Erin Maranjian’s Training and Certifications

Established in 1999, the Integrative Medicine Service at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center complements mainstream medical care by addressing the physical and emotional symptoms associated with cancer and its treatment. The breadth of the work done at the service has gained it international recognition as a model program. The Integrative Medicine Service also has a roster of funded laboratory research and clinical trials and offers multiple on-site and Web-based training programs for professionals.

The Oncology Massage Therapy program provides massage therapists with a basic understanding of integrative oncology. It details the pathophysiology, mainstream treatment, and side effects associated with malignant diseases, including breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer, as well as lymphoma, leukemia, and other cancer diagnoses. Massage therapists leave this course with an understanding of the knowledge and skills required for providing massage therapy for the cancer population.

Institute of Structural and Integrative Somatics offers advanced coursework for massage therapists in neuromuscular therapy and medical massage.  In addition to a one-year program in advanced coursework, workshops covering topics including Sacro-Iliac Joint Dysfunction, Breathing Pattern Disorders, and Fibromyalgia are offered.  These courses incorporate teachings of Ida Rolf, Paul St. John, Dr. Leon Chaitow and the Alexander technique.

Mission Statement:  To foster high standards of ethical and professional practice in the delivery of services through a recognized, credible, credentialing program that assures the competency of practitioners of therapeutic massage and bodywork.

The Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) is a non-profit corporation composed of healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, massage therapists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists experienced in the field of Lymphology and lymphedema. They have acknowledged the need for a national certification examination for lymphedema therapists, to test knowledge considered fundamental in the treatment of lymphedema.

The National Lymphedema Network is an internationally recognized non-profit organization founded in 1988 to provide education and guidance to lymphedema patients, health care professionals, and the general public by disseminating information on the prevention and management of primary and secondary lymphedema. The NLN is supported by tax-deductible donations and is a driving force behind the movement in the US to standardize quality treatment for lymphedema patients nationwide. In addition, the NLN supports research into the causes and possible alternative treatments for this often incapacitating, long-neglected condition.

The most extensive program available in North America (167 classroom hours). Our emphasis is on developing excellent hand skills in a positive learning environment with certified instructors. We are the only Vodder School in North America and teach the original Dr. Vodder method of Manual Lymph Drainage.  Dr. Vodder School and Academy is the only program that teaches the original, unadulterated version of the Vodder technique. Our school aims for excellence in our hands, precision, and lightness in our touch.

In 1998, I received my initial training and certification at Healing Arts Institute in Fort Collins, Colorado.