Massage with the wounded warriors has become a fullforce

passion for me. Not something that I take lightly. It

all started this past September while planning my trip to

Florida for a Sports Massage Program.

Using any possible reason to visit Camp Lejuene, North

duty station), I decided to contact the Marine Command

of 2/10 and see if it was possible to provide complimentary

30-minute massage sessions to Marines and their wives.

While waiting for the official response on this request, I

was asked if I would be interested in providing massage

to the Marines injured in Iraq & Afghanistan. ABSOLUTELY!

I had no hesitation. There is a connection for me—this

could be my son that needs help.

I proceeded on my trip, stopped off at Camp LeJuene

prior to my sports massage training and with the help of

fellow massage therapist, Lindsey McNeil, we were able

to provide twenty-four 30-minute massage sessions to the

wives of active-duty Marines. This was a very rewarding

day. The women we worked with were so grateful for

the time we gave to them. It was very touching to hear

some of the stories they told us and how they cope with

their loved ones so far away and in harm’s way.

Leaving the base was difficult—I wanted to stay and

continue the work we started. We did leave for Florida

and the sports massage training. However, excited as I

was for the training, I could not stop thinking about the

work ahead of me and Lindsey back in North Carolina.

After the training, we headed back to Camp LeJuene.

The time had finally come to work with these young

Marines. We had no idea what we would encounter. While

providing massage to these young men we had constant

open communications with the “Gunny” in charge of the

wounded warrior barracks and the medical officer in

charge. Some of the injuries were extremely difficult to

take in and not things seen in a regular massage session

but the massage work that I provided to these Marines

has been the most profound work I have provided in my

massage career to date.

These young men had never received massage before and

were a little cautious about what we were there to

provide. It was very touching when they told us about

their wounds and how they received them, asking if we

could look at them. Some of these boys asked us not to

touch their wounds because they hurt too much. However

after receiving the 30-minute relaxing massage they would

It’s hard to believe, but there are less than two months to

go until the New England Regional Conference (NERC)

kicks off March 22-25 at the Holiday Inn in Boxborough,

MA! When I look back over the past ten months, I can’t

believe how much work has been done to make this

happen! We certainly have a dedicated group of people

who have spent countless hours working on our vision to

make this RI-hosted NERC the best it’s ever been. Thank

you for all who support this great conference with your

time and energy!

This has been a year of tremendous change for NERC. We

wanted to instill new life into this event. We hired a

professional event planner (Jill Moran and Associates) to

take it to another level. Changes have been made to make

NERC a more positive experience for attendees, exhibitors

and presenters.

How has it improved for you? Consider the registration

process. In years past, NERC did not allow credit card

payments. It was virtually impossible to change your

education program. There was no way to find a roommate

except by chance. Car pooling was done by word of mouth.

And now? Thanks to our association with “reg-on-line”

we are able to tell you that all these issues are addressed

simply by following online prompts. This process can be

started at our website: www.RIAMTA.com.*

This year the NERC committee has the ability to monitor

the registration process. My reg-on-line software indicates

that attendees are taking advantage of these changes. Two

months prior to the conference, 150 attendees have already

registered. This is a significant increase over last year at

this time. Two classes are full and some are close to capacity

(act quickly RI!). RI has 26 attendees already, so it looks

like we’ll be even louder on the dance floor this year! It’s

also a banner year for first-timers, with more than 20 folks

requesting an orientation—if this is your first time, we

make it easy for you to be a part of things!

performing travelers massage and more volunteers at the

hospitality booth (please consider helping with hospitality

by e-mailing Kelly at Kelart@cox.net).

So won’t you join us at this wonderful event? We’d love

Peace,

NERC Committee Chair

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

401-575-2020; kelart@cox.net

401-849-1050; rilulu@earthlink.net

401-846-7728; rkomori@aol.com

401-529-1722; massagebywayne@cox.net

401-421-6653; ymriendeau@cox.net

401-596-3040; carl@healthfocus101.com

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

401-847-9800; rmcobb@ccri.edu

401-845-1220

401-206-1438; bodybalancemassage@cox.net

401-724-4979; camacphee@cox.net

401-231-5727; frankrap@cox.net

401-823-6225; DorryR@cox.net

401-744-5025; pk127@juno.com

Do you have some time to devote to your

chapter? If interested, please call or email Kelly

LoGiudice. She would love to talk with you!

