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« Back to award list
Arizona
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Kellye Webber
 Kellye
is the Chair of probably one of the busiest and most visible
committees in the Arizona Chapter, the Education Committee. She
spends countless hours contacting presenters, negotiating their
contracts and needs for Chapter workshops, handling the
registrations of all participants, and running the workshops
themselves. She assures that all goes smoothly so that workshop
participants will have the best experience possible. When one
workshop ends, the Education Committee is already working on the
next, so there is rarely a time when Kellye is not working for the
Chapter. Kellye is also responsible for the yearly budget for the
education committee, predicting expenses in the coming year for
workshop presenters, their assistants, hotel reservations, travel,
and all the other logistics. In addition to these responsibilities,
once every two years Kellye is responsible for the application and
monumental paperwork involved in renewal of AMTA-AZ Chapter as an
Approved Provider with NCBTMB.
Kellye is a sole proprietor
of a thriving full time business in addition to her volunteer work
for AMTA. She maintains a great sense of humor while tackling every
duty involved with the Education Committee in a very professional
manner. Kellye Webber is a great attribute to the Arizona Chapter.
« Back to
chapter meritorious list
|
Arkansas
|
Jeff Kelly
Jeff has given much time and effort toward rebuilding the
Arkansas Chapter. He went above and beyond to reach current members
and recruit new ones. During his time as Chapter President, Jeff was
able to completely bring Arkansas back into compliance. All of this
was done at a time when he faced his own personal struggles, but yet
he continually went the extra step. Arkansas thanks him for all he
has done.« Back to
chapter meritorious list
|
California
|
Melissa Martinie Colburn
 When
thinking of the Chapter Meritorious award, Melissa Colburn embodies
what AMTA is all about. She moved to California after completing a
rigorous training program in another state where state licensing was
a well established fact of practice. After arriving to California
this person found out how difficult it can be to be licensed and to
practice legally in this state. After experiencing the obstacle
course it took to get licensed Melissa decided to become proactive
in helping making it easier for others in her situation. It became
apparent that involvement with a true professional organization
would be the way to work toward demanding that massage therapists be
appropriately trained and to provide standardization for practicing
from community to community. After joining AMTA and discovering
there was no active Unit in the area, the first step was to get a
Unit up and running. Once an active Unit was in place it was time to
set about work on the legislative process. Being of the nature to
put forth effort of at least 100%, she soon became a part of the
AMTA legislative team. In the last 3-1/2 years of involvement she
has become a vital part of the team working for state regulation of
our profession. With her leadership she successfully set up
successful NMTAW events on the capitol steps in Sacramento where
therapists could demonstrate and educate the public about Massage
therapy. Due to her unfailing enthusiasm and dedication for the work
of massage and promotion of promotion of the AMTA we are proud to
nominate Melissa Colburn for this award.
Melissa Colburn is the type of AMTA member that gives 110 percent to
every project she takes on. Not only has she been our Co-GR chair,
she also manages to present an outstanding NMTAW event on the steps
of the State Capitol every year but she has been a unit president
and has played a vital role in keeping the Greater Sacramento Area
unit active. She is also someone I can count on for support and a
level head. She is also one heck of a yoga teacher and helps to get
our chapter up and moving at our chapter events - despite our
grumbling. I am proud and honored to count Melissa as a true friend
and to nominate her for this award.« Back to
chapter meritorious list
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Colorado
|
Maureen A. Moon
She has served at the National level and is currently CO Chapters
Event Sports Massage Team Director. She has been a volunteer for
many years serving many positions for the CO Chapter. I am not sure
of what specific positions, but she has been in some role since I
became an AMTA member many years ago.
« Back to
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|
Connecticut
|
Shirley A. Cooper, LMT
 Shirley
Cooper epitomizes the AMTA Volunteer. She has been involved in our
Chapter for 24 years. She has been an Ambassador for both the
massage profession and the AMTA since the beginning of her career.
She has continually stepped up and volunteered at both the Chapter
and National levels with enthusiasm, dedication and has served as an
inspiration and mentor to many.
Shirley Cooper’s has a long history, 24 years, of the highest level
of commitment and dedication to the AMTA, our Chapter and to our
Chapter’s members and she hasn’t let up. Whether it’s her
involvement on the Chapter Board of Directors; volunteering at
Community Service, Sport Team, NMTAW events or serving on various
committees, Shirley always seems to be there to contribute,
encourage and mentor. She has held numerous administrative positions
within the CT Chapter which include, Chapter President. She has
stepped up to the plate at national as well. Shirley is well
recognized and appreciated within our Chapter as well as nationally
for her dedication and experience as well as her inspiration,
encouragement and support of member involvement. Shirley is very
deserving of this recognition and more.« Back to
chapter meritorious list
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Connecticut
|
Laura Stevenson-Flom
Laura has served as the CT Sports Massage Team Director for the
past 3 years. She has worked tirelessly to develop the
infrastructure to make this very active award winning team run
smoothly and efficiently.
Laura Stevenson-Flom deserves this award for what she has achieved
over a very short period of time. As the leader of our Sports
Massage Team she has lead us to record numbers of event days,
massages completed and therapists participating. Laura encourages,
she mentors, and she leads. She has led our team to a National
Sports Massage Team award and to two Sports Massage Achiever awards.
Our sports massage team has thrived under Laura’s direction.
Tremendously important for our team is how she has engaged the
student population to participate in our events. This has provided
an excellent method of recruitment for our chapter as more than 95%
of those that participate with our sports team as students join the
AMTA upon graduation.Promoting therapeutic massage and the AMTA
through our chapter sports massage team is what she does best.
« Back to
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DC
|
Angelique Champena Bella
Angelique has given exemplary service not only to our Chapters'
members as President, but also to all Massage Therapists in
Washington, DC, by serving on the DC Massage Therapy Board.
