Warm Greetings to our fellow Chapter members,

It was with great honor and gratitude that Kayla and I were fortunate to represent our WI chapter as your Delegates at the AMTA National Convention in Dallas.

The two Discussion topics that were brought forth at the Assembly of Delegates (AOD) meeting were:

Peer to Peer mentorship - How can AMTA revitalize its mentorship program for massage therapists?

• Clear Structure – Consistent expectations, formal matching, and accountability.
• Support for Mentors – Training, resources, and incentives like CEUs to prevent burnout.
• Engaged Mentees – Welcome packets, structured learning, and feedback loops.
• Visibility & Growth – Strong online presence, school partnerships, and scalable program tiers for sustainability.

Trauma Awareness in Massage Therapy – Key Points

Ethical Considerations and the Role of Standardized Education

• Ethical Practice – Do no harm, maintain clear boundaries, ensure confidentiality, refer to mental health professionals when needed, and practice self-awareness/self-care.
• Standardized Education – Provide baseline trauma knowledge, consistent ethics training, practical communication/boundary skills, and continuing education opportunities.
• Impact on Practice – Trauma awareness shapes technique selection, emphasizes rapport and trust, requires ongoing communication, and prioritizes safe, individualized care.
• Core Takeaway – Trauma-informed education is essential for creating safe, ethical, and client-centered massage therapy while protecting therapist well-being.

Kayla and I would like to remind our chapter that Discussion Topics are just that –Discussion. Only Position Statements can be researched and adopted by AMTA. The above two discussion topics have not moved in the direction of Position Statements as of this date.

Below is an announcement from our Assembly of Delegates leadership team:

AMTA Staff and Board wanted to let the Delegates know that, given that we have had TWO Proposed Ideas for a Position Statements (Massage and Cancer, Massage and Abdominopelvic Pain) voted to move forward at the 2023 and 2024 Assembly of Delegates meetings, the Board has decided to evaluate position statements and their natural place within AMTA. The board will be following up with the Delegates and membership on this in the future.

Thank you for your continued faith and trust in our service work as your Wisconsin Delegates.

With Gratitude,

Kayla Stroud-DuSavage and Kathy Ginn