handprints - AMTA Rhode Island Chapter

WINTER 2013
handprints
amta - rhode island chapter newsletter | serving our members and advancing our profession
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Joanne Lozy, RIAMTA President
Holy smokes Batman! The year flew by faster than it takes Clark Kent to change into
Superman. That’s right Robin and before we know it !! 2014 will be here and the New England
Regional Conference (NERC) following on its heals. (gasp! OMG) No way Batman!
Yes way Robin, I saw that Reg on Line was already available! Perusing the classes I detected
yet again the NERC team has another dynamic (like the duo) line up of presenters. Get out
your iPad Robin. We can pick our classes together. Can I drive the Bat-mobile there Batman?
Don’t push it kid.
It was their group that stepped up to the task of educating
You too can go to Gotham City and attend NERC,
and manning the chairs at the Burn Congress. They had
select this link www.regonline.com/Register/Checkin.
a positive impact on many lives that weekend. A special
aspx?EventID=1290764 and check out the great classes and
thank you to all who participated.
presenters. If you see Batman letting Robin drive...Please,
Our Government Relations team has been seen
report back, all members are welcome to write articles for
haunting
the halls of the State House along with our first
the RI AMTA newsletter.
ever lobbyist Bill Fischer. Apparently they scared up a
It is true however that the year will soon be over. Like it
few important votes in the legislative session, as we now
or not and we will be advancing into 2014 and the end of
have a professional Board of Massage, no small feat.
my term as your president. April 2014 will bring another
Rhode Island massage therapists have been working for
chapter election where you will be electing President,
years toward this goal. The GR team spent many hours
Secretary, 2nd VP and Delegates. With that being said, I
rewriting article 23-20.8 and the state law makers
hope you will indulge me as I reflect on 2013 and all that RI
approved. Having a professional board at the DOH
AMTA volunteers have done for us, our profession and the
increases respect for our profession and the improvement
public this past year.
to the definition of massage provides clarity and
We’ve had many great accomplishments and a few
protection. Congratulations GR team on a job well done.
milestones in 2013. Our small state and medium size
The members you elect to the board: President,1st, 2nd,
chapter has celebrated its 55th anniversary. That’s pretty
and
3rd VPs, secretary, treasurer, delegates and the
incredible. During this past year, we have been the hosting
dedicated
volunteer committees: crisis massage team, web
chapter for the 35th annual New England Regional
site, video library, NERC, sports, membership, volunteer
Conference, the hosting state for the Phoenix World Burn
coordinator, Government relations and social media have
Congress at which RI AMTA provided seated massage to
all had an impact on your life or profession in some way
burn survivors and their families. Volunteers have cooled
this last year. Whether you realize it or not.
down marathoners at the MS150, the Boston Marathon, and
They are hard workers dedicated to providing RI AMTA
Save the Bay. Provided respite to stressed out first
members
with the best membership value. They are an
responders at the EMS Conference and comfort to at risk
awesome
group of professionals, committed to serving
veterans at Operation Stand Down. When we’re not
their fellow members and the community. Not for
massaging, we’re making sure our members have access
monetary compensation or recognition, but simply because
to quality affordable education close to home. We’re busy
they care. Their level of volunteerism is remarkable. I am
keeping members informed at 2 general meetings, through
truly amazed and humbled by all they have accomplished.
3 yearly newsletters, Facebook and our website. Constant
Those accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. Our
contact updates you on the latest events: hiking, baseball
chapter received 7 awards at the National Convention in
outings, sun and fun outings, the annual New York bus
Fort Worth this past September. The awards given by
trip, coffee and...meetings, educational classes and general
National to our chapter volunteers reflect just how busy
meetings.
they’ve been. Please join me in honoring their
Crisis Massage has had their own call to action, they
dedication to our profession and volunteerism beyond
prepare at least 3 times a year to remain sharp and are ready
massage therapy. Please see my separate article which
to be called when disaster strikes. Their team is a well
goes into greater detail about the awards received.
trained professional group lead by Regina Cobb and Frank
cont. on page 13
Rapone.
AT YOUR SERVICE
HONORING OUR VOLUNTEERS
RHODE ISLAND AMTA | 2012
Joanne Lozy, RIAMTA President
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Volunteers give as little or as much time as they choose. It runs the gambit
from helping twice a year at the General Meetings with meet and greet, a few
times a year at sporting events and community service projects, once a month
making phone calls to welcome new members or a few hours a week serving
on a committee or as one of the elected board members.
At the National Convention the Rhode Island Chapter took seven awards. I
am very proud to say we have a very warm, friendly group committed to the
growth and development of massage therapy and its members.
I was especially proud to learn at the convention that our own Michaele
Colizza received the prestigious National Humanitarian award, we received the
Give Chapters a Hand Award which recognizes up to five areas of excellence.
We received recognition for four areas: sports, communications, government
relations, charity/fundraising. Plus we also received two Chapter Meritorious
Awards. I’ve included the forms for you perusal.
President, Joanne Lozy 401-497-2111
[email protected]
Immediate Past President,
Christopher Adamo,401-263-1640;
[email protected]
1st Vice President, Membership Chair,
Michaele Colizza 401-595-2184
[email protected]
2nd Vice President, Volunteer Coordinator,
Bridget Roberts 401-263-3511;
[email protected]
3rd Vice President, Patricia Bachus,
401-225-8610
Secretary, Kim Cook 401-837-8079
[email protected]
Give Chapters a Hand:
Awards of Excellence Nomination Form
Treasurer, Joan Tarter Van-Hees
401-965-3993 [email protected]
Nominator Information
Nominee Information
Name: Joanne Lozy
Chapter: Rhode Island
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Phone Number: 401 497 2111
Crisis Massage Team Co-Chairs, Regina Cobb Email Address: [email protected]
508-954-2125; [email protected];
Frank Rapone 401-559-4318; [email protected]
Facebook & Yahoo Group Admin,
Roy Kenji Omori 401-864-1258;
[email protected]
Historian, Deb Luhrs
401-849-1050 [email protected]
Education Chair, Alda Medeiros
401-829-0293; [email protected]
Newsletter Editor, Debbie Kilty
401-339-1041; [email protected]
Sports Massage Chair, Lou Ann Botsford
401-486-9113; [email protected]
Video Librarian, Paula Kochanek
401-744-5025;[email protected]
Webmaster, Karen Small 401-480-6897
[email protected]
Delegates 2012:
Michaele Colizza, Sr. Delegate 401-595-2184
Patricia Bachus , Jr. Delegate 401-225-8610
New England Conference Reps:
Debbie Kilty 401-339-1041
Patricia Bachus 401-225-8610
Not sure who to ask? Email:
[email protected]
PART 1: DELIVERABLES AND REPORTING
To be eligible for this award, deliverables are verified by Chapter Relations
and Finance.
