WARM WELCOME AT NERC

HOPE was alive at the New England AMTA Regional

Conference. Throughout the year members from each state

meet monthly and work tirelessly to organize and plan

NERC. Hosting responsibilities rotate between the states

and this year Rhode Island was in charge.

With big smiles, laughter and a-day-at-the-beach attitude,

we greeted each attendee. Our hospitality booth had a

beach theme with beach chairs and blankets, surf board,

RI- and beach- themed music, a tourism DVD showing off

our great state, RI trivia and much much more. In keeping

with our theme of HOPE, we had a display of quotes

about hope with copies for everyone. Many people came

back throughout the conference to get another quote to

cheer them up or set an intention for their day.

Our many RI volunteers were amazing. Their creativity

and tireless energy kept me going throughout the

conference. Some people came just to volunteer. There

are so many acts of kindness I cannot list them all. From

creating words of inspiration and hope to uplift the NERC

committee, to redoing the Hospitality Booth three times,

to going with the flow and taking on extra responsibilities

whenever other states asked, to sharing Reiki in a circle, to

a massage line, to a dancing Rhode Island Red rooster, to

karaoking, to playing with beach balls, to helping carry,

copy, set up, break down, collect meal tickets, sell raffle

tickets to support the Massage Therapy Foundation (we

raised $2527 for them) and MORE!

Volunteer means someone who has offered to serve. All

the RI volunteers went above and beyond. I am incredibly

grateful to all those dedicated volunteers! Our success at

the conference is because of YOU!!

Here are a few of attendee’s thoughts about what HOPE

means to them:

Healing Our Planet Everyday,

Having Only Positive Expectations

Hands of Peace Empower

Humility Optimism Patience Everlasting Love,

Hands Open, Palms Energized,

Healing One Person Everyday

Lead with kindness, never give up.

Having clarity within

Random acts of kindness from another.

May we all continue to bring HOPE to our chapter, our

profession, our clients and our world!

In humble gratitude and filled with HOPE,

NERC Hospitality Chair

A whole weekend of massage and massage people—the

prospect of this seemed both exciting and overwhelming

to me. Yet, the fantastic connections I made at the AMTA

New England Conference made being awarded the Perry

Plouffe Scholarship sweeter than I had anticipated.

My first experience was getting swept up right away into

helping out. I didn’t even have time to check in or put my

bags down before eager RIAMTA folks took me up on my

offer to help out. My first impression, not knowing many

folks on the RIAMTA board very well, was how friendly

everyone was; instantly I felt useful and appreciated in

whatever I was doing. As a somewhat shy person in new

situations, I needed that feeling of being helpful and busy—

it was perfect. After volunteering, I had the privilege of

hearing Diane Polseno speak about Ethics and participated

in round table discussions about issues facing the massage

and bodywork field. Diane is an engaging speaker and

the wisdom and experience she conveys felt very

comforting to me as a relative newbie in this field. I felt

that I was on a wonderful high—these were my people

and this is what I want to be doing for the rest of my life.

I talked to people who had been in this profession awhile

and found that their passion helped me reconnect to the

passion I felt when I chose to become a massage therapist/

healer in the first place.

My next connection was in the very next workshop I

took—where the Instructor used wonderful models to

explain what is happening to the muscles as we therapists

use our different techniques. I remember thinking I wish I

had that cool 3-D model of sarcomeres in my Anatomy,

Kinesiology, and Physiology classes.

Finally, the biggest connection I made was a wonderful

new friendship with a therapist from another state. We

paired up in Julia Smith’s Thai Massage Workshop and

felt an instant connection. It was effortless. This was

wonderful because even though I know networking is

important in this industry, and almost required at these

conferences, it is something I absolutely dread and actually

find myself rebelling against. So, it goes to show there is

hope for anyone—even shy, anti-networking kind of

people like myself. If you go to a conference like NERC,

where there are so many like-minded as well as diverse

people and so much information about this wonderful

field, you’ll make some important connections. You’ll make

them without even trying. You’ll leave the conference,

reflect back on it and make even more connections. So, I

encourage others to apply for the scholarship, volunteer,

go for the entire weekend or just a day. As a familiar car

salesman would say, “you’ll be glad you did.”

