My cell phone rang and although it wasn’t someone

wanting an appointment, I wasn’t disappointed to hear

Regina Cobb’s friendly voice. Regina leads the RI Crisis

Massage Team which I am part of so I was curious to know

what could be going on. I hadn’t heard anything on the

news but wondered if RI’s First Responders were needed

for relief efforts. Regina explained that it wasn’t about the

Crisis Massage Team, but there was indeed a “crisis.” She

wondered if I might be available that evening to give

massage to someone from out-of-town, as she couldn’t

take the appointment herself. I would need to go to his

hotel room in Providence to provide the treatment. She

continued by saying the individual would be performing

at the PPAC the following evening. When I realized who

the client was, I said, “You’re kidding!” But it was indeed

true, and if I was interested she would tell me whom to

contact. “YES!” I shouted without reservation. After we

said good-bye, I thought, “What have I gotten myself into?

To describe this client as an internationally renowned singer/

songwriter would be an understatement. Can I handle this?”

There was no time to waste. I notified the hotel concierge

who assured me that one of the performer’s assistants

would be contacting me. My table was already in the car

so all I needed was to pick up linens, oils, a bolster, music

complicated! What would this VIP require? Would I have

“The Right Stuff?”

Within minutes, as I was en route, the call came from Fred,

his assistant in charge of security. Could I make myself

available from 7-9 p.m. as he wasn’t sure exactly when his

employer would be ready for the massage? He assured

me I would be compensated for my time. I accepted and

said I would notify the concierge upon my arrival. My

phone rang again. This time a fellow MT was excited by

my news. He offered to help transport my equipment and

supplies, as well as moral support. Since I really wasn’t

sure what I would encounter, it seemed like a wise move.

We entered the hotel lobby by 6:30 p.m. I notified the

concierge and Fred approached us soon after. He looked

slightly surprised as I introduced him to my male colleague.

Fred suggested we have some coffee and gestured towards

the restaurant. The three of us sat there talking for most of

an hour. Fred proved to be a “regular guy” and I was

feeling more comfortable as we got acquainted and

relieved to see that Fred and my fellow MT seemed to hit

it off. A couple of times Fred spoke on his cell phone to

Vince (Personal Assistant #1) checking to see if their boss

As I begin this article, it’s been

only 4 days since my return from

a missions trip to Las Delicias in

El Salvador. Las Delicias means

the delicacy. What do you think

of when you hear that? Some

mouth-watering dessert, a

beautiful private resort?

Unfortunately, El Salvador is

considered one of the most

violent and dangerous places to

live in all of the Americas. The

country is still getting over a civil

war from the 1980’s and a

serious 2001 earthquake.

A team of twenty from the church I attend spent eight

days ministering to a small church in this very poor village.

To get an idea of what it was like, think back to the 70’s,

before any anti-litter campaigns, and if you are old enough

to remember, the smells of burning trash, getting behind a

Providence city bus puffing out lung-choking exhaust, and

then being cut off by an oil-burning Toyota. Put those smells

together and then add in the scent of a place without sewers.

Now as we say in our practices, “Breathe deeply.”

Those that we ministered to are considered fortunate, for

their houses are made of cement with tin roofs, connected

to each other to form rows. They had electricity but no

running water. The town supplied 50-gallon drums used

for cooking, bathing, and clothes washing. The streets were

lined with trash and drain water. The living conditions made

me appreciate all that we take for granted on a daily basis.

I have heard it said that the rich people bring hope to the

poor and the poor bring humility to the rich. I believe that

to be very true. Each day would bring more children to

the church, King’s Castle, where they would be waiting for

us. One little girl, Nahomi, who seemed to be about 10

years old, would run to me as soon as I got there. She

would latch on and stay with me. I would stroke her back,

her arm, and always her face as I looked into her beautiful

eyes. She drew beautifully and put my handwriting to

shame. I could speak about 5 words of Spanish, but as

therapists, we all know a touch says a thousand words in

any language. The gift of touch was one of my gifts to

these children. They were very happy for the most part,

loving and affectionate. It was my heart’s desire to touch

the lives of the people of Las Delicias. It was an awesome

privilege to spend eight days with them. We left with great

joy and lots of tears.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

401-849-1050; massagetherapyctr@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

-open-

401-724-4979; camacphee@cox.net

401-231-5727; 401-559-4318; 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

With this new year, let me take a moment to thank our advertisers,

past and present, who help make this newsletter possible. While

the RIAMTA does not endorse any advertisements, I do hope that

you will consider supporting the local businesses that help our

massage community thrive. We depend on one another.