Chapter minutes.
Treasurers reports
PART 2: AREAS OF EXCELLENCE
Describe your chapter’s excellence and innovation in communication and
programmatic areas. Must include all information for submission to be valid.
Member Communication: Newsletter
Must include Newsletters web address; if not available online please send as
attachment:
Description: Newsletters may be downloaded from chapter website amtari.org,
under handprints. Our newsletter editor Debbie Kilty works very hard to
publish the newsletter on time. She actively seeks advertising to help defray
costs and is fiscally responsible.
Member Communication: Website and Social Media sites
www.facebook.com/AMTARhodeIslandChapter
www.amtari.org
Description: Our facebook page, monitored by Roy Kenji Omori is a social site
where Rhode Island members discuss the latest events, share helpful ideas and
discuss techniques, classes and products with fellow therapists.
amtari.org is the chapter website. It is administered by Karen Small. Karen is
very diligent at updating our site with the latest events, timelines and important
information about RI AMTA. The site provides important links to members
about AMTA, state licensing regulations and volunteer opportunities.
cont. next page
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Member Programming: Community Service/Fundraising
Description: RI AMTA services the community in a
number of ways. Therapists provide seated massage to
Veterans at Operation Stand Down a weekend retreat which
provides services to homeless, disabled and at risk veterans.
Our Crisis Massage Team (CMT) has set up a world class
program that works along with the State of Rhode Islands’
Crisis Incident Stress Management (CISM) team. This special
team provides stress management services to first responders.
This past August we were invited to participate in the States
mock emergency disaster operation “Vigilant Guard”. This
was an exciting first for CMT and the CISM.
You can read more about it in our 2012 Summer Newsletter.
This year we are proud to be providing seated massage at
the Phoenix Society, World Burn Congress in October 2013.
Each year the Phoenix Society holds this event in a
different state. This conference draws burn survivors from
all aver the world. Last year the Wisconsin Chapter provided
seated massage and they asked Rhode Island to provide
services this year. It was their vision to see this as a regular
service, we are proud to carry on the tradition and look
forward to passing this worth while service event on to the
next state. To prepare for the potentially challenging needs of
this event the CMT along with CISM are providing special
training to massage therapists wishing to participate.
Preparation for this event has been on going since September
of 2012.CMT Chair - Regina Cobb
Member Programming: Government Relations
Committee
Description: The Government Relations team has been
actively working to improve the States’ laws governing
Massage Therapists. It is their goal to implements a Board of
Massage Therapy. Legislation has been drafted and is
currently on the docket for this years General Assembly. It’s
been an impressive and exciting undertaking. We would also
like to recognize AMTA’s National Government Relations
corespondent Joe Roth for his guidance and patience during
this process.
Member Programming: Sports Massage Team
Description: Our Sports Chair - Lou Ann Botsford is very
active in coordinating many sporting events here in the
little state of Rhode Island. She also recruits student massage
therapist to participate at these events, encouraging future RI
AMTA members. There are a number of different sporting
events annually, Special Olympics, Boston Marathon and
Save the Bay, are just a few.
PART 3: OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO MEMBERS:
Description: RI AMTA offers members a variety of events
along with two annual meetings.
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These events include hiking, bowling, reduced
admission tickets to local sporting events and free
continuing education as well as reduced rate education to
RI AMTA members. We offered a contest for members to
participate in the creation of the state pin. Each
newsletter features “ Our Members Matter” short
interviews done with chapter members.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
The only supporting documents I have for many of these
events are the constant contact emails sent out as
notification. Please contact me at joannelozy@yahoo.
com if you wish me to forward copies of the emails as
proof. You can read the Our Members Matter article in
any of our newsletters see amtari.org . Documentation for
the State Pin contest may also be seen in the Winter 2012
newsletter.
Chapter Meritorious: Chapter Award
Submission Form
Chapter Meritorious Recipient Information
Name: Joan Tarter - Van Hees & Pat Bachus
Chapter: Rhode Island
Will the Nominee (s) be attending Convention? No
Reasons What are the reasons you selected your Chapter
Meritorious recipient? (Please provide specific
examples; i.e. volunteering, etc.)
I am nominating two valuable individuals for Chapter
Meritorious Award. They have work so well together that
they both deserve recognition and I can not recognize one
with out the other. They joke about how “together they
make one brain” as they worked together as the RI
chapters NERC team for the last two years.
Joan and Pat were the Rhode Island dynamic duo that
worked tirelessly as this years hostesses for the New
England Regional Conference. Rhode Island was the
hosting state this year. This is a very large undertaking
that requires: time, sweat, and stamina, and it will produce
brain overload. These women committed countless hours
to travel, meetings, interviews/contracts, computer time,
phone calls and overseeing the actual event. They learned
new computer programs and worked with their
committee techie to personalize the online registration
forms with reg-on-line for the 2013 NERC. Each one of
these nominees is also involved in other RI AMTA
commitments. They are dynamos that shine together and
individually.
Joan Tarter - Van Hees is the chapter treasurer. She has
been very committed to keeping the chapter financial
records in order. She is fiscally responsible and has her
reports to National in order. Currently she is exploring
ways to increase the interest earnings on the moneys the
cont. on page 5
AT THE AMTA NATIONAL
CONVENTION
Roy Kenji Omori, Facebook & Yahoo Group Admin
I finally got the chance to go to the AMTA National Convention
in Ft Worth, Texas. What fun we had! Our Chapter was awarded a
slew of awards including Best Newsletter, Best Sports Team, Best
Community and Fund Raising for a medium size chapter. And our
own Michaele Colizza won the National Humanitarian Award!! Did
you hear that National Humanitarian! Yay Michaele! All in all our
chapter received 7 awards. We have a very talented chapter here in
Rhode Island.
Massage therapists from all 50 states attended the National
Convention and the AMTA has a cool way to break the ice for
meeting people by exchanging state pins. The AMTA has the whole
week filled with things to do and classes to take. Some of the great
classes I got to take were Advanced Sports Massage with Steve Jorc,
Touching the Past with Julie Goodwin and Migraine Miracle with
Kelly Lotts
We were invited to attend the Presidents Meeting. Presidents from
all 50 state chapters were in attendance to discuss categories such as
ideas on helping your chapter to be better utilized. When I attended
the House of Delegates meeting I felt as though I was watching a
congress at work with Roberts Rules of Order to conduct the
meeting, I now realize the importance of the HOD and it’s
significance for not only the AMTA but for the whole massage
profession. There is controlled debate, everyone having great ideas
and sharing their own concerns and opinions about how we should
be voting on position statements. If we are to raise the level of our
profession then we must have a firm understanding of what our work
can do for the populations with verbage that is understood and
respected by the medical industry, insurance industry and the general
public.
