2022 FALL NEWSLETTER ~ September 2022
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In this Issue:
- Message from the Chapter Board of Directors
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Introductions: 2022 Chapter Leadership Volunteers (Board, Delegates, and Chairs)
- Assembly of Delegates Update
- Membership Committee
- Communications Committee
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Message from your Chapter Board of Directors |
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Unfortunately, our President LJ Stewart resigned in July for medical reasons. We are sad to see LJ and her strong commitment to AMTA Vermont go. As therapists and caregivers we often put ourselves last, so we commend LJ for prioritizing her health. We encourage all members to practice self-care, especially in this tumultuous post Covid period.
Join the AMTA Board
The 2022 Chapter Elections are now Open! Contact VT Chapter Election Coordinator Jessica Ferrer for questions or to request the Candidate Application. amta.oec.jf@gmail.com
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Volunteer Engagement keeps us going... |
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AMTA-Vermont Chapter would like to take a moment to introduce our current active volunteers!
Please keep in mind that this team is build upon volunteers. We encourage you to step up as a volunteer, for a task, lend or learn skills to help organize an event, or join a committee. This is a great way to discuss current issues and move toward change within the Chapter.
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Introductions: 2022 Chapter Leadership Volunteers |
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President
Secretary
Financial Administrator
Board Member 1
Board Member 2
Delegate 1
Delegate 2
Awards Chair
Communications Chair
Education Chair
Government Relations Chair
Membership Chair
Sports Massage Team Chair
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****vacant****
Marisa Fourtin
Deb Shearer
Heather Chadwick
Denise Gebroe
Jennifer Smith-Findley
Heather Chadwick
****vacant****.
Jessica Ferrer
****vacant****
Heather Chadwick
Heather Chadwick
Denise Gebroe
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Annual Meeting November 12, 2022 10 am --Virtual |
Due to the changes to our Board, we were not able to coordinate the Annual Meeting and Education event at Lake Morey for this November. The annual meeting will be held virtually this year, check your email and or Facebook page closer to November 12 for how to participate. We know some of you look forward to hands on learning every year, so we have listed various regional education opportunites
at the bottom of the newsletter. We will be back to hosting an in-person ED event in 2023 and need your input Keep an eye on your inbox for an upcoming poll and participate!
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"...and the award goes to..." |
This year, during the AMTA National Convention In Cleveland, OH, award recipients from 2020-2022 were acknowledged at the President's Award Reception on Wednesday, August 24th. Congratulations to:
Heather Chadwick, 2021 Vermont Chapter Meritorious Award Recipient
Jessica Ferrer, 2022 Vermont Chapter Meritorious Award Recipient
- Additionally, we congratulate Jessica Ferrer, AMTA-Vermont Chapter's Communications Chair, on receiving the 2022 National President's Award. This award is given to an AMTA Volunteer who the National President acknowledges for their outstanding contribution to the massage profession.
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an Assembly of Delegates Update |
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Greetings Vermont!
The 2022 Assembly of Delegates (AOD) meeting was held Wednesday, August 24 ahead of the AMTA National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio. This was an unusual year for the AOD, in that it was our first in-person assembly in three years, and the the format was more of a think tank format than our usual pro/con/roundtable discussion.
One of the premises of the assembly was an acknowledgment that some introspection could help the AOD function better in the future. We were charged with brainstorming how chapter leadership, national leadership, and the delegate can have a more streamlined and approachable process.
Heather Chadwick and I are the delegate representatives for the Vermont chapter, and we participated heavily in discussion revolving around the role of the delegates and relationships to both national and state chapters. Our goals included better defining the role of the delegate and streamlining the process of submitting Discussion Topics and Proposed Idea for Position Statements.
A recap of the session will be created by AODOC, the operations committee of AOD, and we will publish when it is forwarded to us.
As always, we are very honored to represent Vermont in the very important process.
Respectfully,
Jennifer Findley
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from the Communications Committee |
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We are actively looking for chapter members with website and content development skills for Newsletter Editor and Website Admin volunteer role positions. If you are interested, please send a message of interest with a description of your skilled experience and/or resume to Jessica Ferrer, Communications Chair.
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Photo: AMTA-VT Chapter volunteers at the 2022 AMTA National Planning and Training Meeting in Kansas City (left to right):Heather Chadwick (VT Chapter Board Member), Jessica Ferrer (VT Communications Chair and National Volunteer on the Volunteer Engagement Committee), and LJ Stewart (former VT Chapter President) |
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Report: June 2022 Chapter Leadership, Planning and Training Meeting in Kansas City, MO |
In June, BOD Member, Heather Chadwick and I attended the AMTA National Planning and Training Meeting, in Kansas City. I was delighted to connect with colleagues and find out what I don’t know about the association and our profession. I was intrigued by many new projects, particularly the newest National Standing Committee called the Volunteer Engagement Committee (VEC) and also a program called the Chapter Advancement Initiative (CAI). I’m certain the Vermont Chapter will benefit from both of these and I look forward to sharing more about each of them, when our turn comes.
