2015 Convention Reflections~Together AMTA
Casey Guilfoyle, LMT AMTA-WI 1VP, Education Chair
The “City of Bridges”, “Steel City” or “The ‘Burgh” was this year’s destination for AMTA CVOP (Chapter Volunteer Orientation Program) and National Convention. The week was packed with such a variety of activity. Networking, shadowing, learning and experiencing the host city were my assignments. I explored the Cultural District and experienced a number of landmark and historical locations which had fortunately been saved from demolition and revived with President Lynn Kutz, Marilyn Heckert, Mary Schweiger, Jacci Horstman, Sara Wendt, “Sam” Licht and Carol Birkett.
I attended the open session of National Board of Directors with about 75 of my fellow association members. The staff was positioned off in the wings of the Pennsylvania Ballroom at the Westin Convention Center. Changes in election procedures for Board of Directors were moved and passed after discussion.
Chapter Leadership Training experienced a revamp in style and had 170 preregistered attendees! The participants were divided into 3 groups and each group rotated to various breakout sessions of varying lengths and topics. CSMT changes and procedures section was one I enjoyed attending to get further explanation about the requirements and expectations for chapters and volunteers. Lee Stang facilitated this expertly.
Effective Collaborative Communicating session led by Jill and Steve of ???? Outfitters provided a humorous look at conference call experience and insights on how to improve team based discussions for best outcomes. The morning offered an expansion of skills needed as an effective volunteer and leader..
Wisconsin’s 5 delegates represented our state in House of Delegates. The Recommendations presented and debated had many superb comments in support of the recommendations submitted this year.
PA Chapter had a creative spin on chapter information table including different Pennsylvania products each day: Peeps, Utz Snacks and Hershey’s Kisses and Together AMTA shirts. They also created a beautifully adorned Quiet Room and had chair massage available. The members collaborated with Pittsburgh School of Massage to obtain massage tables to loan to out of town participants. I asked questions about how these elements were decided upon and coordinated by PA Chapter volunteers.
Student Day and Teacher’s Day had mixed reports from various people I chatted with on Saturday. Closing Ceremony focused on massage and cancer patients. Integrative Oncology and its active application is being supported by a variety of hospitals, medical training programs and physicians according to Dr. Gabriel Lopez. “Life Interrupted”, NY Times blog author Suleika Jaouad inspired me to continue offering the type of support I am presently providing.
Saturday Night’s Dinner Dance was scored by a band not afraid of playing out, loud and clear.
Cow Pies and WI Chapter pins were given to National BOD and other attendees who happily enjoyed them and look forward to Milwaukee. Thank you for this opportunity to represent and connect with other members of our association. I hope to invite members from other states to support National Convention next October and work together as AMTA.
To read the rest of the reports click the "read more" link below
Casey Guilfoyle, LMT AMTA-WI 1VP, Education Chair
The “City of Bridges”, “Steel City” or “The ‘Burgh” was this year’s destination for AMTA CVOP (Chapter Volunteer Orientation Program) and National Convention. The week was packed with such a variety of activity. Networking, shadowing, learning and experiencing the host city were my assignments. I explored the Cultural District and experienced a number of landmark and historical locations which had fortunately been saved from demolition and revived with President Lynn Kutz, Marilyn Heckert, Mary Schweiger, Jacci Horstman, Sara Wendt, “Sam” Licht and Carol Birkett.
I attended the open session of National Board of Directors with about 75 of my fellow association members. The staff was positioned off in the wings of the Pennsylvania Ballroom at the Westin Convention Center. Changes in election procedures for Board of Directors were moved and passed after discussion.
Chapter Leadership Training experienced a revamp in style and had 170 preregistered attendees! The participants were divided into 3 groups and each group rotated to various breakout sessions of varying lengths and topics. CSMT changes and procedures section was one I enjoyed attending to get further explanation about the requirements and expectations for chapters and volunteers. Lee Stang facilitated this expertly.
Effective Collaborative Communicating session led by Jill and Steve of ???? Outfitters provided a humorous look at conference call experience and insights on how to improve team based discussions for best outcomes. The morning offered an expansion of skills needed as an effective volunteer and leader..
