leticia allen, pioneer, innovator & founder of atlanta...
TRANSCRIPT
From Pioneer to InnovatorFounded 32 years ago, Atlanta School
of Massage (ASM) became Georgia’s first massage school. Fast forward to the year 2012 and co-founder and owner Leticia Allen’s mission to see massage as “readily available as a haircut” has been accomplished. From day one, it has been the school’s mission to nurture its roots, but also plant new seeds. This year, ASM welcomes its newest addition, a personal training program, thus fulfilling a com-plete wellness education in massage, esthetics, and fitness. Leticia’s vision and tender pruning has allowed ASM to grow up and blossom into a highly respected institute that is brimming and abuzz with holistic life. Built on a foundation of inclusion, diversity, and positive interac-tion between students, associates, and our communities, ASM embodies mutual respect. Our high standards, reputa-tion, dedicated management team, and passionate instructors contribute to the longevity and success of Atlanta School of Massage.
On May 21, 2011, Leticia Allen received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the American Massage Conference. Her contributions to the industry and to well-
ness education have been profound, but that doesn’t mean she is less present on campus. Quite often, you will see Leticia checking in with the new stu-dents, or hugging the soon-to-be gradu-ates as they take their final steps through the ASM hallways.
Our StudentsOn the first day of school students and
instructors discuss the sacred trust and respect that will be invested in each other as they embark on the journey of self-discovery. Students are taught to embrace their role as healers providing nurturing and compassionate touch, one human to another. Since 2007, ASM has made major strides in the eyes of our students. Just before graduation, students submit pro-gram evaluations to let us know how we are doing and how we can improve. We ask the question “Would you recommend our school to a close friend or relative?” In 2007, 76% said yes. Today 94% say yes.
In This IssueLeticia Allen, Innovator & Founder of Atlanta School of Massage . . . . . 1, 4 & 6Letter from the President . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Welcome New Members! . . . . . 3 & 5Newsletter Information . . . . . . . . 3 & 4Chapter Calendar . . . . . . 5How Can Your Cat Help Grow Your Business? . . . 7Member HIGHLIGHT: The Right Touch for Cancer Patients . . . . 8 & 9A Recent Visit to Georgia . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Thank you Georgia Chapter . . . . . . 11Elevate 2012 in Raleigh Report . . . . . 12The Rossiter System: CEU Class Registration 13 Elevate 2012: Photos HIGHLIGHTS . . . . 14 & 15A Message from the PSRC Chair . . 16, 17 & 19It’s Election Time . . . . . . 182012 House of Delegates Meeting at the National Convention . . . . . . . . . . 20The Outreach Corner . . . 21A Call for Awards . 22 & 23Women in the Massage Profession . . . . . . . 24 & 25Linda Osborne’s Tribute 26February Chapter Meeting Information . . . . . . . . . .27
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2013 © AMTA Georgia Chapter
Leticia Allen, Pioneer, Innovator & Founder of Atlanta School of Massage By Selena Anduze and Edie Morton
Georgia Chapter
2 AMTA Georgia Chapter - Newsletter January 2013
I am re-writing my President’s Letter because just four hours ago I was informed that Linda Osborne, our Secretary, had passed away. I know I speak for our entire Board of Directors and Chapter
members when I say that we are shocked and grieved by her sudden passing. We wish to convey our heartfelt sorrow to her family at this time.
Linda Osborne came into this life with a light, and a nurturing spirit that drew you into her arms with a hug and a blessing. Her smile would lift you up in the darkest of hours. Linda enjoyed life to the fullest and was known to help others before herself. During her tenure at ASHA, she inspired the lives of numerous massage students. She encouraged them, gave her support, and was a mentor to many. She imparted to them what she felt was the most important aspect of Massage Therapy, to have passion for your work and compassion for your clients.
Linda was a wonderful dear friend to me, and so many others. Please join with me in remembering her today. Like many of us, Linda was a Reiki Master and followed the Reiki principles in her life.
Just for Today, Let Go of Anger. Just for Today, Let Go of Worry. Just for Today, Do your Work Honestly. Just for Today, Be Kind to all Living Things. Just for Today, Give Thanks for your many Blessings.
Thank you, Linda, for touching my life and the lives of so many others. Our lives have been made better by your presence in them. We miss you already.
Terri Barton
Letter from the President
AMTA Georgia Chapter
4 Coosawattee Ave., Suite C Rome, Georgia 30165
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Terri Barton president@amtaga .org
First Vice President . . . . . . . . .Ben Glosson 1stvp@amtaga .org
Second Vice President . . . . . Cindy Farrar 2ndvp@amtaga .org
Third Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OPEN
Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Toni Roberts secretary@amtaga .org
Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sue Stanley treasurer@amtaga .org
Membership Secretary . . . .Loyce Kemp membership@amtaga .org
COMMITTEE CONTACTS
Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CJ Lowe awards@amtaga .org
Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cindy Farrar 2ndvp@amtaga .org
Fundraising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ben Glosson fundraising@amtaga .org
Government Relations . . . .Ben Glosson gr@amtaga .org
Meeting Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OPEN meetingplanning@amtaga .org
Newsletter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sue Stanley newsletter@amtaga .org
Nominating . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Lou Ross nominating@amtaga .org
Outreach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ben Glosson outreach@amtaga .org
e-Communications . . . . . . . . . Toni Roberts e-communications@amtaga .org
Hand in Hand, Together, We Lead the Way. 3
Welcome Members From August Thru November of 2012
2013 Newsletter InformationThe AMTA Georgia Chapter Newsletter, Hands On Georgia, is published three times annually by volunteer members. We reserve the right to alter accepted articles for grammar, syntax, available space, relevance to the Chapter and the profession of massage. Advertisers should reference the AMTA “Advertising Guidelines” online at http://www.amtamassage.org/media/adpolicy.html
Opinions expressed in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the newsletter staff, the Georgia Chapter, or the AMTA.
1. Articles, classified ads, and calendar listings must be received in legible form by the publication deadlines to be included. Microsoft Word format only. PDF is also acceptable.
2. Display ads may be submitted (to size specs see below) electronically in pdf or jpg file format ONLY.
3. Payment must accompany a printed copy of articles and ads. Along with your ad copy, please enclose a check in the correct amount, payable to: AMTA Georgia Chapter and, mail to: AMTA-Georgia Chapter 4 Coosawattee Avenue, Suite C Rome, GA 30165.
