The Government Relations Committee remains motivated

to improve and protect our members and fellow licensed

massage therapists of Rhode Island. Our goals for 2007

are exciting, but challenging. We are developing a network

with state legislators, increasing our support from other

healthcare professionals, creating a positive advertisement

campaign, and organizing future meetings with the

Department of Health (DOH). Our continued focus is to

get our long-awaited state advisory board activated. Our

committee has faced setbacks dealing with the DOH in

creating the advisory board but we have persevered. This

year’s committee is one that is determined to reach our

goals and dedicated to protecting our profession, our

professionals and our community. If any licensed massage

therapist has an interest in our future State Advisory Board

and would like to be considered for the board, please

contact me at: beckyellsworth@gmail.com.

We would like to compile resumes and applications in order

to further this process. We, as massage therapists, need to

be prepared when called upon to support or oppose

legislation proposals regarding our profession. With a strong

voice, we can educate legislators about massage therapy

and help shape the laws we will be governed by. All those

interested, present or future, should apply now, as

alternates may be needed later. To keep you updated, we

will be developing a section on our website just for

government relations issues, including online petitions

regarding any legislative issues that may develop. A message

board and Q&A section will also be added to better assist

you. Please continue to visit www.riamta.com for updates.

Also, look to page 5 to learn how the Massachusetts’

advisory board is coming together.

Email our webmaster Carl Stearns (find his email address

at the bottom of the home page) with your suggestions so

our chapter website will be one you like to visit.

Education Committee get classes here in Rhode Island that

you want to take!

“Time is money” is a very popular saying. All therapists

understand the value and truth of this statement. Yet how

many of us understand the value and truth of time well

spent? Society may have invented money but certainly

not time. Both can be spent, and wisely so. This is how I

feel about my first trip to the Chapter Volunteer

Orientation Program (CVOP). This orientation helps to

support AMTA Chapter officers in delivering a positive

experience to members so that Chapters will thrive.

Giving up 3 days of possible income was far more valuable

for the time spent learning about the AMTA and how my

dues is spent. This was a fabulous opportunity to

understand the workings of the organization that we just

seem to believe we must belong to for insurance or

educational reasons. Let’s face it, most of us will never

willing sit down and read all there is to know about the

AMTA. It is a whole lot more than just paying your dues.

The AMTA gives us opportunities to gather together to:

and compassion

This is where you come in. At chapter level, it is highly

important to use your voice. The best way to use your

voice is to volunteer. Every chapter across the nation is

filled by volunteers and RIAMTA is in need.

We need your voice, your hope, your love, your

compassion. Your board puts in countless hours of time

to help keep you informed, bring you education

opportunities, and public events for exposure and

networking. You saw how wonderful the conference was

this year. All volunteers. The government relations

committee is working very hard to keep our profession

of the highest standard. All volunteers. Keeping track of

new members and welcoming them in. All volunteers.

Sport massage events. All volunteers. The president who

must oversee all things, the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd VP’s. All

volunteers. The treasurer who keeps count, the secretary

who keeps countless information, the education and video

librarian, delegates. All volunteers.

Volunteering is your voice. Volunteering is your time. It is

time well spent.

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

So much is happening around the state and our chapter! The chapter

is growing, not just in the number of members but also in member

involvement! As it turns out, RI is one of a small group of states

that has an exceptional member-retention rate. We may be small in

size, but we’re one of 6 states that have kept over 76% of its

members! The other exciting news is the chapter now has to find a

larger meeting room to accommodate our growth. What a fabulous

“problem.”

The AMTA Mission Statement is: “To serve AMTA members while

advancing the art, science and practice of massage therapy.” The

RI-AMTA’s tagline is “Serving our members and advancing our

profession.” Did you know that?

How do we accomplish this goal? It seems straightforward. Here in

RI we have a very active Sports Massage Team that keeps massage

visible to the public. Our Government Relations Committee is

making sure the State Legislature and Department of Health don’t

forget about us. The Crisis Massage Team supported the first

responders at the encephalitis meningitis outbreak. The Education

Committee has been working on finding the educators and training

that you want as well as meeting with the New England Regional

Conference.

