Winning the Perry Plouffe Scholarship was a great honor

to receive for this past 2008 New England Regional

Conference. This was my second conference experience

and I enjoyed every part of it. It was an honor to volunteer

this year; I didn’t realize how much work and organization

our committee and member volunteers put into the

conference. It was great to help out wherever help was

needed.

Some of my volunteer experiences included room

monitoring, handouts, doing paperwork for Travelers

Massage, decorating for our AMTA hosted dinner, and

checking meal bracelets. Everyone deserves a big round

of applause for all the volunteer work they did at the

conference, especially our organizers!

I am proud to be a part of such a wonderful organization

where I have met the most truly wonderful and

remarkable people. This AMTA NERC felt like a second

home for four days. This was important to me, as I had

been away from my two-year-old daughter for the first

time since she was born. Having things to do helped to

take away this anxiety.

I enjoyed all my courses. I would have liked to take them

all, but spent most of my time in David Kent’s workshops,

which was well worth my time. I learned that to positively

influence your destiny you need to see things as they are,

see things better then they are, and make things the way

you envision them.

working with the body’s preferred postures instead of

against them; really amazing stuff! Feeling more motivated

and refreshed, I am ready for another year, taking massage

therapy to the next level with more confidence and

potential.

It was so inspiring to meet colleagues from the RI Chapter

and other New England AMTA chapters. In memory of

Perry Plouffe, I want to thank you for choosing me as the

Perry Plouffe Scholarship winner and I look forward to

seeing all your warm friendly faces at next year’s NERC.

A NEW PARADIGM EVOLVING IN MASSAGE THERAPY

The brain was once thought to be

the source of intelligence and

communication in the body. Science

has now discovered that every cell is

like a mini brain capable of receiving

and transmitting a complex

integration of thought, emotion and

sensation that forms human

experience. When you perceive an

experience as stressful or

overwhelming, the intelligence of

every cell participates in storing the stressful thoughts,

emotions and sensations till a later date when you are

able to fully experience it. Stored experience in the body

is currently referred to as body memory.

The treatment of body memory dates back to the early

1900’s. Pioneers such as Ida Rolf, Joseph Heller, Wilhelm

Reich and Moshe Feldenkrais made groundbreaking

discoveries of how the body suppresses stressful

experiences, not only in the mind but in the body, and

that the body is innately designed to release stored

experiences as a means to achieve increasing states of

balance, function and vitality. Mind-body therapy

developed from these early discoveries and has recently

become mainstreamed, primarily by massage therapists.

In the massage world, mind-body modalities such as

Myofascial Release and Cranial Sacral Therapy have

become increasingly popular in the past thirty years. In

1997, a new approach for the treatment of Body Memory

emerged called Body Memory Recall (BMR). It was

developed by Jonathan Tripodi—a pioneer in the field of

mind-body therapy. Body Memory Recall integrates over

a hundred years of pioneering techniques in the field of

therapeutic bodywork, psychology and science and evolves

them into one refined approach that directly supports the

transformation of body memory and the patterning of

past experiences.

BMR incorporates therapeutic bodywork, dialogue,

movement, breathwork, essential oils and exercise. BMR

bodywork is a unique integration of Myofascial Release,

Cranial Sacral Therapy, Visceral Myofascial Release,

Unwinding, Energy Work and Massage.

BMR provides a full spectrum of touch from off body to

light touch to deep tissue that directly supports the release

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

401-225-8610; grammie200@aol.com

401-849-1050, massagetherapyctr@cox.net

401-261-6588; smokingfeet@aol.com

401-787-8879; billydowninglmt@verizon.net

401-595-2184; vinmax1@verizon.net

401-829-0293; justbreathemassage2@yahoo.com

401-529-1722; massagebywayne@cox.net

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

508-954-2125; cobbr155@msn.com

401-829-0293;justbreathemassage2@yahoo.com

401-231-5727; 401-559-4318; frankrap@cox.net

401-521-1120; catechapin@verizon.net

401-724-4979; camacphee@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

As your newly elected president, this is my

first official note to you, our members. I

am excited to have this opportunity to

work for and with you to continue to

improve this chapter, which has already

accomplished so much over the past few

years under the leadership of Past President,

Kelly LoGiudice and the gentle guidance

of our Immediate Past President, Deb Luhrs.