Professional MembersAugust 2012Kaveri Cornett . . . . . . . . . . . . Cumming
Whitney Katherine Kuriger . . . . . . . . . . . Atlanta
Marlies Lang . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alpharetta
Toni J. Pevey . . . . . . . . . . . .Milledgeville
Sloane Allison Warren . . . . . . . Marietta
Jazmine Bernice Anderson . . . . . . . . . . . Columbus
Christy Clark . . . . . . . . . . .Lawrenceville
Ulrike Helene Goepelt . . . . . . . Atlanta
Lacey Heinzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .White
Katherine Victoria Johnson . . . . . . . . . . Columbus
Mucahit Turan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Newnan
September 2012Jennifer M. Eckert . . . . . . . . . . . Augusta
Kimberly Lee Kuykendall . . . . . . Milton
October 2012Lisa Theone Bennett . . . . . . . . Decatur
Shaheen Bharde . . . . . . . . . . Alpharetta
Marla Brettel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Albany
Stacy Dawn Duke . . . . . . . . . . . . Roswell
Laura Pierce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marietta
Victoria Elena Pipia . . . . . . . . .Acworth
Brandy R. Ponder . . . . . . . . . . . . . Griffin
MaryJo Rollins . . . . . . . . . . . Cumming November 2012
Stacey R. Baker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Athens
Chunhui Ji . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Atlanta
Yingjiu Liu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Norcross
Tynina Reaves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Albany
Jinjin Tan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Atlanta
Xueming Yin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Doraville
Professional TransfersAugust 2012Tiana Allen . . . . . . . . . . . Sandy Springs from Illinois
Mary L. Burke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Atlanta from North Carolina
Debra Ann Duddy . . . . . . . . Columbus from Hawaii
Cynthia M. Kauppi . . . . .Lawrenceville from Virginia
Marcy Jean L’Hommedieu .Savannah from INTL
Liyun Qian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Suwanee
from Alabama
September 2012Katherine Bonvillian . . Peachtree City from Ohio
Sara Pintor Gartland . . . . . . . . Decatur from New York
Sarah Whiteside . . . . . . . . . . . Suwanee
from North Carolina
October 2012Tracie Housel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Norcross
from Louisiana
November 2012Joanna Knight . . . . . . . . . . . . Alpharetta from California
Marastella Alane Mercer . . . . . Atlanta from Indiana
Lyle Richard Pack . . . . . . . White Plains from Kentucky
Connie Alicia Rountree . . .Springfield from Washington
continues on page 5 >>>
New Members
Leticia Allen, Pioneer, Innovator & Founder of Atlanta School of Massage Continues
4 AMTA Georgia Chapter - Newsletter January 2013
Our Partnership with Emory UniversityAtlanta School of Massage was the first
massage school to partner with Emory University in research on the benefits of massage therapy. In 2006 the first partnered study confirmed that Neu-romuscular Therapy had beneficial effects on patients with Parkinson’s disease. This major contribution was made possible by Leticia Allen, who provided vision, commitment and the necessary funding for a success-ful study. The two partnered again in September of 2011 to study the biological effects of massage therapy on individuals with General Anxiety Disorder. Currently ASM research mas-sage therapists are working with Mark Hyman Rapaport, MD, chair of the Emory Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. “Since Dr. Rapa-port’s arrival at Emory last September, our school has worked extensively with his research group to develop training tools, establish research pro-tocols, and provide professional and reliable research trained staff to ensure the successful completion of mas-sage research protocols at Emory,” said Leticia Allen. It is an exciting time to be an integral part of the research that so richly impacts the future of the well-ness industry.ASM graduate, Jim Nettles, PhD. has
been an instrumental part of the cur-rent partnership and research. Jim recounts his journey from ASM stu-dent to Assistant Professor, Depart-ment of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine:
“I started at ASM in the early 80s, be-fore massage was popular in Georgia. Shortly after graduating, I became the lead therapist at a health club in the Savannah area. My practice was a fu-sion of deep muscle, energy work, and structural integration that also includ-ed nutritional and wellness counseling. I was convinced massage had more potential as a healing modality: I want-ed to know why it worked for some people, and didn’t work for others. Accordingly, I went back to school to study the relationship between body/mind. This past year I was delighted to help the Atlanta School of Massage establish a research relationship with Emory’s Psychiatry Department. Thirty years since I graduated from ASM, I’m still excited to be involved with mas-sage therapy research. The healthcare community is increasingly looking for alternative approaches, and ASM is aligned and committed as a leader in this important work.”
Our GraduatesTai Scott Ponder, graduate and former
assistant teacher, reflects on his experi-ence: “I entered ASM with big dreams of a successful private practice, but I never imagined that this shy introvert would be working with professional athletes, pop singers, and cast mem-bers from major TV networks. My most rewarding role is being able to work with individuals living with HIV, sickle cell anemia, Parkinson’s, cancer survi-vors, and victims of domestic violence. The positive energy and support that lives in the walls of ASM makes a
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Cover Story
continues on page 6 >>>
Hand in Hand, Together, We Lead the Way. 5
Chapter Calendar
February 23rd- 24th Annual Meeting/Elections BOD Meeting 11:15am Education Class: The Rossiter System Atlanta School of Massage
March 29th - 31st BOD Retreat TBA
April 25th - 27th 2013 International Massage Therapy Research Conference Boston, MA
June 22nd - 23rd Chapter Meeting Education Class offered TBA
September 11th - 13th AMTA Nation Convention Fort Worth Convention Center Fort Worth, Texas
October 26th - 27th Chapter Meeting & Education TBA
Graduate StudentsAugust 2012Jazmine Bernice Anderson Miller-Motte College
Christy Clark Augusta School of Massage, Inc.
Ulrike Helene Goepelt Atlanta School of Massage
Lacey Heinzer Gwinnett College - Sandy Springs
Katherine Victoria Johnson Advanced Massage Therapeutics
Mucahit Turan Academy of Somatic Healing Arts
September 2012Lindsey Farmer Gwinnett College - Sandy Springs
Rachel Ann Fuqua Georgia Northwestern Tech College Yasmine Marie Minnifield Gwinnett College - Sandy Springs
Marja Montague Gwinnett College - Sandy Springs
Kevin Rupert Atlanta School of Massage
Sheri A. Saluto Pioneer Pacific College
October 2012Deborah Denise Benefield Virginia College Augusta
Grace Falldine Atlanta School of Massage
Kristen E. Goard Everest Institute - Norcross
Edwanna Renee Hugley Georgia Career Institute
Shawnda Kettle Virginia College Augusta
William Mosby Atlanta School of Massage
Phebe D. Nabors Georgia Career Institute
Briseida Perez Charter College
Mica Toczynski Gwinnett College - Sandy Springs
November 2012Byron Anderson Georgia Career Institute
Stephen Hunter Everest Institute Abigail Kahala Remington College - Honolulu Campus Precious Mathews Sanford Brown Institute-Atlanta
New StudentsNovember 2012Marvin Baldwin Gwinnett College - Sandy Springs
Elizabeth Garske Gwinnett College - Sandy Springs
Cynthia Morris Atlanta School of Massage
Phillip Watson Gwinnett College - Sandy Springs
Welcome Members continues
New Members
6 AMTA Georgia Chapter - Newsletter January 2013
Cover Story
Leticia Allen, Pioneer, Innovator & Founder of Atlanta School of Massage Continues
dream possible. I am so grateful to be one of the recipients of their uncondi-tional love and I am proud to pay it for-ward as I take steps into the unknown.” Claudia Cano attributes her educa-
tion at ASM to her incredible career as a massage therapist: “ASM’s great team offered a better mind-body pro-gram, an amazing facility, and a track record that surpassed the competi-tion. Upon graduation I worked for a medical doctor, made private house calls, and worked in a physical therapy clinic. Two years later, I opened my own practice that was successful for a decade. In 2002, I moved to Los An-geles where I was hired as a full-time therapist at a spa on Sunset Boule-vard. I worked with magazine editors, numerous celebrities, actors, directors, musicians, super models, athletes, and authors. But I have to say that working with Deepak Chopra is one of my ca-reer highlights! Thanks to the training I received at ASM, I have always felt extremely confident in my work. More importantly, I was instructed to use proper body mechanics and self-care that has allowed me to have a lucra-tive and successful career that I have so enjoyed for over 20 years.”