2

Celebrating the many ideas and

accomplishments of Dr. King started me thinking

about how this quote applies in my own life:

professionally and personally.

In Rhode Island we are at an important time for massage therapists.

As the growing controversy around sex trafficking is all over the

news, people are again mixing legitimate professional, highly ethical

massage therapists in the dialogue about prostitution legislation.

We have an opportunity while the spotlight is focused on these

issues to educate the public and our legislators about the differences.

Part of the difficulty is that an Advisory Board, written into RI

legislation, is still nonexistent. Excuses from the Department of

Health range from losing the many certified mailings of applicant

resumes, to not having money to pay for someone to take official

minutes. The law states: The Advisory Board shall meet at least

once a year and shall consist of seven members. In other states

this board helps with claims of unethical behavior, advises

government on regulations and more. The budget crunch that all

states are going through is tough but I have to believe that the

cost of paying a secretary to take minutes at a once a year meeting

is less than all the money currently used to create and propose

legislation that is unfair and restrictive to massage therapists.

Now we have a chance to propose legislation changes that fairly

regulate our field. We all can contact our representatives and ask

that an Advisory Board be appointed and begin to meet and

function. I urge you, if you are interested in keeping our regulations

fair, consider attending the next Government Relations meeting,

our next General Members meeting or acting quickly when you

receive requests from our Board to call legislators. When I talk

with my representatives they repeatedly say they want to hear

from their constituents and even a few phone calls about the same

issue raises a red flag for them (the advantage of a small state).

I also believe it is imperative that all massage therapists keep current

with continuing education to learn the newest findings about our

field as well as new techniques, network and share ideas. In Rhode

Island that includes keeping current on your National Certification.

The six New England AMTA chapters work hard all year round to

bring quality education to our area. Our New England AMTA

Conference is respected around the country as being innovative

and having some of the top educators while continuing to offer a

great price. I hope to see you all at the conference this year earning

CEU’s and catching up with old friends and meeting new ones

too. Thank you ahead of time to all you have volunteered to

help bring HOPE alive.

3

Congratulations to the RIAMTA Government Relations

Committee for having a productive 2006 year. Not only

did our committee get organized and mobilized, we

established foundation steps for an even more successful

2007. It is important to note that our accomplishments

were recognized by State Government and we are now

finally known as a force to be reckoned with. Our

committee was able to meet at the State House and

introduce our profession and explain our high standards

to many government officials. This was a great start to

gain contacts and leads for future issues that will need to

be addressed. With our RIAMTA Government Relations

Committee being active in 2006, state and local agencies

with questions and concerns were able to contact us for

guidance to their issues. Issues concerning the inappropriate

changes to our massage therapy legislation were halted

and postponed due to our AMTA members quick responses

to our committee’s requests for action.

To continue this momentum, a plan of action is needed

for 2007 with networking and detailed agendas to be

addressed. There is no better time to get involved! Our

focus continues to be for the activation of our Advisory

Board with the Health Department. Also, as part of our

preparedness plan, the Government Relations Committee

needs a group of members that can be contacted at the

last minute if a surprise hearing is called, as we experienced

last year. Any member interested in testifying at a hearing,

if necessary, please notify committee member Wayne

Cotnoir (401-529-1722; waynecot1@cox.net) of your

willingness to testify and provide him with your phone

number. The greater the number of members testifying,

the more effective we will be.

Therapy Center, 67 Valley Rd., Middletown; 401-849-1050.

For questions or concerns regarding Government Relations

issues, please call or email Becky Ellsworth, 401-206-1438;

bodybalancemassage@cox.net.

Is your National Massage Therapy Certification through

the NCBTMB expiring this December? Be sure to plan

ahead and look over the recertification requirements now.

Some things have changed for those recertifying after

2006. Did you know that of the 48 CEUs needed, 6 are

required in Ethics—2 hours of which must relate to

Standard V (Roles and Boundaries) of NCBTMB’s

Standards of Practice?

