Dr. DiFrancesco’s early education started in his hometown of Stoney Creek, Ontario. He graduated as valedictorian of his elementary school and proceeded to graduate from high school with a 96% average. During these years he developed his natural athletic abilities through sport and achieved certification with the National Lifeguard Service of Canada. He became aware of his own health and fitness and the need to always be attentive to diet, conditioning and good health practices.

After secondary school, Dr. DiFrancesco was selected for one of 40 seats from amongst 1000 applicants into the Queen's University Physiotherapy Program and upon graduation in 2000 he became a member of both the Canadian and Ontario Physiotherapy Associations. He practiced this branch of medicine throughout his four years of study at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. In June 2005, he graduated as a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.), one of a select few in Ontario attaining licensure in both the disciplines of Physiotherapy and Chiropractic.

Armed with two professional healthcare degrees, Dr. DiFrancesco attained certification in Clinical Acupuncture with the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute and in Orthotic prescription with The Orthotic Group. He is a life-long learner, always interested in new and alternative approaches to health and wellness.

Many experiences in Dr. DiFrancesco’s life have contributed to his knowledge including his travels. He left for Banff, Alberta at 18 to experience Rocky Mountain skiing. He traveled to South Korea to teach English at a ski camp. He was handpicked from amongst his peers by the International Center for the Advancement of Community Based Rehabilitation to be a student Physiotherapist in Sarajevo, Bosnia providing training to local Physiotherapists and care to the war-torn population. After his third year at CMCC he and his wife traveled for eleven months to fulfill a dream to see the world. All of these have broadened his outlook on life and deepened his interactions with his patients.

An appreciation for wellness was expanded during Dr. DiFrancesco’s work with the special needs population in his community. He worked as a personal support worker for a man with severe autism and epilepsy and as a “note-taker” for a blind student at university. Rygiel Homes for the Disabled hired him as a support worker for multiply disabled adults and recently as a consultant to provide in-service training to staff. Dr. DiFrancesco has a natural affinity for people with disabilities and strives to make their lives better.

Dr. DiFrancesco’s easy rapport with children, peers, adults, seniors and patients is one of his great qualities. His charisma makes patients comfortable and his effective clinical skills make them confident. His interpersonal skills and problem solving ability are assets that have always stood him in good stead. He strives to reach his potential as witnessed by the numerous awards received (outlined below). Dr. DiFrancesco has always been able to balance all aspects of his busy life…education, employment, marriage, children, community, sports and leisure. He is a well-rounded individual who knows the importance of a healthy, pain-free existence if all facets of living are to be enjoyed.

• CMCC Governor's Club Award - excellence in academics, leadership and service
• Millennium Scholar 2000-2003
• Queen's University Academic Scholarship
• Miller Thompson Foundation Scholarship - strong educational goals and high standards of excellence in academics, extracurricular and community involvement
• Teacher's Fraternal Society Scholarship - academic performance, school involvement and community activities that demonstrated leadership and good citizenship qualities
• H.G. Bertram Foundation Bursary
• Ontario General Bursary
• Bishop Tonnos Gold Medal Graduation Award - academic excellence, school involvement and promoting the goals of Cardinal Newman High School