ISPA FOUNDATION
FOUNDATION
2016
ISPA FOUNDATION
BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
OFFICERS
CHAIRMAN
Frank Pitsikalis
ResortSuite
VICE CHAIRMAN
Sharilyn Abbajay
Red Door Spas
DIRECTORS
Todd Shaw
ISPA Vice Chairman
F
resh from their ISPA
Conference & Expo
experience as 2015 ISPA
Foundation Mary Tabacchi
Scholarship recipients, Anne-Liise
Verpson and Taylor Toreno talk about
the importance of the ISPA
Foundation’s work, the benefits of
being part of the ISPA community
and the how they think the
scholarship can help propel their spa
career in the future.
Pulse: How important is the ISPA Foundation’s work to the spa industry?
Verpson: I admire the ISPA Foundation’s generosity in supporting newcomers with an incredible
scholarship, which will help passionate novices who enter the spa world work on reaching their
career dreams and contribute to the development and sustainability of the spa industry.
Toreno: The ISPA Foundation’s work is crucial because we need to have [reliable] research about
the spa industry.
Michael Tompkins
ISPA Chairman
P: What do you view as the most beneficial part of being involved in the ISPA community?
V: For 25 years, ISPA has successfully offered a common ground for people with a similar mindset
Lynne McNees
ISPA President
to work toward the future developments of spa business and network with spa professionals around
the world.
T: The most beneficial part is the connections you can make. The networking experience and the
opportunity to learn from fellow spa professionals are truly priceless.
MEDICAL ADVISOR
Brent Bauer, M.D.
Mayo Clinic
HONORARY BOARD
MEMBERS
Ruth Stricker
The Marsh, A Center for
Balance and Fitness
Deborah Szekely
WELLNESS WARRIOR
The ISPA Foundation
wishes to thank the following
supporters for their generous
contributions:
LUMINARY
Ruth Stricker
BENEFACTOR
Dr. Howard Murad
PATRON
Massage Envy
Franchising, LLC
Red Door Spas
P: In what way do you think the scholarship can help you in your future spa career?
V: The connections that were established during the ISPA Conference will be, undeniably, the
biggest asset for my future spa career. Being awarded with the scholarship has given me a strong
boost of self-esteem. Having the support and trust of the ISPA family inspires and motivates me to
make an effort to succeed in the spa world.
T: The scholarship has helped me financially to complete my degree but I have also been given a
mentor to help me. Now I have someone to learn from. I love this aspect because I am the first
one in my family to attend college. Also, the networking and connections I will make from being a
part of the ISPA family are incredible.
P: What is your favorite ISPA Conference & Expo memory?