working for one of the world’s largest resort spas. It offers students the opportunity to gain the skills and certification for a management career in the spa industry through a comprehensive 15-week program. Click here for more information.
Deborah tells us, “The program met my education goal expectations as I was able to gain a solid foundation in strategic planning for spas, identifying current and emerging trends, retail pricing and operation, visual merchandising, inventory management, business forecasting, implementation of aromatherapy, and increase productivity. Most important I am equipped to enhance the working environment of spa staff and provide stellar customer satisfaction.”
Upon completion of the Holistic Spa Management Program, graduates are eligible to sit for the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) ) exam to earn their International Spa Association (ISPA) internationally recognized credential. Additionally, after successful completion of the program, massage therapists with a current license can elect to sit for the NCBTMB Specialty Professional Certificate in Spa Management https://exam.ncbtmb.org/apply/
Dr. Deborah Leible is currently working as the spa manager at the beautiful, historic Shangri-La Springs Resort and Spa, in Bonita Springs, Florida. “My present goal is to contribute to the success of the spa in any way I can and ensure realization of its growth potential. I have the good fortune to work with a team of therapists that are committed to the same vision as myself,” says Deborah. http://www.shangrilasprings.com/about/
For information about ACHS’s Advanced Issues in Aromatherapy Boot Camp, November 11-14, 2019, presented by ACHS Founding President Dorene Petersen and ACHS’s Aromatherapy Program Chair and Registered Aromatherapist, Amanda Lattin, you can visit https://achs.edu/course/kona-aromatherapy-boot-camp-current-issues-aromatherapy
About American College of Healthcare Sciences
Founded in 1978, ACHS.edu is a Portland, Ore.-based, accredited college offering online, on-campus, and study abroad integrative health education. With undergraduate and graduate degrees, diplomas, certificates, and continuing education units in integrative health, ACHS makes holistic health and wellness education accessible to a diverse community, including healthcare professionals, military students, stay-at-home parents, and lifelong learners. Specializations include aromatherapy, herbal medicine, holistic nutrition, and wellness. ACHS is a Certified B Corporation® and was named two of 100 Best Green Workplaces in Oregon 2017 by Oregon Business magazine. ACHS is also accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Visit achs.edu.