Going through the exhibit hall you could check out the new
products out like the Fat Tool or the Micracle Wrap and have
discussions with teachers like Eric Dalton, Whitney Lowe, James
Waslaski and Ruth Werner. All teachers that I have taken classes with
and have the utmost respect for.
Friday night the AMTA lined up a party at the Stockyards with
dancing, a couple of auctions and dinner but to make it more
exciting they included bull riding (i didn’t do so good), armadillo
racing (real live armadillos), quick draw challenge and a photo booth.
But the most fun I had was seeing my first rodeo with bull riding,
barrel racing and cattle roping.
Saturday night was a more formal evening with everyone dressing
for dinner, more dancing to a great rock band and hanging out with
like minded people who do the same thing you do.
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Outside the ballroom you could have your picture taken with
a long horned steer, he was huge! He must have been 2000 lbs
easy.
Ft Worth is a beautiful mid size city with an assortment of
old and new buildings and plenty of things to see and places
to eat. I spent some extra time after the convention to do some
exploring and visited the Water Gardens and rented one of
those B-cycles (https://fortworth.bcycle.com) that has stations
around the city you can ride the bike to at very reasonable rates.
Next year the convention will be in Denver, Colorado. I’m
planning to go especially since I’ve never been there and what
better way to visit a new place than with friends who you know
and trust and love to learn and party with. Who else is coming?
Join us!
Kenji Omori, Michaele Colizza, Pat Bachus, Joanne Lozy
Six Past RI AMTA Predisents. Front Row: Kelly LoGuidice, Joanne Lozy. Back
Row:John Balletto, Deb Luhrs, Karl Stern and Pat Bachus
more convention photos next page
WINE TO WATER
Roy Kenji Omori, Facebook & Yahoo Group Admin
Pat Bachus, Meritorious Award Winner
Michaele Colizza, National Humanitarian
Chapter Meritorious: Chapter Award Submission
Form cont.
chapter has in the bank. Attending meetings regularly she and is an
active board member, always ready to participate in meaningful
dialogue to help resolve chapter concerns. Joan’s tranquil nature and
happy demeanor are an asset to the RI AMTA. I am proud to nominate
her for the Chapter Meritorious Award she has truly worked hard for
our chapter.
Pat Bachus is a woman of many hats. She sits on the Government
Relations committee where she has been actively involved with
committee members and National AMTA GR. Her input is invaluable.
Pat also serves on the Education committee and the Crisis Massage
Team as a team leader, organizing and participating in call downs for
Crisis Massage.
Characteristics Pat Bachus is a
wealth of information and is ever
ready to meet any challenge
presented to her with enthusiasm
and commitment. Her life
experiences as a nurse and
educator/leader in the massage
community are an asset to our
chapter. She has been my
mentor and one of my go to ladies
for council as I have learned my
roll as President. Her experience as
our Chapter President in 2008 and
2009, her life wisdom and her warm
caring nature have made her a great
resource, and she is always willing
to share her gifts.
Joan Tarter-Van Hees is a wise, calm force in the chapter. She is a
quiet observer, but when the time comes for her to share her thoughts,
you can be sure the comments and insight will be worth gold. She is
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well liked and respected, a hard worker and an asset to our organization.
Humanitarian submission form see page 18.
Opening day at the National Convention in Ft Worth,TX
the opening guest speaker was Doc Henley who started a
group called WINE TO WATER. Doc has quite the story to
tell. Most people don’t know that almost half the world is
lacking for clean water. Young children are dying because of
the lack of clean water. When Doc found out about this, he
knew he had to do something, and he did. With only a little
money in his pocket he set out to third world countries to
find out why it was so hard to have clean water.
He learned in 2003 that water kills more children in the
world than anything else. #2 is HIV/AIDS #3 is Malaria
#4 is Tuberculosis but lack of water kills more children than
all three combined. After he arrived he found that some
people walk 3-4 hours to get clean water.
The first place he picked to go to was Darfur. Despite the
dangers of being killed and the people being rampaged by
military he still chose to go. Even going as far as talking to
military commanders at gunpoint and getting them to agree
to letting his men into restricted areas to bring water to the
civilians.
Many times when he found the local wells, the problem
was not that they were dry of water but that they were not
maintained. So the next step was to inspect the pumps and
figure out how to repair them. At first he brought in well
workers from the larger cities to repair them but eventually
found out that there were local people who could repair them
but they just needed tools and replacement parts to fix them.
The most amazing story Doc tells is while driving his jeep
he was being shot at by rebels. None of the bullets hit him
but when he arrived at his destination he noticed something
strange. A bullet had gone through the headrest of the car
seat. That same trajectory of the bullet should have gone
right through his head and somehow some way the bullet
had made a turn and avoided him all together. Doc can’t
explain it he’s just thankful to still be alive. I envy Doc
because he was bold enough to follow his inspiration.
Doc Henly and Roy Kenji Omori
SPORTS TEAM
Lou Ann Botsford Sports Massage Team Chair
BOSTON MARATHON 2014
Online volunteer registration for the 118th Boston Marathon (April
21, 2014) will open on Monday, December 9, 2013. Returning
2013 Boston Marathon volunteers will have until Monday, January
6, 2014 to secure their volunteer position by registering online at
www.baa.org
sign up under medical volunteers/massage therapist/post-event.
Please contact me at [email protected] for further information.
AMTA SPORTS MASSAGE 2013 TEAM OF THE YEAR
Congratulations to all the LMTs who participated in one or more of
our events this past year (Boston Marathon, RI Special Olympics,
MS150, Save the Bay, Tom G. Cavanagh Memorial Hockey
Tournament, Surftown Half-Marathon and Operation Stand Down
for Veterans) thereby helping our chapter earn this recognition!
Thanks to everyone who gave their gift of time to serve these
special populations and represent the RIAMTA and our profession!
Frank Rapone Robin Conley
Pat Bachus
Michaele Colizza
Mick Jones
Donna Tschuta
Cesar Cruz
Debbie Kilty
Paula Kochanek
Corrine Rossi
Felicia Foster
Nancy Munro
Diana Abatecole
Monique LaCroix
Melissa Roth
Kenji Omori
Larry Gallagher
Nancy Web
Bridget Roberts
Gina Peloquin
Karlo Berger
Deb Luhrs
Debbie Peacock
Lauren Baer
Ian Newbury
Lynn Rheanne
The RIAMTA Chapter is hosting a State Pin Contest! We are
Stephanie Verify
asking our very talented membership to design a state pin for
Michael Abatecole
Randi Sherman 2014! The pins design contest guidelines 2014 for our state are
as follows:
1)
The pin should say RI AMTA or full state name.
2)
You can use up to three colors
Hope to increase our numbers for next year!!