We will make our mark as well! We have

already accomplished more than I believe

people realized was possible. In that light,

I want to take this opportunity to reveal

to you the past, the present, and the future

of our RI AMTA Chapter.

The history that has been generated since the inception of this

because of the experience, strength, and hope of those people who

believed in the possibilities of this profession. They stayed the course

and led us into a new century. We can do no less for those that will

follow us. “There is only one president, one 1st VP, one 2nd VP, one

3rd VP, one secretary and one treasurer at a time, there is one position

that you all hold concurrently—this is the office of Visionary.” We are

responsible for providing future massage therapists with the tools they

will need in order to face new challenges.

On April 6, 2008*, we officially installed officers, board members and

committee heads and assembled some of the people that have worked

diligently over the years to make a difference in our field. We sought

to express the gratitude of our RI Chapter to all those who have helped

us thrive, starting with Massachusetts, our parent chapter, who played

an important role in assisting our fledgling chapter in the past. From

the Massachusetts chapter, receiving the Certificate of Appreciation

Other noteworthy awards given that evening were:

Certificate of Appreciation Award: Anne Balboni, RI Crisis Massage Team

Distinguished Service Award: Frank Rapone

Government Relations Activists Award: Becky Ellsworth, Wayne Cotnoir

Humanitarian Award: Paula Kochanek

Meritorious Award: Lori-Ann Gallant Heilborn

Outstanding Committee—Education: Alda Medeiros, Regina Cobb, Pat Bachus

Outstanding Committee Chair—Webmaster: Carl Stearns

Outstanding Newsletter Award: Celeste MacPhee

Outstanding Sports Massage Team: Frank Rapone, Dorry Renquist, Lou Ann Botsford

President’s Award: Regina Cobb

Recognition Award: Jane Allard, Secretary

Retiring Board Officer/Board Member: Kelly LoGiudice, Past President

For all of you who were able to attend the New England Regional

Conference (NERC), there is no need to explain the teamwork that

went into making 2008 a tremendous success! Most notable on the

list of dedicated workers are our team leaders—Dorry Renquist,

Michaele Colizza, and Cate Chapin.

M.K. Brennan, our AMTA National president, honored us in her address

by saying that the states in the Northeast region of the country are the

IDEAL in how to work together and get the job done. So folks, let’s all

get on the bandwagon and make this a banner year!

3

I wish to extend a sincere thanks to Becky Ellsworth for

all the work that she has done in the past few years for

our chapter. She leaves behind a well-established

Government Relations committee which I will have the

extreme pleasure of overseeing as new Government

Relations chairman.

We have many objectives for the future, some which we

have been knocking on the door for many years. We

cannot give up! I feel very strongly that this committee

can accomplish many of the goals set by our chapter.

Please feel free to contact me with any AMTA Government

Relations questions or concerns at any time. I always return

calls promptly. Frank Rapone: 401-559-4318;

frankrap@cox.net.

Although we still are in the process of unearthing the

chapter history, we were able to discover a small glimpse

of the past which is so important in the measure of the

future. Allow me to take you back in time to what we

call the beginning—In 1943, it was suggested that an

organization be formed to further the interest of massage

here in Rhode Island. With the assistance of the

Massachusetts chapter in 1957, the RI chapter was

organized and was later established on March 16, 1958.

There were only ten members in the entire state! Due

to low membership in the early 60’s, the RI chapter

merged with the MA chapter. In 1965, RI worked hard

to keep the chapter a float. There were many struggles.

Fluctuating membership throughout the 70’s jeopardized

the chapter, but on September 16, 1979, the RI chapter

was reinstituted, and in September 1980, it became

incorporated as a nonprofit organization. The slate of

officers expanded and committee chairpersons were

elected. In the 1980’s, Ray Moriyasu held various offices,

from Newsletter Chair to Vice President to President,

while also receiving the meritorious award. The chapter

worked closely with legislators to institute massage

licensure and the law went into effect in 1979.