Angelique is a fantastic business woman with impeccable ethics. She
is dedicated to the field of Massage Therapy. She displays excellent
leadership skills, always enthusiastic and vivacious. Angelique is a
successful small business owner. She is punctual and thorough, and
sees tasks through to their completion.
We have all benefited from her hard work and dedication.
« Back to
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|
Florida
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Eileen T. Newsome
Eileen
Newsome, came to me a little over 3 years ago at the Annual Meeting.
She asked be if she could help the chapter. What a gift. The
chapter’s focus that year was setting up Units for the Florida
Chapter throughout the state. Eileen contacted me by email address
and the work began.
Eileen is committed to members as well as her Board of Directors.
She understood the Board’s direction and goals, bringing AMTA to
local areas for networking and continuing education. Eileen took on
the responsibilities as a regional area representative in her quest
to develop Units for the chapter. Eileen’s organized easy to follow
guidelines in setting up Units so any member who wanted their area
to have a Unit could easily do so. She would also educate the Unit
Chairs on the By-laws to follow for Units as they became more
comfortable in their charge.
Eileen would visit areas interested setting up Units taking her all
over the Florida area. (Note the size of Florida - the distance
between the west coast to the east coast is about 3 hours alone) She
eventually needed help and suggested be add addition Regional
Representatives, one south in the Miami area and the other in the
northwest area in Pensacola to assist the developments of Units.
Eileen had a protocol in preparing for the local meeting and was
happy to share it with her new regional representatives. She would
first contact a member and encourage them to volunteer into become
Unit Chairs for their area. Then she would arrange educational
programs for the meetings as well. Eileen spoke at each meeting she
set up about the benefits of being an AMTA member. Eileen would also
assist in the election of Unit Chairs, Vice Chair and Secretary at
the meeting and carry forth to the Board of Directors the minutes
and Unit personal so the Board could vote to establish the Unit.
Eileen grew out of this position as the Units grew, Education now
stated to fill her plate. I asked Eileen if she would help set up a
Speakers’ Bureau for the chapter. Eileen took this additional task
on with a smile and a sweet sigh s u r e… Our Chapter now has a
Speakers’ Bureau to utilize for presenter for our Units as well as
our major educational seminars. Eileen and her committee have
created an education survey for the Board to HEAR the members. This
has made a major change in our decision making for the following
year on budget and locations in the future. Eileen’s due diligent
and her organizational mannerism have given new insight to the Board
as well as great appreciation for her continuous work for the
members. This is why I am putting her name is as our Florida
Meritorious winner for 2009.
« Back to
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|
Georgia
|
Lee David Holtman
 Lee
has shown over and over his outstanding leadership and devotion to
the Georgia Chapter. He always wants the best for the chapter and is
willing to go the extra mile it takes to make our chapter shine.
He has been a mainstay of the Georgia Chapter Board for the past two
years, and our Chapter has benefited greatly from his involvement.
When Lee was elected Chapter Treasurer, the Georgia Chapter had been
on probation for delinquent financial reporting. Lee worked
diligently and with great determination to bring our financial
records up to the
standard required by National. Within the first sixty days of his
term, he completed the required LLAP reports that were delinquent
and brought the overdue lobbyist payments up to date. He established
a treasurer report
format that was both user friendly and understandable.Lee
insisted upon an efficient reimbursement process that kept all
volunteers compensated promptly for their incurred expenses. This
was particularly important for the volunteer therapists who worked
in the Massage Room during the convention. Every volunteer was
mailed a check within two weeks following the end of the convention.
Lee arranged for a temporary credit card machine to better serve the
Chapter at the convention. Credit card sales of promotional items
were responsible for approximately $13,000 of our income. Lee
devoted numerous hours during the 2006 AMTA convention to help set
up and oversee the hospitality desk operation and money
transactions. During the convention,
he volunteered ten hours each day to help the Hospitality Chair keep
things
going smoothly. He properly handled and accounted for more than
$80,000 in funds transactions in support of the AMTA convention and
worked three to four
hours daily for seven days following the convention, reconciling all
the transactions and sending out the necessary payments.
As a Chapter Officer, Lee negotiated a settlement with our
previous lobbyist
company after they closed their Atlanta office, saving the Chapter
$1,250 for
that month. He then worked with the Chapter President and the GR
chair to write a new lobbyist contract that lowered our lobbyist fee
by $12,000. In the process, in order to better our negotiating
position, he researched other potential lobbyists who submitted
competing proposals. Lee agreed to act as temporary Web Site chair
for several months. During that time he established a contracted web
administrator and helped locate a Web Site chairperson to fill the
position.
When the Board decided to switch our Chapter newsletter production
from a
volunteer-performed task to a volunteer-managed task, Lee researched
the costs and procedures, and presented a viable cost proposal to
the President. This effort allows us to send a timely and upgraded
newsletter product to our members. Lee frequently served as an
advisor to the Chapter President.
« Back to
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|
Hawaii
|
Stephanie Pualani Gillespie
Stephani, "Pua" as she is affectionately called, has been very
active and instrumental in working toward the chapter's goals. She
was diligent and consistent in participating in the chapter
administration and planning of member's events.
She lives on the island of Hawaii and makes the effort and time to
come to Oahu to attend the State Massage Board meetings and has
maintained a positive energy and enthusiasm at chapter meetings and
events for the chapter. She is also willing to contribute ideas and
is easy to work with.« Back to
chapter meritorious list
|
Idaho
|
Brenda G. Foster
Brenda stepped into the position of president without any service
experience in the AMTA. We needed a president, and she stepped up to
the plate. She attended both local and national trainings to learn
how to fulfill her responsibilities, and grew into her position like
a true professional. During her two terms as president, she spent
countless hours working with the National Certification Board
filling out and completing requirements for the NCB Approved
Provider Application. This was not an easy task for her, with her
lack of history on the chapter board. But she was diligent and
persistent until the task was complete. AMTA-Idaho is now an NCB
Approved Provider, and we are very proud of that status. It will
greatly help our members, as our population is geographically
challenged, and many members find it very difficult to travel
outside the state for CE's.