3)
Your metal choice is gold or silver color tone
4)
The pin is state shaped
5)
The art work must be sent to me in email format by
January 4, 2014. All entries will then be voted on at the
following board meeting, January 29, 2014. One week
later the winning design will be submitted to The
Customized Memories Company for production.
6)
You may enter more than once.
7)
Entries must have your name, phone number and email
address attached to it but not visible on the art work.
8)
This contest is open to ALL RIAMTA MEMBERS.
LouAnn Botsford, Sports Massage Team Chair
STATE PIN CONTEST
6
Please email me at [email protected] or send your entry to
1481 Atwood Ave. Suite 1, Johnston RI 02919.
Prize for the winning designer will be a $25 Visa Gift Card!!!
EDUCATION COMMITTEE
UPDATE
Alda Medeiros, Education Chair
It’s been a very busy time for the Education Committee! In
November, we hosted two great workshops! Ben Benjamin
presented on November 3rd at the Radisson in Warwick, RI on
the vital topic, “Ethics of Touch—Making Tough Decisions.”
Twenty-eight members attended and received 6 NCBTMB CE
credits.
Then, just two weeks later, Patrick Ingrassia returned to RI and
presented “Advanced Therapeutic Chair Massage Techniques.”
Ten members attended and received 16 NCBTMB credits. A
chair massage workshop
great time was had by all!
In December, we are hosting another class on CPR & First Aid
certification and have received a great response to past classes!
We anticipate approximately thirty members to attend.
Please look for future emails as the workshops get closer and
also check the RIAMTA website
for workshop details and registration information
www.riamta.com.
We continue to be proud of the workshops offered for our
members and look for continued
feedback from you for future topic ideas. If you have a topic of
interest, feel free to contact me
at [email protected]
On behalf of Pat Bachus and myself, we wish you all a safe and
healthy holiday season!
WELCOME TO THE RIAMTA
COMMUNITY
Patrick Ingrassia
Michaele Colizza, 1st Vice President, Membership Chair
Our family of Massage Therapists is expanding. Please welcome our new
members. We have 1st timers, folks who have joined us from other states,
and those whom have returned to us. We are so glad you are a part of us!
VIDEO LIBRARY
Paula Kochanek, Video Librarian:
401-744-5025 or [email protected]
A full list of available Rentals,
Rental Agreement forms and full
instructions can be found on our
website: www.riamta.com.
Please check it out.
It is a wonderful resource.
RENTALS DUE IN 3 WEEKS TO
AVOID FEE PENALTIES.
Nicole Branco
Sekar Chettier
Sarah Feeley
Lisa Kanakry
Elizabeth kennedy Kelly Morrissette
Marvin Pochon
Cassandra Ruggiero
Jean Volpe
Kara Donahoe
Jean Carrillo
Shelley Gertz-Sigal
Lisa Kidwell
Gabriel Posillo
*Keep your eyes on the website and our Facebook page*
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8
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All RIAMTA Board Meetings are open to the public. The
following is a list of dates and times of upcoming board
meetings:
December 11, 2013 7:00 pm
January 29, 2014 7:00 pm
February 23, 2014 11:30 am
March 12, 2014 7:00 pm
And our General Chapter Board Meeting at the Radisson
Airport Hotel, Warwick next year will be Sunday, April 6,
2014 at 10:00 am. Please take note! This is a change
from previous years when we’ve held the annual voting
meeting in February. Please join us and make your vote
count! And you will be able to take advantage of some free
continuing education as well! Remember the new RI
legislation requires CE credits to renew your license get
them for free from your RI Chapter of the AMTA!!
Review all AMTA Products and Services
Times and dates are subject to change. Please contact our
If you have any problems logging in to the AMTA
Secretary Kim Cook at 401-837-8079 or via email at
members-only section of the AMTA website, please
[email protected] prior to any meeting for confirmation
contact AMTA Member Experience at 1.877.905.2700 or
on date, time and location.Check in the next newsletter for
email [email protected].
future meeting dates.
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Questions from the General Chapter Meeting of the
RI AMTA, October 20, 2013
Deb Luhrs, Historian, Government Relations
Concerns about the Affordable Care Act and its affect on the current practice of massage in RI.
1. What if we don’t want to accept insurance and participate in the Affordable Care Act (ACA)? The RI AMTA
Chapter does not want to make any MT do anything they don’t want to do. The role of our Chapter is promoting the
profession. There are some sections of the ACA that mention “alternative care and complementary care”. The ACA does
not define the modalities that make up this type of care, however it is usually understood these to be licensed professions.
The Chapter wants to help those MT’s who are interested in participating.
2. How does the ACA affect the confidentiality of the client between chiropractors, physicians and MT’s? This
would come under HIPAA regulations that are already established. Each MT’s would need to investigate the “Health
Information Portability & Accountability Act of 1996” to determine how they need to be compliant.
3. How will acceptance of massage therapy into ACA effect government control over the massage industry? I am not
sure it will. The issue is how will insurance companies view the benefits of massage and will it be cost effective for them.
4. What happens if I don’t want to accept insurance? Nothing should change. The public will continue to choose, who,
where, when and what they currently do.
5. Would pay scales still be set individually? If you choose not to accept insurance, you will still be able to set your
rates. If you choose to accept insurance, it is my understanding that the insurance company determines a fair rate.
6. Are there case studies outlined to do? There are studies that can be found at the Massage Therapy Foundations web
site http://www.massagetherapyfoundation.org/
7. If I get involved with RI Government Relations, how often will we meet? I will say as needed. There maybe times
we will meet frequently (2 x +/month), other times a conference call will do. Most of the time some thought needs to be
researched or analyzed and concerns about ramifications needs to be addressed. We need people who can think and not
be afraid to express their thoughts.
Concerns about the new Massage Therapy Bill, passed July 2013
Go to the RI AMTA’s website, http://www.riamta.com/news.html and click on News & Events. Scroll down to News,
August 2013. See the line “To review all the changes…click here. That will take you to the final draft of the New Massage
Law. There you will be able to read the old and new language. Some of the answers reference lines directly from the bill.
There you will be able read the law directly.
1. Are there any overlaps with NCBTMB for Continuing Education (CE) hours? Yes. The Board will most likely
accept the same CE hours.
2. Please explain the continuing education credits needed for licensing. My understanding of the new law requires 6
CE hours, 1 CE hour of which must be in ethics or “standards of practice” each year. (See page 4, lines 13-24 of the final
draft)
cont. next page
10
3. Who can be on the Board? “The board shall consist of seven (7) members who reside in the state of Rhode Island, four (4)
of whom shall be licensed pursuant to this chapter and one of whom shall be a member of the general public, and who does not
have financial interest in the profession, or is married to someone in the profession. At no time shall more than one board member
be an owner of, an instructor of, or otherwise affiliated with a board-approved massage therapy school or course of instruction.