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

401-849-1050; massagetherapyctr@cox.net

401-575-2020; kelart@cox.net

401-225-8610; grammie200@aol.com

401-846-7728; rkomori@aol.com

401-595-2184; vinmax@cox.net

401-421-6653; ymriendeau@cox.net

401-529-1722; massagebywayne@cox.net

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

508-954-2125; rmcobb@ccri.edu

401-225-8610; grammie200@aol.com

401-829-0293; abjm611@yahoo.com

401-724-4979; camacphee@cox.net

401-231-5727; frankrap@cox.net

401-486-9113; labots@cox.net

401-744-5025; pk127@juno.com

401-596-3040; carl@healthfocus101.com

Not sure who to ask? Email:

info@riamta.com

2

Hello Everyone!

This spring looks to be an exciting time, both for our chapter and

many of our members. This is a time to recognize our successes and a

time to say good-bye.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to Kelly LoGuidice. For those

who do not know, she has stepped down from President because she

is planning to move closer to her family in the Philadelphia area. As

President she has encouraged the growth of membership, guided and

expanded many committees, and organized us all. Her guidance and

electric enthusiasm has “charged” the RI Chapter. She has established

job descriptions for each office and committee. So now we know

our tasks and responsibilities and can pass the responsibilities on to

the next officer. Kelly’s success as a leader is reflected in the strength

of activity in our chapter. Her passion and commitment for the

profession have instilled professionalism and consistency to both the

board and chapter. Thank you Kelly! You will be missed!

I also want to make sure everyone knows that the New England

Regional Conference (NERC) has set a new standard of efficiency

and success. Over 55 Rhode Islanders attended, the best ever recorded.

Much of it’s success and the many “firsts” can be attributed to the

work of Rhode Island representatives on the NERC Committee. This

was the first year of online registry and the first time to pay with a

credit card. This means as an attendee, you knew immediately if you

were in a workshop or not, and you could even change workshops

after registering! This was also the first time we could track firsttimers

to the conference and ask if they needed any help. This was

the first time to have up to moment accountability as to expenditures

and income. When the NERC Committee started planning last year,

the theme of “HOPE” was more pertinent than anyone would like

to acknowledge. But the committee has made the New England

If you have never attended a New England Regional Conference,

please consider going next year. It offers quality education at a

reasonable price and it is in our back yard. If that isn’t enough, there

is the opportunity to buy supplies for good prices, and the chance to

meet old friends and make new ones. Just ask someone who has

attended!

Finally, I would like to ask all of you for your help and support as I

assume the Presidency of our chapter. Even though I have been an

active member of the RI Chapter since 1990, I will still need your

help. It is the membership that drives this organization. Your needs

and desires for a successful career in this profession are what feed the

chapter. I hope to make working together enjoyable and fun as we

build on the past successes. I am looking forward to seeing you all at

Not sure which board member you should contact with a particular

question or concern? Email us at info@riamta.com and your question

will be forwarded to the person who can best answer your query.

3

Ten members of the “Ultimate Sports Massage Team” will

travel to Camp Lejuene, North Carolina to participate &

provide pre- and post- event sports massage to Marines,

The massage team will also be involved with providing

massage services to the injured Marines while on base. It

is going to be an exciting trip and a wonderful opportunity

for members of the sports massage team that have not

participated in the past.

We will also be looking for additional volunteers for the

Marine Corps Marathon in October, if interested please

contact Lori-Ann at: lmtlori-ann@cox.net for additional

information.

Rhode Island. Applications must be filled out in order to

attend this event. Deadline is May 1st. Please contact us

ASAP for an application.

As in the past, we are very greatfull for the help of

volunteers that work these events. We not only have a

good time, but we are building a strong massage awareness

community which benefits all.

For more information or for help signing up please contact:

volunteers. Now that the New England Regional

Conference has passed, the committee is ready to get

started on putting together new and exciting educational

opportunities for our members. Call Pat: 401-225-8610.

stamping. Takes 90 min. +/- (less time with your help).

Usually takes place on a Monday morning towards the

national certification provoked some questions from our

members. In particular, the phrase “While national

caused much confusion! This refers to a loophole in Rhode

Island massage law. Currently, no official is checking

recertifications but our Government Relations Committee

is working to close such loopholes which will strengthen

our profession by exemplifying our commitment to ethics.

This issue reinforces the need for an active Government

Relations Committee which means active member

volunteers! See the contact info on Page 2.