And speaking of thriving, our classified ad section has grown—see

for yourself on page 11. I think this is a wonderful indication that

massage therapy is in demand in the area. I am also seeing an exciting

number of small business owners taking that leap to creating the

business of their dreams whether it be a product they believe in, a

wellness center, or a way of life.

So, while the current economic outlook might seem less than rosy,

I take heart in the fact that good therapeutic work finds its audience,

and with commitment and drive (and patience) on your part, can

flourish.

If your business has not been exactly flourishing lately, then you

have been given the gift of time to review and reflect on what you

have accomplished and what you want to accomplish for 2008. It

is probably time to go through those client files and reconnect with

people you have not seen in awhile. Maybe they have been looking

for your phone number or just needed a reminder that you still

exist; they would be thankful to get a postcard or call from you.

Perhaps you have kept a low profile, from fearing you will attract

the wrong clientele or just from not knowing how to go about it or

where to begin. Now it is time to get your name known to more

people, to build and spread that great reputation that only few

may know about. Try not to think of other therapists and new

grads as competition or as diluting the potential client pool and

instead focus on your own qualities. Afterall, there are a lot of

people in this world, and you were drawn to this profession to

help some of them. Some just need help in finding you.

I suppose I write this pep talk for you as much as for myself. For

some, running a business is easy. For me, almost every decision

seems excrutiating. I love the massage therapy work, dread the

financial end of it. Picking a paint color for the office? Exciting!

Should I get a credit card machine? Cold sweats. Psoas problem?

Let me at it! Tax preparation? Eek. You see the pattern. Money

scares me. I took an “Underearning Quiz” or, in other words, an

“Am I my own worst obstacle to making a living Quiz”, and, sadly,

I am. Introspection can be painful.

So, my plan? I am in the process of building a website, to start, with

the help of my webmaster sister (takes some of the fear out of it for

me). This could lead to accepting credit cards, too, but one step at

a time. I will send birthday postcards so that people are reminded

of me at least once a year. And I will ask my accountant to

recommend a good computer program for making year-end tax

prep less daunting. I think three goals are a reasonable start. Maybe

these are obvious things that some of you already accomplish easily

but for me it means big change and new hope. Maybe you need to

delve deeper into what it will take to renew your business. I once

had a favorite teacher who said, “To stagnate is to stink!” I couldn’t

have summed it up better.

3

The registration deadline is February 1st for volunteering

at the Boston Marathon. Register online at www.baa.org.

I would like to extend many thanks to all our volunteers

for making these events a success. Remember, when you

volunteer, it is your way of supporting and donating to

the organization that you volunteered at.

112TH BOSTON MARATHON

Monday, April 21, 2008

RHODE ISLAND SPECIAL OLYMPICS

Saturday, June 7th 2008

MS 150 BIKE RACE

Sunday, June 22nd 2008

29th PAN-MASS CHALLENGE

Saturday, August 02, 2008

be held in April 2008. You can download the application

from www.riamta.com, then watch for upcoming dates.

We are currently courting individuals who are trained in

pet massage to join our team. The coordinators continue

to look for new ideas and opportunities to work with the

Rhode Island community. Our goal is to grow in our

journey together and meet like-minded professionals along

the way. Come join us!