The four (4) members who are licensed pursuant to this chapter shall represent both solo practitioners as well as members of a
group practice.” This was taken directly from the final draft, page 2 lines 15-24, http://www.riamta.com/news.html
4. What does the Board do? The Board will meet quarterly, review licenses, continuing education, review & solve ethics issues
and hold hearings. It is our hope the Board will assure open & transparent communication between the Dept of Health (DOH),
practicing licensed massage therapists and schools. Also assure fair and consistent enforcement of rules and regulations and
provide a knowledgeable resource for the DOH and Attorney General’s office. See page 4, line 28 – page 5, line 8. Go to the RI
AMTA’s website, http://www.riamta.com/news.html and click on News & Events. Scroll down to News, August 2013. See the
line “To review all the changes…click here. That will take you to the final draft of the Bill. There you will be able to read the
old and new language.
5. Is there a specific address to apply to the Board? Send a cover letter, explaining your qualifications, along with your
resume, to the Governor, 82 Smith Street, Providence, RI 02903
6. Do license numbers have to be posted on outdoor signage? Yes, all advertising needs to have your license number
referenced.
7. How soon must a therapist display their license? As of July 2013, when the bill was passed.
8. How will CE requirements be monitored? The Board or their assistants will randomly select a percentage of renewals to
inspect their CE hours.
9. What does supervision mean? After a massage student has graduated and applied for their license, they may work “under
the license of another massage therapist for 3 months”. The LMT must be present at the office while the graduate is working.
The graduate will be under the supervision of the Licensed Massage Therapist. If for some reason the DOH does not issue the
graduate their license within the 3 months, the graduate must stop doing massage work until the license is issued. The
supervising LMT is there to answer questions and assist the graduate during this transition to working in the massage field.
10. What if an MT is an employee and doesn’t make their own business cards? This is a point that I would expect the
Board to address. If an office has one business card for many LMT’s, I would expect that the phrase “all Massage Therapists are
licensed by the State”. Or, “license numbers available at the office”. Something along the lines that all MT’s & the business are
compliant and legitimate.
11. Are energy work (Reiki) going to be considered massage? No. These modalities are identified as exempt from needing
a massage license to practice. Read the new law slowly.
12. What are the average CE hours per class? It is my understanding that continuing education is usually one hour of class
time equals one continuing education credit hour. The State board may issue guidelines to eliminate any confusion.
13. Is it still an annual process to renew a license regardless of when the CE hours are submitted? Yes, we thought a
biannual renewal process might offer some administrative savings to the DOH, but they did not accept the suggestion.
14. When will the Board be chosen? My best answer is when the Governor gets to it. I don’t have a date or time frame.
15. How much longer can we apply for the Board? If you are interested, apply as soon as possible.
16. How does the new law affect those of us who work over clothes? I have training of 1500 hours in Eastern Medicine,
Shiatsu and Asian Bodywork. This question may need to be reviewed by the Board, but other similar techniques are exempt
from the massage law. Please read page 1, lines 15 thru page 2, line 10 and also page 8, line 29 thru page 9, line15. In the new
law, we have tried to define what massage is and is not as well as respect other modalities and traditions. Hopefully, when you
read the referenced passages, it will ease your concerns.
11
RI AMTA OPPORTUNITY IS
KNOCKING!
Joanne Lozy, RIAMTA President
I recently had the pleasure of speaking to Ellen Kreutler.
She is working with Accessible Rhode Island MS Dream
Center to improve their website, AccessibleRhodeIsland.
org . Accessible RI received grants to improve the website
and has great plans that are a win-win situation for anyone
interested in participating, so please read on.
Currently the site provides lists of Rhode Island
entertainment attractions; parks, museums and restaurants.
The new site will have a broader reach including health and
wellness centers. Accessible RI is reaching out to massage
therapists, yoga facilities, fitness centers and other
alternative health providers so they may be included on the
new website. Their new site is scheduled to go live in
January, 2014. Needless to say they is working fervently to
get as many facilities as possible included before they go
live. But don’t worry if you aren’t available now you can be
added in later. So, “What’s involved?” you may wonder. It’s
really quite easy. I have included a letter from Accessible
RI and a link to a form you need to fill out http://msdreamcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/ARI-AssessmentSheet-final.pdf .
Once your form is received a site visit is made to assess
your accessibility. Facilities receive a letter value which
indicates just how accessible they are. You may see an
example of this on their current website
AccessibleRhodeIsland.org . The letters are PVRMB,
P = parking, V = van parking, R = route from parking
to facility, M = main entrance and B = bathroom. Don’t
worry if you don’t meet all the letter criteria, you can still
be on the site. Let me explain further. Let us suppose your
facility has handicap parking, but no special van space.
Don’t worry! You just wouldn’t receive the “V” letter
indicator. I’m sure you can figure out the rest. Even if you
don’t have handicap bathrooms you are still eligible. As
I said earlier, it’s a win-win. Please take the time to read
the letter, visit the site, fill out a form, and take advantage
of some free advertising for your business and probably
some new clients. Letter follows on next page.
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ACCESSIBLE RHODE ISLAND
AMTA MEMBERSHIP
BENEFITS
MS Dream Center
September 2013
Dear Friend,
The purpose of Accessible Rhode Island (ARI), a program of
the MS Dream Center, is to assist persons with disabilities, and
the public in general, by providing information concerning
access to over 500 facilities throughout the state. Areas of
focus have been on parking, route of travel, main entrance, and
bathroom accommodations using guidelines from the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. ARI is now also
promoting programs for healthy living that are available to
Rhode Island residents and visitors alike who may have
physical limitations.
We look forward to the January 2014 launch of the updated
www.accessiblerhodeisland.org website and would like to
include your facility and what it has to offer. ¬¬We welcome
your participation and would like to follow up with you to
schedule a mutually agreeable time to visit your establishment.
If you would like further information, please contact us by
email at [email protected], by phone at (401) 383-8878, or
visit our websites.
Thank you.
The Accessible Rhode Island Team
P.O. Box 20185
Cranston, RI 02920
(401) 383-8878
www.accessiblerhodeisland.org
www.msdreamcenter.org
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT CONT.
Joanne Lozy, RIAMTA President
The elected and volunteer members of the RI AMTA chapter
are committed to providing its members with quality and
affordability. Your chapter fee goes a long way. Not only do
we offer affordable education locally, but we provide a meal
along with it. I don’t know if you’ve attended education
through other locations, but not many feed you. Years ago you
asked and we listened: food, convenience and affordability
were our members’ requests. Our education committee has
provided top notch educators such as Marjorie Brook, Ben
Benjamin, and Patrick Ingrassia to name a few. We hold our
meetings in a convenient, central, quality location with good
food. The membership committee put together give-away
bags that contain samples from many of the major vendors
(a great way to try different products without making a major
purchase). We look forward to hearing from members, we are
always looking for your ideas. Please call any of us.
