Francesca  is the Founder of Shen Mantra Training and Philosophia Botanica. 

She first became interested in holistic therapies 30 years ago while traveling through Southeast Asia and Australia. Seeing how the majority of the world uses more traditional methods such as herbs, body work & spiritual practices to heal the Mind and Body was an eye opener to her.

Thailand is where her love affair and passion for holistic healing in all forms began and where she has spent extended periods of time immersing herself in the culture by traveling to it twice every year for the last decade to continue to develop her skills and knowledge. She has had the honor and privilege to be guided and taught by wonderful Teachers all over the world, who shared their knowledge and wisdom with her beyond textbooks. She has studied in class and one-to-one with various Masters throughout Thailand, England and Australia both formally and informally accruing thousands of training hours.

Her journey began in the northern hills of Chiang Mai where she studied under the guidance of a Buddhist Monk that passed her not just the practical knowledge, but the spiritualism of Thai Buddhism. She then studied from Master of Thai Massage, Chongkol Setthakorn, at the Institute of Thai Massage (I.T.M.) in Chiang Mai, Thailand, receiving certification in the Advanced Levels of Traditional Thai Massage, Nuad Borarn (Northern Style). She studied extensively one-to-one with Master Lek Chaiya   where she received certification in Traditional Thai Herbal Massage and "Jap-Sen", Nerve Touch Massage (Southern Style). She has also trained at Wat Po, Bangkok, the T.M.C School of Chiang Mai, and with a traditional Lanna Teacher, as well as numerous minor schools and teachers all over the country.

A Chinese medicine practitioner that holds various I.T.E.C. Diplomas as well as been professionally qualified to teach and holds a valid 'City & Guilds' Teacher Trainer Diploma. She is currently finishing a Bachelor of Science (BSc) Degree in Herbalism, as well as having studied Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture.

Francesca teaches the PRO ADVANCED GUA SHA Course, and all the TCM courses, as well as the YTTT (Thai Yoga Course Teacher Training).  She is currently writing a book on the Thai Sen Lines and facial mapping. 

Having studied and worked worldwide she feels dedicated and committed to share and offer her experience and knowledge and feels eternally grateful to all those who have supported, guided and believed in her. She takes a holistic view of well-being, healing and life and belief that one cannot be separated from the other. Daily meditation, exercise, a healthy diet and yoga practice help her to center herself, focus and connect to the moment. 

She is a founding Member of the Italian Federation of Traditional Thai Massage , a proud Ambassador and supporter of Global Wellness Day, a member of the UK Spa Association and FederSpa.