Wisconsin’s 5 delegates represented our state in House of Delegates. The Recommendations presented and debated had many superb comments in support of the recommendations submitted this year.
PA Chapter had a creative spin on chapter information table including different Pennsylvania products each day: Peeps, Utz Snacks and Hershey’s Kisses and Together AMTA shirts. They also created a beautifully adorned Quiet Room and had chair massage available. The members collaborated with Pittsburgh School of Massage to obtain massage tables to loan to out of town participants. I asked questions about how these elements were decided upon and coordinated by PA Chapter volunteers.
Student Day and Teacher’s Day had mixed reports from various people I chatted with on Saturday. Closing Ceremony focused on massage and cancer patients. Integrative Oncology and its active application is being supported by a variety of hospitals, medical training programs and physicians according to Dr. Gabriel Lopez. “Life Interrupted”, NY Times blog author Suleika Jaouad inspired me to continue offering the type of support I am presently providing.
Saturday Night’s Dinner Dance was scored by a band not afraid of playing out, loud and clear.
Cow Pies and WI Chapter pins were given to National BOD and other attendees who happily enjoyed them and look forward to Milwaukee. Thank you for this opportunity to represent and connect with other members of our association. I hope to invite members from other states to support National Convention next October and work together as AMTA.
To read the rest of the reports click the "read more" link below
Jacci Horstman, LMT
AMTA-WI Lead Delegate and Member at Large
I attended Leadership training the first day, it was great way to connect with a lot of therapists. Leadership training consisted of breakout sessions in communications/ soft skills, member outreach= chapter value, gatekeepers of chapter information, community service massage teams. That was the first part of the day. Then came the exciting House of Delegates! I really enjoy the HOD, the different perspectives of each individual and really having a voice in the direction that our profession is going
Thursday was opening session with Scott Hamilton he was so inspiring both in his professional,and personal life. I love that he is so adamant about his health and wellness and a
wonderful promoter of massage therapy. I also took working with physicians.. Wow! I am so
impressed with the progress that Dr. Amy Crawford-Faucher and Lanie Kasdan Francis MD
have had with the community and oncology patients with the integrative medicine at the
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. It really goes to show that our profession really is
moving in the right direction!
Friday I had Teachers day, it was awesome being able to hear from educators who have been
teaching for 1 yr to 30+.
A lot of great information!
Teachers possess the power to create conditions that can help students learn a great dealor
keep them from learning much at all. Teaching is the intentional act of creating those conditions,
and good teaching requires that we understand the inner sources of both the intent and the act.
Parker Palmer, The Courage to Teach
The best things that happen at convention is the networking, and relationships that you make. I
find the national conventions to be inspiring, motivating, you are surrounded by passionate and
exceptional leaders and peers of our profession.
I want to thank all of WI AMTA for allowing me to go to Pittsburgh to represent our state and
your voice. It really is an honor, thank you!
Kenneth C Ring, LMT,
AMTA-WI Delegate
I am (Kenneth C) Ken-Adi Ring, a 27 year AMTA member. I have had the honor of representing our great AMTA Wisconsin Chapter with others at the National AMTA Convention in Pittsburgh, PA last month, my third opportunity to do so as an elected Wisconsin Chapter Delegate. I was one of 6 elected Delegates and several elected officers and AMTA members that were in attendance from Wisconsin.
Our chapter sends delegates as ambassadors and voting members representing our active membership, which is over 2000 in Wisconsin. Many other chapters throughout the country also send delegates representing their chapter’s thoughts and concerns about changes and growth of the AMTA. As an active body we are called the House of Delegates, and as delegates our duty is to represent you and vote on important position statements and recommendations that chapter members have presented and to improve our national organization. This benefits our members and the services we provide folks in our state and country. It is serious business and we each have an opportunity to make our profession a better service organization serving its members and the general participating public in ever growing safer more ethical and professional ways. We make a positive impact upon our society.