One element that is not mentioned, but each committee member I

am sure will agree, is the feeling of camaraderie and support that is

shared at our meetings. Advancing the “art, science and practice of

massage therapy” in Rhode Island is not an easy task. Many of us

work alone, one on one, with clients. Our chapter meetings give us

an opportunity to share our experiences, talents, and ideas. It is this

“extended family” of massage therapists that provides support,

friendship and compassion and keeps the board working on your

behalf. The more massage therapists who join the AMTA, the more

this vision will expand. By becoming active in the chapter, we share

this mission. The result is that many hands make the work light. As

members, it is your job and responsibility to talk and write to the

board and committee members of your concerns and needs. Your

thoughts are vital to the success of our mission, the success of our

chapter, and your business. So don’t miss the September 16th

meeting. Tell us what is on your mind. Tell us your concerns. Tell us

how we can better serve you. The meeting is a great opportunity

for learning, networking and sharing. Become involved in a very

lively, active and fun organization. I know that you will find the

experience valuable and rewarding. Tell me!

Help create exciting educational opportunities for our members.

Call Pat: 401-225-8610.

90 min. +/- (less time with your help). Usually takes place on a

3

A very special thank you to these volunteer massage

therapists and students of massage therapy for their

wonderful work and dedication to such a great event:

Karen Small, Rob Antonelli, Kelley Balkus, Lou Ann

Botsford, Krista Chamberland, Michael Colizza, Lisa

Dupuis, Jennie Finn, Rita Holt, Dennis Horrigan, Ginny

King, Janice Louth, Amy Martin, Donna Martin,

Carolyn Rankin,

Frank Rapone,

Dorry Renquist,

Everett Sprague.

14TH ANNUAL OPERATION STAND DOWN FOR VETERANS

September 21-23, Diamond Hill State Park, Cumberland, RI

The term “Stand Down” means “at ease.” During the

Vietnam War this meant a safe retreat for battle-weary

soldiers returning from combat operations. At secure base

camps, troops could take care of personal hygiene, get

clean uniforms, enjoy warm meals, and receive medical

and dental care and other services in a safe environment.

Last year approximately 150 veterans participated in this

weekend outreach, receiving food and shelter, legal aid,

medical attention, benefits screenings, clothing and other

much-needed services. Please consider donating a few hours

of chair massage for these homeless, disabled and at-risk

veterans. This is one of the most rewarding things I have

ever done and I am strongly committed to it. Aside from

earning their trust (it wasn’t instantaneous) the heartfelt

responses and genuine comments of appreciation by these

humble service men and women were worth more than

any effort expended. One experience, in particular, stood

out for this volunteer:

“After the event one former soldier came up and tapped

on my shoulder. Holding out his hand in a gesture of

gratitude he thanked me. I took up the handshake and

responded, ‘For what?’ ‘For this!’ as he moved his arm

and shoulder around. ‘I could not do this before you

helped me.’ I could not believe doing something I had

been training to do, and was beginning to love, could

mean so much to anyone.”

No time but want to make a donation? Want more

Labots@cox.net

We currently have about 450 members in our small but

huge state, of whom 375 are professional members, and

of the highest in the country. This is only possible because

of all those who volunteer, attend our meetings and

functions, and help to promote the AMTA. The RIAMTA

Board’s decisions are based on your input. That is why it

is so important that you come to our member meetings

and talk to us. We are planning some new events such as

a social mixer and “Movie and Massage” where you watch

a massage video and practice the techniques on each other.

But we need your feedback about our ideas, so please

attend our bi-annual meeting on Sunday September 16th.

I want to announce the newest members in RI but before

I do this, I apologize to the recent newbies who have not

been acknowledged in the past few newsletters. So I

would like to welcome the following people to the AMTA:

Kelly Ahl, Geraldine Barclay-King, Carolyn Barry, Lucille

E. Beaudoin, Keri L. Bell, Debbie Brown, Anaya Brunson,

Paula R. Caramadre, Toni Cimini, Elisa Clemence, Robin

Conley, Linda A. Conte, Brittany Cunha, Bernice M.