Brenda is friendly and social, a quick learner, detailed-oriented,
compassionate, caring, dedicated, and persistent. She accepts new
challenges without question, researches the options for fulfilling
those challenges, and then pursues the path to completion. In spite
of a severe physical injury during her terms as president, she never
failed to fulfill her assignments. She has grown into a great
example of professionalism.« Back to
chapter meritorious list
|
Illinois
|
Allison L. Ishman
 Allison
has served the IL Chapter with distinction and continues to
contribute to the massage therapy profession in Illinois. She shows
outstanding leadership and commitment to the profession.
Allison has demonstrated leadership as a chapter officer in the
past, and was in the forefront of efforts that led to the IL Massage
Licensing Act in 2002. She is active in education, developing new
approaches to massage and teaching continuing education courses. She
exemplifies the passion, commitment and professionalism that every
massage therapist should strive for.
« Back to
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Indiana
|
LuAnn Williams
 LuAnn
is a hard working dedicated volunteer
She is always promoting massage and educating the public about
massage whether it is anyone who walks into her office or the
Governor of Indiana. She never lets an opportunity go with giving a
bit of information. LuAnn has been in the Indiana Chapter for about
20 years and she had been a trailblazer for our profession. She has
seen the massage profession grow along with the chapter and has
paved the way for many massage therapists in ways we may never know.
She is a great resource person and is well respected in the area she
works in. If you ever have a question, LuAnn can help. It is with
this information and countless other things that she be considered
for the Meritorious Award.« Back to
chapter meritorious list
|
Iowa
|
Brianne Goetzinger, LMT
The recipient was selected for her contagious positive enthusiasm
that she continually displays in performing her excellent work in
serving our chapter members as our First Vice President/Convention
Coordinator and previously as our Education Chair. She is always
willing to not only complete her own duties and responsibilities in
a professional, competent and timely manner, but to participate and
assist others at conventions, meetings, special events and all
chapter activities. Even becoming a first time mom to a beautiful
baby girl during her chapter volunteer experience did not deter her
commitment to her work, but rather seemed to enhance her dedication
and added a precious new unofficial member to our chapter family.
Our recipient is sincere, fair, intelligent, team oriented,
creative, diligent, informative, prepared and professional in all
that she does for our chapter and has the uncanny ability to make
volunteer work fun for all those around her. The Iowa Chapter is
very fortunate to have her as an active volunteer member and we have
selected Brianne Goetzinger as our very deserving Chapter
Meritorious Award Winner. Thank you Brianne for all that you have
done and continue to do for our chapter, association and profession.
« Back to
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|
Kansas
|
Susan Cunningham
Susan has been the Kansas Chapter Treasurer for 3 terms and for the
last term she has been both the Treasurer and the Secretary. As the
President of the Kansas Chapter I would not have been able to do it
without her, and the ever present help of her husband Mel. She is
the most conscientious person I have ever known. She is stepping
down from all board positions and the Kansas Chapter will certainly
miss her.
Susan is humble, unassuming and has a wonderful gentle soul.
We all
love her!« Back to
chapter meritorious list
|
Kentucky
|
Julie Ellen Harper
 Julie
Harper has worked hard for our chapter. She has volunteered
everywhere; this is just a partial list: Registrar for two
conferences; Program committee for three educational meetings; as
Treasurer, she worked to bring the Kentucky Chapter finances into
compliance with the National AMTA requirements; Assisted with
website editing; Chaired the 2008 Awards Committee; Government
Relations committee member; Louisville Unit chair; 2008 Delegate.
Julie goes above and beyond what is asked of her and if she does not
know the answer she will work tirelessly until she has the correct
one.
Julie has a big heart for her clients as well as for the AMTA. She
will do all she can to help where she can.« Back to
chapter meritorious list
|
Louisiana
|
Patricia R. Copeland
 Pat
has always been available to help.
Pat has always been there to help in our Chapter and in the
massage profession. It does not matter to her if it is done with out
recognition. She is great with giving advise when asked. She years
of wisdom and experience has kept us focused on what is important.
It has been our privilege to know her and work with her.
« Back to
chapter meritorious list
|
Maine
|
Susan Lynn Walker
 Susan
Walker has been a member of the AMTA for 12 years and a dedicated a
member of the sports massage team. She took over as the sports
chairperson in the fall of 2005 and has done an outstanding job
organizing our team.
Susan Walker was honored two years ago for attending the most number
of events for several years running. While chairperson she has
attended 13 out of 14 events on the calendar, missing only one event
as it was held on the same day as another event in a different
location. She started yearly meetings with the team in the winter
allowing members to give feedback on events held to improve upon the
up coming year.« Back to
chapter meritorious list
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Massachusetts
|
Allissa A. Haines
 Allissa
is energetic, motivated, generous, a wonderful/sincere team worker
on our Education Committee. She's brought top quality education
workshops providing continuing ed for our members. She's the
chapter's representative on the NERC committee on which she has
shared new ideas and given new life to the committee and Conference.
Allissa is a true AMTA Ambassador, selfless and caring, "wicked
funny" and professional. She has an eye for the written word,
picking up on details, spelling, grammar and gives the feedback from
the heart ~ the best editor the Mass Chapter has! She's persistent
and when she takes on a task it is done to perfection. She adds
balance to the Chapter. On top of all this, she is a phenomenal
massage therapist!