We were able to discuss and vote on position statements such ‘Portability of Credentials’ and recommendations such as ‘Human Trafficking’ and its impact on the Massage Therapy profession and how we may assert influence or assist in alerting law enforcement or if we even should be involved. That was a hot topic that many delegates offered both pros and con in discussion. On line CEs and media education as to the great service we offer were also discussed. It was an exciting and interesting afternoon. I even got up to the mic on occasion to voice my opinion as did many of my Wisconsin Colleagues. I was in favor of alerting law enforcement and portability. Each time I participate like this I am impressed at how important it is to be involved and the difference we each can make as representatives.
In addition to that we got to attend the entire convention and all the workshops of our choice. The AMTA WI paid for the National convention and all travel, lodging and meal expenses. Social and Educational opportunities were abundant, what a fun, learning experience. Scott Hamilton's Keynote presentation was awesome and I especially liked “Sports Massage Therapy an Insider’s View”, and other classes. The convention was one big meet and greet at receptions, dinner and dance as well.
Last but not least, I want to thank YOU our AMTA Wisconsin chapter members. Without you our chapter could not offer this awesome opportunity. I recommend to you all to attend our state chapter and national conventions and meetings and become actively involved in this process.
John Botsford - LMT
AMTA-WI Delegate
First of all I would like to thank the state AMTA chapter for sending me to the National Convention and being selected as one of the representatives for Wisconsin therapists. I considered this job with respect and to give voice of other therapists from Wisconsin during the House of Delegates meeting to review, gives support, and move the profession of massage forward on the national level.
As a representative for Wisconsin I took the responsibility of delegate to the HOD as a serious responsibility. As a delegate we had a training session with mock interviews for the use of Roberts's rules of debate. Then at four o'clock the House of Delegates convened their yearly session. The meeting finished at 6:35 PM. During the debate we had three proposals sent to the AMTA board for acceptance, for study or approval. There were five proposals all together. Three proposals passed and two were denied. The proposal from the Indiana Chapter: involving the effects of human trafficking on our children and children from other countries. I was able to speak in support as one of the representatives from Wisconsin. We voted as a bloc. The proposal for continuing education which had been introduced by Jaycee a delegate from Wisconsin was not passed. However, the other proposal from Wisconsin on the media education kit was passed!!!
The proposal on the effective use of massage for individuals with severe burns was not passed. We voted as a bloc in support of this proposal. This process was enlightening and showed the delegates the support by several AMTA board members being present during the process. The discussion on the proposals was spirited but respectful.
During the convention I also attended the AMTA national board members open meeting. As a member of the professional Association, I realized just how much the national board respected input from individuals as well as chapters. During the break one of the board members at large came over and asked if there was anything that I felt needed to be addressed during this meeting. I believe that he was genuinely earnest in his question and was ready to listen to the therapists who would be impacted by the board's decision or even his vote.
The keynote speaker Scott Hamilton gave awesome speech on his life and the impact that massage therapy had on extending his career as well as giving positive support during his cancer treatments. Scott encouraged people to continue to challenge themselves to become better therapists, and work with other professions so that they understand just how much massage therapists can do.
The classes that I took were well taught and gave new insights and research towards the new directions in which massage therapy is moving. If you ever get a chance to attend the AMTA national convention this should be a priority all costs. The convention gives individuals the opportunity to meet people from other states, and countries to learn, make friends, and to seek new techniques which will enhance our own practices.
Suleika Jaouad spoke on how her life changed dramatically when at the age of 22 she was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer blood disorder. While in her treatment she decided to blog about her treatment and how it affected her as well as others who had medical challenges that put a hold on their life. They also stated that she had never had a massage until she was in treatment and they had only worked on her feet and later she received a full massage.
The final chapter during the closing ceremony we had two speakers one was Dr. Gabriel Lopez was from M.D. Anderson clinic in Houston Texas. He spoke on cancer in the use of integrated treatments to benefit people who are suffering from cancer. This integrated approach uses many different modalities one of which is very important, happens to be Massage therapy. He believes in treating the whole person not just cancer. Scott Hamilton also indicated the benefits of this type treatment in his fight against cancer. In the beginning Scott told his story in the end Dr. Gabriel Lopez stressed the best means for treating the whole person.
So as I look at my experience at the AMTA National Convention, I found the convention very rewarding and it gave me insight to my current predicament. :: John Botsford LMT.
