Congratulations to the 2026 National Award Recipients

This award honors the memory of Jerome Perlinski, an extraordinary educator and much-loved leader.

Brenda Rayner is a passionate educator at the Potomac Massage Training Institute (PMTI) in Silver Spring, MD who is known for her constant pursuit of knowledge and an unwavering desire to share that expertise with those around her. She is admired for her poise, commitment to self-care, and her ability to make foundational concepts understandable and unforgettable for each student’s unique learning style. Fondly referred to as the “Body Dynamics Queen” by many students, Brenda is the resident expert on body dynamics at her school, serving as an invaluable resource for students and colleagues alike.

Additionally, Brenda’s dedication to continual learning compels her students to do the same, helping build a generation of curious and capable massage therapists. Brenda’s countless contributions to educational excellence at PMTI have elevated the massage profession by inspiring thousands of students and preparing them to care for clients in a holistic, ethical, and skillful way.

The Dianne Polseno Lifetime Achievement Award honors the memory of Dianne Polseno, an industry leader who left behind a legacy of integrity, professionalism, leadership, volunteer service, massage research and an unquestionable commitment to the advancement of the massage education profession.

Beginning her massage therapy journey in 1979, Ann Boone has dedicated a lifetime of insight, energy, and wisdom to the massage therapy community. Her career is characterized by her encouragement of fellow practitioners as well as her eagerness to expand her knowledge and advance the profession. As the Government Relations representative of the AMTA Kentucky Chapter, Ann is a fierce advocate for the profession and is deeply committed to educating the public and inspiring fellow practitioners to join her in promoting ethical, safe massage establishments.

Ann’s ability to learn from every interaction and individual demonstrates her open-mindedness and dedication to continual innovation and improvement. Throughout her career, Ann has been cherished by her peers as a respected, passionate, and knowledgeable massage therapist, mentor, educator, and friend.

The Distinguished Service Award is given annually to honor someone who has contributed to the massage therapy profession in an outstanding manner and to acknowledge diligent volunteerism done in an altruistic manner. 

Todd Simmons is a long-time AMTA member and volunteer whose dedicated service has been invaluable to the advancement of the massage therapy profession. He has served in a variety of roles with his former AMTA Michigan Chapter as well as many roles at the National level, including Governance Committee, Slate Selection Committee and his most recent position as Bylaws Standing Committee Chair.

For Todd, AMTA and the massage profession have always been a top priority, and he honors that by consistently engaging in service and leadership, strengthening both the association and the professionals it represents. His countless years of commitment to creating a stronger profession continue to make a lasting impact.

The President’s Award honors someone who has contributed to the massage therapy profession in an outstanding and altruistic manner, and is selected by AMTA’s National President. 

Known by the mantra, “I Am Because We Are,” Cindy E. Farrar is an incredible leader whose poetic wisdom, infectious energy, and deep commitment to the profession have truly made their mark. Currently serving as Immediate Past President, Cindy continues to make an impact at AMTA and across the profession. With extensive experience as a licensed massage therapist, educator, speaker, writer, and businesswoman, she brings knowledge, grace, and wit to every interaction.

Cindy continues to shape the future of the massage therapy profession and be an inspiration to those around her. Cindy’s dedication to enhancing her craft and supporting the professional growth of her colleagues sets her apart as a trailblazer, storyteller, and an invaluable part of the massage therapy community.

The Becky Schwoebel Making a Difference Award is an honor bestowed on a long-term volunteer who has helped bring positive change and innovation to the massage therapy profession. This award recognizes Becky Schwoebel, a volunteer and valued friend to AMTA who left behind a legacy of integrity, professionalism, leadership, and volunteerism.

Dolly Wallace, amongst her various accomplishments and abilities, embodies the spirit of the Becky Schwoebel Making a Difference Award. A former AMTA National President who currently serves on the NCBTMB Board of Directors, she has long been a passionate advocate of continuing education, fair regulation, and the power of volunteering. Her belief that education is key to success within the profession has been instrumental in advancing the art, science, and practice of massage and inspiring the next generation of massage therapists.

Her tenure with AMTA and within massage therapy has made a tangible difference, improving patient outcomes, enhancing the profession, and serving as a shining example of excellence.

The Government Relations and Legislative Advocate award honors an AMTA Member who has achieved exceptional accomplishments at the chapter and/or national level in government relations and legislative activities.

A dedicated member of the AMTA Minnesota Chapter since 2010 and an AMTA member for over 25 years, Rachel Romanelli is deeply committed to advocacy efforts at the state and national levels. Her strong and sustained leadership has been instrumental in Minnesota’s legislative strategy, with the state enacting an Optional Registration Framework this year, thanks to her collaborative efforts with the AMTA National Government Relations Team.

Rachel is passionate about advancing licensure and protecting the profession, devoting numerous hours to coalition-building and volunteering. Throughout her extensive career, Rachel has demonstrated her sharp skill set within government relations, helping to produce positive legislative change for the massage profession.

The National Meritorious Award is given for diligent volunteerism done in an altruistic manner.

As a volunteer with the AMTA Kentucky Chapter for over 20 years, Caren McCarty has brought a welcoming and innovative energy to the massage community. She is known for her creativity, diligence, and willingness to go above and beyond in any role. In particular, Caren was instrumental in redesigning her Chapter’s website, cultivating an accessible, interactive, and visually appealing platform to support Kentucky massage therapists. Additionally, when the current President had to step down for personal reasons, Caren took initiative and assumed the role until an election could be held, demonstrating her innate leadership and strong commitment to the profession.