Demello, Ingrid D. Fernandez, Edward Goli, Kristin M

Grady, Renee Gwaltney, Michelle Harmon, Valerie

Harvey, Meghan Hickey, Rabia M. Jamal, Shanna Johnson,

Lori Lawrence-Silva, Teianni V. Lavidomiere, Tiffany J.

Levasseur, Kimberly Lewis, Stacie Pasha Lippin, Phillip B.

Mars, Carol A. Marvel, Sandra Millette, Allison Moeller,

Evan B. Nelson, III, Liliana Osorio, Lisa M. Osorio, Greg

Pare, Jennifer Passarella, Punky Preite, Miryam Rodrigues,

Catherine J. Rowe, Corrin Spears, Dawn Trembley, Nancy

Wilson, Sheryl-Ann E. Wood, Shannon Woods-Ventura.

Our annual gathering (team members only) is a wonderful

opportunity to meet and socialize with fellow team

members and emergency responders from Rhode Island.

If you have not received your shirt, ID badge, or certificate,

you will be able to obtain them at this event. Look for

branba@aol.com. Dress code is your CMT uniform and

ID badge. We look forward to seeing you!

To join the Crisis Massage Team, you must have an

application on file. Download one at www.riamta.com.

Contacts:

Regina Cobb, Cell: (508) 954-2125; rmcobb@ccri.edu

Anne Balboni, Cell: (401) 465-2897; branba@aol.com

Monday, August 20, 5:00-10:00 pm

Sheraton Hotel, 1850 Post Road, Warwick, RI

Credits Available! Don’t miss it! Dinner TOO!

4

The Rhode Island Chapter has

selected Jay O’Connor as the 2007

Meritorious Award recipient. The

award acknowledges diligent

volunteerism done in an altruistic

manner and is presented at the

National Convention, held this year

in Cincinnati.

Originally from Pawtucket, Jay lives

in Hope, RI with his wife Valerie,

and their three wonderful children: Joy, Casey and

Samantha.

Jay has been a licensed massage therapist and active

member of the AMTA for 11 years, specializing in deep

tissue and sports massage. His primary practice is within

Eagle Quest Golf and Leisure Dome in West Warwick,

and he is also an independent contractor at Kirkbrae

Country Club in Lincoln, and at the Shake-A-Leg Program

at Salve Regina College in Newport.

Jay, a conscientious and hardworking volunteer dedicated

to improving the massage therapy profession and the

continuing education offerings in New England, leads by

example. As New England Conference Committee Chair

this past year, his visionary team leadership was a major

factor in revitalizing the conference into one of the most

successful events in memory. He handled difficulties

gracefully and his positive attitude was infectious. Jay’s

involvement in our chapter and our community also

includes:

MS150 & Special Olympics

emergency response after Station Night Club fire

Last year, thanks to the diligent work by Jay O’Connor,

Cate Chapin, Carl Stern, Kelly LoGiudice, event manager

Jill Moran and the rest of the committee, the 2007 New

England Regional Conference (NERC) was a huge success!

NERC committee members have renewed Jill’s contract

as event manager and, due to the increase in attendance,

are relocating the event to a larger facility. The committee

visited and compared many hotels before making a

decision. We are looking forward to another successful

conference. Hope to see you all there!

I recently had the misfortune of needing a Massage

Therapy Establishment License from the Department of

Health (DOH). The experience was enough to break even

the toughest soul. This test of will extended over the course

of two months. Here are some helpful hints for those

following in my footsteps.