Sara Wendt, LMT
AMTA-WI Delegate
As a delegate at the House of Delegates meeting I took part in voting for position statements and recommendations. The meeting was quite similar to our own chapter meetings. It was very exciting to see that our chapter compares well with this high standard. I was fascinated by the suggestions and oppositions members brought up during the progression of each proposal. This experience really cemented for me the significance of the small meetings we hold in Wisconsin and how vast the ripples of those decisions extend. The seriousness and hope for the future of our profession is never more alive than at the House of Delegates meeting. We had fun and laughed together, but when it came down to it people had done their research and truly fought for what they believe in! I strongly recommend that you, a member of the Wisconsin chapter, should take the time to attend a House of Delegates meeting. It will be worth your while.
After the meeting had concluded I took part in the classes offered during the national convention. I have gained a great deal from the teachers and an appreciation for their passion in our field. Susan Salvo gives important fundamental information that every massage therapist should utilize in their practice regarding pharmacology and massage. And she presents it in such a fascinating way that leaves you begging for more. The massage therapist’s guide to malpractice has information to benefit any size organization. The assessment and treatment of the psoas major class offered several different ways to treat the muscle and provide relief for your client. Active engagement and the shoulder girdle were both taught by Whitney Lowe. He has a unique perspective on client assessment and treatment techniques. I think his teachings could be part of the wave of the future for improved patient care in the massage therapy profession. Along with all of these fabulous trainings, I was able to meet several great people from all over the country who share the same passion as you and I. Caring for our clients.
I would like to say thank you for awarding me the pleasure of attending the American Massage Therapy Association 2015 National Convention in Pittsburgh. The entire journey was exceptional in ways that I could not have imagined. I often find massage therapy functions a pleasure to attend and this convention was no exception. I learned not only in the classroom, but through day to day encounters. I take pride in the state of Wisconsin because I love it. I was delighted to discover through conversations with members and awards received that the Wisconsin AMTA chapter is well respected by other state chapters. Did you know that we are considered an extra-large chapter? This is based upon our ranking by number of members in our state. So when a member walked up to me and emphasized just how impressed she is by all of the great work our chapter does, I was elated. It impresses me that we can make such a difference and affect the lives of people we may have never even met. I think that is extraordinary. It is my opinion that everyone should attend a national convention at some time so they can experience just how broad and wide the comradery expands throughout our profession. I would love to see us represent our size next year at the convention in Milwaukee! Perhaps we could all wear cheeseheads to show our solidarity during the opening session. Some states chose to be recognized by wearing a gimmick during the ceremony. For example, New York members wore Styrofoam green head bands that imitated the Statue of Liberty.
Besides the extremely educational seminars taught by leaders in our profession, some of my favorite elements about the convention were the House of Delegates meeting and the opening ceremony. I perceive the drive that these teachers have to push our profession further so we can become more informed health professionals inspiring. Attending the classes and walking through the exhibit hall opened me to techniques, teachers, and instruments that I did not know existed. They were all crafted for you and me to take part in and explore how to make our career more effective and easier on us. The House of Delegates meeting also represents our chapter’s voice in this profession.. The attendance had delegates from every state filling the room and we were each given a blackberry type device with which to vote. The process was efficient and I enjoyed the experience because everyone in that room had the opportunity to speak for their chapter regarding the topic. The mock proposals were very fun and really gave people the opportunity to show some personality while learning the dos and don’ts of the process. I also learned that it is important for the person or people who wrote the position statement or recommendation to be present at the meeting so they can offer input or choose to accept modifications being proposed on the floor.