Our Sustainability Commitment Atlanta School of Massage promotes
and cultivates the vital connections between personal well-being, eco-nomic sustainability, and the health of our planet. The responsibility we have as stewards of the earth to live within our means, without compromising the needs of future generations, is a motivator for Leticia Allen. ASM has
lowered its environmental footprint through water and energy conserva-tion, waste reduction, and recycling. “Our students are the massage therapists, estheticians, and personal trainers of the future. Sustainability education provides them with the knowledge and skills that will enable them to be agents of change in their industries” said Leticia Allen.Today many spas are leading the way
in sustainable business practices. Cici Coffee, co-founder of Natural Body Spas recommends ASM graduates for hire: “It’s always beneficial when new hires actively participate in a green lifestyle; it ensures that a connection already exists between the company culture and their values.”
Accreditation & Quality StandardsAtlanta School of Massage has been
accredited by ACCSC since 1988. Ac-creditation is a verification of quality that ensures programs are sound, faculty is highly qualified, administra-tors are responsible and ethical, and that the students report value to their experience. Adhering to these stan-dards of excellence has contributed to the schools longevity, success, and reputation. The phenomenal manage-ment team devotes every day to en-suring the school’s success. This was apparent in this year’s reaccreditation assessment for which ASM received outstanding acknowledgement. ~
Have you taken advantage of the FREE webinars?
www.amtamassage.org/edu-cation/webinar-archives.html
Hand in Hand, Together, We Lead the Way. 7
My cat, a 10-pound Buddha named Ananda (Sanskrit for bliss) because she was the fastest purrer in the West, taught me volumes about succeeding in business. Cats can teach you, too.
1. Think highly of yourself and others will be attracted to you.
Ananda said self-worth is the basis of net worth. To build a multi-level cat home, the foundation must be secure. The foundation for increasing massage totals is to think highly of yourself so people want to work with you. “Treat yourself like a dog,” she said, “and oth-ers will, too.”
2. Let others support you.“Always accept dinner invitations, and
bring home leftovers in a kitty bag,” she’d say. You must be supported by others to succeed. Let others support you with books, coaching sessions; monetary gifts, etc.
3. Let others touch you. Don’t just give massage; receive it,
too. The less tense your body, the more relaxed your mind, the more you connect to people and attract clients. Massage breaks down body armor, lets you be close to others, and brings them to your table.
4. Exercise keeps you young in body and heart.
For my cat, exercise meant chas-ing chipmunks; her health club was outdoors. Endorphins flowed when she did her thing. Stimulate yours with tennis, swimming, or whatever you love. All work and no play make Jennie a dull LMT.
5. Nap when you feel like it; it’s good for your soul and body.
When your cat cuddles with you, she’s saying, “Stop working.” Down-time for meditation, walks, or cat-naps do wonders for your soul. This rejuvenation travels through your hands, benefiting clients.
6. It’s innocent to be the center of attention.
Your cat is at home as center of atten-tion; you can be, too. Handling energy prepares you to handle money.
7. Curiosity thrills the cat.At 16, Ananda didn’t have kitten-like
curiosity anymore; but her ears perked up when there was rustling in the woods. When does your curiosity get aroused? Curious about learning Thai massage, hot stone, or watsu? Why put it off? Curiosity keeps your spirit lively; if you pursue your passions, you can become one rich cat.
8. The more playful you are, the more you’re loved and prospered.
When you play, your inner child is happy. Self-love attracts love and sup-port. Having fun makes workdays fly by, and, if you’re self-employed, brings you more money.
9. If you’re happy and you know it, purr away—you’ll be feline groovy.
“Don’t just walk your talk,” my cat taught, “strut your stuff.” You are the cat’s pajamas. The more cats purr, the more you stroke them and the more they keep purring. As business coach
The Massage Coach
How Your Cat Can Help You Grow Your Business? By Coach Cary Bayer
for massage therapists, I tell my clients that this reverses vicious cycles and creates delicious cycles. An LMT’s delicious cycle looks like this: When you do your lovelihood you’re thrilled, others are attracted to your joy, and give you money for your work. This brings you more joy, which attracts even more money to you. ~
* * *
Cary Bayer was keynote speaker at the AMTA national convention. Widely known as The Massage Mar-keting Coach, Cary is a Life Coach; CE provider licensed by NCBTMB and Florida Dept. of Health’s Board of Massage Therapy; and faculty member of Massage Business Univer-sity, who writes for Massage Today, and AMTA publications in 14 states. His three dozen publications include 12 specifically for massage thera-pists, plus 2 DVDs, one of which has been translated into Japanese. He’s coached more than 275 LMTs. His 15 CE seminars and webinars—in particular, “Build a $100,000 a Year Massage Business”—are very popu-lar among therapists.
http://carybayer.com/massage-therapist-coaching.html
8 AMTA Georgia Chapter - Newsletter January 2013
I trashed my first opportunity to learn about oncology massage. Re-ally. I came home from work one day, started flipping through the mail, and tossed a continuing education postcard into the trash, not interested in the course it advertised on its front. Fortunately, it landed with the flip side facing up, and I saw information about a class by Tracy Walton (www.tracywalton.com), one of the pio-neers of oncology massage. I quickly reached into the trashcan and res-cued the card.
I wondered how massage therapy could be adapted as complementary care for cancer patients since I was in massage school in 1995. Back then, the conventional wisdom in the field was that cancer was a contraindica-tion, that cancer patients should not receive massage. (The same was true of pregnant women, another group for which we have since developed specialized massage techniques.) But at the time, I knew a lot of people dying of cancer, and I knew these people needed to be touched.
Well, time went by, and the science of cancer treatment and massage therapy progressed. I kept coming back to the question because it was showing up on my table. People un-dergoing cancer treatment came to
me seeking help, and I wanted to be able to address it. So I started looking around again for answers. Fortunately, I rescued the answers from the trash.
Walton and Gail MacDonald are two of the early originators of oncology massage as complementary care for cancer patients, and they compared notes and ideas early on. MacDonald literally wrote the book on oncology massage, and Walton wrote some important early articles about developments in the field.
I took Walton’s class in 2008, and it awakened in me a passion for my work like nothing ever had before. I became part of the first wave of oncology mas-sage practitioners, and soon a charter member of the Society for Oncology Massage (www.s4om.org), which pro-vides standards of practice, education and advocacy for oncology massage as well as serving as a resource for therapists and healthcare profession-als working in cancer care. I’ve since worked as one of Walton’s teaching as-sistants in four-day intensive oncology massage courses across the country, and I often speak with newly gradu-ated massage therapists who have questions about the field.