NEW OFFICER

Michaele Colizza, of Cranston, was recently elected 3rd

Vice President of our chapter. “I ran for this position

because I felt I could help bring this community of

professionals together in the state of Rhode Island by

reaching out to our peers and to the schools in our

surrounding regions for continued growth and support.”

Michaele brings twenty years of experience in various

medical fields, primarily physical therapy, to our board.

She has been practicing massage therapy for the last five

years. Besides her practice in Johnston, Michaele is also a

member of the Crisis Massage Team and an alternate

delegate for the National AMTA Convention.

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It is with great respect that I say thank-you to all the

volunteers from Rhode Island that helped out at the recent

New England Conference. Every time I looked up, I saw

volunteers scurrying around to get things done. Every

person that was asked to do a project worked diligently

to get it done without any complaints even if the job

seemed trivial. I was so proud to work alongside such

wonderful people who just gave and gave. Without these

great volunteers, we could not have had a successful

conference and I am eternally grateful to the Rhode Island

volunteers.

New England Conference Planning Committee

Regional Conference was a smashing success. The Rhode

Island Chapter of the AMTA took its duties as “host state”

quite seriously, and helped to create a conference that was

second to none. Many veteran attendees told me that it

was the best NERC that they had ever attended.

Looking back, this was not an easy year in which to be the

host state. The planning committee hired a new event

planner, completely revised the registration process, and

initially had to borrow funds to get started. In the end, we

managed to create a wonderful experience for more than

400 attendees, we paid all our bills, and made money to

give back to each state chapter in the process! It is great to

realize that all our hard work paid off. With our hosting

duties over, it is safe to say that we leave the conference

in a much better state than it was a year ago.

So, I’d like to thank all those who volunteered their time

and energy in this endeavor. As I’ve stated before, you

made Rhode Island and its leadership look great! The

enthusiasm that you demonstrated and the willingness to

give so generously of yourselves created an atmosphere

of teamwork and fun. I am grateful to have had your

support and friendship!

Peace,

NERC 2007 Chairperson

The Rhode Island Chapter had a wonderful showing at

the New England Regional Conference this year!

Participation went beyond attendance and education to

enjoyment, camaraderie, pleasant surprises and reunions.

It was a great pleasure to notice and welcome ‘newcomers’

to the weekend’s festive atmosphere. Rhode Island-style

Hospitality offered a smile, plenty of goodies, room to

share and laugh, to get directions and donate to worthy

causes. Color was the visual theme, and Hope and open

hearts flourished all weekend. A new spirit of cooperation

and harmony gently ushered us from events-to exhibits-to

generous giveaways-to delightful meals. The education

components provided a rich abundance of quality ideas,

techniques, and knowledge. The presenters publicly

complimented audiences and Continuing Ed students on

our drive for knowledge and our professionalism. Knowing

I was passing and greeting such committed, eager learners

in the halls as each education session dismissed inspired

my confidence. It gives me a sense of honor to be among

my Massage Therapy peers, and to once again affirm that

we know so much, we care so much, and strive to improve,

even if it’s to benefit a single client. Thank you to the

Conference Committee, and to the leadership at each level

who said yes many many times and created a positive

example of the esteem of our vocation.

Did I say I was getting a bit burnt out doing massage?!

workshops with such gifted presenters, I have been

recharged once again to remember the value of my

profession. Often working alone, we forget how much

we give to our clients and that is necessary to take care of

ourselves. This year there were several classes on self-care

and I was very thankful for the extra 3 credits! I felt a

sense of non-judgement was present throughout all 6 of

my classes. I want to applaud the committee, volunteers,

presenters, and attendees of the 2007 New England

Conference for striving to provide avenues of personal

growth that in turn give the art and profession of massage

the value and recognition it deserves.

NERC SCHOLARSHIP

Interested in attending the New England Regional

Conference in March 2008 but your budget is

tight? Feel like you missed out on a lot this year?

While it’s fresh in your mind, consider applying

for the Perry Plouffe Scholarship which pays for

your registration fee and classes in exchange for

your help during the conference. Just fill in the

application on the next page! For a little effort,

you could reap many rewards. Tracey Hall is glad

she did! Maybe you will be the next person to

share your experiences with the rest of us!

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AMTA RHODE ISLAND CHAPTER

Name: _______________________________________________________________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________________________________________________________

City/State/Zip: _________________________________________________________________________________________

Phone: ____________________________________________________ Email:______________________________________

AMTA Membership Number: ________________________________ Member Since: ______________________________

1. In what chapter activities have you participated? Please include projects and/or committees on which you have worked,

elected/appointed positions held, dates etc.