~ LJ Stewart, former Chapter President
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Newsletter Feature: AMTA Volunteer Stories |
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Chapter Volunteers, Jennifer Findley, Deb Shearer, Heather Chadwick, Marisa Fourtin, and Denise Gebroe share their AMTA Volunteer Stories |
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"19 years ago, I shifted my career to massage therapy and I’ve never looked back! Currently, I have the pleasure of working at the Spa at Spruce Peak in Stowe, while home is in Elmore. I’ve served AMTA Vermont’s members for a dozen years, wearing many hats from board member to my present position of delegate. Thank you for allowing me to be one of the voices that represents Vermont."
~ Jennifer Findley, Chapter Delegate 2022-2024
"I have a small part- time practice in Brownsville and have been a member of AMTA for over 10 years. I joined the Board in February as Financial Administrator. What can I say, I like numbers! I look forward to connecting with the whole AMTA -Vermont community in November at the Annual Meeting."
~ Deb Shearer, Chapter Financial Admin 2022
"I am currently a board member, delegate, and government relations chair, and membership chair of the AMTA-VTChapter. I have been volunteering for five (5) years because I wanted to give back to the industry that has given me so much. I've been an MT for 16 years and I know it can be a lonely profession at times. I chose to volunteer because I wanted to feel a part of a community. Upon joining and volunteering for AMTA-Vermont, I immediately felt like I was a part of something. it connected me with other therapists who have a shared passion for massage and helping our massage community."
~ Heather Chadwick, Chapter Board Member (2021-2022), Chapter Delegate (2022)
"I joined our (Chapter) board last year just before our Annual Meeting and Education Event. Originally, I join to meet more massage therapists and be a part of our little massage community here in Vermont but being on the board is so much more than that. Each person who volunteers is able to bring something different to our chapter and the organization as a whole. While some of us may not be great with numbers or creativity, those are others strong suits and are vital to have working with our board to bring quality education events, advocate for our profession, and network within our community. During my short time on the board I've learned how to take (meeting) minutes for our records and am excited to expand what I am able to contribute to our chapter. I'm looking forward to meeting those who are able to attend this year's Education Event and Annual (Membership) meeting, and our pop-up meet-and-greets!"
~ Marisa Fourtin, Chapter Secretary 2022
"I wondered six years ago what I could possibly bring to the Vermont Chapter AMTA. It's been a long ride and I'm proud of every minute of it. Bringing a large group of extremely different people together to merge ideas and put together events has been wild. I joined AMTA after graduating Eastern College Massage school in NJ. Not only did I need insurance I also needed roots and support. I found it within this amazing group of people. I have witnessed many different people on this board, different agendas and goals. Everyone works together to get things done. I can't imagine what my career would be like without all the support I've received from so many over the years. I began as the Sports Chair and have flowed into a board member position. I’ve gone to National conventions yearly connecting to therapists all over the country. I’ve been to the Statehouse to fight for licensure. Last year I fought as hard as I could to bring continuing education to our State. It might have been one of the most challenging events I’ve ever managed to put on. Thru all the stressors of the pandemic we met monthly just to check in with each other and see how the others were faring. It’s this togetherness and this fight for our community as a whole that continues to keep me involved with AMTA Vermont."
~ Denise Gebroe, Chapter Board Member 2022
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Now we'd like to Get to Know YOU, our Chapter members! |
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The AMTA-Vermont Chapter Leadership volunteers have each shared a bit about ourselves, now it's your turn: Please take a few minutes to complete and return THIS FORM. We want to know more about our members! Thanks.
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Join A Chapter Committee - Get Involved! |
Have you thought about doing more with your AMTA membership? The word “committee” or “volunteer” can be intimidating. Instead, maybe think of all the great benefits from knowing your VT Chapter better. Fun events, meeting great people in your neighborhood meet-ups, outreach with special populations of clients you want to work with, job opportunities (including the paying kind!!), and leadership opportunities. Getting more involved should be a gentle step into something you’re already doing, already passionate about, or where you would like to learn more.
Looking for more information about each Committee? CLICK HERE
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Upcoming 2022-2023 Chapter, Regional and National AMTA Events |
AMTA-Vermont
Nov 12, 2022 - VT Chapter 2022 Virtual Annual Membership Meeting 10 am.
AMTA-Rhode Island
...stay tuned...
AMTA-New Hampshire
...stay tuned...
Dec 10-11,2022 - TBA - Hyannis, MA
Oct 23, 2022 - TBA - Bristol, CT
March 30-April 1, 2023 - AMTA-CT Chapter Conference, Bristol, CT
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