« Back to
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Michigan
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Debra A. Zager
 Deb
Zager has been instrumental in the development of a school
visitation program that has lead to an increase in massage student
membership in our state. For the last year and a half, Deb has been
the leader of an AMTA National pilot program for the state of
Michigan. She has brought great enthusiasm and motivation to her
office as Second Vice President and Membership Chair for the past
three years.
Deb's drive and enthusiasm makes her highly successful as a
spokeswoman for the AMTA.« Back to
chapter meritorious list
|
Minnesota
|
Kenneth S. Youngberg
Ken has been an active member of the MN chapter for a number of
years. He is currently the immediate past president. Ken has always
been willing to help out in with the board, and has served as
newsletter editor and secretary. As well as volunteering his time to
do chair massage with the Red Cross for a number of years.
Leadership, patience, caring, trustworthy.« Back to
chapter meritorious list
|
Missouri
|
Kirk Nelson
 As
President, Kirk did a great job of pulling our board and chapter
back together and unifying us into a much more cohesive group.
This year’s nominee for the AMTA Missouri Chapter Meritorious Award
has been a massage therapist and member of the AMTA since 1998. In
1999, he joined the Missouri Chapter Board of Directors as the State
Director for the Missouri Sports Massage Team, and held that
position through 2006. In 2001, he was awarded the AMTA MO Chapter
Sports Massage Achiever Award, and in 2003, the MO Sports Massage
Team was awarded the National Outstanding Sports Massage Team Award,
for the second time in 5 years.In 2002, this recipient was
elected 1st Vice-President of the AMTA MO Chapter, and from
2002-2004, he chaired the Law and Legislation Committee, overseeing
massage therapy legislative activities for the state, and acting as
liaison between the MO Chapter board of directors and our lobbyist.
Since 2000, he has been a National Trainer for the Massage Emergency
Response Team, and from 2000-2004, was a National Committee Member
for MERT. For his efforts at the Pentagon following the 9/11
terrorist attacks, he was awarded the Disaster Service Award from
the Commonwealth of Virginia.
In 2001, he joined the faculty at Johnson County Community
College, and in 2005, became a state licensed mentor for the state
of Missouri. In 2006, he became a nationally certified provider of
continuing education...
Elected President of the AMTA MO Chapter in 2006, he has
strengthened and unified the board of directors and the chapter, and
at last year’s National Convention, he received on behalf of our
Chapter the Chapter Growth Award, for our chapter’s increase in
membership by 12.34%!
It is with great honor that we present the 2008 MO Chapter
Meritorious Award to Kirk Nelson.
« Back to
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|
Montana
|
Ruth Marion
As a school owner, Ruth has been a great asset to Montana's massage
therapy community. She's an advocate for the profession; has helped
out with public education events, government relations, newsletter,
board education and has often donated space from her school to host
meetings and classes. We are very proud to award Ruth as our Chapter
Meritorious Recipient.« Back to
chapter meritorious list
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Nebraska
|
Tina D. Sorensen
Tina has worked with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for the last
3 years. She runs marathons, triathlons etc to raise money for the
organization. In the last 3 years she has raised over $20,000 for
them. In addition she does volunteer work for the Lincoln Marathon,
the NE Humane Society and others. Tina has over 120 hours of Gross
Anatomy and Dissection-More dissection hours than Medical students
are required to go through. She teaches Kinesiology, Hydro and
Exercise Training for the Omaha School of Massage and has shaped the
intellect of 100's of Nebraska's massage therapist.« Back to
chapter meritorious list
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New Hampshire
|
Doreen N. Rossi
 At
our AMTA-NH chapter annual awards meeting on May 3, 2008, the NH
Meritorious Award was presented to Doreen Rossi, our AMTA-NH
President. Through Doreen’s leadership, our chapter continues to
represent our Chapter’s mission of “Promoting Massage Therapy
Through Education & Professionalism.”In the past year she has
gone above and beyond her role as president to attend to the “nitty
gritty” organizational details of propelling our chapter forward. Of
note, Doreen worked with AMTA National to determine the process by
which our chapter could collaborate with National to implement a new
program for chapter membership growth. This resulted in a plan to
offer a one- time discount coupon to students for initial AMTA
membership, while lightening the economic burden that new students
experience. Coupons are distributed via visits by the membership
committee to all the NH schools of massage. It is currently in
operation until February 09, after which time it will be evaluated
for possible continuance and expansion to other chapters.
Doreen has been a practicing massage therapist since 1991, and
has been a consistent chapter volunteer since joining AMTA as a
student member in 1990. After joining our volunteer newsletter staff
in 2001, she served as newsletter editor, 3rd VP, 1st VP; and is now
in her third year as our Chapter President, in addition to being a
wife, and a mom of 2 young sons.
« Back to
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|
New Jersey
|
Bruce A. Spicer
Bruce is being given this award for his total devotion to the
development of our Sports Massage Team. Bruce has served previously
as VP and agreed to again this May to run for that position. His
patience, kindness and hard work for the Team and our Chapter have
won him many friends.
« Back to
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|
New Mexico
|
Kami Lynn Anderson
Her willingness to volunteer year after year seems almost endless.
She has stepped in to fulfill a task left uncompleted by others on
more than one occasion, doing a great job without complaining, even
bringing extra enthusiasm and excitement to the team. Her
participation in our chapter's annual public relations effort (&
significant fund raiser) - providing on site stress relief at the
Renaissance Arts Faire in Las Cruces and her help with our Nurturing
the Nurturer educational retreats has proven invaluable.Kami's
unselfishness, her teamwork, and her inspiring leadership are her
hallmarks. She is always more concerned about ensuring that other
participants receive their due recognition than she is about her
own. Her inventiveness and ideas for providing incentives for
members to become more involved is contagious; the fact that she is
involved is often the reason that others become involved. Kami is a
bright star in our little universe here in New Mexico.