Throughout the years that followed, great strides were

taken to expand the professionalism of our trade.

The Education Committee is busy working to bring

continuing education topics to Rhode Island that you are

interested in learning more about. The following

workshops are confirmed for 2008:

Pelvic Positioning—Myofascial Release for the Psoas and

Muscles Affecting Pelvic Position

Presenter—Ron Floyd, LMT

Saturday, June 7 & Sunday, June 8

9:00am – 5:00pm (both days)

Community College of Rhode Island

14 NCBTMB Continuing Education Hours

Active Isolated Stretching, Upper Body, the Aaron Mattes

Method

Presenter—Marjorie Brook, LMT

Saturday, October 25, 2008 & Sunday, October 26

9:00am – 6:00pm (both days)

Location To Be Determined

16 NCBTMB Continuing Education Hours

Check our website www.riamta.com for additional

information and registration details for both workshops.

Also, watch for emails regarding workshops. Additional

topics are being slated for future presentations throughout

2008 and 2009! Stay tuned!

Remember that our website www.riamta.com is a great

resource to check on upcoming events and committee

projects. In the meantime, know that this is YOUR

Chapter, so please support it! There are always plenty of

ways to be involved! Got questions, ideas, or energy to

burn? Give us a call or send an email to

info@RIAMTA.com. Got a problem? Think it through,

come up with a possible solution, and we can help finetune

it. Together, we are unbeatable!!

4

I had attended NERC for four years and was always

amazed at the number of attendees and having the

opportunity to speak with colleagues from all over New

England (and beyond) on such a personal level. Everyone

was so approachable. I quickly realized how special this

conference was because of the long-lasting friendships

formed and the ability to meet new therapists every year,

which speaks well for our growing profession.

I also observed a few individuals who always seemed to

be quietly circulating in the crowds making sure things

were running smoothly. All of this peaked my interest in

how the conference successfully comes together year after

year. So I asked the question that Rhode Islanders are

known for. “How can I help?” Now a year has flown by

and I am a voting NERC board member. This is a behindthe-

scenes look at what it took to make the conference

happen.

The NERC board meets once a month, skipping only

December and July. The planning meetings are mostly

via e-mail and the occasional conference call. We discuss

things like budgets, hotel contracts, vendors, food, floor

plans, and educators based on the input from all of those

surveys that are filled out the previous year. We do read

each and every one of them. Most importantly, we work

to keep the cost of the conference at a user-friendly price.

I have learned a few things in my short time on the board.

Sometimes there are reasons why a class can’t be offered.

It may have more to do with a hotel’s wiring than how

popular a course is. I also realize now how diligently the

committee works to make sure there is a fair solution to

all of those survey requests. According to the surveys,

there will always be one class participant that is too hot

while another is too cold. There will be a David Kent

class participant who is “so excited from his unique class

style” and someone in a class next door that asks, “Can’t

you tell them to quiet down?”

I also was enlightened this year as to the origin of this

conference. New Englanders wanted to attend a

conference more locally than the national one, at a fee

that was more economical, with less time and financial

loss for travel and hotel expense. It is in the typical New

England fashion that if something doesn’t work, we will

make it! Twenty-five years later we have become the 3rd

largest conference in the U.S. We have attendees from

all over the country and continue to grow because of

the quality of the conference and the dedication of its

volunteers.

NERC is a volunteer-based project and while there only

a dozen or so people who actually sit on the board,

there is a small army of volunteers who willingly come

to offer their help to the committee. They say things

like, “Let me check my class schedule during the

conference. Then whatever time I have is yours.” These

are the people who keep meal lines moving, giving up a

portion of there own mealtime to make sure we all get

to eat in an orderly fashion. Without these folks our

conference fee goes up.

I am proud of our state’s “roll up your sleeves and help

out” attitude. I would like to thank a few of the volunteers

who worked closely with me throughout the conference.

