Manuela Di Giorgio
Auckland,AUK
Summary
I am passionate about art, dance, and therapeutic work. Over the past four years, I have been studying and exploring a range of therapeutic modalities that have helped me understand myself on a deeper level.
I integrate Dance/Movement Therapy, Compassionate Inquiry, TRE®, and various mindfulness practices into my work, supporting individuals in reconnecting with themselves, expressing their emotions, and moving through meaningful change.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Volunteer Elder Care
Metlifecare, Powley Retirement Village
09.2025 - Current
- Facilitation of weekly Dance Movement Therapy inspired sessions for older adults, including residents living with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and mobility challenges.
- Planning and guiding gentle movement sessions tailored to residents’ abilities and needs
- Using music, rhythm, props, and imagery to encourage physical mobility, emotional expression, social connection, and overall wellbeing.
- Supporting residents to improve mood, reduce stress, and enhance body awareness
- Adapting activities for cognitive and physical limitations
- Observing group dynamics and responding to individual needs with sensitivity
- Collaborating with care staff to ensure safety and comfort during sessions
Support Therapist
Somawise Healing Lab
09.2023 - Current
- Supported individuals and groups during retreats through somatic and movement-based practices to enhance emotional wellbeing and self-connection.
- Helped design and guide personalized movement and self-awareness experiences based on participants’ needs, comfort levels, and emotional state.
- Facilitated mindfulness, grounding, and embodied exploration activities, integrating evidence-informed approaches from Dance/Movement Therapy, TRE, Yoga and Compassionate Inquiry.
- Worked collaboratively with retreat organizers and facilitators to create a cohesive, supportive, and safe environment for participants.
Intern Dance 4 Us and STARS
DTNZ, Dance Therapy New Zealand
02.2024 - 12.2025
- Second Assistant & Lead Assistant role: facilitation of dance and movement-based sessions for adults, young people and children with diverse needs (intellectual disabilities, autism, neurological conditions, and physical challenges).
- Assisting in the planning and delivery of structured dance/movement activities focused on creativity, self-expression, social connection, and wellbeing through movement.
- Supporting the Lead Therapist in guiding group exercises, warm-ups, creative exploration, and cool-downs
- Providing individualised support to participants to help them engage safely and confidently
- Encouraging social interaction, communication, and emotional expression through movement
- Observing participants’ responses and adapting activities to their needs and abilities
- Ensuring a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all group members
- Setting up and packing down equipment and props
- Collaborating regularly with the therapeutic team and attending supervision for reflective practice
Yoga and Wellness Teacher
Maruia Hot Springs
01.2021 - Current
- Yoga Teacher: Yin Yoga and Foundational Yinyasa Yoga
- Sauna Infusion Master: Guiding and Facilitating Contrast Therapy
- Dance Movement Therapy: Facilitated group sessions focused on personal growth and self-reflection, fostering a deeper understanding of the connection between mind and body.
- Facilitated wellness classes focusing on mindfulness and relaxation techniques.
Assistant, Intern Support
Refugio de Los Volcanes
2023 - 10.2024
- Holding Space for “Somatic Immersion” Retreat, which included Plant Medicine Ceremonies, Contrast Therapy, Yoga, Meditation and Family Constellation work with horses
Dance Teacher
Auckland
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Dance Teacher of Salsa and Bachata by school “Passion por Tango”
- Dance Teacher for Ormiston Community Center
Volunteer
ANT, Association for the Prevention and Fight Against Cancer
09.2015 - 04.2018
- Promotion and retail sales to support fundraising for the association.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Excellent communication skills
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
Education
Diploma - Dance Movement Therapy
Dance Therapy Training Aotearoa
New Zealand02-2026
Certification Training - TRE, Tension Release Exercises
TRE Australia
Australia12-2025
Facilitation Training - Innerdance
Innerdance Trust
10-2025
Year Long Training - Therapy
Compassionate Inquiry
03-2025
Certificate - Essential of Yin Yoga
Yoga International
09-2022
Certificate - Art Therapy
Centre of Excellence
06-2022
Skills
- Friendly, positive attitude
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Flexible and adaptable
- Active listening
- Organization and time management
LANGUAGES
English & Italian
INTERESTS
Dancing, cooking, hiking, Art Therapy
Timeline
Volunteer Elder Care
Metlifecare, Powley Retirement Village
09.2025 - Current
Intern Dance 4 Us and STARS
DTNZ, Dance Therapy New Zealand
02.2024 - 12.2025
Support Therapist
Somawise Healing Lab
09.2023 - Current
Dance Teacher
Auckland
01.2022 - 01.2023
Yoga and Wellness Teacher
Maruia Hot Springs
01.2021 - Current
Volunteer
ANT, Association for the Prevention and Fight Against Cancer
09.2015 - 04.2018
Assistant, Intern Support
Refugio de Los Volcanes
2023 - 10.2024
Diploma - Dance Movement Therapy
Dance Therapy Training Aotearoa
Certification Training - TRE, Tension Release Exercises
TRE Australia
Facilitation Training - Innerdance
Innerdance Trust
Year Long Training - Therapy
Compassionate Inquiry
Certificate - Essential of Yin Yoga
Yoga International
Certificate - Art Therapy
Centre of Excellence