Oncology massage is based on tra-ditional massage therapy techniques
Oncology Massage: The Right Touch for Cancer Patients by Joan Rau
AMTA Georgia Member H I G H L I G H T
BECOME AN ACTIVE MEMBER,
GET INVOLVED, OR JOIN A
COMMITTEEContact any of your
Board of Directors or Committee Chairs, contact information
on Page 3 or visit our
website at:
www.amtaga.org
Member Spotlight
>>>
Hand in Hand, Together, We Lead the Way. 9
but adapted to each patient. Modi-fications are made in order to work safely with the complications of can-cer and cancer treatment. Massage can be adapted anytime from the initial diagnosis, during active treat-ment, during recovery or survivor-ship, as well as at the end of life. Most modifications to massage therapy are made in response to the effects of medication, surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Patients receiving oncology massage most often report benefits including reduction of pain, nausea, fatigue and anxiety as well as improvement in sleep. From these benefits and others, we’ve learned that oncology massage can play an important role in cancer treatment.
My growing oncology massage practice is deeply satisfying for me. At last I have the tools to properly care for the cancer patients showing up on my table, the people who I had so long wanted to help. Whether it’s helping someone to reconnect with their body after surgery, to lower their anxiety, or simply to get a good night’s sleep, it fills my heart to know that I can ease their journey through cancer treatment and recovery. That means a lot to me, and I know it means a lot to them.
Joan Rau is one of the leading oncol-ogy massage therapists in the South-east. She studied massage therapy at the Atlanta School of Massage starting in 1995, and soon after started her pri-vate practice. She serves as a teaching assistant in Walton’s oncology massage courses around the country. Joan is a charter member of the Society for On-cology Massage (www.s4om.org) and serves on the organization’s outreach committee. She also presents workshops based off of “Touch, Caring and Cancer,” program which teaches caregivers and partners safe and effective ways to give their loved ones some basic oncology massage. Learn more about Joan at www.joanrau.com. ~
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10 AMTA Georgia Chapter - Newsletter January 2013
Let me introduce myself, my name is Janez Kutzke and I’m a graduate AMTA member. In February 2012, I accepted the position as an Account Executive, for AMTA National Office. I am a recent graduate of Cortiva Institute – Chicago School of Massage Therapy in Crystal Lake, IL. I love what I do! I travel around the country to massage schools to talk with students about the great benefits AMTA Student Membership has to offer. It is a joy getting to know our Chapter Volunteers and seeing the different mas-sage schools. I recently came to Georgia the week of November 5-8, 2012 and had the opportunity to tour the follow-ing schools: Gwinnett College in Sandy Springs and Lilburn, Virginia College in Macon, Miller-Motte Technical College in Macon, American Professional Institute in Macon, Miller-Motte in Augusta and Atlanta School of Massage. I would have loved to visit more schools, but Georgia is such a big state! So, I do look forward to returning in the near future.Your chapter president, Terri Barton,
asked me to write to share some of the amazing experiences I witnessed visiting the schools. First, I would like to thank the schools staff and students for their support during my visits as well as, the Georgia Chapter Board Members, Terri Barton, Cindy Farrar, and Loyce Kemp who accompanied me on the school trips. I really appreciate it when our members are personally involved with massage students. It really makes an
impact on AMTA organization. Our Chapter members are the local presence, which is valuable in helping massage students and new graduates flourish in the industry. So, thank you!Loyce is an amazing person and mas-
sage therapist. Her passion for the massage industry, as well as her involve-ment with the chapter, was definitely an inspiration to the students. When Loyce spoke at The American Professional Institute, in Macon, I witnessed the excitement and admiration among the faces of the students. It was a neat ex-perience! One of the students reached out to Loyce and asked if he could have her email address or phone number to contact her. She gladly gave him her information. At the end of our visit, that same student gave Loyce a note. The note expressed his passion for massage therapy and he would really appreciate her advice and support in his journey of becoming a massage therapist. Also, he wanted the opportunity to work with her as well. I said “Loyce, I think you found your first mentee!” Witnessing these kinds of mentor-
mentee connections on my visits is very rewarding. That’s what so great about the members of this association. I take a lot of pride in what I do and what we stand for. Thank you for welcoming me to the great state of Georgia and I look forward to visiting with you all again! ~
A Recent Visit to Georgia by Janez Kutzke
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Hand in Hand, Together, We Lead the Way. 11
James Trussell
Thank you Terri Barton for the wonderful job you did at the Canton Parkinson’s Sup-port Group. The group mem-bers really seemed to get a lot out of your presentation on how Massage Therapy can be beneficial to those living with Parkinson’s.
THANK YOU Georgia Chapter!
My name is Linda McMahon and I just wanted to say thank you to the Geor-gia chapter for all of the assistance in which they gave me to get my Georgia. License. I relocated to Georgia with my family in June of 2012. I am licensed in the state of Illinois; I am NCBTMB, and a member of AMTA.
I proceeded to become a Georgia Licensed Massage Therapist. I sent in all the required paper work in which I was aware of at that time. As time went by I began applying for jobs in the massage therapy field. I felt certain each time I checked the mail my license would be there. Jobs in which I had interviewed for were given to other candidates.
At this point I was in tears. It had been from June until Oct. and I still did not have a Ga. License and I have a family to
support. I broke down in tears more than once. I called my former massage instructor, Candy Washington; also an AMTA member suggested that I con-tact the president of the Ga. Chapter. I called Ms. Barton and she immedi-ately put me in touch with Ms. Jane Johnson of the Georgia Board of Mas-sage Therapists. Within 16 hours Ms. Johnson called me with good news that they had located my application, processed, and I was now a Georgia License MT. I just sat down and cried. Ms. Barton assured me she would help me and she came through.
I feel so grateful and lucky to have three great ladies who came through for me when I really needed it. I will always be a member of AMTA.Linda McMahon Buford, GA MT008743
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12 AMTA Georgia Chapter - Newsletter January 2013
The first day of the convention started with chapter president’s and national Board of Directors, (BOD) meeting. The next day, was a full day chapter presidents meeting where we wit-nessed the passing of the pins from the three national presidents. The pins pass from current president to past president, from president elect to the current president, and then to president elect. This is always a very emotional ceremony because the presidents acknowledge each other. After the ceremony, the chapter presidents spend a day in CPC meet-ings. At the meetings, we discussed ways for improvement within our chapters, which we brainstormed and presented ideas, as well as reviewed the plans that were successful and unsuccessful.The convention for the general mem-
bership kicked off with our national membership meeting. During this meeting, the president gave her ad-dress, introduced the key influences, key note speaker, and gave awards to members and chapters. Congratula-tions to Toni Roberts! She received her 25-year pin. Our Chapter won “The Four Hands Award” for large chapters and a “Fund Raising Award”. And of course, we were the loudest in the room when we received our recognition.The House of Delegates (HOD) ori-
entation was on Thursday. During the orientation, the HOD presented a won-derful mock position statement and it brought tears of joy and laughter to the faces of those that attended. After the statement was read, many mem-bers that were in the room, expressed interest in becoming a delegate. The delegates worked very hard on new rules for HOD, position statements, and recommendations.