Well, it was! Marjorie Brook presented a two-day workshop entitled, “Active Isolated Stretching, Lower Body: The Mattes

Method” on Saturday, January 12 and Sunday, January 13, 2008 at the Community College of Rhode Island’s Knight

campus in Warwick. A total of 51 participants each received 16 continuing education hours. The workshop was very well

received, the camaraderie was excellent, everyone enjoyed the food, and a great time was had by all! Look for Marjorie

to return in October/November 2008 to present another two-day workshop for Active Isolated Stretching of the Upper

Body! Participant comments included:

“…A thorough presentation with a very down-to-earth nuts and bolts approach.”

“…Learning the importance of specific muscle isolation, the 2-second rule, and the use of

proper body mechanics was extremely valuable... Glad I came; very worthwhile!”

“…Definitely one of my favorite classes/seminars to date!”

“…The food was great—thanks for not sending us out for lunch!”

“…Thanks RI-AMTA team for putting this together!”

“…I am very excited about what I learned here!”

Well, we do! Our next general chapter meeting is scheduled for Sunday, February 10, 2008, 2:00-5:00 pm at the Care

New England Wellness Center, Post Road, Warwick, RI. The educational portion of the meeting will be held from 4:00-

5:00 pm. Leonor Silva will present “Healing With Light-Life Tools & the Negative Impact of Electromagnetic Energy on the

Body.” Attendees will receive a certificate for one-hour of continuing education at no cost to them! We look forward to

seeing you there!

Well, we are! Watch for more workshop information in the upcoming months on Dream Healing, Trager Exploration,

Fibromyalgia, and Active Isolated Stretching of the Upper Body!

AMTA would like to remind you that if you have completed continuing education classes at a chapter event, you must

submit the continuing education hours earned (CE) to the AMTA’s National Office. The chapter will not automatically

report CEs to National unless otherwise indicated. The easiest method to submit your continuing education hours is via

the Member’s home page of AMTA’s website. Under “My CEU Detail,” click on “Submit Your CE Hours,” and fill out and

submit the form. You may also contact Member Services toll-free at 877-905-2700, prompt 2; mail the information to the

National Office at AMTA, Attn: Member Services, 500 Davis Street., Suite 900, Evanston, IL 60201; or fax the information

to 847-864-5196.

4

The New England Regional Conference Committee recently

met in Marlboro, MA at the site of our upcoming conference,

the exhibit hall is filled to capacity with vendors of oils and

lotions, massage tables, music, books and videos, jewelry and

many more exciting things!

Registration is moving right along with 151 full registrations.

We are hoping to exceed last year’s number of 271 full

registrations, so register soon before your first-choice classes

fill up. We certainly have a wonderful group of nationally

recognized educators along with a diverse range of topics to

choose from.

We are looking forward to our new venue this year, and hope

that you will experience the fun of connecting with friends,

learning new things, meeting new colleagues and shopping

an exhibit hall that will be better than ever!

So if you have never attended, now is the time. If it has been

awhile since your last conference, then come and experience

our growth and evolvement that, at 25, still continues to make

this conference one of the most enjoyable in the country.

of the Perry Plouffe Scholarship to the New England Regional

Conference (NERC) that will held in March. The scholarship

covers Deana’s registration fee which includes attending the

banquet featuring the main speaker, educational workshops

and meals. Deana will also be volunteering at the conference.

Look for Deana’s article on her experience in the next

newsletter.

With the awarding of this year’s Perry Plouffe Scholarship

comes an end to the way the RI Chapter has selected a

recipient for the last number of years. In the past, members

sent in applications for blind review and selection by the

RIAMTA board. Beginning in September 2008, at the annual

members attending that meeting will have their name entered

into a drawing for a scholarship which will cover the

registration fee to NERC for the following year.

would like to compile an alternates list of people I could call

upon, if needed, that could help me fold, stamp and label.

This usually takes place on a Monday morning 4x/year for

about 90 min+/-. Call 401-724-4979 to be on the list.

5

6

was ready. I realized that this offer to have coffee was a

good way to determine if I was worthy. Fred told us stories

of bizarre, inappropriate fan behavior. It was obvious that

he would decide if I made the cut.