And were you aware that you can carry-over a maximum

of 12 surplus CEUs to your next certification period?

However, in order for these carry-over credits to be

accepted at the time of recertification, a certificant must

have received pre-approval by NCBTMB.

Although NCBTMB sends reminders, it is in your best

interest to stay on top of your certification. Make sure

NCBTMB has your most current address for notifications

and know that they do not mail handbooks out after

your first certification. For the most up-to-date certification

handbook go to www.ncbtmb.com or call the office: 630-

627-8000.

certification (and keep that insurance)! Either way, you

are enhancing your knowledge and skills and your clients

are benefiting—maybe more than you realize.

On January 3, the RI Crisis Massage (CISM) Team went

into action after receiving a request from the Emergency

Operations Command, operating a post at the RI

Emergency Management Agency in Cranston. Massage

therapists assisted by treating the hardworking personnel

of support organizations responding to the encephalitis/

meningitis scare in Warwick, West Warwick and Coventry,

Therapists also treated hotline workers in Providence who

were busy answering citizens’ calls.

This was the first major emergency response of the CISM

Team of RI. It was very impressive to see such an

organized team work together on such short notice. We

were very much appreciated by all and it seemed that

participants could not thank us enough. The team

provided chair massages from January 3 to January 7.

Special thanks go out to the volunteers who responded

to this event.

To join the Crisis Massage Team contact:

Regina Cobb, MSW, LCMT

Coordinator CMT-RI

cell: (508) 954-2125; rmcobb@ccri.edu

-or-

Anne Balboni, Psy.D

State Coordinator/Clinical Director, RI CISM TEAM, Inc.

cell: (401) 465-2897; branba@aol.com

I’m not sure who said the above quote but it applies. We

all need to follow our heart’s desire and mine has lead to

a move out of state. Thus, I am resigning my position as

president of our chapter. An election for this position will

be held at the February 4th General Members meeting.

Over the next few months, I will finish my commitment

to the New England conference and assist the transition

as Immediate Past President. I am thankful for all the

learning I have received from the other hardworking

creative board members and from the members I have

met over the years both here in RI and nationally. My

hope is that our chapter continue to grow it’s active

volunteer involvement. I am available to anyone with

questions or concerns about this transition at 401-575-

2020 or kelart@cox.net.

4

Each October, National AMTA makes a special effort to

educate the public through National Massage Therapy

Awareness Week with press releases and advertising.

During the week of October 22, 2006, this chapter did

its part to introduce our community to the benefits of

massage. This year we offered seated massage at two

venues in Warwick - at the Warwick Public Library and at

Kent Hospital. Visitors and staff took advantage of our

services, especially at Kent Hospital, where we worked

for two hours with a steady stream of massage recipients.

With twelve volunteers, including students from Bancroft

School of Massage Therapy, the Kent Hospital session

was a really pleasant event for the therapists as we made

new acquaintances in the massage business. The

have an open invitation for 2007!

www.baa.org.

University of Rhode Island.

Bourne, MA. www.pmc.org

Presented by the Boston Red Sox and Overstock.com,

the PMC is the nation’s original fundraising bike-a-thon

and today raises more money than any other athletic

fundraising event in the country. It is also the most costefficient.

With 99 cents of each dollar raised going directly

to the Jimmy Fund, the PMC has contributed more than

$171 million to lifesaving cancer research and treatment

at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute since its 1980 inception.

On August 4 and 5, 2007, over 4,000 cyclists will travel

nine different routes, logging between 70 and 192 miles

over one or two days, through 46 scenic Massachusetts

towns.

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

volunteers that work these events. We not only have a

good time, but we are building a strong massage-aware

community which benefits all.

If you need more information about any of these events

or need help signing up, please contact:

*Frank Rapone: 231-5727; 559-4318; frankrap@cox.net

-or-

*Dorry Renquist: 823-6225; 419-6151; dorry@cox.net

revitalized the last few years to raise money for the

athletic departments of schools on Aquidneck Island. It

is an opportunity to meet runners from all over the

country, many of whom are doing the “Nifty Fifty”—

running a marathon in every state within one year.