The most rewarding part of AMTA conventions were the continuing education classes and the vendor hall because the members had the op-portunity to catch up with old friends and network. Also it was an opportu-nity to put names with faces, as well as meet with our mentors. On the last day of the convention (in the vendor hall), a drawing was held for the quilt and our chapter won! Wahoo! Our generous chapter decided to raffle off the table quilt and the money was donated to “The Massage Therapy Foundation” (MTF).Friday night the North Carolina chap-
ter held their event, which was an old fashion BBQ. It was held outdoors, downtown Raleigh and included a shag band that played during the event. It was a perfect day with good food and laughter. It felt good to be outside and not in the convention hall. At the BBQ event, MTF thanked and gave recogni-tion to members for their volunteer time and donations. Our chapter was given a plaque and it was accepted by our Past President, Joan Nichols. On Saturday, the CEU classes
wrapped up with their last session and it was the last day to visit the vendor hall. Our dinner dance was held that evening. This was a treat because we got the opportunity to see one another dress up and not in uniform. We had a wonderful time and we all looked good! There was plenty of great food and the band was awe-some! Once it was all said and done, everyone took a deep breath and said to one another “I AM AMTA”.Go to the national website and look
at photos and videos from the conven-tion (www.amtamassage.org). ~
Elevate 2012 in Raleigh by Terri Barton
What a great convention this year! Our 2012 national convention held in Raleigh, North Carolina was the best convention that I’ve attended thus far. There was plenty of good ole southern hospitality with a big smile around every corner, making it both memorable and pleasant the en-tire time. Thanks to all those in our NC chapter who worked tirelessly and effortlessly behind the scenes to make the convention a success.
Hand in Hand, Together, We Lead the Way. 13
am
ta -
geor
gia
chap
ter
educ
atio
n cl
ass The Rossiter System:
Knees and Feet, Low Back and Hips, Shoulders February 23-24, 2013 (10 CE Hours, NCBTMB Approved)
Atlanta School of Massage - 2 Dunwoody Park South, Atlanta, Georgia 30338
Class Schedule
About The Instructor & Class
AMTA Members: $100; After January 31st $125; Non-AMTA Members: $125; After January 31st $150 AMTA Students & Graduates: $80; Non-AMTA Students & Graduates: $100
Check Chapter website for updates and further information www.amtaga.org/classes
SATURDAY REGISTRATION – 7:30 am; Class Time: 8 am to 11 amLunch & Membership Meeting – 11:30 pm to 1:45 pm; Afternoon – 2 pm to 5 pm
SUNDAY REGISTRATION – 7:30 am; Class Time: 8 am to 12 pm
** Make checks payable to AMTA-Georgia Chapter **For Classes Description and further information, go to: http://www.amtaga.org/next_chapter_offering
Name _________________________________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________________________
City ___________________________________________ State ________Zip _______________
Phone _____________________AMTA#_____________ Professional q Associate q Student q
E-mail ________________________________________________________________________
GA License # ________________________________________ Lunch: Yes q No q Vegetarian: Yes q No q
KATHY HOWARD: Kathy Howard is a licensed massage therapist (since 1998) and Senior Rossiter Instructor who combines various modalities in her practice to provide the best possible services to her clients. Her massage career includes training in BodyTalk, Energy and Chakra Balancing, and Kinesio Taping, and since 2006, she has concentrated on The Rossiter System’s two-person connective tissue stretching techniques for their effectiveness at relieving and preventing structural pain. She has opened a Rossiter Center in Greensboro to help her clients, community and anyone in pain.
CLASS DESCRIPTION: The Rossiter System workouts provide pain relief that is fast, powerful and effective. It increases range of motion, improves mobility, boosts performance, and delivers quick pain relief from head to toe. Elite athletes, weekend warriors, busy moms and people of all activity levels and all ages use Rossiter connective tissue stretching for immediate and long-term relief from structural pains and soft tissue injuries.
This healing system keeps your body healthy, supple and pain-free. The Rossiter System addresses pain at its cause, which is the body’s connective tissue system. We find that the body’s connective tissue tightens and shortens with age, overuse and injury. When you and a Rossiter-trained Coach consciously stretch the connective tissue, it doubles your body’s pain-relieving results by working together to release.
*Items Needed: Yoga Mat or Large Beach Towel and Dress Comfortably
REGISTER LINK: HTTP://K.B5Z.NET/I/U/6080438/F/CLASS_REG_
ROSSITER_FEBRUARY_23-24.PDF
MAIL FULL PAYMENT TO: AMTA-Georgia Chapter, c/o Barton Heart & Hands,
4 Coosawattee Avenue, Suite C, Rome, Georgia 30165
14 AMTA Georgia Chapter - Newsletter January 2013
HIGHLIGHTS
Award: Overall Chapter Excellence
Terri Barton (foreground), Jane Johnson, and Loyce Kemp
AMTA donates to MTF Foundation
Hand in Hand, Together, We Lead the Way. 15
Our National Board of Directors
The exhibit hall - shopping!
Administrative Director Shelly Johnson on the state of the association. Shirley Cooper (CT) and Toni Roberts.
16 AMTA Georgia Chapter - Newsletter January 2013
As the new Chair of the Position State-ment Review Commission, I am thank-ful to have an opportunity to share a few things with the Georgia Chapter.
I have always loved research. I was the weirdo in massage school in the 80’s. I always asked about massage research. At the time, there seemed to be very little research material available and what was available was hard to access. When I mentioned massage research, people would look at me like I had three heads. I still get that look from people occasionally, although I am getting used to it!
I had the opportunity to start my first hospital based massage program in 1990. Ten years later, I was still challenged with the lack of research available and the accessibility avail-able was still an issue. In 1996, I had the opportunity to have a booth at the Oklahoma Academy of Family Practice Physicians Conference. I took some handouts that included some research information on massage therapy and passed them out to physicians. They loved it! The Research handouts were a great conversational initiation. When we brought the first AMTA position statements to the conference in 2006, it made an incredible impression. Since then, I have taken the position statements to the Oklahoma Athletic Trainers Conferences and the Okla-homa Nurses Conferences, as well.
I could have jumped for joy when my client, (a physician), walked into my of-fice one day for his appointment and showed me the AMTA full- page ad which was based on a recently passed position statement, advertised in one
of his physician’s journals. He said to me, “That organization of yours has got it going on”.
I have been a delegate more than once. I sat in the HOD meetings and wondered how some of the issues got to the floor. How many times they were proofed? Who proofed them? I took my volunteer assignments pretty seriously. Now, I am one of those people that I wondered about. I spend an average of two to five hours a week reading research and work-ing on the Position Statement Review Commission. I am very happy to do this because it makes a huge differ-ence in our industry.
There are some things I want to share with you about AMTA position state-ments and the review process;
• A position statement is AMTA’s position on professional or public policy issues that relate to the mis-sion and goals of the association. An individual or group may write and develop proposed position state-ments. However, they can only be submitted by an AMTA Professional Active member to be considered by the House of Delegates.
• The main function of the Position Statement Review Commission (PSRC) is to review the proposed position statements and to assist the authors in meeting requirements prior to releasing them to the HOD..
• The PSRC members are an amazing group of 5 individuals who bring a wealth of expertise in editing, writing, and research literacy. That doesn’t mean we are infallible.