13
AMTA offers members a wide array of benefits and
resources to help you reach professional excellence
in the massage therapy profession. As a
Professional Member, your benefits include:
• Liability Insurance Coverage (included) • mtj® (Massage Therapy Journal®)
• Use of classification-specific AMTA logo • Discounts on online training and courses at the
National Convention • E n r o l l m e n t i n A M TA’s F i n d a M a s s a g e
Therapist® • Massage Information Center • Chapter/Volunteer Involvement
• Free job and resume posting • Hands On® - bi-monthly membership newsletter
• Optional Insurance plans (e.g., medical, disability)
• Discounts up to 30% on products for your
practice • Discounts on supplies and services for your
business • Create your own website in 5 minutes • Free client e-Newsletter • Free online classified ad posting • F r e e o n s i t e c o n t i n u i n g e d u c a t i o n c l a s s
posting • Marketing/public relations tools • Massage photos you can download • National Office staff assistance
• Professional development tips • Professional member pin
Student, School, & Supporting Members can review
their specific benefits at www.amtamassage.org. CE
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BOSTON CAMPUS
January 19
Releasing Shoulder
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February 9
March 12
with Saskia Coté*
with Morgan Sutherland
February 10
March 20
Hot Stone Massage
Massage Cupping
with Barbara Blanchard
January 26
with Barbara Blanchard
with Kerry Jordan*
March 6
Acupressure Facial
April 10
with Andrew Jurdan*
Deep Tissue Refresher
with Jeff Forrest*
Intro to Oncology
Massage
May 4
Introduction to Mana
Lomi ® Table Techniques
with Marcia York
Basics of Pregnancy
Massage
with Barbara Blanchard
March 9
with Kerry Jordan*
February 2
Working the Core
CSM Rotator Cuff and
Shoulder Dysfunction
with Ryan Holohan*
with Jeff Forrest*
Foundations in
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with Walt Fritz
Acupressure for Self
Healing
Intro to Shiatsu
April 25-27
May 5-7
Mana Lomi ® Level 1:
Clinical Lomi
Techniques
with Marcia York
register online at www.cortiva.com/ce
or contact Saskia Coté at [email protected]
Courses and dates are subject to change. Please check our website regularly.
* Indicates course qualifying for 10% student discount or 10% voucher
Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy is
currently offering the following CE courses:
GROTON CAMPUS
March 22
May 4
CPR & First Aid
Aromatherapy Body
Treatment Massage
with John Calatayud
with Alecia Davidson
April 5
NEWINGTON CAMPUS
March 8 & 9
Massage for Migraines
with Anthony Guglielmo
April 26
Cool Compression Leg
Wrap
with Alecia Davidson
Introduction to Foot
Reflexology
with C. Anya Hricko
March 15
Assessment of the
Lumbar Spine & Pelvis
with John Calatayud
March 16 & 17
Hot Stone Massage
with Alecia Davidson
April 5
April 13
Raindrop Therapy &
VitaFlex Techniques
with Richard Harris
Reiki I
May 3 & 4
with Hallie Sawyers
April 6
Aromatherapy &
5 Elemental Theory
with Jacqueline Bloom
April 12
Advanced Orthopedic
Soft Tissue Therapy
with Steve Jurch
May 17 & 18
Transform Trauma
with Joni Masse
CPR & First Aid
with John Calatayud
register online at www.SteinerCE.com or
contact us at [email protected]
Cortiva Institute and Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy
are members of the Steiner Education Group, which is approved
by the NCBTMB as a provider of continuing education (#451248-10).
Courses and dates are subject to change. Please check our website regularly.
Cortiva Institute
Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy
Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy
103 Morse Street
Watertown, MA 02472
1154 Poquonnock Road
Groton, Connecticut 06340
75 Kitts Lane
Newington, Connecticut 06111
617-668-1000
888-216-0547
14
888-216-0547
CCRI’s Center for Workforce
and Community Education will offer:
Earn 40 continuing education hours in a 10-week internship
this spring in an NCMTMB-approved program.
Enhance Your Massage Practice and
Your Clients’ Lives with
Hospital-based
Massage Therapy Training
WHERE:
This course is designed for all licensed massage therapists
in New England.
Saint Anne’s Hospital
795 Middle St.
Fall River, Mass.
Enhance your clinical skills by working with individuals in a hospital-based environment.
Develop a better understanding of the scope of the intrinsic factors involved with this
population by working directly with patients receiving chemotherapy, radiation and
hospital stay following treatment or surgery for cancer. Learn integrative massage
skills with protocols specific to pressure adjustments, sites to avoid and client
positioning. Aspects of physiological changes during the massage treatment will be
outlined in steps so therapists can work safely and skillfully with this population.
WHEN:
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Roger Williams Medical Center
825 Chalkstone Ave.
Providence, R.I.
Roger Williams Medical Center
Flex hours (set before course starts)
March 2014
Saint Anne’s Hospital
8 a.m. to noon on Thursdays
from Feb. 20 to April 24
HOW:
Registration is underway.
You must complete the extensive
application process by Jan. 15, 2014.
Download the application form at
www.ccri.edu/cwce/career/massage.
The cost is $595, plus a
$25 application fee
• Identify the role of the massage therapist in a clinical setting.
• Demonstrate appropriate assessment skills when treating patients.
• Identify various cancer treatment methods.
• Demonstrate the skills for charting patient care notes.
• Demonstrate appropriate gentle massage techniques of the hands, feet, back, neck
and shoulders.
• Utilize standardized scales when assessing stress and pain.
• Identify patients appropriate for massage treatment.
• Describe the importance of patient positioning and critical thinking as they relate
to patient care.
• Describe lymphedema protocols identified by Tracy Walton and cancer treatments
by Gayle MacDonald.
• Demonstrate skills to work collaboratively with hospital staff and peers.
• Identify research by reviewing the most recent literature.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, visit the Center for
Workforce and Community Education, www.ccri.edu/cwce, or the
Rehabilitative Health Department, www.ccri.edu/massagetherapy
A DIVISION OF THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF RHODE ISLAND
15
A STUDENTS VIEW OF
RIAMTA
Ruth A. Hampton
My name is Ruth A. Hampton and I was asked to write
an article that shared my experiences as a CCRI student
attending RI AMTA General Meetings.
I am enrolled in the CCRI 2013 Therapeutic Massage Degree
Program and will be graduating with an Associate in Applied
Science Degree with a concentration in Therapeutic Massage
this December.
This program has allowed me to complete 1165 hours of
training and is accredited by the Commission on Massage
Therapy Accreditation (COMTA). The program emphasizes
on ethics, clinical assessment, critical thinking and
entrepreneurship and prepares the students for the massage
and bodywork National Certification Exams and Rhode
Island State Licensure. The program prepares the students
to work in medical environments with clients who have
compromised health or physical impairments.