2. Why should you be considered for this scholarship? Please include explanations of financial need, special circumstances,

community service, etc.

AGREEMENT:

If selected for this scholarship, I hereby promise to volunteer and to attend all classes I choose for the 2008 New England

Conference. I will also provide an article regarding the conference for the April 2008 RI Chapter Newsletter. If I should

happen not to be able to fulfill my responsibilities for this conference last minute, I promise to reimburse The New

England Conference for the amount of the scholarship.

Your Signature: _______________________________________________________________ Date: _____________________

Please return to RI AMTA Secretary:

Yolande Riendeau, 209 Chace Ave., Providence, RI 02906 or email to ymriendeau@cox.net.

6

The Massage Therapy Foundation is delighted to invite

you to participate in our Practitioner Case Report Contest.

The Foundation has chosen to encourage the writing of

case reports to provide an opportunity for massage

therapists and bodyworkers to develop research skills

and enhance their ability to provide knowledge-based

massage to the public. The Foundation is a philanthropic,

non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that grants money for

scientific research and community service projects, and

is a resource for research education to the massage and

bodywork professions at large.

Practitioners must report on an independent clinical

intervention on one client. The case report should have

a research question that is interesting and pertinent to

the massage therapy profession and would include doing

a literature review on the presenting condition, creating

and implementing a treatment plan in accordance with

the literature, the needs of the client, and the

practitioner’s expertise, writing up the results, discussing

the implications of the outcomes, and offering suggestions

for future study.

Case reports play an important role in the professional

literature. This contest is intended to enhance professional

development skills of the practitioner: writing case reports

help develop communication skills, critical thinking skills,

and could contribute to future research and clinical

practice. Cash and publication recognition will be

awarded to practitioners submitting the top reports. The

Grand prize winner would receive $2,500.00 cash, up

attendance of the 2008 AMTA National Convention and

Education credit is available through the National

Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and

Bodywork for submitted reports that follow all guidelines.

Complete 2007 contest information is now available:

http://www.massagetherapyfoundation.org/

practitionercontest.html

If you have any questions regarding the practitioner case

report contest, please contact Alison Pittas at (847)905-

1667.

Provide bottles of water for clients

to take with them and immediately

address the need for hydration post-massage.

By demonstrating for them first-hand the

benefits of drinking water after a massage, it

will further support the advice you

have always given them.

They will thank you for it!

Remember that as a Rhode Island AMTA member you

can have your website listed for free on ours! Email Carl

with your information: carl@healthfocus101.com.

Don’t have your own website yet? With Members Online

you can select a design style, choose from more than

600 available samples and submit your personalized text

and images. Then the Members Online design team will

create a unique, professionally designed website for your

practice. Call toll-free 800-563-6771 or visit the Members

Online Design Center: http://www.membersol.net/

admin/Default1.asp?AssociateID=3111718332B.

7

8

www.qualityphysicaltherapy.com Contact Quality PT for details and to register

$165 per class or $310 if you register for both

9

1. Reflexology Applications and Techniques, The Original Ingham Method, I & II

2. Learning Reflexology, Merle Sunde

3. Art of East Asian Foot Reflexology I, Zoku Shin Do

4. Reflexology… a day at the spa

5. Reiki… a day at the spa

6. Shea Professional Seminars Vol. 4, The Thorax, Shoulder Girdle and Respiration

7. Shea Professional Seminars Vol. 5, Visceral Manipulation (Basic)

8. PMV Prod. Presents Massage for the Mature Healthy Person

9. PMV Prod. Presents Massage for the Emphysema Patient

10. Russian School of Clinical Massage, The Kurashova Method

11. Russian School of Sports Massage, The Kurashova Method, I & II

12. ECI Dissection of Low Back

13. ECI Dissection of Hip and Pelvis Region

14. ECI Dissection of Scapohumera Region

15. ABCs of Geriatric Massage

16. The Ten Step Protocol, John Upledger

17. Seated Massage Experience, Raymond Blaylock

18. Clinical Sports Massage Vol. I, Benny Vaughn

19. Clinical Sports Massage Vol. II, Benny Vaughn

20. Clinical Sports Massage Vol. III, Benny Vaughn

21. Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques, Erik Dalton; 3 videos/ manual