A Message from the PSRC Chair by Xerlan Deery, LMT
Let’s Talk
Safety and Security - Risk ManagementPhysical Safety Features— Check the sidewalk and
entrance to your office for obstacles and toe catches.
— Assure that all ice and snow is cleared prior to your first appointment.
— Review and approve your building’s maintenance and cleaning plan.
— Keep stairways and hallways free of clutter.
— Check the stability of railings along stairways and hallways.
— Keep throw rugs to a mini-mum, and make sure they do not pose a safety risk.
— Assure that your massage table is in good repair.
— Create a standard protocol for collecting an incident report from a client that does have an accident due to the physi-cal feature of your building.
>>>
Hand in Hand, Together, We Lead the Way. 17
• Before the position statement reaches the House of Delegates Operational Committee (HOD) floor to be voted on, they are reviewed by: AMTA National Staff, the PSRC, the HODOC, AMTA’s legal counsel and some Massage Therapy Foundation Trustees (MTF). So please under-stand, these statements have been reviewed and proofed by many pro-fessional members in our industry for relevancy, grammar, and if they are in accordance with AMTA’s guidelines.
• Position statements are written by professionals and their contact infor-mation is available on the position statement proposal. Only contact those if you want to ask questions about the statements. When I was a delegate, I used the contact infor-mation to my advantage because sometimes I got the opportunity to visit with them to ask questions, and clarify the position statement before I presented it to the membership.
• Sometimes the position statements have been written and reviewed by the PSRC for years before they make it to the HOD.
• It is not unusual for the PSRC to work on several position statement proposals but only a few make it to HOD each year.
• We enjoy listening to your intelligent insights and debates.
• A delegate can vote to pass a posi-tion statement even if it is about something they “Do NOT DO” or NOT SURE they qualified “TO DO”. If it is in the research and a position statement, I guarantee there are a number of members that are doing it and consider it part of their scope of practice.
• The professionals/Members are NOT paid to write position statements. They are volunteers on the PSRC.
• The people that sit in the back of the room at HOD are Alternate Del-egates, national volunteers, chapter leaders and AMTA members who are only interested in what is going on. Most of them opt out the oppor-tunity to take a CEU class. Some of them are the authors of the position statements and others are members of the PSRC. They are taking notes.
• Personally, I believe the authors of the position statements are Rock Stars!
• When the HOD passes a position statement, it does not have to be review before the National Board for approval. So the PSRC is the first gate-keeper and the HOD the second.
Position Statements are valuable and powerful marketing materials please use them for the following:
• A presentation or lecture for health professionals or the public.
• A topic for an article, newsletter, or blog.
• Brochures or printed for informa-tive reading for patients in the reception area.
• Include them in your client newsletter.
• Give them to clients.
• Give them to prospective clients.
• Give them to health care professionals. This can be a way to get great referrals.
• Assign them as a homework read-ing assignments for discussion to your students, if you are an instruc-tor or mentor.
• Take them with you to the state capitol to give to legislators.
Share the benefits of AMTA
with your friends & Receive
a $20 Visa gift card.
For further information, visit:www.amtamassage.org/forms/
referafriend.aspx
continues on page 19 >>>
18 AMTA Georgia Chapter - Newsletter January 2013
VOTE FOR YOUR
Board of Directors
It is your association!
CANDIDATE Application for
Elected Office 2013
For an application, go to: http://k.b5z.net/i/u/6080438/f/Candidate_Application_and_Resume_Form_Universal.pdf
Application must be received by Nominating
Committee before February 20, 2013
Committee ChairMary Lou Ross
It’s Election Time!
As 2012 comes to an end it is time to get ready for the Georgia. Chapter elec-tions to be held at our an-nual meeting on the 23rd of February 2013 which will be held at the Atlanta School of Massage. The following offices for the Board of Direc-tors will be up for election:
- 1st Vice President 2 year term
- 3rd Vice President 2 year term
- Treasurer 2 year term
- Secretary 1 year term
- (2) Delegate positions 2 year term
These positions are all vol-unteer, in other words there is no money that goes with the office. We all volunteer at different levels through-out our careers, but if you
are looking to help improve our profession, our chapter, and the amta organization,
please come aboard. If the BOD is not your cup of tea so to speak, then let me know if you would like to chair one of our many committees and or work groups. There is more than enough room for everyone. I encourage each and ev-ery member to think about engaging more in your profession, connecting with fellow members across all 51 chapters, and thriving as an individual.
Visit our chapter web site for complete details on each job, http://amtaga.org/chapter_elections, and download an application. Or, email Mary Lou Ross at [email protected].
Hand in Hand, Together, We Lead the Way. 19
I think position statements have the potential to:
• Create Jobs.
• Increase clientele.
• Educate the public.
• Educate health professionals.
• Assist massage therapy legislation.
• Make us more professional, knowledgeable, and confident.
• Make inroads into new demographics.
Here is your internet scavenger hunt that I truly believe every member should take the time to read, listen to and consider, especially the delegates.
• Passed Position Statements https://www.amtamassage.org/infocenter/research_amta-position-statement.html.
• How to write a position statement http://www.amtamassage.org/posi-tion3.html.
• Position Statement Timeline http://www.amtamassage.org/posi-tion2.html.
• The Analysis of a Position Statement Video http://vimeo.com/25837808.
• Recommend that delegates take the Research Literacy course online. It will help you read those position statements and research much more effectively. It is amazing, worthwhile and 65% of the tuition goes directly to the Massage Thera-py Foundation. http://www.massagetherapyfoundation.org/education/research-literacy-courses/basics-of-research-literacy/.
These are questions I ask myself and why I am honored to work with the PSRC.
What if all the work that we do actually had research and position statements to back them up?
What if we were only allowed to work as represented in our passed position statements?
Anyone want to be a Rock Star and write a position statement? ~
Xerlan Deery, LMT [email protected]
A Message from the PSRC Chair continues Reminder: Watch for
Email ScamsThere are many email scams that target massage therapists. The scamers use AMTA organization to make them appear legitimate and they also use AMTA’s Find a Mas-sage Therapist® national locator service to email individual members. AMTA wants to remind members to always be suspicious of emails from someone outside the U.S. who says they want to set up mul-tiple massage sessions while they or someone they represent is visiting the country.
The ScamThe most common scam involves an e-mail from someone in another country, who claims to be planning a visit to the U.S. and wants to schedule a series of massage sessions. After you set a price, this person sends a cashier’s check for far more than the cost of the sessions and asks you to return the difference. The check is a fake. continues on page 20 >>>
20 AMTA Georgia Chapter - Newsletter January 2013
The Georgia Chapter was represented
by three delegates at the National
Convention this year in Raleigh.
Delegates are Chapter Volunteers
who attend the House of Delegates
Annual Meeting at the AMTA National
Conference. Your delegates were Ben
Glosson, Cindy Farrar and CJ Lowe.
The Delegates review proposed posi-
tion statements and recommend or
reject them based on input from you,.
An Alternate attends in the event that
there is an emergency that would pre-
vent a Delegate from participating in
the House of Delegates Meeting. Each
state sent delegates based on their
membership numbers. There were 141
Delegates representing all 50 states,
including Alaska, Hawaii, and the
District of Columbia. Delegates had an
opportunity to speak for or against the
proposed position statements. Voting
was done by handheld computer.