I was first introduced to the RI AMTA by attending the
October 2011 General Chapter meeting as a “first semester
student” in the CCRI TMSG Degree Program. It was a great
experience to be among Massage Therapists and to learn
about what the RI AMTA offers. During the meeting we were
encourage to visit different booths that displayed information
on Crisis Massage Team, Education, Government Relations/
National Delegate, Historian, Membership, New England
Conference, Newsletter, Sports Massage Team, Video
Librarian, Volunteer Committee and Webmaster. I enjoyed
how every booth had a representative that was excited to be
part of the RI AMTA, but more importantly excited about
their individual committee that represented one of the bricks
that builds the foundation of the organization.
One experience that stood out was meeting Michaele Colizza,
her energy and excitement was contagious! She got me in
the “Hot Seat” at the Membership booth for a 60-second
interview which appeared in the Winter 2011 Handprints
newsletter. See all of the “Hot Seat” interviews at
http://www.riamta.com/hotseatinterviews.html
I also had the pleasure of winning a 32 Oz Biofreeze Gel Pump
in one of the raffles. The lunch served during the meeting
was excellent and it was so unexpected that as a vegetarian I
had a variety of options, which alone impressed me. I would
have to say that the meal was a positive memorable attendee
experience because someone on the planning committee
paid attention to detail and displayed consideration for all
guest and members. The day continued with a Continuing
Education Workshop, “Introduction to Thai Massage” with
Jeanne Coleman from Thai Transformations. This workshop
resulted in (2) Continuing Education Credits and gave a great
hands on experience in the introduction to Thai Massage.
16
This is an area that has always interested me as a student
of massage, but also as a bi-racial child to a mother of Thai
decedent. This introduction was a gateway to the possibility
of incorporating Thai Massage into my tool bag and to seek
further information on being trained in Thailand in the future.
As a student of CCRI I have been offered the opportunity to
participate with Rhode Island Crisis Massage Team and the
Sports Massage Team. In the 2013 Summer session Sport
Massage course taught by Lou Ann Botsford, LCMT, we
provided post-event massage during the summer at RI
Special Olympic Games, Tour de Cure for American
Diabetes Association, MS150 for Multiple Sclerosis and
Save the Bay.
I also had the privilege to obtain general training to be a
part of the RI Crisis Massage Team as support staff. In
October, I attended a sensitivity training for working with
burn survivors. This training allowed us to gain hands on
experience of different burn survivors that ranged from
recent injury to living with burns over 20 years.
I just recently attended the October 2013 RI AMTA
General Chapter meeting as a “last semester student” in the
CCRI TMSG Degree Program.
During this meeting we received (2) two Continuing
Education Credits for the training provided by Judith
Berger, MSW, LICSW as she presented “Back From the
Battlefield, Working With Returning Veterans”.
We also had the pleasure of meeting with vendors that
represented Rolfing, Essential oils and other massage
products and professional services.
The gem of the vendors in my opinion was the
representative from National Certification Board for
Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB). She was
able to answer questions that surrounded the changes that
recently took effect on January 1, 2013 regarding the new
Board Certification.
There was a lively discussion on future involvement with
the State of Rhode Islands yet to be formed massage board
and grass roots effort to get involved in research. The
research is necessary as it proves the efficacy of the benefits
of massage that will lead to the conversation at a legislative
level to review health insurance coverage and benefits for
massage therapy in the future. This lead to further
discussion regarding the new Massage Therapist Law and
the Affordable Care Act.
I also appreciate the efforts of all involved in getting Rhode
Island law changed effective July 11, 2013 allowing
graduates from an approved educational program to have
90 days to meet licensure requirements and may practice
under the supervision of one, assigned, onsite licensed
massage therapist during that time. This affects me directly
and is proof that the RI AMTA is a strong professional
organization that talks the talk and walks the walk.
cont. next page.
Being an invited guest to the RI AMTA General Meetings as a
CCRI student during my academic career has been an honor and
a privilege. I appreciate experiencing the changes in the meeting
agenda over the past two years and applaud the committee that
put them together. I enjoyed hearing the changes communicated
from the RI AMTA committees during the most recent meeting,
as it was brief and informative. The RI AMTA offers so much in
the areas of education, volunteerism, research, community,
support and more.
What I take away from the most recent meeting is the need to get
involved and be a voice in the many changes that the profession
is embarking on, such as medical massage and medical
insurance billing and coverage.
I came to Rhode Island in 2002 from New Hampshire as I was
recruited to work for a local major health insurance company. In
February 2011, I was let go from my company and the
opportunity of becoming a student presented itself. I had
accumulated over 11 years of direct experience with two major
national health insurance companies, but didn’t have a college
degree or certifications, this made job searching very
challenging here in Rhode Island. I never realized that my
academic career training and former professional career training
would marry into becoming a potential Board Certified Licensed
Massage Therapist with endless opportunities.
After I graduate in December, I will sit for a national exam and
apply for a Rhode Island license. I recently made the decision
to move to Colorado Springs, Colorado in March to spend time
with family, travel to Thailand to study Thai Body Massage and
Culinary and to seek employment in Colorado for a few years.
Colorado Springs is surrounded by (4) four military bases and
encourages health and wellness. I am a proud “Air Force Brat”
and have moved a lot growing up, so moving to a new state and
doing what I love is exciting. I know in my heart that the east
coast is my home and will be back in the future. I am eager and
excited about joining the AMTA as a graduate and getting involved in any state that I choose to practice in. My heart and
respect for the AMTA will always have it roots in the Rhode
Island chapter. Thank you Regina Cobb, Alda Medeiros, Joanne
Lozy, Deb Luhrs, Michaele Colizza, Pat Bachus, Debbie Kilty,
Lou Ann Botsford, Paula Kochanek, Roy Kenji Omori, Frank
Rapone and Bridget Roberts for being role models, mentors and
support during classes at CCRI, Sport Events and Crisis
training/Events. As a student and a soon to be graduate, the
RIAMTA meetings have provided a great example of a local
professional organization that supports its members and guests.
17
A HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT
Alda Medeiros, Education Chair
Recently a massage therapy class at CCRI was asked to
attend the RIAMTA General members meeting last
October and to write about their experiences. Here are
some excerpts from those writings:
My name is Jenny Ferguson and I am a massage student at
CCRI. I just wanted to write to you to let you know I had a
very positive experience at the RI AMTA meeting this past
Sunday. I very much enjoyed networking with massage
professionals and seeing good friends (including my own
massage therapist,Mark McCarthy). I also enjoyed the
ecclectic array of vendors present.I also enjoyed the
continuing education topic at Sunday’s meeting. The
speaker did a very good job of describing a veteran’s point
of view and line of reasoning which in turn caused me to
deepen my compassion for this often misunderstood
population.
