Staff & Administration

Dr.Sekito founded Meridian International School of Health Sciences in 2002. Her over 24 years of experience in Holistic Healthcare practice have helped her develop a deeper understanding of practical, effective techniques employable in her own career and practice. She treats her patients with various kinds of massage therapies in conjunction with her chiropractic and acupuncture treatments.

Dr. Sekito understands how massage therapies can benefit a patient assisting them in a speedy recovery from musculoskeletal injuries. She has found that patients often benefit from receiving massage therapy in conjunction with her acupuncture and chiropractic treatment. The skilled hands of a professional massage therapist can bring many positive results.

Ron “Punit” Auerbacher, HHP

Instructor

Punit has been studying and practicing bodywork since 1976. He is a Holistic Health Practitioner and a certified Touch for Health instructor. His childhood illnesses and psychological challenges catalyzed a lifelong investigation into alternative methods of healing, both physical and emotional, which included a five-year stay in India studying yoga and meditation. He has experience for himself the remarkable potential of personal growth. Punit is also a professional actor and brings a flair for the dramatic to enliven and invigorate his classes.

Heather Cicero, LMT
Instructor

Heather graduated from SDSU in 1994 with a Bachelor degree in Economics. She received her massage training at The School of Healing Arts in Escondido. At the Catamaran Day Spa in Mission Beach, she is able to offer prenatal, deep tissue, stone massages, reflexology and shiatsu. Currently, she is working towards certification to perform Thai Massages.

Nick G. Desantis, DC 

Instructor

Dr. Nick DeSantis has been a local East County resident for over 40 years. He is a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic since 1988. Dr. DeSantis is a graduate of Pasadena College of Chiropractic, graduated Magna Cum Laude, and was selected Class Valedictorian of his graduating class of 1987. Dr. DeSantis is a former IDE (Industrial Disability Evaluator), member of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), Diplomate of the American Academy of Pain Management (DAAPM), Fellow of the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture (FIAMA), and has earned a Ph.D. from the American Institute of Hypnotherapy (AIH). He has been an avid bodybuilder for much of his adult life and has worked in the fitness industry for many years. Dr. DeSantis held the (bodybuilding) title of Mr. Apollo in 1983. Dr. DeSantis currently specializes in Spinal Alignment at his office, Fitness Chiropractic, in La Mesa, CA.

John Economos, Ph.d, HHP, GCFT

Instructor

John has studied structural balancing with Ed Maupin, one of Ida Rolf s original students, assisted Ed Maupin in teaching structural work at The Institute for Psycho-Structural Balancing and continues to employ fascial techniques in his private practice. He is a Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher, certified teacher of Traditional Thailand Medical Massage, has studied Tui Na and Chi Gung in Beijing, China, served on the staff of the Gero-Psychiatric Ward of Mission Bay Hospital and presently teaches Tai Chi and Chi Gung in The Scripps Medical System. He is also the senior member of the American Massage Therapy Association Education Committee, and Adjunct Professor of Liberal Studies at The University of Redlands.

John Finch, Herbalist, Medicine Maker
Instructor

John Finch has been practicing herbal medicine for more than twenty five years. He completed Professional Training in 1984 with the great folkloric herbalist Rosemary Gladstar who instilled in him a love for the plants and the Earth. A master medicine-maker, John consults for the natural products industry, creates herbal products, writes for publication, and has been a guest on radio and TV presentations. He has held a post-secondary teaching certificate in herbs and nutrition for fifteen years and teaches at colleges in San Diego, as well as his own Self-Heal School. He enjoys bringing herbs to life in the classroom as well as leading identification walks in local canyons and mountains. John’s classes are fun, empowering, and engaging.CA.

Anthony’s passion for the martial arts led him to study massage and bodywork therapies. Since completing his education at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in 1994, he has worked closely with acupuncturists, chiropractors and physical therapists, in addition to building a busy, successful private practice. Anthony’s clinical experience has allowed him the opportunity to work with professional athletes, tri-athletes, and elite marathon runners. His enthusiasm for sharing his deep understanding of body sciences, oriental medicine and the martial arts can be experienced in the classroom.

Maureen Malone, HHP

Instructor

Maureen is a Board-Certified Massage Therapist, a Certified Yoga and Dance Teacher, and Licensed Cosmetologist. She received extensive training from the Lady of Lourdes Institute of Holistic Studies and studied with Pamela West in Myofascial Structural Bodywork. Maureen completes her specialization through training in Shiatsu, deep tissue, Reiki and Cranial Sacral techniques. She has also studied with Michael Buck in Thai Yoga Massage from the Vedic Conservatory, Aromatherapy with Gary Young Essential Oils. She has undergone yoga training with Vaijhandra Pratap, and John Diminic in Classical Astanga yoga, having participated in an extensive 5-year Teaching Certification Program in Pennsylvania. Maureen has integrated her dance training with Astanga and Vinyasa Yoga to create a movement modality designed to strengthen the body, restore flexibility, and install peace in the body and mind. Through her unique blend of treatment/teaching modalities, Maureen incorporates aromatherapy, yoga, massage therapy, and meditation to promote personal growth and positive self-awareness. Her leadership in wellness is demonstrated by her commitment to share her extensive knowledge and experience with others. 