Praised for her knack for problem-solving and warm personality, Caren has enhanced the Kentucky Chapter and helped build a stronger, more connected massage community.

The New Volunteer of the Year Award is given to honor and recognize emerging volunteers in AMTA.

When Denise Cook joined the AMTA Minnesota Chapter Board a year ago, she embraced every opportunity to contribute, diving right in and making an immediate impact as a new volunteer. From contributing to the Education Committee and organizing games for the Chapter picnic to planning two education events and supporting outreach efforts, Denise’s extensive involvement has helped foster community and advance the profession.

Despite her busy schedule and challenging circumstances, Denise continued to show up, dedicate her time and energy, and make sure the Minnesota Chapter was represented. Her strong initiative, vast contributions, unwavering loyalty, and innate passion for the profession showcase how Denise has gone above and beyond as a new volunteer.

The Certificate of Appreciation honors recipient(s) who have contributed to the massage profession, celebrates diligent volunteerism done in an altruistic manner, and acknowledges someone who has bridged the gap between AMTA and/or massage and other associations and/or professions.

John Fred Spack has left an indelible mark on the massage profession during his career. He is praised for his extensive government relations work, helping many states write their licensing laws, as well as his research endeavors, constructing the history of massage therapy in Ohio. Through his studies, John uncovered how Ohio became the first licensed state and even discovered the first licensee, Agnes B. Forbes. His research led him to Agnes’ grave where he learned her interment fees were never paid. John’s understanding of the impact Agnes, and the state of Ohio, had on the massage profession, compelled him to lead an initiative, resulting in the AMTA Ohio Chapter paying Agnes’ fees and providing a headstone for her grave.

This story is an example of John’s heartfelt and enduring commitment to massage therapy and his understanding of the importance of honoring those who paved the path before us. His efforts are incredibly appreciated and essential in recognizing how far we have come while also imagining an even stronger future for the massage community.

The Certificate of Appreciation honors recipient(s) who have contributed to the massage profession, celebrates diligent volunteerism done in an altruistic manner, and acknowledges someone who has bridged the gap between AMTA and/or massage and other associations and/or professions.

A licensed massage therapist and AMTA member since 1983, Earl Timberlake has been a fixture of the massage community for over 40 years. A mentor and favorite teacher of AMTA National President, Rick Greely, Earl is admired for his outstanding loyalty, measured guidance, and timeless wisdom.

His dedication to education through the Central Ohio School of Massage and Timberlake Massage Therapy: Somatic Release in Clinical Massage demonstrates his commitment to supporting the next generation of massage therapists while continually enhancing his own skills. Earl’s leadership, initiative, and compassion set him apart and have helped shape the massage community into what it is today.

The Certificate of Appreciation honors recipient(s) who have contributed to the massage profession, celebrates diligent volunteerism done in an altruistic manner, and acknowledges someone who has bridged the gap between AMTA and/or massage and other associations and/or professions.

Richard Ventura reflects the compassion and initiative that are at the heart of the massage therapy profession. In a moment of loss and uncertainty following the passing of the AMTA Missouri Chapter President, Richard stepped forward with unwavering commitment to the Chapter and its members. During this difficult time, Richard provided leadership, continuity, and support when it was needed most, ensuring the Chapter remained connected.

Richard’s willingness to carry additional responsibility reflects not only his exceptional dedication to AMTA and the massage profession but also a deep sense of service that resonates deeply across the Missouri Chapter and the larger massage community.

The MTF Humanitarian Award is reserved for individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary, selfless dedication to improving the lives of others through massage therapy. It honors those who have consistently gone above and beyond to bring the healing power of touch to vulnerable, underserved, or critically ill populations, elevating the profession to a vital instrument of public health and human compassion.

Over the course of their impressive career, Cal Cates has become an award-winning writer, published researcher, and international speaker, dedicating their time to advancing advocacy in healthcare, promoting massage therapy as social justice, and transforming education for healthcare providers. Cal's life’s work, particularly through their pioneering efforts as Founder and Executive Director of Healwell, exemplifies the extraordinary and selfless accomplishments that this award honors.

Cal’s work has not only provided direct, compassionate care to patients facing acute, chronic, and terminal illnesses but also reflects a sustainable framework of education, research, and advocacy. They have championed the integration of hands-on care into hospital systems, trained countless therapists to work safely and effectively in complex medical environments, and repeatedly demonstrated that the value of touch is a fundamental human right, especially in our most vulnerable moments.

This award recognizes individuals whose dedication to the massage therapy profession, demonstrated through exceptional volunteer service to the Massage Therapy Foundation, goes above and beyond the ordinary.

Gordon MacDonald has consistently brought exceptional professionalism, integrity, dedication, and pride to his role as Executive Director at the Registered Massage Therapists Association of British Columbia (RMTBC). His leadership has helped strengthen and advance the massage therapy profession, while fostering meaningful relationships with health organizations and institutions across BC, Canada, and internationally. Through his vision, integrity, and tireless advocacy, he has made a lasting impact on the Massage Therapy Foundation, the profession, and the countless individuals whose lives have been improved through its work.

Under his direction, the RMTBC has invested in promoting evidence-informed practices and educating members about the value of massage therapy research. Through Gordon’s strategic leadership, the profession has earned increased respect, recognition, and inclusion within the broader healthcare community.