Coinciding with the start of National Massage Therapy

Awareness Week, the marathon took place October 21.

The weather was cold and windy but the runners were

grateful to have massage therapists warming them up,

relieving cramps and relaxing their tired legs and feet.

RIAMTA was well-represented with executive members

marathon raised approximately two thousand dollars

that was divided among the schools on Aquidneck Island.

I enjoy working these events because I look forward to

meeting other therapists and talking to potential clients.

Looking to get outside from your massage rooms? Come

join us at our next function or RIAMTA meeting. I look

forward to meeting you all, so come introduce yourself!

5

6

inform us that they felt less pain in the injury-affected

area.

It’s hard to describe the emotions that run through you

while you are providing the massage, but it’s completely

incredible to know that you have minimized some of their

pain (especially when they tell you they hope the work

isn’t painful like physical therapy).

While I provided massage that day at the wounded

warrior barracks, I saw young Marines with injuries such

as a broken back, brain damage, shrapnel wounds along

with grievous IED (improvised explosive devises) wounds.

I was amazed that a few of these boys still had their arms

and legs from these IED blasts.

Toward the last part of the day, the Marines asked when

we were coming back; they liked how they felt after the

massage. Less PAIN was a good thing for them. These

Marines never complained and felt very safe with us.

When informed that we traveled from Rhode Island to

work with them, they were amazed that we would

sacrifice that amount of time for them. They give

unselfishly and never expect a thing in return. I told them

that I would be back as soon as my schedule permitted.

That time has come and I will be traveling back to Camp

LeJuene, along with a fellow massage therapist, Christen

Dern, at the end of the month to provide two days of

massage to these Marines. There are no services out there

that can provide them with the relief that they need and

deserve. Massage therapy is that service and as long as I

can provide it, I will do so willingly and unselfishly.

There will be a team of local massage therapists traveling

down to Camp LeJuene, NC in May for the 5 and 10K

Road Race “Run 4 the Warriors” which will help raise

Onslow County, NC, right outside Camp LeJuene. This

facility is being built to continue the work for these service

members injured while on active duty.

The RI Army National Guard Family Readiness Group of

Camp Fogarty in East Greenwich is soliciting donations

for a welcome home party for soldiers who previously

served in Iraq. The ceremony will take place March 31.

Family Readiness Groups are organizations that help

prepare families for the hardships associated with soldiers

being deployed.

I would like to suggest if any AMTA member is moved to

do so, make a donation of a gift certificate to this cause. I

think it would have a great affect if done by massage

therapists statewide.

Until yesterday I knew of Dianne’s work mostly through

her articles on ethics in the Massage Therapy Journal. Then

I began to gather some information about her and found

that she has that rare quality in our profession of being

able to blend the creativity and warmth that a professional

bodyworker must have with the precision and linear

thinking of a scientific mind. Last night I had the pleasure

of sharing a meal with her, and discovered that in addition

to her many other attributes, she is a woman of strong

opinions with a passion for our profession that I have rarely

seen.

Dianne came to massage, like many of us, through a

circuitous route. She began her professional career as a

Licensed Practical Nurse in 1977. She spent time as a

psychiatric nurse specializing in addiction treatment, and

when that position ended she went to massage school in

1990 at the Bancroft School of Massage Therapy in

Worcester, MA, where she now teaches anatomy and

physiology, pathology, ethics, and massage techniques. She

has maintained her contacts with the medical community,

teaching massage to physical therapists at the University

of Rhode Island, and pelvic floor anatomy to first-year

urogynecology surgical interns at Women and Infants

Hospital in Providence, RI. And as if that’s not enough,

Dianne also sees clients at her clinic, the North Smithfield

Center for Therapeutic Massage, where she specializes in

pregnancy massage, deep tissue injury rehabilitation, and

post-surgical scar massage.

I am in personal awe of a woman who can incorporate

the technical with the intuitive like Dianne does. I would

like to see more massage therapists attempt to achieve a

similar balance. I particularly love Dianne’s statement, “the

secret to being a good teacher is to be mindful that our

greatest teachers are our students.”