Lastly, the most moving experience for me from the convention was the speech given by Scott Hamilton during the opening ceremony. He is a hilarious man who takes life in stride and inspires us all. He commanded the room from the moment he walked on stage and greeted our enthusiasm through his departure with not a dry eye in the house. People were on their feet applauding him until he was walking down the hallway out of the auditorium. There are no words I can use to describe how magnificent these moments were but I shall try. By the end of his speech Scott was thanking every massage therapist in the room for all of the care and support we provide to our clients. He appreciates all of the help he received through the hands of massage therapy. Throughout the many years he has battled cancer, massage therapists have always been there as part of his care along the way. Whether it was the hands that helped heal the scars from surgery, the hands that helped his legs and joints while he regained his muscular balance, or the craniosacral and lymphatic massage he receives weekly to improve the quality of his life. Scott chooses to greet each challenge life has thrown at him with perseverance and humor. In the words of Scott Hamilton, “I am glad I fell. You fall down and you get up. It represents everything. You fall down and you get up and face it with all you got!” “Cancer survivors know what they are made of but when you see a lottery winner they are just destroyed.” I encourage you to go find what you are made of. It is your choice. So make it a good one. Thank you again for making this experience possible. I will continue to cherish these life lessons.
Cynthia Licht, LMT
AMTA-WI Delegate
I attended opening and closing sessions along with classes on "Working with Physicians", Pharmacology, Active Isolated Stretching and an entire day for teachers.
Each year I've gone to the National Convention as a delegate or an attendee I always come away with renewed enthusiasm and respect for our profession. This year I felt a special degree of commitment and responsibility because two of the issues we voted on were written by our members, Casey Guilfoyle and Lynn Kutz.
Spirited debate during the position statements and recommendations is something I always look forward to hearing. There are very articulate, knowledgeable and passionate people in our profession and everyone who has an opinion deserves to be heard. It makes the process very engaging and lively. We had good success passing recommendations on a Media Education kit, Practice Portability and Human Trafficking operations committee.We will try again next year for the statement on Burn scars and recommendation for Online classes.
The education this year seemed weighted on oncology and integrating massage into the medical profession. All of our keynote speakers had have the experience of being a cancer survivor. Their stories were both sad and inspiring, each reflected on the positive and powerful role of massage in their healing.
That idea blended in well with one of my classes on "Working with Physicians". It was very eye-opening to be told from a practicing physician that most MD's are not necessarily skeptical of massage but unaware of what massage can do. Helpful suggestions were offered to encourage us to educate the medical community through education, communication and professionalism. Fortunately for us in Wisconsin having a licensing process is an additional way to validate our quality.
Many patients are dissatisfied with medical care and seeking out more comprehensive forms of care. Massage is one of the ways people can take more control of their health. Research is showing more clearly the benefits and cost effectiveness of our skills. Through commitment to education we can work together in the shared goal of wellness. I feel these are important points for all M.T.'s to be aware of and to take advantage of for our personal and business growth along with improving the profession as a whole.
Making new friendships, rekindling old friendships, improving personal and professional goals and skills, traveling to new cities,exploring new communities and most of all being surrounded by smart, enthusiastic, fun massage therapists are all great reasons why you should volunteer for your Wisconsin Chapter of the American Massage Therapy Association!
AMTA-WI Lead Delegate and Member at Large
I attended Leadership training the first day, it was great way to connect with a lot of therapists. Leadership training consisted of breakout sessions in communications/ soft skills, member outreach= chapter value, gatekeepers of chapter information, community service massage teams. That was the first part of the day. Then came the exciting House of Delegates! I really enjoy the HOD, the different perspectives of each individual and really having a voice in the direction that our profession is going
Thursday was opening session with Scott Hamilton he was so inspiring both in his professional,and personal life. I love that he is so adamant about his health and wellness and a
wonderful promoter of massage therapy. I also took working with physicians.. Wow! I am so
impressed with the progress that Dr. Amy Crawford-Faucher and Lanie Kasdan Francis MD
have had with the community and oncology patients with the integrative medicine at the
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. It really goes to show that our profession really is
moving in the right direction!
Friday I had Teachers day, it was awesome being able to hear from educators who have been
teaching for 1 yr to 30+.
A lot of great information!
Teachers possess the power to create conditions that can help students learn a great dealor
keep them from learning much at all. Teaching is the intentional act of creating those conditions,
and good teaching requires that we understand the inner sources of both the intent and the act.
Parker Palmer, The Courage to Teach
The best things that happen at convention is the networking, and relationships that you make. I
find the national conventions to be inspiring, motivating, you are surrounded by passionate and
exceptional leaders and peers of our profession.