« Back to
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|
New York
|
Amy Cutter
 AMTA
– NY member Amy Cutter and her husband Bill Bubenicek (a retired
State Police Captain) have worked countless hours researching the
law for a way to end the misuse of the term “massage” in our
communities. On October 15, 2007, massage therapists from Orange and
Ulster Counties gathered to meet with Amy to discuss the importance
of adopting an ordinance that will have a direct impact on our
massage community. This ordinance could be the tool we need to crack
down on unlicensed massage practitioners and illegal practices. In
NY, you must have a license to touch others. It is a class E felony
to perform massage without a license. However, at the state level, a
felony can lead to a trial with a grand jury, so often these cases
are dropped after a simple slap on the hand. Amy and Bill discovered
that we could use the same “Nuisance Abatement Law” that was used to
clean up 42nd street in Manhattan, to weed out illegal
practitioners. If this law were presented to each municipality in
the state, it would move the responsibility to prosecute to the
local towns. This law would make the proprietor of the establishment
where illegal activity is occurring responsible, and after a
warning, the business is shut down. The property owner would not
able to receive rent, and would be motivated to oust the illegal
person and check credentials in the future. There is much work to be
done in this arena and we are committed to finding a way to diminish
the misrepresentation of our profession.On behalf of AMTA-NY, a
big thanks goes to Amy and Bill for all their efforts. 3 Massage
Therapy Educators Meet by Amy Cutter Four years ago, Matthew Kenny
from Columbia Green Community College had an idea to connect massage
schools across the state to review what was going on in the field.
The New York State Massage Therapy Educators group was born, and
continues to meet twice a year. There are currently 22 schools in
the group. Two delegates from each school evaluate new regulations
and discuss how to handle educational matters. They also review best
practices and problem solve with each other to help hone their
skills as educators. The group has covered topics including
entry-level knowledge, how to grieve a test question, illegal
practice issues, test blueprints, clock hours, and supervision
issues for students. This is a great group of people who are
articulate and passionate about their positions. Some participants
are school owners, some are adjunct instructors.
Amy is tenacious and has single handedly gone after unlicensed
practitioners in NY.
« Back to
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|
North Carolina
|
Sara Toogood
 Sara
has served in many different roles in the NC chapter since moving
here a few years ago. In every role she has held, she has given
tirelessly of herself to help promote the profession of massage and
the AMTA. Her passion and love for all people is very evident. It is
her endearing nature that leads so many people to love her and
appreciate the true merits of who she is and give her the praise she
so richly deserves.To be meritorious requires one to go far
beyond the norm-even when it causes sacrifice on their part. Sara
has done this on so many occasions that this spirit of giving has
become her norm. Her loving compassion is matched only by her
tireless efforts. Her concern for others truly comes from her heart
and has been felt by many. She is a real friend and one of the best
ambassadors that AMTA could ever hope to have.
« Back to
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|
North Dakota
|
Carol L. Miranowski
Carol is always there to lend a hand. She has served on a our state
board as well as numerous committees. She is always full of new and
fresh ideas. Carol helps where ever she is needed and never
complains-she always does it with a smile and a great sense of
humor.
Carol has a wonderful sense of humor. She is witty and such a joy to
work with and be around. She is such a positive person. People want
to be around her because she is so positive. All in all, Carol is a
great asset to our association.« Back to
chapter meritorious list
|
Ohio
|
Terri Stigers
 As
the Massage Emergency Response Team (MERT) director, Terri has
continued to develop a strong team of volunteers to respond to
emergencies. Her volunteer spirit is outstanding, and she is willing
to help where ever needed. She is a member of the Sports Massage
Team and also volunteered long hours with the National Convention
Committee.Terri's organizational skills are exceptional. She has
been able to keep the MERT team and Chapter Board of Directors aware
of relevant activities and non-activities important to the
organization. Terri also has taken the initiative to identify and
suggest areas of change to improve our program. She has won the Ohio
Sports Achiever Award for her dedication to the Sports Massage Team
in 2007. With her active lifestyle of family, work and massage,
Terri continuously volunteers to the benefit of the AMTA-Ohio
Chapter.
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Oklahoma
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Erik Dalton
Erik has been a member of the AMTA Oklahoma Chapter for several
years. He will help out the chapter at a moment's notice, and always
is there to bounce ideas off, and is an active contributor when
education is involved. The Oklahoma Chapter salutes Erik Dalton for
his spirit, support and devotion to the AMTA.
Erik is a great person. He does know how to have fun, but when it
comes down to it, he is devoted - not only to our chapter, but also
to the field of massage therapy.« Back to
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Oregon
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Brenda L. Walton
 She
has given 10 years of her 18 years of licensure to volunteer her
time to the Oregon chapter, AMTA.
She is diligent in what she does and has always given her all in her
duties as treasurer, never asking for anything in return.
Major projects: National convention in Oregon
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Pennsylvania
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Janet R. Dreher
Jan Dreher has served or serving in the following volunteer
positions: a) Membership Committee Co-Chair 2007 to present, b)
Southwestern Unit Secretary - 2004-2007 c) Chapter Awards Chair
2004-2006. Jan has a passion, dedication, very active and very
involved with AMTA organization for quite sometime. She continues to
hold various positions in the organization. She understands the
goals of the organization which includes the working awareness,
procedures and operation. She attends officers training for self
improvement and for members’ benefit. She is very conscientious in
all her volunteer jobs. She makes sure she performs and complete the
task assigned. She has a strong educational background supporting
her exceptional leadership qualities.Jan has many qualities of a
leader, but integrity, vision and action stand out to be most
important. First, with regards to her integrity, she is honest, with
compassion, and trustworthy which is the very foundation for
building a positive and committed relationship between leaders and
those whom she serves. Second she has a clear and inspiring vision
which clearly indicates she understand her role she takes to make it
happen and third she is able to formulate a plan to carry the vision
she has in her mind. She is not afraid to tackle challenging jobs.