Hi Alda, I just wanted to sincerely thank you for having us
CCRI Massage Therapy students to your AMTA
meeting. There was a ton of information that was put forth
but you managed to get it all in and I managed to absorb a
fair amount of it. I realized while I was there just how vital
having a board is and just how important membership can
be; for without this board, massage would not be defined
in the terms it is today and would not be viewed as a
professional and therapeutic modality in the general
population. I’d like to see in the near future every
insurance carrier providing coverage for massage for
physical, mental, an emotional disorders. Christopher
Horta
My name is Danielle Fluette and I am currently in the
massage therapy program at CCRI. I attended the AMTA
meeting this past Sunday. I wanted to thank you for
allowing myself and the rest of the class to attend the
meeting. I found it very eye-opening to see what the
massage community is like. Also, I am beyond impressed
with the new advancements that the massage field is
making. I learned a great deal of information from that
meeting and I look forward to attending others in the
future.
My name is Katheryn Imes and I am a student in the
Therapeutic Massage program at CCRI. I attended the
AMTA RI meeting last Sunday with my class and really
appreciated the time everyone took to welcome us and
share information and encouragement. It was also exciting
to learn what has been and is currently going on regarding
legislation and government relations.
As a prospective Massage Therapist, I would like to thank
you for making CCRI part of your meeting on Sunday. The
exposure to the current work and projects being undertaken by the RI-AMTA, as well as other Massage Therapists
who participated in the meeting, was invaluable. The
lecture onworking with returning veterans was very
educational, and I greatly appreciate the insight into this
population. Kate Sterns
Humanitarian: National Award Nomination Form
Nominee Information
Name: Michaele Colizza
Chapter: Rhode Island
Will the Nominee be attending Convention? Yes
Reasons What are the reasons you selected the nominee?
Michaele Colizza
Michaele Colizza is a caring, compassionate, woman/mom on a mission. Her energy seems limitless. This amazing
woman gives not only to her family but to her community and professional organization as well. As an AMTA member
she is presently 2nd Vice President, in her second term, and she will be running for 1st Vice President at our next election.
She is currently Membership Chair, in this position she has created many new activities for our membership to participate
in.
Those activities include:
•A yearly bus trip to New York during the winter holiday season, this has been a successful venture, as she has made a
profit for the chapter two years in a row.
•Tickets to our local semi-professional baseball team The Paw Sox and hockey P Bruins.
•Hiking trips, Rhode Island has many beautiful trails and Michaele always manages to find one that’s just right, easy, with
a little bit of challenge for the more advanced hikers.
•Coffee and... an informal gathering forum where members may attend and share coffee and conversation about massage
therapy.
•Our summer “Fun in the Sun” outing, another informal gather where members and their families may attend a local
concert and enjoy food, swimming and dancing.
Besides these activities, Michaele also organizes and purchases the chapter gift bag items. She organizes the chapter pin
contest, raffle/door prize items, writes for the chapter newsletter and created the “60 Second Hot Seat”. The Hot Seat is a
series of questions posed to chapter members that attend the meetings. The Q&A are later printed in the chapter
newsletter, this gives our members another way to get to know one another.
Michaele also takes time out of her busy schedule every year to volunteer at “Special Olympics” and “Operation Stand
Down” a weekend retreat for at risk veterans.
Michaele has been a successful, active Delegate, attending National Conference and representing the Rhode Island
Chapter. It’s a responsibility she takes very seriously.
Each year for the last several years Michaele has coordinated the State Hosted Reception at the New England Regional
Conference and let me tell you, she is the hostess with the mostess. Rhode Island’s Reception is known for its fun and
games. This years games included Bocci (our indoor version), Glue - a variation of Twister and a host of other board
games. Loud laughter emanated from the room and a good time was had by all. Also at this years conference Michaele
was asked to run the Hospitality Desk. Rhode Island is known as the Ocean State, and Michaele brought that theme to
life, with beach chairs, umbrellas and warm beach sand to bury your feet in. She successfully managed this last minute
request, proving once again her valuable dedication and skill to the chapter.
Along with this already long list of accomplishments, Michaele is actively involved in her faith community, were she
regularly attends services, teaches CCD, and volunteers in a local clothing drive each year. It doesn’t stop there, Michaele
is a loving wife and mom on the move, shuttling her active family of four to a myriad of youth activities. I don’t know
how she manages it, but she is also active in the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts creating jewelry for fundraising activities,
baking cookies and cupcakes and serving dinners at the Scouts fund-raising events.
Are you exhausted yet? I know I’ve probably missed something, but I think you can see, Michaele is a deserving, selfless
individual.
Characteristics
Michaele is a vivacious, woman with a heart as big and fluid as Niagara Falls. She listens compassionately and always
takes time to make the speaker feel heard and cared about. After all this, you might think her ready for sainthood, but
there’s just enough mischief under the surface to keep all who know her laughing and those who don’t eager to get to
know her.
18
PHOENIX SOCIETY BURN
CONGRESS RIAMTA-CMT
Oct 9-12, 2013
Regina Cobb, Crisis Massage Team Co-Chair
The Leaders of the Crisis Massage Team would like to thank
our team members for all of your efforts in making this a
successful event.
What kind of a response or feedback did you receive from
individuals you massaged?
•
Positive! Very grateful for us being here!
•
Very positive. Survivors very happy and surprised with
how much massage helped. Everyone happy, thankful and
feeling good.
•
People have returned for another massage or just to say
thank you!
•
They were so grateful!!! Thank you thank you!
•
Extremely pleased and many returned for a second chair
massage.
What experiences do you wish to share?
•
The training we received prior to this event really helped
me to feel comfortable and ready for this event.
•
A client gave me a hug after her chair massage.
•
I am so grateful to have been able to share what I love
with others.
•
It’s nice to see the participant’s faces at the end.
•
It’s a great Congress and I met some wonderful people.
•
It was a great team effort. I am proud of being part of
this group.
•
One 1st time burn survivor, who was reluctant to get
massage on Thursday, came back Fri and Sat. and stated “I
really like the massage work that is done here”.
How have you been personally affected by this incident?
•
I was touched to know how thankful they were. It made
my experience wonderful.
•
Feel more educated –excited to work with this
population.
•
I am very moved by the courage of all these people.
•
Since I started training with burn survivors, I’ve learned
to put small problems in my life into better perspective.
•
Only that it shows no matter what the appearance is deep
down they are people with feeling.
•
I have been affected in a very humbling and positive
way.
•
Touched by the environment – old friends seeing each
other, positive energy and appreciation for the congress and
for the city of Providence.
•
I am very happy I got to be a part of it.
19
RI AMTA
PO Box 14641
East Providence, RI 02914-0641
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