There was a delegate orientation
session that explained how things
happen at the House of Delegates
meeting, where Roberts Rules of Order
are followed. Five position statements
and two recommendations were pre-
sented. In the past 11 years, only a few
position statements were approved.
This year, three of six were approved and
two Recommendations were sent to
AMTA National for consideration. They are:
a. Position statement on low back pain.
b. Position statement on massage and sleep.
c. Position statement on massage and fibromyalgia
d. Recommendation to allow an Alternate to assume the duties of a Delegate in only for the upcoming House of Delegates session in the event that a Delegate is not able to attend the House of Delegates Meeting. In the event that the Delegate cannot fulfill the requirements of his/her elected term, the Alternate would assume responsibility for the remainder of the term.
e. Recommendation that National AMTA funds be used to reimburse Chapters for visiting schools to solicit
new members.
The position statements go into effect
immediately and become the position
statements of the American Massage
Therapy Association. The Recommen-
dations go to the National Board for
consideration and adoption. ~
2012 House of Delegates Meeting at the National Convention
Regulatory Board Georgia Board of Massage Therapy237 Coliseum DriveMacon, GA 31217-3858
Applications/Payments:P.O. Box 13446Macon, GA 31208Phone: 478.207.2440Fax: 877-588-0446
Education requirements500 hours from Board approved school
CEU requirements24 hours biennially
FeesApplication: $125Renewal: $75
Exam(s)NCBMTB (National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork)
MBLEx (Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards)
Delegate Report
Hand in Hand, Together, We Lead the Way. 21
This is similar to those who want to purchase a product advertised and send a check for more than the agreed-upon purchase price. One of the latest twists on this scam is from someone who claims he is representing models (sometimes gay models) returning from a photo shoot somewhere and wants to book multiple massages.
You can learn more about email scams at http://onguardonline.gov. And remember, if someone out-side the country sends you a check in advance of the massage session, it prob-ably is not a good check. AMTA urges you to be care-ful opening e-mails from people you don’t know.
The association is con-stantly upgrading its online security to protect your in-formation and transactions through the AMTA website. However, scammers are always looking for ways to get around our security measures and attempt to get your attention. ~
Email Scams continues
The
ornerVolunteers Needed!The AMTA-Georgia Chapter has been asked to participate in the following events to offer massage. You must be an AMTA professional and or gradu-ate member to offer massage at all volunteer events.
Sunday, March 17, 2013PUBLIX 2013 Georgia Marathon/Half Marathon Starts at 7 AM Centennial Olympic Park georgiamarathon.com
Saturday, April 20, 2013McKeever’s First Ride 201310 AM - 3 PM Gwinnett County Fairgrounds choa.org/mckeeversThe AMTA-Georgia Chapter has been invited to help with the McKeever’s First Ride with the Children’s Health-care of Atlanta.We are in need of volunteers to offer massage for the participants and volun-teers at this years McKeever’s First Ride event at the Gwinnett Fairgrounds.
Saturday, May 11, 2013Georgia Symphony Orchestra Noteworthy 5KLocation and information TBA georgiasymphony.org
May 17-19, 2013American Massage ConferenceSheraton Atlanta Need volunteers to set-up, manage booth, and clean up. massagetoday.com/mpacms/mt/article.php?id=14514June 13-16, 2013Georgia Mission of MercyNorth Atlanta Trade Center gadental.org/ mission-of-mercy.html
September 14-15, 2013Bike MS: Cox Atlanta Ride 2013Callaway Gardens bikemsgeorgia.org Note: Visit the events website links for further detail information or email Ben Glosson at [email protected].
22 AMTA Georgia Chapter - Newsletter January 2013
Call for Awards!The Awards Committee is now ac-cepting nominations for our 2012-13 Awards. We need your help as mem-bers to nominate deserving recipients for the following awards.
Please select from the list below and email your selections to: Carolyn “C. J.” Lowe AMTA Georgia Chapter Awards Chair, at [email protected] or call C.J. at (404) 847-0301.
Meritorious • Purpose: To openly honor an AMTA member. To acknowledge diligent volunteerism done in an altruistic manner.
• History: Award established in 1969, and has been given annually since that time.
• Qualifications: Active member in AMTA for at least one (1) year.
President’s Award • Purpose: To openly honor recipient(s) who have contributed to the massage profession in an outstanding manner. To acknowledge diligent volunteerism done in an altruistic manner. And to enable the Chapter President to give an award to a recipient who seems worthy. This award is selected by the Chapter President.
• History: The Chapter President’s Award for Chapters founded in 1996 Recipients names to be kept in min-utes of any given meeting.
• Qualifications: The recipient does not have to be member of AMTA or a massage therapist. There may be no more than one (1) recipient selected
in any given year. This award may be given posthumously. Recipient must contribute to the massage profession in outstanding manner. Recipient shall not have received this award in the previous year. Recipient may receive only one chapter individual award in any given year.
Distinguished Service Award• Purpose: To openly honor a recipient who has contributed to the massage profession in an outstanding man-ner. To acknowledge diligent volun-teerism done in an altruistic manner. To enable the President and the Chapter Board to give an award to a recipient who seems worthy.
• History: The Chapter Distinguished Award for Chapters founded in 1996. Recipients name to be kept in min-utes of any given meeting.
• Qualifications: Recipient must be a member of AMTA and a massage therapist. There can be more than one recipient selected in any given year. This award may be given post-humously. Recipient must contrib-ute to the massage profession in outstanding manner. Recipient shall not have received this award in the previous year.
Humanitarian • Purpose: To openly honor recipient(s) who is an AMTA member. To acknowl-edge the “heart” of massage in action.
• History: Award established in 1996. Award is selected and may be kept unannounced until time of presenta-
The Chapter would like to congratulate Terri Barton on her appointment to serve as a member of the
Review Organizational Stipends Workgroup of the Finance Standing
Committee.
>>>
Hand in Hand, Together, We Lead the Way. 23
tion. There may be more than one (1) recipient in a given year. Granting of multiple awards will be decided by the Chapter Board. Recipient(s) name(s) to be kept in minutes of any given meeting. Recipient(s) name(s) are printed in the Chapter newsletter.
• Qualifications: The recipient must be a member of AMTA and a massage therapist in good standing at the time of award consideration. Recipi-ent must contribute to the massage profession in outstanding manner. Volunteer work, which may or may not include massage, done in the larger community. This can include, but is not limited to: charity, church, support-ing the arts, working with children, disabled, needy, sick, homeless, elderly, community outreach to populations for who massage is otherwise difficult to obtain; fundraising for same, con-sciousness raising, relief effort. Recipi-ent shall not have received this award in the previous year.
Awards will be presented at both the Annual meeting in February and the June meeting.
Awards Program Changes:A motion regarding changes in the Awards presentations was passed by the AMTA Georgia Chapter Board of Directors on November 2, 2011.
The Chapter Meritorious and Presidents Award, the Distinguished Service and Humanitarian Award, if applicable, will be selected and presented at the an-nual meeting in February.