After what seemed like twelve eternities, Vince appeared

like a vision and led us to the elevators. Somehow we got

everything to fit, including the four of us! (Did I mention

I always over-pack?) For what seemed like another hour

(Was I holding my breath?), the elevator finally reached

the floor. I tried to act normal (What’s normal in this

situation?) as we walked down the hall. We arrived at

last and THE MAN HIMSELF opened the door. (Be cool,

Lou Ann!) With a brief “hello” I was inside. In an instant,

I was left alone as my colleague was ushered out. Before

he left, Vince gave me a word of advice: “Keep it simple!”

My client asked me to let him know when I was ready as

he disappeared into the next room. With superhuman

strength (fear is a powerful motivator) I moved heavy

leather furniture, flung open my table, searched for outlets

(Was I breathing?) and announced that I was, indeed,

ready. I took Vince’s advice and kept it simple. I felt

confident and ready to address the client’s needs.

At the conclusion of the massage, with a modest “thank

you” the gentleman disappeared into the next room.

Promptly there was a knock on the door and Fred and

my colleague entered to help expedite my exit.

“Don’t be surprised if you hear from him again.” My car

seemed to drive itself home. Did I really do this? Little

did I know where my days as a Bancroft student would

take me! There was a message from Regina on my cell

phone, wondering if all went well. I thanked her then

and now for this unique gift, giving me access to someone

I’d never meet otherwise. Anna Quidlin said, “If an

opportunity scares you, that’s God’s way of saying you

should jump at it.” So glad I had this chance to jump!

At the end of 2007, RI had a total of 467 members

(students and professionals). We welcome our newest

members, Odette M. Alves, Elizabeth Harrison, Gary

Hopp, Kevin W. Johnson, Christine M. Kralicky, Andre

Laje, Amanda M. Roberts, David Sieczkiewicz, Diana

Skidmore, Joan E. Tarter-Van Hees, Amanda Thuell, Julie

Vakalis, Ronnie A. Zincone, Lissandra Alvarez, Grace

Baggot, Kristen Furtado, Roger Godin, Andraly Horn, John

Lobo, Donna Martin, Shana Provost, Kelly Raine-Akins,

Krisina Watt, Nanvy Bergeron, Donna Celona, Julia

Collins, Holly K. Ferris, Elizabeth Lilly, Michelle Maccarone,

Brenda Paulette, Candy Seldon, and Dawn Stewart. We

would also like to congratulate new parents, Mr. and Mrs.

Billy Downing as well as Sarah Luczkowski.

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, 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

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

building with two full-time psychiatrists and three fulltime

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.

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.

in Feb. one or two days available for $110/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.

Therapy clinic, located within a health club in Seekonk,

MA. Please call Rick @ 508-336-3121 for additional

information.

to stop client’s irritation from shaving, waxing, laser,

electrolysis. Free samples & brochures available. Tim

absolutekarma@earthlink.net

working with other bodyworkers and movement

teachers. We are opening a Wellness Center in the

Jewelry District in April 2008. Three therapy rooms

are available for rent. Each room approximately 10 x

11sf, and rent includes shared use of bathrooms and

shower, reception room, kitchenette and storage spaces.

Large movement studio is available for group

workshops. Rent is between $500 and $700/month.

Utilities included. Option to sublet therapy rooms for

part-time use. Metered and limited client parking

available. Personal parking spaces can be rented for

$80/month. If interested, please contact Kaeli at 401-

338-5466 or Ayla at 401-368-5940.

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 part-time to a candidate(s) who

complements our growing Center. Call Linda Osga 401-

258-6537 www.thelifebreathinstitute.com.

11

RI CHAPTER AMTA

c/o Celeste MacPhee

134 Crescent Road

Pawtucket, RI 02861

On the agenda: Board elections for 2008 including President, 2nd Vice President, Secretary and

Delegates. Enter the running! Meet the candidates! Come and vote! Refreshments will be provided

during the break before the education hour. From 4:00-5:00 pm, Lee Silva will present “Healing

Care New England Wellness Center

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

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.