In doing so she still manages to be charismatic and available to
members, willing to pay attention to their questions and concerns,
and effectively communicates her ideas to the them. Recently, I have
asked her to describe her most recent experience as a membership co
chairman of the chapter and she indicated with honesty: “As
Membership Co-Chair, I have been visiting local massage schools to
speak with their massage therapy students about the AMTA and the
benefits available to them as members of our organization. This is a
great position of leadership which has certainly helped with my
public speaking skills. It is an exciting position in that my
efforts are helping our organization become better known among our
new peers and will help us grow.”
As a Membership co chairman for our state, last year, 2007, she
visited seven (7) schools and was able to convert 15 students to
join AMTA ! This is showing her dedication, commitment and
compassion for the organization.
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Pennsylvania
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Nancy Marie Porambo
 Nancy
is a dedicated, hard working and conscientious volunteer.
Pennsylvania currently has no licensing requirement and she is
working very, very hard to get the state licensed She spends
countless number of days, hours, sleepless nights, and putting
herself last in working on this huge project, and it is
immeasurable. Her unselfish goals, one of which is licensing, will
benefit of all the AMTA members in the state of Pennsylvania and
will raise the bar of the massage therapy profession in this state,
it is time and necessary to have licensing in this state.
While working to re activate the licensing effort in the state,
which has been inactive for 15 years, Nancy was able to bridge the
gap between the AMTA massage organization with other professions and
organizations such as, the Physical therapist Association,
Chiropractic Association, Nurses Association, American Medical
Association, Acupuncturist Association, etc. and other body workers’
association in the field of massage. After countless oppositions and
challenging meetings with these associations to reintroduce the
bill, a final meeting of the mind has been reached , on both sides,
regarding the terms and conditions of the massage therapy bill, a
tremendous progress. The bill will be introduced in both houses and
the passage of it will contribute significantly to the massage
therapy profession. As she works in this endeavor, it created
awareness to the public, the medical community and other professions
in this state.
Nancy has been working tremendously very hard to have licensing
re introduce in the state. For fifteen years no one has ever
succeeded in reintroducing or revisiting the licensing effort in PA.
There were overwhelming oppositions to PA massage therapy bill from
other professions and associations including other body workers
association. One major and big challenge/hurdle was from the
Physical Therapist Association since the start. Through her
countless effort, dedication, creativeness and persistence, finally
there were agreements reached from both sides and currently the bill
will be introduced in both houses. The biggest hurdle, the PT
Association, has agreed and came to agreement with terms and
conditions of the bill and signed an agreement of no future
opposition to the bill.
Nancy Porambo’s boldness in this job is an asset in reaching the
stage where we are right now with regards to licensing. She is not
afraid to face any opposition and quickly consults experienced and
high authorities in this field and very receptive and very quick to
ideas that will solve the problems. She is also very creative and
always includes group effort in planning and reaching the goal. She
is very persistent to finish the job from start to finish (her term
will end in July, 2008) Truly, Nancy has a great passion in making
the state licensed and well deserved recognition is needed.
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Rhode Island
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Lori-Ann Gallant-Heilborn
Lori-Ann Gallant Heilborn's has performed massage therapy on
physically fit athletes at the Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece and
the Olympic training facility in Chula Vista, CA, but her heart
belongs to those who are truly wounded--her passion is performing
massage for the wounded warriors at the Marine Corp Base, Camp
LeJuen, NC, Second Division--her son's duty station as well.
Lori-Ann was awarded the Chapter Meritorious Award for her courage
and willingness to serve. Here's her story--While awaiting
permission to do complimentary massages for the wives of the active
duty marines, Lori-Ann was asked if she would be willing to massage
the marines injured in Iraq and Afghanistan. “Yes,” she responded,
without hesitation. She had no idea what to expect—some of the
injuries were extremely difficult to witness—not what we are
accustomed to seeing in a customary massage session! She found
solace and guidance from the gunny in charge of the wounded
warriors’ barracks as well as the medical officer in charge. She
says “This was the most profound work I have provided in my massage
career.”
Along with a co-worker, she was able to provide forty-eight
30-minute massage sessions. Most of these men had never received
massage and were a little cautious. They spoke about how they were
wounded and the resulting wounds. Some wounds were too painful to
touch, but by the end of the sessions, the wounded reported less
pain in the affected areas. Through the vehicle of massage therapy,
there is a horizon of pain relief that is not available through any
other modality. When they were told that Lori-Ann and the team came
from Rhode Island, they were amazed that a group of people would
sacrifice their time and energy in such an unselfish manner without
any expectations. They had no way of knowing how grateful the
therapists were to be able to help them. They had no idea how much
of an impact these wounded warriors made on the lives of the
therapists! Lori-Ann promised to return as soon as and as often as
possible. With massage therapy, she will continue to willingly
render the gift that has been bestowed on her—the gift of healing
touch!
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South Carolina
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Debra B. Gallup
She has worked as the SC delegate to National and has helped write
and present two recommendations for the House of Delegates. She is a
team builder that helps with all of the board members. She also
helps train and direct her fellow delegates for the chapter in the
protocol for the National delegation. At present Debra is reaching
out as our Public Relations to the massage profession and well as
the community for the SC chapter. This is her project and we look
forward to great thing transpiring under her direction!
