AMTA 2025 Schools Summit Education Sessions

Get inspired in this keynote workshop with an immersive exploration of generational diversity. Engage in lively discussions, a generational trivia game, and dive deeper into topics through table talks with fellow attendees. Leave Schools Summit equipped to better serve your school and your students.

Kristin Scroggin is a devotee of Generational Diversity and Communication armed with a master's degree from the University of Alabama. Kristin embarked on her research endeavors during her extensive 16-year tenure as a professor at the University of Alabama in Huntsville before giving birth to her company, genWHY Communications.

Developing a new continuing education course can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time or you’ve received less-than-ideal feedback on previous courses. Discover how to apply four key pillars of course creation, to set yourself and your students up for greater success—both in the classroom and in their massage therapy careers.

Ann Pauley is a seasoned sports massage instructor, Certified Life Coach, and former department head of a massage school in Atlanta, GA. Throughout her extensive teaching career, she has developed numerous clinical continuing education courses in massage therapy. Driven by a deep passion for teaching, Ann seeks innovative ways to enhance massage students’ success in her classroom.

In today’s fast-paced, social media-driven world, balancing personal and professional responsibilities can feel overwhelming—especially when motivation is lacking. As massage school owners and instructors, you may find yourself and your students struggling with procrastination, anxiety, and that persistent “I don’t wanna” feeling. In this session, learn simple strategies to help you, your staff, and your students break through mental blocks, reduce overwhelm, and take action towards your goals. Whether you’re preparing for the next class, helping students gear up for a big test, or just trying to get the laundry done, you’ll leave feeling empowered and ready to tackle the next steps. Together, we will discover how to bring more focus, function, and fun to your school and life!

Felicia Brown is the owner of Spalutions, where she offers business and marketing expertise to massage, spa, and wellness professionals. She is the author of Free & Easy Ways to Promote Your Massage, Spa & Wellness Business and Creating Lifetime Clients, along with several other books. A licensed massage therapist since 1994, Felicia also owns A to Zen Massage, an award-winning wellness spa in Greensboro, NC.

Kick off the day with an overview of this insightful AMTA resource, designed to provide valuable information for enhancing your school, addressing student needs, and adapting to changes in the massage profession. This session will be a great opportunity to engage in discussions with fellow attendees about how to implement the report's findings once you return home. All summit attendees will receive a complimentary copy of this valuable tool! Thank you to Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa for sponsoring the 2025 Massage Profession Research Report.

Dave French is the Vice President of Market Research and Insurance for AMTA, and has been conducting and overseeing research on the massage profession for over 20 years. He and his team have also developed and managed many of the benefits schools and students receive such as the anatomy app, the MBLEx test prep app, and the school insurance program. Previously, Dave led research efforts in the occupational safety and health industry and conducted research projects for many Fortune 500 companies.

Alyssa Jaksa is the Market Research Manager at AMTA, and has been conducting research on the massage therapy industry for over 10 years. She has previous experience working in market research for the airline and consumer packaged goods industries, as well as performing arts and theatre companies in Chicago.

Dolly Wallace's journey into massage therapy began when she helped her husband study in chiropractic college, sparking a deep fascination with anatomy and physiology. This passion led her to pursue massage therapy as a complement to her husband's work in chiropractic care, in which she has built a successful career. She has held numerous leadership roles, including serving as AMTA National President, on the Massage Therapy Foundation Board of Trustees, and as President of the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. Her commitment to education, volunteering, and advancing the massage profession earned her the 2022 Humanitarian of the Year award from the Massage Therapy Foundation.

This session offers massage therapy school administrators and educators effective marketing strategies centered on student retention. Participants will explore how to implement retention tactics, foster inclusivity through DEI initiatives, and build lasting relationships with students. Interactive exercises will provide practical tools that attendees can immediately apply to enhance student engagement and loyalty.

Davonna Willis is a respected health and wellness practitioner, entrepreneur, and educator with over 20 years of experience in the profession. She holds a Masters Degree in Health Education and a Bachelors Degree in Athletic Training. As the Founder and CEO of 4 Nineteen Education & Training, Davonna is dedicated to elevating standards of care, offering nationally accredited continuing education for massage therapists and athletic trainers through NCBTMB and BOC. She also founded the Black Massage Therapist Conference, with its inaugural event held in October 2023.

Ethical issues in classroom relationships can significantly impact a student’s learning experience, the success of an institution, and the standards of our profession. For massage therapy educators, it is essential to understand the subtleties of communication in an environment where boundaries may sometimes shift unpredictably. This one-hour session, specifically designed for massage therapy educators, introduces key concepts of transference, countertransference, and projection, and applies them to identify areas where students, teachers, and institutions may be vulnerable to ethical challenges. By the end of the class, participants will have a clearer understanding of the specific risks and benefits associated with various teacher-student interactions, to help them more effectively navigate and guide these relationships.

Ruth Werner is an educator, writer, and a former massage therapist. She is the author of the textbook, A Massage Therapist’s Guide, a columnist for the Massage and Bodywork magazine, and teaches continuing education workshops on pathology, research, and ethics both virtually and in-person.

Join us for an engaging panel discussion on enhancing massage therapy education through the effective use of technology! As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it’s essential for massage educators to embrace innovative tools while maintaining the personal touch that defines our profession. Our panelists will share practical strategies for integrating digital resources into your teaching methods—allowing you to focus more on fostering face-to-face connections with your students. Whether you're tech-savvy or just starting to explore digital tools, this session will offer valuable insights and real-world examples to help you thrive as an educator in today’s dynamic environment.

Nicole Miller has been a licensed massage therapist since 2012. In 2017, she opened Miller Massage, which quickly expanded into a thriving day spa with a team of 12 employees, including massage therapists, estheticians, and front desk staff. The success of her business has enabled Nicole to focus her time on helping others successfully start and grow their own massage and bodywork practices.

Melissa Martinie is the Strategic Advisor and Educator for StrongHouse Continuing Education. With a background in social work and over 27 years in massage therapy, she brings a unique perspective on client-therapist relationships. Since earning her Certificate in Therapeutic Massage in 1997, Melissa has successfully built and relocated her practice three times, deepening her experience in creating strong therapeutic bonds with clients.

Ceena Lund is the Director of Massage Therapy at a university, where she facilitates student education programs, including innovative hybrid concepts. With nearly 30 years of hands-on experience as a massage therapist and educator, along with her background as a registered nurse, Ceena designs programs that empower new massage therapists to succeed in their careers.