Each one of them has my gratitude and represents the

finest this state has to offer: Regina Cobb, Pat Bachus,

Kenji Omori, Deana Hodell, Ceasar Cruz, Deb Luhrs, Cate

Chapin, Dorry Renquist, Joanne Lozy, Yolande Reindeau,

and all of the volunteers who came to help with

decoration set-up.

celebrate, a new hotel that accomodated everyone, a

new vendor experience, and new food. We were open

to the public for the first time to observe our profession’s

educational tools, equipment and demeanor as they mixed

amongst us while shopping. Our conference welcomed

over 100 first-time attendees. We had sold out vendor

space with more vendors than ever before. And we are

still growing strong!

The NERC Committee reconvenes on May 18th to begin

the planning process for the 2009 Conference, hosted by

look forward to being a part of this and to bringing your

thoughts and ideas to the committee.

I hope to meet many new volunteers from our state and

I continue to be grateful to all those who have helped to

make the 2008 Conference a huge success. Please contact

your NERC representatives with your thoughts or

phone number, and email info.

If you have an interest in being on the NERC Committee

we would love to hear from you.

In February, Cesar Cruz, Jr, LMT, was elected 1st Vice

President at the General Member meeting. Cesar decided

to pursue his education in massage therapy upon retiring

from the U.S. Postal Service in 2003 after 20 years of

service. A 2005 graduate of Lincoln Technical Institute,

he has been an AMTA member since 2006 and is a current

member of the NCBTMB. He works as an independent

practitioner and dedicates time to volunteering for events

such as Operation Stand Down for homeless veterans,

VNA of RI, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation,

and the Parkinson’s Race, Walk and Roll. He joined the

Crisis Management Team of RI in 2006. He presently is a

member of the PB&J dance company and performs

throughout RI and MA. In addition to pursuing his dance

interest, he continues to enhance his education in specific

modalities. He is committed to his new role on the AMTA

board and looks forward to contributing his experience

and time.

5

Massage Therapists and Students are needed for

SATURDAY MAY 31ST

9:00 am - 3:00 pm

The University of Rhode Island

South Kingstown

For more info contact:

Lou Ann Botsford

401-486-9113

labots@cox.net

Frank Rapone

401-231-5727/401-559-4318

Frankrap@cox.net

Over the past several years, Rhode Island has had an

amazing growth in members, thanks to the

hardworking men and women who have served in

their footsteps and keep membership growing while

actively encouraging member involvement.

I plan to do this by recruiting new members from

massage schools, making personal contact with

current members via phone or email, and taking the

time to get to know you at meetings, sporting events,

and education workshops. Keeping our members

involved, I believe, is key to a happy and productive

organization.

For the month of March we welcomed 16 new

members: Patricia Abbruzzi, Matthew Borges, Corina

Brown, Kevin Cliff, Isabel Cortes, Alicyn Day,

Agostinho DeSousa, Megan Ferrante, Desiree Gagnon,

Krystal Giacchi, Rainee-Lynn Heilborn, Courtney

Killilea, William Randall, and Christopher Rasmussen.

I also want to welcome the members that joined in

January and February, but I must apologize that I

have not yet received those lists yet. I hope to get

your information soon so that I can recognize you

properly and send out your welcome packet.

Welcome to all our new members, I look forward to

connecting with you soon.

SEATED (l-r):

STANDING (l-r):

ABSENT from photo:

6

7

of body memory from all systems of the body.

The release of body memory improves flexibility,

eliminates pain, improves nerve function and

circulation, restores alignment, improves posture

and decreases stress and anxiety. It also significantly

increases energy and vitality.

Body memory is often the underlying source of

tension in the body. Because massage therapists

provide hands-on treatment for long durations,

the treatment of body memory will fall primarily

into their hands.

Presently, BMR is on the cutting edge of mind body

therapy with only a hundred or more massage

therapists trained so far. It’s an exciting evolution

that promises to be the foundation of advances

yet to come. Learn more at

www.bodymemory.com.

Helios, a local Rhode Island manufacturer and Handprints

newsletter advertiser (see page 9), will provide a FREE sample

of their 100% “green” and natural botanical analgesic to any

therapist that calls to ask for one. Simply call 1-800-916-3450

and leave your name, address, phone (and email if you want).