I want to thank all of WI AMTA for allowing me to go to Pittsburgh to represent our state and
your voice. It really is an honor, thank you!
Kenneth C Ring, LMT,
AMTA-WI Delegate
I am (Kenneth C) Ken-Adi Ring, a 27 year AMTA member. I have had the honor of representing our great AMTA Wisconsin Chapter with others at the National AMTA Convention in Pittsburgh, PA last month, my third opportunity to do so as an elected Wisconsin Chapter Delegate. I was one of 6 elected Delegates and several elected officers and AMTA members that were in attendance from Wisconsin.
Our chapter sends delegates as ambassadors and voting members representing our active membership, which is over 2000 in Wisconsin. Many other chapters throughout the country also send delegates representing their chapter’s thoughts and concerns about changes and growth of the AMTA. As an active body we are called the House of Delegates, and as delegates our duty is to represent you and vote on important position statements and recommendations that chapter members have presented and to improve our national organization. This benefits our members and the services we provide folks in our state and country. It is serious business and we each have an opportunity to make our profession a better service organization serving its members and the general participating public in ever growing safer more ethical and professional ways. We make a positive impact upon our society.
We were able to discuss and vote on position statements such ‘Portability of Credentials’ and recommendations such as ‘Human Trafficking’ and its impact on the Massage Therapy profession and how we may assert influence or assist in alerting law enforcement or if we even should be involved. That was a hot topic that many delegates offered both pros and con in discussion. On line CEs and media education as to the great service we offer were also discussed. It was an exciting and interesting afternoon. I even got up to the mic on occasion to voice my opinion as did many of my Wisconsin Colleagues. I was in favor of alerting law enforcement and portability. Each time I participate like this I am impressed at how important it is to be involved and the difference we each can make as representatives.
In addition to that we got to attend the entire convention and all the workshops of our choice. The AMTA WI paid for the National convention and all travel, lodging and meal expenses. Social and Educational opportunities were abundant, what a fun, learning experience. Scott Hamilton's Keynote presentation was awesome and I especially liked “Sports Massage Therapy an Insider’s View”, and other classes. The convention was one big meet and greet at receptions, dinner and dance as well.
Last but not least, I want to thank YOU our AMTA Wisconsin chapter members. Without you our chapter could not offer this awesome opportunity. I recommend to you all to attend our state chapter and national conventions and meetings and become actively involved in this process.
John Botsford - LMT
AMTA-WI Delegate
First of all I would like to thank the state AMTA chapter for sending me to the National Convention and being selected as one of the representatives for Wisconsin therapists. I considered this job with respect and to give voice of other therapists from Wisconsin during the House of Delegates meeting to review, gives support, and move the profession of massage forward on the national level.
As a representative for Wisconsin I took the responsibility of delegate to the HOD as a serious responsibility. As a delegate we had a training session with mock interviews for the use of Roberts's rules of debate. Then at four o'clock the House of Delegates convened their yearly session. The meeting finished at 6:35 PM. During the debate we had three proposals sent to the AMTA board for acceptance, for study or approval. There were five proposals all together. Three proposals passed and two were denied. The proposal from the Indiana Chapter: involving the effects of human trafficking on our children and children from other countries. I was able to speak in support as one of the representatives from Wisconsin. We voted as a bloc. The proposal for continuing education which had been introduced by Jaycee a delegate from Wisconsin was not passed. However, the other proposal from Wisconsin on the media education kit was passed!!!
The proposal on the effective use of massage for individuals with severe burns was not passed. We voted as a bloc in support of this proposal. This process was enlightening and showed the delegates the support by several AMTA board members being present during the process. The discussion on the proposals was spirited but respectful.
During the convention I also attended the AMTA national board members open meeting. As a member of the professional Association, I realized just how much the national board respected input from individuals as well as chapters. During the break one of the board members at large came over and asked if there was anything that I felt needed to be addressed during this meeting. I believe that he was genuinely earnest in his question and was ready to listen to the therapists who would be impacted by the board's decision or even his vote.
