A former gymnast of 14 years, and an accomplished triathlete herself: Gina raced in the Ironman World Championships in Kona, HI in October of 2006. She treats on site at Ironman events nationwide and is the provider of choice for many of the nation’s and worlds top Ironman triathletes.

Gina received her Bachelor’s in Communication Studies and Masters in Physical Therapy from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI, where she served for more than 8 years on the USA Gymnastics National Health Care Referral Network; providing medical care at meets and lecturing. Currently, Gina takes care of many of our nation’s top gymnasts, including local Elites, National Team members, World Team competitors, NCAA Champions, Olympians, and Pan American Champions.

Before starting her PT career, Gina obtained a Masters in Health Communication from Michigan State University in order to broaden her education and knowledge of health care campaigns, patient-practitioner interaction, and the art of “marketing” health to her patients. While at MSU, she served as an Asst. Women’s Gymnastics coach.

Through school and after, Gina had focused on all levels of athletes and became nationally and internationally recognized as a leading lecturer, educator, and researcher. She has presented over 100 lectures for coaches, parents, gyms, and athletes on various aspects of health care. She has been published in “Technique Magazine” for gymnastics professionals and coaches nationwide, is a Medical Editor for “Inside Publications”, whose disciplines include gymnastics, dance, cheerleading and volleyball. She also writes for “Irish Dancing and Culture Magazine”, as well a medical blogger/contributor for adolescent, adult, and women’s health through “Shannon Miller Lifestyle” online.

Gina has also co-written the only American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) approved manual and course on performing arts medicine: recognized worldwide. Her Performing Arts Medicine specialization includes treatment on site of Broadway touring theater musicals and local productions. Analysis, assessment, treatment, injury prevention, program creation and tour health longevity are focuses of her time with the performers. She has been privileged to work with shows such as “Mary Poppins National Tour, Jersey Boys Chicago, A Chorus Line - National Tour, Fiddler on the Roof - National Tour, Memphis, Shrek - National Tour, the Billy Elliott National Touring Company, Motown, and The Book of Mormon”.

Gina focuses on manual therapy/hands on techniques in combination with in depth analysis of biomechanics and movement patterns. She is fully certified and serves as an instructor with Active Release Techniques, based in Colorado, the leading elite technique for soft tissue-based and overuse injuries. Gina is currently focused on both treatment and education.

In 2007 Gina started her own business: MedGym, LLC and has expanded it via websites, blogs, publications, and educational seminars, focusing on “Gymnastics Sports Medicine for Me,” a course directed at educating gymnastics coaches on the importance of injury prevention and proactive healthcare. Locally, she provides physical therapy and movement analysis, strength program creation, flexibility assessment and sport-specific biomechanics education. Gina works with many local figure skating and cheerleading clubs, dance studios, gymnastics gyms, and musicians as well as endurance sports clubs and more while providing PT services in the Chicagoland Suburbs with Achieve Orthopedic Rehab Institute.

Gina resides in the suburbs of Chicago and enjoys working out, theater and music, and spending time with her husband and three children and dog, Bucky!

Joel Franco tells compelling stories with an elegant voice, a crisp Italian sensibility and beautiful pictures. Franco’s experience, vision and intensity bring leadership, heart, and an eye for detail to his films. His understanding of the human condition and his passion for authenticity combine to create artistic, highly commercial works that draw the audience in and make them feel. Franco’s genuine desire to protect the integrity of each story and to bring out the best in the actors and crew have made him a trusted source for getting the job done. Colleagues trust his refreshing character and understand that he is a man of commitment and does what he says he will do, when he says he will do it.

Joel Franco was born in Italy and came to the United States in his late teens where he quickly immersed himself in American culture and film. According to Franco, “I have always admired American films. The American school of acting has a long history of producing great actors and I wanted to be a part of the world of film–a place where captivating stories are unveiled. The creation of film plays into my strengths: I love that magic is the result of the creative process. There must be passion to nurture the momentum of the story. And one must have intense focus to get the job done.” 

Influenced by American filmmaker Sidney Lumet for his vigorous storytelling and Italian director Robert Rossellini for his social realism, Franco is dedicated to staying true to the story in a fast paced, realistic and refined style. 

In 2006, Franco partnered with Solidaris LLC to found Chesapeake Films, LLC. Chesapeake Films has option agreements to produce several feature films and plans to produce two features per year in-house and to collaborate with established film companies for additional opportunities.

Joel Franco is a graduate of University of Maryland/Baltimore, a graduate of the USC-Universal Producing and Directing Program, and holds an M.F.A. in film production from the School of Film and Television at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles.

joelfranco@youthsports-themovie.com