Policies and procedures for the above stated awards selections and presenta-tions would remain as they are today.The Board of Directors awards, which includes, but are not limited to: con-tinuing and outgoing officers, continu-ing and outgoing chair persons, anni-versary award certificates, certificates of appreciation, and special awards, such as: “Step up to the plate” would be presented at the June meeting.The chapter elections are held at the annual meeting. This makes the meet-ing too long with the awards pre-sentation. Chapter Board of Directors awards should not be considered until after the election, as the election could change the outcome of the awards given to, continuing and outgoing of-ficers and chairs. ~
Carolyn J. LoweAwards ChairAMTA GA Chapter
BECOME AN ACTIVE MEMBER,
GET INVOLVED, OR JOIN A
COMMITTEEContact any of your
Board of Directors or Committee Chairs, contact information
on Page 3 or visit our
website at:
www.amtaga.org
24 AMTA Georgia Chapter - Newsletter January 2013
The Importance of Women in the Massage Profession - Joan Nichols
Business FinancesOwning your own practice is exciting and offers you a great deal of flexibility. Knowing the number of massages you’ll need to provide to make a profit, what the demand is for massage therapy in your area, as well as the financial records you’ll need to keep, are all in-tegral to your success. AMTA has resources to help you take financial control.
Your Taxes as a Massage TherapistAs a business professional, it is your responsibility to understand how to calculate how much you owe in taxes, what expenses are allowable as deductions, and when your taxes are due. AMTA’s Online Course “Take Care of Your Taxes” can help you navigate the process.
https://www.amtamassage.org/career_guidance/type/6
AMTA participated in the Health Fair and Spa Day on Thursday, No-vember 16 for the NFWL (National Foundation for Women Legislators) in Atlanta Georgia. The mission of the NFWL is to provide strategic re-sources to women leaders for lead-ership development and effective governance through conferences, seminars, educational material, pro-fessional and personal relationships, and networking at both the state and federal level.
During the event, members of the AMTA Georgia Chapter (Whit-ney Kuriger, Spirit Carmon, Patricia Redfearn, Michelle DiGaetano, Laura Spitinik and Yahriel Harrison) performed chair massage to several legislators from all over the United States. AMTA Staff members, Chris Studebaker, Director of Govern-ment Relations, Joseph Roth, Government Relations Manager and Joan Nichols, National Board of Director, MAL; networked with the legislators and spoke about the im-portance of statewide regulations of the practice of massage therapy.
They also passed out literature stating “AMTA recognizes that state government regulation of the prac-tice of massage therapy is the best way to meet the needs of the public and the massage therapy profes-sion. Leaving massage therapy regulation decisions to local govern-ment results in inconsistent regula-tion or none at all. The association believes that state licensure is the most effective means for the states to regulate our profession. State licensure requires that only
a person who holds a valid license from the state can engage in the practice of massage therapy or advertise to the public that they are practicing massage therapy. It also applies criminal penalties for people who practice without a valid mas-sage therapy license. Professional licensure laws establish a minimum level of competency necessary to safely and effectively practice.” ~
Hand in Hand, Together, We Lead the Way. 25
Why the Massage Profession is Important to Women Legislators
Revenue Generated by Women Massage Therapists
Number of Women Massage Therapists
$5,910,784,000 n Male
n Female
Male Female
300,000
250,000
200,000
150,000
100,000
50,000
-
281,600
38,400
$759,513,600
26 AMTA Georgia Chapter - Newsletter January 2013
For the friends and family of Linda Osborne:
It is with great pain and sadness that I write to share the news that my dearest partner, Linda Osborne, has passed away. Linda brought joy, healing, and love to everyone around her. Through her work as a therapist, her passion for art of all kinds, and her gentle, loving Spirit, Linda brought joy and light to everyone she met. She will be deeply missed by all of us.
As some of you may already know, we were stunned at the dis-covery of an advanced cancer only a few weeks ago. Linda died in Gwinnett Medical Center early Sunday morning, November 18th. She was surrounded by her family and her transition was very gentle for which I am very grateful.
A memorial service was held in her honor on December 2, 2012 at Mount Carmel Methodist Church in Norcross, Georgia. If you wish to make a contribution, loved ones suggest, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the missions of Mount Carmel Methodist Church, 5100 S. Old Peachtree Road, Norcross, GA 30092, which Linda whole-heartedly supported.
Mark Throneberry
In Loving MemoryLinda Osborne Chapter Secretary 2011-2012
Linda Osborne was not only a massage therapist, an associ-ate, and close friend, Linda was happiness, laughter, love, strength, and a gift from the good Lord above.Terri Barton Chapter President
I had the pleasure of rooming with Linda shortly after she became a member of the BOD.
She was so caring and sweet natured. Also, when she had a task to do, she got it done very quickly and efficiently. I thank God that He allowed me to know her and I truly miss her.Loyce Kemp Membership Secretary
“Compassionate, Mindful, Conscientious, Awareness and Smile”. These are some of the words that come to my mind when I think about Linda Os-borne. The first words however are “greatly missed”. Cindy E. Farrar 2nd Vice President, Delegate
Hand in Hand, Together, We Lead the Way. 27
Chapter Membership Meeting & Education CEU’s OpportunitiesFebruary 22-23, 2013TO REGISTER Email or Call CINDY FARRAR [email protected] | (770) 508-9016
The Rossiter System: Knees and Feet, Low Back and Hips, Shoulders
SATURDAY SCHEDULE 7:30 AM | Registration
8:00 AM TO 11 AM Class Section 1
11:30 AM - 1:45 PM Lunch (Please RSVP and note if vegetarian) & Membership Meeting
2:00 PM TO 5:00 PM Class Section 2
BOD MEETING: 5:30 PM
SUNDAY SCHEDULE 7:30 AM | Registration
8:00 AM TO 12 PM Class Section 3
Come for the Fun, Food, Prizes, Raffles & Network.
4386 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd Atlanta, Ga 30341
770.457.6363
To make reservation, visit:http://www.holidayinn.com/hotels/
us/en/atlanta/atlch/hoteldetail
Room Rates: $89 plus 12% tax. Inform hotel that you are with AMTA.
From 20E/ I-75 and Ga 400 merge on to I-285E:
Take Exit 30, turn right on to Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, hotel will be on the right. From 20W and I-85 Merge on to I-285W, take Exit 30, at 1st stoplight
(Peachtree Rd) continue straigh ahead untill your 3rd light
(Chamblee Dunwoody Rd), turn left, hotel will be on right.
HELP WANTEDThe Chapter needs
MORE VOLUNTEERS !Go to: http://www.amtaga.org/volunteer_opportunities
CLASSIFIED: For Sale: Body Cushion System Karen Krotz 770-271-7155Suwanee, GeorgiaFull Pro Set / Body cushion system in Teal Includes 4 piece body cushion set and adjuster caddy set. (2) large wedges(1) small wedge(2) rectangle adjusters(4) Extenders - in convenient caddy bagAlso included: foot cushion and face cradle covers
All for only $500.00
Hands On Georgia AMTA-Georgia Chapter 4 Coosawattee Avenue, Suite C Rome, GA 30165