AMTA 2027 Schools Summit Education Sessions

Generative AI is rapidly changing how educators teach, how learners practice, and how professional knowledge is developed. Our futures depend on our ability to be AI-fluent and AI-independent. For massage therapy educators, the opportunity is not simply whether to adopt or ban AI tools—it is to make thoughtful decisions about when AI can deepen learning, when it may undermine it, and how educators can prepare students to use it responsibly in their learning journeys and professional lives. In this interactive session, Dr. Julie Schell will provide an accessible framework for an AI-forward, AI-responsible education practice.  Participants will leave with a shared vocabulary, a practical design framework, and concrete next steps for turning generative AI from a source of uncertainty into a purposeful tool for teaching and learning.

Dr. Julie Schell is the Assistant Vice Provost of Academic Technology and the Director of the Office of Academic Technology at The University of Texas at Austin. She oversees the University's technology-enhanced learning ecosystem and works to advance teaching and learning through the strategic use of academic technology. She has led the rollout of the responsible AI initiatives for teaching and learning at UT. In 2026, she was named a top 25 ed-tech influencer to follow by EdTech Magazine and as a Digital Learning Pioneer, for her efforts toward integrating technology into the classroom to boost teaching and learning. A scholar-practitioner, Dr. Schell's interests focus on how people learn complex topics and how to help them learn best, and she has spent her career exploring evidence-based teaching practices.

The quality of a profession is shaped by the quality of its educators. This engaging course explores the unique influence teachers have and the responsibilities that come with the power differential in educational settings. Participants will reflect on their relationship with power, examine how it impacts their teaching style, and learn practical strategies for creating a safe, effective, and professional learning environment. Through interactive discussion and self-reflection, attendees will strengthen their ability to establish clear boundaries, navigate dual-role relationships, foster accountability, and approach teaching with greater intention and preparedness. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of the power differential, the dynamic relationship between teaching and learning, the principles of effective boundary-setting, and the Educator's Oath.

Kathy Ginn has been active in the field of massage therapy and bodywork since 1991. She is the creator of Ethical Dimensions, a continuing education platform, and her courses focus on Ethics as a Transformational Journey and Self-Leadership. She is a licensed massage therapist, body-centered Hakomi practitioner, grief companion and end-of-life care doula. For the past 25 years, Kathy has served on faculty at several massage schools. She is a member and volunteer with her local AMTA chapter and is the author of The Soul of Ethical Service.

Effective teaching requires the ability to think critically, solve problems, and adapt to the unique needs of every student. In this interactive course, attendees will explore the key components of critical thinking and discover practical strategies for developing these essential skills in themselves and their students. Participants will learn a structured problem-solving model that can be applied to real-world challenges in the massage therapy classroom, from addressing different learning styles to navigating complex student situations. Through discussion, reflection, and practical application, attendees will gain tools to make more informed decisions, foster student engagement, and create a stronger learning environment.

Ruth Werner is an award-winning educator, writer, and former massage therapist who loves to share her passion about the role of bodywork for people who live with health challenges. Her textbook, A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology is now in its 7th edition and is used all over the world. She is a columnist for Massage & Bodywork and teaches continuing education workshops on pathology, research, and ethics worldwide. Ruth also hosts a popular podcast focused on pathology conversations.

Join us for an energizing overview of AMTA’s newly updated Massage Profession Report—your go-to resource for staying informed in an evolving profession. Discover how this essential report can help you strengthen your school, support your students’ success, and navigate changes shaping the massage therapy profession. This interactive session goes beyond the data—you’ll have the chance to connect with peers, share ideas, and explore practical ways to put this resource to work as soon as you return home. Every attendee will receive a complimentary copy of the brand-new Massage Profession Report to take with them.

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 through AMTA 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 Fortune 500 companies.

Alyssa Jaska 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.

As massage therapy research evolves, so must the way we teach it. This course explores two essential questions for educators: Are we teaching the right content, and are we teaching it effectively? Participants will examine curriculum types, how curricula are developed and evaluated, and why regular review is critical to keeping education current. Together, we'll identify areas where massage education may no longer reflect the latest evidence and explore strategies for aligning curriculum with research and professional practice. The course will also highlight effective teaching approaches that strengthen student engagement, critical thinking, and learning outcomes. Participants will leave with a practical framework for evaluating and updating curriculum to ensure massage therapy education remains evidence-based, relevant, safe, and effective.

Susan Salvo has a diverse career in massage and academia spanning over 40 years. Susan is well-known as a thought leader and pioneer in evidence-informed practice, has written two widely-used textbooks, and presents at professional conferences around the world. She also reviews case reports for the Massage Therapy Foundation and was a task force member for the Massage Therapy Body of Knowledge project and the Council of State Governments Interstate Compact. Susan’s writings, teachings, and research efforts focus on advancing the fields of massage therapy, complementary and integrative health care, and higher education.

Developing a successful, engaging class is an intricate process. This session will provide teachers with foundational tools to help make the learning experience more comfortable, and successful, for both teacher and student. Being able to connect with students, assess their needs, and create a plan to support those needs, while achieving the subject requirements, isn’t ingrained—it is learned. This session will begin by defining a philosophy of teaching and progressing through student expectations and diverse needs. Attendees will leave with an understanding of scaffolding and strategies needed to support student learning and the advancement of the massage therapy profession.

Having earned bachelor’s degrees in Nursing and in Alternative Medicine, Michelle Burns has studied and worked in holistic healing for over 30 years. Her experience and successes have given her the passion to share what she has learned, and it is her goal to create classes that allow others to achieve greater knowledge and skills. Educated as a Registered Nurse, Licensed Massage Therapist, Massage Therapy Instructor, Continuing Education Provider, and Certified Aromatherapist, Michelle is a nationally known teacher and speaker. As a professional member of the AMTA, she has served as the Education Chair for the Texas Chapter since 2018.

This session reframes leadership, encouraging attendees to view it as a daily behavior rather than a title. This session will explore how leadership shows up in every role at a massage therapy school, from educators to administrative staff. Examining practical, authentic leadership behaviors that strengthen professionalism, communication, and accountability, this session will equip attendees with the skills to improve student experience and enhance school culture. Participants will leave with clear insights and strategies for developing leadership capacity throughout their organization.

Don Taylor is the Founder of Urban River Massage Institute and is a Massage Envy franchisee. He earned an MS in engineering and an MBA and is currently pursuing a PhD in educational leadership; his diverse academic pursuits reflect his commitment to continual learning and innovation. Don is passionate about developing leadership at every level in massage therapy education and supporting massage students through graduation and on to lasting careers.