The keynote speaker Scott Hamilton gave awesome speech on his life and the impact that massage therapy had on extending his career as well as giving positive support during his cancer treatments. Scott encouraged people to continue to challenge themselves to become better therapists, and work with other professions so that they understand just how much massage therapists can do.
The classes that I took were well taught and gave new insights and research towards the new directions in which massage therapy is moving. If you ever get a chance to attend the AMTA national convention this should be a priority all costs. The convention gives individuals the opportunity to meet people from other states, and countries to learn, make friends, and to seek new techniques which will enhance our own practices.
Suleika Jaouad spoke on how her life changed dramatically when at the age of 22 she was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer blood disorder. While in her treatment she decided to blog about her treatment and how it affected her as well as others who had medical challenges that put a hold on their life. They also stated that she had never had a massage until she was in treatment and they had only worked on her feet and later she received a full massage.
The final chapter during the closing ceremony we had two speakers one was Dr. Gabriel Lopez was from M.D. Anderson clinic in Houston Texas. He spoke on cancer in the use of integrated treatments to benefit people who are suffering from cancer. This integrated approach uses many different modalities one of which is very important, happens to be Massage therapy. He believes in treating the whole person not just cancer. Scott Hamilton also indicated the benefits of this type treatment in his fight against cancer. In the beginning Scott told his story in the end Dr. Gabriel Lopez stressed the best means for treating the whole person.
So as I look at my experience at the AMTA National Convention, I found the convention very rewarding and it gave me insight to my current predicament. :: John Botsford LMT.
Sara Wendt, LMT
AMTA-WI Delegate
As a delegate at the House of Delegates meeting I took part in voting for position statements and recommendations. The meeting was quite similar to our own chapter meetings. It was very exciting to see that our chapter compares well with this high standard. I was fascinated by the suggestions and oppositions members brought up during the progression of each proposal. This experience really cemented for me the significance of the small meetings we hold in Wisconsin and how vast the ripples of those decisions extend. The seriousness and hope for the future of our profession is never more alive than at the House of Delegates meeting. We had fun and laughed together, but when it came down to it people had done their research and truly fought for what they believe in! I strongly recommend that you, a member of the Wisconsin chapter, should take the time to attend a House of Delegates meeting. It will be worth your while.
After the meeting had concluded I took part in the classes offered during the national convention. I have gained a great deal from the teachers and an appreciation for their passion in our field. Susan Salvo gives important fundamental information that every massage therapist should utilize in their practice regarding pharmacology and massage. And she presents it in such a fascinating way that leaves you begging for more. The massage therapist’s guide to malpractice has information to benefit any size organization. The assessment and treatment of the psoas major class offered several different ways to treat the muscle and provide relief for your client. Active engagement and the shoulder girdle were both taught by Whitney Lowe. He has a unique perspective on client assessment and treatment techniques. I think his teachings could be part of the wave of the future for improved patient care in the massage therapy profession. Along with all of these fabulous trainings, I was able to meet several great people from all over the country who share the same passion as you and I. Caring for our clients.
I would like to say thank you for awarding me the pleasure of attending the American Massage Therapy Association 2015 National Convention in Pittsburgh. The entire journey was exceptional in ways that I could not have imagined. I often find massage therapy functions a pleasure to attend and this convention was no exception. I learned not only in the classroom, but through day to day encounters. I take pride in the state of Wisconsin because I love it. I was delighted to discover through conversations with members and awards received that the Wisconsin AMTA chapter is well respected by other state chapters. Did you know that we are considered an extra-large chapter? This is based upon our ranking by number of members in our state. So when a member walked up to me and emphasized just how impressed she is by all of the great work our chapter does, I was elated. It impresses me that we can make such a difference and affect the lives of people we may have never even met. I think that is extraordinary. It is my opinion that everyone should attend a national convention at some time so they can experience just how broad and wide the comradery expands throughout our profession. I would love to see us represent our size next year at the convention in Milwaukee! Perhaps we could all wear cheeseheads to show our solidarity during the opening session. Some states chose to be recognized by wearing a gimmick during the ceremony. For example, New York members wore Styrofoam green head bands that imitated the Statue of Liberty.
