Our Mission
At Preserva Institute, we provide evidence-based education and hands-on training for medical and wellness professionals. We prepare therapists, estheticians, and licensed practitioners to advance their careers in spa, med spa, and medical settings through specialized programs and continuing education.
Our Goal
Our goal is to equip our students with the practical skills, professional confidence, and clinical knowledge needed to succeed in today’s growing wellness and medical industries. We are committed to fostering a supportive learning environment that empowers every graduate to thrive, lead, and make a lasting impact in their field.
Meet the team
Michelle Rice, founder of “Preserva Institute”, is a physical therapist with over twenty years of experience and specializes in breast cancer rehabilitation. She graduated from Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor Degree in Human and Organizational Development and received her Masters of Science degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Miami School of Medicine. She has extensive knowledge in manual therapies and incorporates craniosacral therapy, myofascial release, trigger point release, soft tissue mobilization, scar release, manual lymph drainage, yoga, breath control and relaxation techniques into her treatments. She is a certified lymphedema therapist and yoga instructor.
She owns Preserva Therapy Med Spa where she provides personalized outpatient therapy treatment to women and men on their path to recovery after cancer.
Michelle Rice PT, MSPT, CLT, RYT
Head Teacher
Vicki Martin graduated from South University in WPB with an AS as a physical therapy assistant. Before becoming a PTA in 2007 she became a massage therapist in 1995 and worked with an Orthopedic and Neurology practice to get her physical therapy experience. She brings more than 20 years of experience with specialties in manual therapy, pain management, orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation and cancer recovery care. She specializes in breast cancer recovery and is lymphedema certified and helps by teaching survivors and therapists to prevent and conquer the side effects after breast cancer.
Vicki lives in Lake Placid with her husband and two children and is a native to South Florida. She and her husband have been certified foster parents over 5 years and lead a Foster/Adoption Support Group at their church. In her spare time, she loves being outdoors and sharing her time with her children, family and community.
Vicki Martin PTA, LMT, CLT
Teacher Assistant
Harley Velasquez LPN, LMT
Teacher Assistant
Giovanni Notaristefano
Operations Manager