They tell us it works on everything from sore muscles to arthritis

to even sore teeth. Also, great for bug bites and safe to use on

horses and dogs. There are no parabens, toxic chemicals, dyes

or methyl sal. Peppermint oil acts as their “menthol”. Suitable

for Deep Tissue and Sports Massage and works well with heat.

With Spring comes many opportunities to volunteer your services

at sporting and fundraising events, all while promoting yourself

and your business. If you feel like your seated massage skills

could use some work, borrow a video from our library on seated

techniques or practice with a friend and pick up some tips from

each other. Better still, search out another therapist that

specializes in seated massage and book an appointment (or a

lesson)! When you are at the event, be sure to trade with the

Most importantly, remember to hand out those business cards

with confidence! Shyness won’t get you anywhere.

8

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, Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa

31. Ayurvedic Face Massage & Shirodara, 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)

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. Yoga For Your Eyes/Natural Vision Improvement Exercises,

Meir Schnieder

46. TouchPro Chair Massage, David Palmer (video, cassette,

manual)

47. Medical Massage–Lumbar Region, Ralph Stephens

48. Medical Massage–Cervical Region, Ralph Stephens

49. Therapeutic Sports Massage–Lower Extremity, Ralph Stephens

50. Therapeutic Chair Massage, Ralph Stephens BOOK

51. Healing Massage Techniques, Francis Tappan BOOK

BOOK

53. Recognizing Health and Illness, Sharon Burch BOOK

54. Hands Heal: Documentation for Massage Therapy,

Diana Thompson BOOK

55. Cassette Series: HEALTH JOURNEYS – Guided Imagery

and Affirmations (each theme is separate): Arthritis or

Lupus Asthma | Cancer | Chemotherapy | Depression

| Diabetes General Wellness | Grief | Headaches(2) |

Heart Disease HIV Infection | Multiple Sclerosis | Pain

| Relationship(2) Smoking | Stress(2) | Stroke |

Surgery(2) | Weight Loss

PLEASE FILL OUT THE NECESSARY FORMS. RENTALS ARE

DUE BACK IN 30 DAYS TO AVOID FEE PENALTIES.

Visit us at www.riamta.com for information and

forms relating to: renting from the video library,

CMT applications, upcoming events, job and

education opportunities, the New England

Regional Conference, links to peers and

supporters, catalogued newsletters, board contact

info and more!

10

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

files to camacphee@cox.net or call (401) 724-4979. Resolution for

image files is 300 dpi.

Full-page ad (7.25”W x 10”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

Members: 20¢/word

Non-members: 20¢/word + $20 (for 1 year subscription)

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 (case sensitive)

Carrying Case & Instructional Video; Excellent

Condition; $395. Call 401-434-2621.

RI. Two rooms (16½ x 11½ each) available for any

type of holistic therapies in a professional setting. I

am trying to create a wellness center. $400/month.

Utilities included. Bathroom within office. Flexible

and willing to negotiate; open to daily rates as well.

Contact Jason: 401-714-6111.

on East Side. Beautiful tranquil space within

professional building, hydraulic table. Contact Celeste

MacPhee: 401-663-2901.

Center and Studio located on Main Street, East

Greenwich, RI with Free Parking. Join a practice of

10 part-time and full-time alternative healthcare

practitioners and massage therapists (41 years

combined experience). Utilities, except phone,

included in rent. Space can be shared or rented parttime

to a candidate(s) who complements our

growing Center. Call Linda Osga 401-258-6537

www.thelifebreathinstitute.com.

Physical Therapy clinic, located within a health club

in Seekonk, MA. Please call Rick @ 508-336-3121

for additional information.

RI 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.

solution to stop client’s irritation from shaving,

waxing, laser, electrolysis. Free samples & brochures

686-8284 or absolutekarma@earthlink.net

11

folding, labeling, stamping for 90 min. +/- (less

time with your help). Usually takes place on a

Tuesday morning towards the end of the month,

724-4979 to add your name to the list of helpers.

RI CHAPTER AMTA

c/o Celeste MacPhee

134 Crescent Road

Pawtucket, RI 02861