22. Active Isolated Stretching, Aaron L. Mattes

23. Active Isolated Stretching Assisted, Aaron L. Mattes

24. Traditional Massage of Thailand, Kay Rynerson book/video

25. Acland’s Atlas of Human Anatomy – 6 DVDs

26. NeuroKinetic Therapy by Benny Vaughn, Arm & Leg

27. NeuroKinetic Therapy by Benny Vaughn, Hip & Pelvis

28. NeuroKinetic Therapy by Benny Vaughn, Shoulder

29. NeuroKinetic Therapy by Benny Vaughn, Thigh (2 copies)

30. Ayurvedic Spa Treatments with Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa

31. Ayurvedic Face Massage & Shirodara with Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa

32. Swe-Thai Massage with Margie Meshew

33. Frozen Shoulder Syndrome, Elaine Calenda

34. Anatomy Trains Myofascial Meridians (ATMM) Lateral Line,

Tom Meyers

35. ATMM Spiral Line, Tom Meyers

36. ATMM Superficial Back Line, Tom Meyers

37. ATMM Superficial Front Line, Tom Meyers

38. ATMM Deep Front Line – Part 1, Tom Meyers

39. ATMM Deep Front Line – Part 2, Tom Meyers

40. Interactive Functional Anatomy, Susan K. Hillman (Computer use only)

41. Orthopedic Massage For Complicated Shoulder Conditions, Vol. 4, James Waslaski

42. Orthopedic Massage For Complicated Cervical Conditions Vol. 5, James Waslaski

43. Anatomy & Pathology for Bodyworkers, Sean Riehl

44. Lymphatic Drainage Massage, Sean Riehl

45. Medical Massage for the Lumbar Region, Ralph Stephens

46. Medical Massage for the Cervical Region, Ralph Stephens

47. Therapeutic Sports Massage for the Lower Extremity, Ralph Stephens

48. Therapeutic Chair Massage, Ralph Stephens BOOK

10

camacphee@cox.net or call (401) 724-4979.

camacphee@cox.net or call (401) 724-4979.

Full-page ad (8.5”W x 11”H): $90

1/2-page ad (7.25”W x 5”H): $45

1/4-page ad (3.5”W x 5”H): $22.50

The RIAMTA and the editor reserve the right to edit and/or refuse

any submitted article or advertisement, and assume no responsibility

for errors, omissions, corrections or modifications in publication.

Neither RIAMTA nor the RIAMTA Newsletter guarantees, warrants

or endorses any product, service, or referral advertised herein, nor

do they express any opinion in regard to the legality of the use of any

product advertised herein in connection with the practice of massage

therapy.

Subscriptions to the RIAMTA Newsletter are free to RIAMTA members

and $20/yr for non-members.

contributions pertinent to massage therapy and will respond to any

suggestions to YOUR publication.

USER NAME = AMTA ID number; PASSWORD = last name

view. Full-time or Part-time. Small professional building

with two full-time psychiatrists and three full-time

licensed mental health professionals all sensitive to the

clinical value of licensed body work therapists. Warwick/

East Greenwich line. 4474 Post Road, Warwick, RI. Lease

optional. All utilities/parking included. Rent is negotiable.

Can split with one licensed massage therapist of your

choosing. Call Thomas Paolino, M.D. 401-741-0800.

for sublet. Looking for a licensed massage therapist,

healthcare/holistic practitioner, or nutritionist. Fully

furnished room, with a hydraulic Oakworks massage

table, in small well-established wellness center. Easy

access, free parking, waiting room, professional building.

Reasonable rate, available 3 days a week. Contact Peggy

in a unique zen-like studio by Malls in Warwick along

with an Esthetician. Rent $140/week includes 1 weeks

vacation, addition to menu, window adv. & cards.

Possible partnership in future. Call Tracy (401) 575-9696.

rent in Prov area for few hours on occasional Saturdays

or Sundays. Contact Yolande. Evenings (401) 421.6653

or email ymriendeau@cox.net.

has openings for licensed massage therapist 2 to 3 days/

week. Please send resume to joan@allthatmatters.com

or call 401-782-2126 for an application.

11

RI CHAPTER AMTA

c/o Celeste MacPhee

134 Crescent Road

Pawtucket, RI 02861

WWW.RIAMTA.COM

Find out what happened at New England Regional Conference.

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