Countless gift certificates over the past 7 yrs. to silent auctions
that were to benefit abused, neglected and under privileged
children; such organizations include The Dickerson Center for Abused
Children, SC Voices for Children, The Women's Junior Leagues for the
Hannah House and for the local elementary school in order to raise
funds for playground equipment. Annually she gives gift certificates
to another charity event hosted by one of the local credit unions
that benefits our local veterans. For the past 5 years she had
participated in the West Metro Chamber of Commerce's annual fund
raiser through chair massage donations at the golf tournament in
order to help raise funds for the scholarships they give to 3 local
high school students each year and the list goes on. She is very
involved in her Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Rotary Club
of West-Cayce Board of Directors, National Assoc. of Women Business
Owners, "FUNraisers" for Dickerson Center for Abused Children. She,
has you can tell, has a very big giving heart! Quietly she impacts
the lives of others.Debra has served as SC delegate from 2005
thru 2007. She has held 3rd V Pres. position from 2007 to present.
She was the SC secretary 2002 to 2007.Prior to this she held the
position of historian/photographer. Receiving honors with the SC
board in 2004 as outstanding board member, 2005 received the
President's award, and in 2008 the SC Meritorious award. She never
quits giving nor serving the board!
Debra has served on committee's in her city in the West Metro
Chamber of Commerce Bd. of Directors 2005 to present, Rotary Club of
Cayce-West Bd. of Directors from 2007 to present, National Assoc. of
Women Business owners 2007 to present, And "FUNdraisers" for the
Dickerson Center for Abused Children 2003 to present!
Debra has helped write and present two recommendations for the
House Of Delegates for AMTA. She gives gift certificates and helps
with fund raising for numerous charities in her area. She is a team
builder. She believes in her fellow chapter members and aids them in
all aspects to help create a board that works together. She does all
this and has a child and husband she cares for. She has a passion
and a heart for AMTA. She has also shared her knowledge of learning
the art of massage with students over the years. One of her
co-workers nominated Debra for this award by saying "Debra is
All-Heart". She has a very quiet nature but makes a big impact on
our state chapter and has served us well as delegate to National
AMTA over the years. Proudly we give her this honor!
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South Dakota
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Kay M. Johnston
 Certainly,
this Next Award encompasses many of the Merits and Characteristics
of each of the preceding Awards. Over the past 18 years of her
membership in SD Chapter, this quiet, gentle, caring, helpful,
encouraging, ever smiling member has served with honor and
accomplishment in a variety of positions:
~ 2nd& 3rd Vice President
~ Awards Chair
~ Delegate to HOD
~ CVOP (Chapter Volunteer Orientation Program) Representative
~ Chapter Legislative Activities
~ and a member who inspired and encouraged fellow therapists to
become involved in Chapter activities.Locally, she is a member of
the Chamber of Commerce and frequently presents lectures , on the
benefits of Massage, to civil groups and a Local Women’s Business
Organization. Currently she is enjoying her delightful position of
Grandmother. Joining her grand -children in their activities and
exposing them to the benefits and rewards of Massage. She is
constantly updating her education, seeking new techniques and
information to offer her clients. Although she is unable to be with
us today, to accept in person, this Meritorious Award, please join
me in acknowledging the contributions to SD Chapter and local
community of Rapid City area, the 2008 Meritorious Award Winner,
Kay Johnston.
Kay has put together numerous presentations about massage therapy
and the benefits and she has presented them to nursing homes as well
as other groups. Kay organized many sports massage events, two in
Florida with the Tampa General Hospital in 1989 and 1990, and then
some in Rapid City at Fun Runs. Kay is a very organized leader and
puts much thought/research into projects and issues before she acts
on them. You couldn't find a more friendly and compassionate massage
therapist than Kay.
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Tennessee
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Mary K. Roberson
Mary has gone above and beyond her duties as treasurer. She spent
this last year training the person on our financial committee to
take over and it made it a smooth transition this weekend. She is
always available to all board members for questions and hand holding
when it is needed. Mary kept a tight rain on our money and made many
wise choices financially for our chapter.Mary is one of the most
ethical people I have ever met. She is honest, hard working, calm,
serene, safety, strength and compassion all rolled into one.
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Texas
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Gregory Donald Schroen
 Greg
continuously demonstrates his diversified skills, leadership, and
drive. He is willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done or
assist in getting any task finished with follow through to see it is
completed in a satisfactory manor. Greg has held many positions
within AMTA TX chapter, teaches a tax class for the self-employed,
and is involved within his community. Within his many talents his
financial wisdom has benefited the TX Chapter with earning returns
on the reserve funds investments, and in 2007 having a break-even
convention after losses in prior years. Greg supported the person
who followed him as treasurer with training and presence. Greg
supported the board retreats to be productive, educational, team
building, and fun. Greg has now become a volunteer at the national
level on the Finance Committee.Greg's diversified skills include
finance, computer, E-Zine, phone tree messaging, web page,
newsletter, leadership and more. With these diversified skills he
keeps the TX Chapter abreast of activities, events and other
happenings within AMTA National family, other state chapters and the
TX Chapter. Greg brought to the annual board retreat additional
training by utilizing a paid facilitator for two consecutive years.
He is always looking for ways to improve the TX Chapter, increase
savings, and training for the members of the chapter board,
committees and members. Greg takes pride in all the accomplishments
of the TX Chapter as a unit and in the individuals who participate.
Greg participated in bringing forth the newly passed 500-hour LMT
legislation in TX. He has arranged for the AMTA Ambassador training
for the TX Chapter convention in May of 2008. Greg redesigned and
updated the chapter web site, increasing traffic and membership
awareness. The chapter adopted new chapter job descriptions so more
positions have a job description for the first time. The Chapter
Finance Committee following the new national Finance Committee
guidelines created a Chapter Financial Policy. The revamped
full-color newsletter is going to AMTA members, NCTMB members, and
MTI's with a lower cost. The return on investments was significant
during Greg's term from 2003 through 2007. Greg helped to coordinate
AMTA TX Chapter members to connect with those in attendance of the
Lauterstein-Conway open house/job fair. I believe his financial
knowledge will greatly contribute to the national finance committee.