Volunteers are needed at the New England Conference

Kelly if interested: 401-575-2020/kelart@cox.net.

Come to the Feb 4th general members meeting from 2:00-

benefits include free registration, travel and hotel fees

for the 2008 National Convention.

volunteers. If you wish to bring a certain educator to our

state, please call Pat at 401-225-8610 to help.

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

with your help). One morning the last week of April.

Contact Celeste: 401-724-4979.

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. Shea Professional Seminars Vol. 4, The Thorax, Shoulder

Girdle and Respiration

5. Shea Professional Seminars Vol. 5, Visceral Manipulation

(Basic)

6. PMV Prod. Presents Massage for the Mature Healthy

Person

7. PMV Prod. Presents Massage for the Emphysema Patient

8. Russian School of Clinical Massage, The Kurashova Method

9. Russian School of Sports Massage, The Kurashova Method,

I & II

10. ECI Dissection of Low Back

11. ECI Dissection of Hip and Pelvis Region

12. ECI Dissection of Scapohumera Region

13. ABC of Geriatric Massage

14. The Ten Step Protocol, John Upledger

15. Seated Massage Experience, Raymond Blaylock

16. Clinical Sports Massage Vol. I, Benny Vaughn

17. Clinical Sports Massage Vol. II, Benny Vaughn

18. Clinical Sports Massage Vol. III, Benny Vaughn

19. Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques, Erik Dalton; 3 videos/

manual

20. Active Isolated Stretching, Aaron L. Mattes

21. Active Isolated Stretching Assisted, Aaron L. Mattes

22. Traditional Massage of Thailand, Kay Rynerson book/

video

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

24. NeuroKinetic Therapy by Benny Vaughn, Arm & Leg

25. NeuroKinetic Therapy by Benny Vaughn, Hip & Pelvis

26. NeuroKinetic Therapy by Benny Vaughn, Shoulder

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

28. Ayurvedic Spa Treatments with Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa

29. Ayurvedic Face Massage & Shirodara with Karta Purkh

Singh Khalsa

30. Swe-Thai Massage with Margie Meshew

31. Frozen Shoulder Syndrome, Elaine Calenda

32. Anatomy Trains Myofascial Meridians (ATMM) Lateral

Line, Tom Meyers

33. ATMM Spiral Line, Tom Meyers

34. ATMM Superficial Back Line, Tom Meyers

35. ATMM Superficial Front Line, Tom Meyers

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

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

38. Interactive Functional Anatomy, Susan K. Hillman

(Computer use only)

39. Orthopedic Massage For Complicated Shoulder

Conditions, Vol. 4, James Waslaski

40. Orthopedic Massage For Complicated Cervical

Conditions Vol. 5, James Waslaski

41. Anatomy & Pathology for Bodyworkers, Sean Riehl

42. Lymphatic Drainage Massage, Sean Riehl

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

CLASSIFIEDS

North Kingstown, RI is looking for 2-3 Massage

Therapists to work various shifts (the hours will be

dependent upon bookings and agreed upon scheduling).

A new program at this YMCA, there is a strong

membership base and established demand for massage.

Contact Tara Gast, Health and Fitness Director at (401)

295-6501. Candidates will be required to undergo a

Background Criminal Check, Take CPR, First Aid, and

have an active RI Massage License.

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.

reflexologist, healthcare/holistic practitioner to rent a

beautifully decorated, fully furnished (excluding massage

table) room. Located downstairs from Warren

Chiropractic, a very busy chiropractor. Shared reception

area, phone & water cooler. Washer and dryer available.

11.5x12ft. $450/month 2797 Post Road, Warwick RI.

Please call Gioia (401)921-1561 or email

11

RI CHAPTER AMTA

c/o Celeste MacPhee

134 Crescent Road

Pawtucket, RI 02861

Care New England Wellness Center

2191 Post Road, Warwick, RI; 401-732-2413.

If the weather is questionable and you plan on attending, check email

for announcements or call a board member.

exit. Take the very next right at the light (opposite the airport entrance) and you will enter the parking lot of

the Wellness Center. The building is on the right.

* *