Besides the extremely educational seminars taught by leaders in our profession, some of my favorite elements about the convention were the House of Delegates meeting and the opening ceremony. I perceive the drive that these teachers have to push our profession further so we can become more informed health professionals inspiring. Attending the classes and walking through the exhibit hall opened me to techniques, teachers, and instruments that I did not know existed. They were all crafted for you and me to take part in and explore how to make our career more effective and easier on us. The House of Delegates meeting also represents our chapter’s voice in this profession.. The attendance had delegates from every state filling the room and we were each given a blackberry type device with which to vote. The process was efficient and I enjoyed the experience because everyone in that room had the opportunity to speak for their chapter regarding the topic. The mock proposals were very fun and really gave people the opportunity to show some personality while learning the dos and don’ts of the process. I also learned that it is important for the person or people who wrote the position statement or recommendation to be present at the meeting so they can offer input or choose to accept modifications being proposed on the floor.
Lastly, the most moving experience for me from the convention was the speech given by Scott Hamilton during the opening ceremony. He is a hilarious man who takes life in stride and inspires us all. He commanded the room from the moment he walked on stage and greeted our enthusiasm through his departure with not a dry eye in the house. People were on their feet applauding him until he was walking down the hallway out of the auditorium. There are no words I can use to describe how magnificent these moments were but I shall try. By the end of his speech Scott was thanking every massage therapist in the room for all of the care and support we provide to our clients. He appreciates all of the help he received through the hands of massage therapy. Throughout the many years he has battled cancer, massage therapists have always been there as part of his care along the way. Whether it was the hands that helped heal the scars from surgery, the hands that helped his legs and joints while he regained his muscular balance, or the craniosacral and lymphatic massage he receives weekly to improve the quality of his life. Scott chooses to greet each challenge life has thrown at him with perseverance and humor. In the words of Scott Hamilton, “I am glad I fell. You fall down and you get up. It represents everything. You fall down and you get up and face it with all you got!” “Cancer survivors know what they are made of but when you see a lottery winner they are just destroyed.” I encourage you to go find what you are made of. It is your choice. So make it a good one. Thank you again for making this experience possible. I will continue to cherish these life lessons.
Cynthia Licht, LMT
AMTA-WI Delegate
I attended opening and closing sessions along with classes on "Working with Physicians", Pharmacology, Active Isolated Stretching and an entire day for teachers.
Each year I've gone to the National Convention as a delegate or an attendee I always come away with renewed enthusiasm and respect for our profession. This year I felt a special degree of commitment and responsibility because two of the issues we voted on were written by our members, Casey Guilfoyle and Lynn Kutz.
Spirited debate during the position statements and recommendations is something I always look forward to hearing. There are very articulate, knowledgeable and passionate people in our profession and everyone who has an opinion deserves to be heard. It makes the process very engaging and lively. We had good success passing recommendations on a Media Education kit, Practice Portability and Human Trafficking operations committee.We will try again next year for the statement on Burn scars and recommendation for Online classes.
The education this year seemed weighted on oncology and integrating massage into the medical profession. All of our keynote speakers had have the experience of being a cancer survivor. Their stories were both sad and inspiring, each reflected on the positive and powerful role of massage in their healing.
That idea blended in well with one of my classes on "Working with Physicians". It was very eye-opening to be told from a practicing physician that most MD's are not necessarily skeptical of massage but unaware of what massage can do. Helpful suggestions were offered to encourage us to educate the medical community through education, communication and professionalism. Fortunately for us in Wisconsin having a licensing process is an additional way to validate our quality.
Many patients are dissatisfied with medical care and seeking out more comprehensive forms of care. Massage is one of the ways people can take more control of their health. Research is showing more clearly the benefits and cost effectiveness of our skills. Through commitment to education we can work together in the shared goal of wellness. I feel these are important points for all M.T.'s to be aware of and to take advantage of for our personal and business growth along with improving the profession as a whole.
Making new friendships, rekindling old friendships, improving personal and professional goals and skills, traveling to new cities,exploring new communities and most of all being surrounded by smart, enthusiastic, fun massage therapists are all great reasons why you should volunteer for your Wisconsin Chapter of the American Massage Therapy Association!