Print the application from the DOH website (includes an

addendum to verify that you’ve paid your taxes but it

didn’t always print). You’ll also need an inspection from

the town fire marshall ($100 for me), proof from the

zoning board that there are no code violations for the

premises, a copy of your driver’s license, a floor plan

showing your space in relation to the sink, operating

policies stating your hours and sanitary/safety procedures,

couldn’t tell me if the fee has since gone up.

me it was Steve DiMeo (Providence) but I found John

Mullin (East Bay) especially helpful and reasonable (a

commodity). Better yet, skip the phone and go in-person,

looking professional. I went in four times and phoned

regularly to check up on the status of things (they lose

things like BCI results). Become a face and a name they

know. Expect them to ask that a sink be installed in your

treatment space. I was able to avoid this, though I hear

others were not.

Short-staffed and struggling to keep up with the myriad

of changes that lawmakers enact, the DOH is also

disorganized (they won’t file an application if it’s waiting

for BCI results) and wastes time (they return BCI results

to the police station when they don’t have the application

it goes to) which adds to the mess. Have a happy place in

your mind you can retreat to when needed.

The best advice? Don’t let them see you cry.

Interested in attending the 2008 New England Regional

Conference but your budget is tight? Need a lot of CEUs?

Apply for the Perry Plouffe Scholarship which pays for

your registration fee and classes in exchange for your

help during the conference. Contact Secretary Yolande

Riendeau for an application: ymriendeau@cox.net. Don’t

wait - the deadline is September 1st!

Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel & Trade Center

181 Boston Post Rd., West Marlborough, MA 01752

5

Every year your elected chapter delegates travel to the

National Convention to participate in a democratic process.

Any state chapter or member may submit proposals regarding

changes to AMTA’s bylaws for the delegates to review. At

our fall meeting we discuss these proposals and vote on how

we want our delegates to represent us at the convention. For

a complete listing of the proposals, sign in at

links for the recommendations.

Here’s a brief summary of the recommendations this year:

Georgia proposes two changes: allow elected officers to take

office at a later date than the chapter meeting (allows time

for a transition of knowledge) and allow nominating

committees (needed in larger chapters) to nominate more

than one candidate for a position, giving members a choice

from several qualified candidates.

Illinois wants to require a valid massage license for Professional

Active membership in AMTA. Apparently in some states, some

members are not licensed which does not match our high

ethical standards we hold at AMTA.

New Jersey proposes two changes: allow a member to hold

membership in two chapters as long as they pay both chapter

fees. (Previously you had to choose one state only.) Secondly,

Business, Ethics and Theory, with the understanding that as a

hands-on profession, areas like technique are best learned inperson.

On June 29, 2006 “An Act Relative to the Licensure of Massage

Therapists” became a state law. The statute calls for a board

of massage which consists of 7 members appointed by the

governor. The board’s power and duties are to: administer

and enforce massage therapy regulation; adopt rules and

regulations governing the licensure of massage therapists,

massage therapy establishments and massage therapy schools,

and to promote public health, welfare and safety of the

citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Governor Deval Patrick is currently selecting the board, and

once formed, it will take 4-6 months to formulate all the

regulations and start granting state licensure to massage

therapists. For now, MA massage therapists should continue

to obtain licensure in their local cities and towns. Massage

therapists currently licensed by a city or town municipal board

of health, with such authorization being valid within 2 years

of the date of application, may be granted a license by the

state board.

6

7

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 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.

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

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.

Sept. Thu, Fri, Sat available for $100/month per day.

Located on East Side. One room, 3rd floor, elevator, great

parking, easy highway access, good neighbors (2 MTs).

Contact Céleste Ryfa, www.animassage.com; (401)523-

0663.

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.

available in Wickford/North Kingstown area, just off of

Rt. 4. Join several other mature, respectful therapists in a

quiet, professional setting. Utilities except phone included

in rent. Rent will be negotiable and reasonable for the

right candidate. Call John to discuss (401) 480-3028.

11

NEW LOCATION: CCRI Knight Campus

400 East Avenue, Warwick, RI 02886

We’re growing so much that we needed a bigger meeting space!

Be part of what’s happening in Rhode Island’s massage therapy community.

Bring your business cards for networking during our refreshment break.

And maybe learn something new that you can take back to your practice.

RI CHAPTER AMTA

c/o Celeste MacPhee

134 Crescent Road

Pawtucket, RI 02861