Instructor

Jennifer McIsaac, MT is a nationally certified massage therapist and Reiki Master.  She has been practicing in San Diego since 2003.  She received her initial massage training at The School of Healing Arts in Pacific Beach.  Since then, Jennifer has taken advanced courses in Craniosacral Therapy and Neuromeningeal Manipulation from the Upledger Institute and Barral Institute, respectively. In addition to her massage training, Jennifer has also earned a bachelor's of science degree in Biology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where she studied immunology, molecular biology, cell physiology, and biochemistry.  Her innate desire to learn has helped fueled her passion for seeking new and innovative techniques to help her clients achieve the level of health they desire.

Jessyca Osborn, LMT
Instructor

Jessyca Osborn received her undergraduate studies in English at San Diego State University in San Diego, California and received her massage training at Body Mind College in San Diego as well. Jessyca worked at the Chopra Center for five years where she received 200 hours of training in Ayurveda including Abhyanga, Vishesh, Shirodhara and other treatments included in the practice of Panchakarma. At the Beauty Kliniek Aromatherapy Day Spa and Wellness Center in San Diego, Jessyca specializes in Ayurvedic massages, Shirodhara, deep tissue massage, hydrotherapy, Indian Head Massage, Marma Point work, cellulite treatment, and is fully trained in many other spa treatments from around the world including Ayurvedic treatments. She also has an in depth knowledge of aromatherapy as it applies to Ayurvedic healing and individual doshas.

Jennifer Peterson, HHP
Instructor

Jennifer has her Bachelor of Arts Degree from UCLA, and received her Holistic Health Practitioner training from Mueller College of Holistic Studies in San Diego in 1998. She is the head of the massage and spa department at the Beauty Kliniek Aromatherapy Day Spa and Wellness Center, and specializes in therapies such as Lomi Ka ala Hoku massage, La Stone Therapy, Ayurvedic Massage, aromatherapy, reflexology, detoxifying body therapies and neuromuscular release work.

Timothy is a wonderful teacher who guides new students into the world of bodywork, massage theory and techniques. He helps new students become aware of the important energy exchange between practitioner and receiver. He teaches techniques in Tai Chi and energy movement during massage therapy to prevent self-injury and create a more beneficial massage experience. These techniques combine to create a safer, effective massage treatment. Timothy also teaches a class in Deep Tissue massage techniques during which he shares his deep understanding of body mechanics and physiology. He loves teaching this class because it incorporates the discipline of anatomy, physiology and pathology. Students say they enjoy his class because of the relaxed atmosphere and Timothy's enthusiasm for teaching practical methods of body sciences.

After surviving a life threatening cervical fracture in Aprill 1993, Roberta began her journey into the field of bodywork. It is because of this injury and her professional working experience, that she has an abundance of knowledge and empathy in the areas of cervical and spinal therapies. Through her own personal and professional experiences, she shares her joy for life and the awareness needed to be a centered and peaceful bodyworker. She is a seasoned traveler of Baja California, where she spends her “off time” surfing and caring for those less fortunate. She brings a wealth of energy, compassion and experience in the areas she teaches. Students say they enjoy Roberta’s classes because she is down to earth, has a wonderful teaching style and treats each student as a unique and special individual.

Kris W. Trulock, HHP, NCTMB, CNC
Instructor

Kris graduated from the School of Healing Arts as both practitioner and instructor of Zen Shiatsu, Asian Bodywork Therapies and Nutrition. Previously debilitated with chronic pain, Kris was awakened by a Reiki healing and compelled to help others heal.  He opened his Zenzations™ practice in 1999 integrating ancient healing theory, nutritional intervention, with Asian and Western therapies to treat people with chronic conditions. Kris' witty enthusiasm for life serves to empower students, practitioners and clients in discovering their own healing process.  His unique skills come from an extensive observational background of more than three decades of recognized excellence in bio-medical imaging research.  He continues to support key neuroscientists at the Salk Institute working to understand the pathology of stress on the human body.

Directors

Dean, PDSO

Dr. June Sekito, DC, LAc, DOM, CTN

Administrative Assistants     

Model Manuel
Administrator, Admissions, Registrar,

Veterans Record Clerk, VA Certifying Official, DSO

Chie McAvoy
Administrative Assistant, Bookkeeper, DSO

Chie McAvoy, Model Manuel, Dr. June Sekito