Greg mows his elderly neighbors yard, and has for a number of
years. He actively coordinates and leads bible study groups. He has
served on his church board. Greg provides reduced fee tax returns
processing for low-income individuals. He is a volunteer board
member, and the treasurer for the Municipal Utility District. He
also volunteers with other non-profit organizations.
Greg was selected because he is an active, dedicated,
diversified, flexible volunteer of the AMTA TX Chapter. This award
will acknowledge his dedication, diverse skills, and his diligence
to get the job done, regardless of the task at hand. Greg has nearly
a thousand hours of training and teaches a tax class for massage
therapists. He has been a member of TX AMTA, NCTMB and licensed in
TX for 14 years. He has received the TX Chapter Meritorious Award in
2005, President's Service Award 1996-1998, and the "Extra Mile"
Award 1992-1993 for service as a Austin Unit Treasurer. Greg has
held TX Chapter positions of President, Treasurer, Web Master, Phone
Tree, Newsletter Editor, and Co- Newsletter Editor. Greg's most
recent accomplishment was assisting in getting the 500-hour
legislation passed in Texas. His involvement in chapter training,
web site design, chapter financial policy and investments, and the
ever changing newsletter is as dedicated and diversified as all the
skills he brings to each area of contribution to the Texas chapter.
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Vermont
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Lindsay M. Crossman
 Lindsay
has been working in this chapter for many years, as president, pr
person, and as the New England Conference committee chair for our
state. This year she headed the New England Regional Conference
committee and brought it up to be the best conference ever.
Lindsay is willing to step forward to help out when she can. She has
volunteered at her local hospital for their health fair. She has
been Vermont's member on the New England Regional Conference
Committee for over 15 years. This year she headed the committee and
brought the number of massage therapists attending to over 500.
Lindsay is always willing to help out our chapter in anyway she can.
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Virginia
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Betty Siegner Mooney
Betty was the first massage therapist in the Charlottesville,
Virginia area almost 40 years ago. She has paved the way for all
that followed! She is still an active member of AMTA and service on
a committee with the Piedmont Unit.Betty, her husband and a small
group of area residence have taken on the city board and WON for the
preservation of our reservoirs and water ways. What a long,
wonderful battle it has been and continues to be.
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Washington
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Ashley T. Benem
 We
are proud to announce Ashley Benem as the Meritorious Award
recipient of the Washington Chapter of the AMTA for 2008.Ashley
is a contributing member to the Washington Chapter. She is newly
elected to our State Executive board as 2nd Vice President. She is
so deserving and long over due to receive this award. Continuously,
she supplies benefits for all of us in the massage profession and
beyond. Developing the AMTA-WA MERT program and sharing with the
extensive manual with other chapters. Always sharing time to teach
and mentor with her expertise. Her background as an Emergency
Medical Technician and experience in the emergency are invaluable.
With her boundless energy, she creates beneficial impact that
ripples through the massage community. She has been under
appreciated for the behind the scenes guidance and support she
thoroughly thoughtfully gives.
As you can see we hold her in very high regard and appreciate her
many talents. She is a supportive leader, passionate about our
profession, a champion of ethics, and an incomparable resource.
Ashley continues to inspire me and many others.
Reasons: Endless hours devoted to creating a universal MERT
manual. Teacher and mentor for new responders and creating ongoing
leadership in our Chapter.
Special qualities: EMT experience past and current give her an
invaluable perspective on needs and protocol. Ashley is an amazing
teacher with energy to share.
Major projects: MERT Chair for nearly 4 years. creating and
expanding the program. Setting up outreach events to the service
community, including many fire departments, NW Airlift, Fire Chiefs
Convention for 3 years.
Altruistic activities: Shares knowledge and expertise freely. We
are so fortunate that she has chose to continue to be a valuable
volunteer. She has just been elected to the 2nd VP position and we
have intentions she will be one of the WA attendees to CVOP.
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West Virgina
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Kim H. Bingaman
Dedicated years of service to our Chapter in many capacities.Kim
Bingaman became West Virginia's President in a difficult time for
our Chapter. Kim took over the Presidency in 2000 and remained until
2006. In the years of her leadership, our Chapter saw an increase in
membership, she was successful in recruiting new board members, and
we made a come back! What a HUGE accomplishment! Kim served in other
Board positions since 1998 namely; Secretary/Treasurer, Treasurer,
Membership Chair, Alternate Delegate and currently serves as our
newsletter editor which she took over in 1998. As you can see, she
has given generously of her time to AMTA and fostering our Chapter.
Kim is a teacher at the Mountain State School of Massage, where she
obtained her training, graduating in 1997. She has continued her
educational quest since graduation logging many hours of CEU's. Kim
is also a talented artist who weaves, paints, makes pottery and
gorgeous jewelry! For her unending generosity of time and talent to
our Chapter, we salute her as our 2008 meritorious award recipient.
We appreciate you Kim!
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Wisconsin
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Lynn Marie Kutz
 Lynn is always at the chapter meetings and willing to help out with
whatever needs to be done at the meetings. She is always providing
door prizes paid for by herself for the members. She is always
helping the presenters to feel welcome at the seminars. Lynn is an
awesome advocate for the massage industry and educating the public
about what they need to know. Lynn is an excellent example of what a
massage should be.Lynn is always thinking of new ideas for massage in general. She
works with an imprinting place and is always coming with a new
gadget to promote massage to the seminars.
Lynn made a recommendation to the House of Delegates regarding doing
a study of how AMTA members could get their CE requirement cycle in
sync with the NCE renewal cycle. It resulted in what we have today,
which is that you can use your NCTMB active status for AMTA renewal.
Altruistic activities:
Lynn is always helping the less fortunate. She has helped with
numerous charities, volunteering her time and massage abilities. I
know the fox cities marathon was one of her favorites, or any cancer
fund raiser. She has also given massages to the fire department and
police department.
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