Member Spotlight

At the New York AMTA chapter, we’re proud to have incredible massage therapists who go above and beyond in their dedication to clients, helping their communities, and advancing the art, science, and practice of massage therapy. The AMTA-NY Board is excited to recognize these inspiring members whose passion and commitment embody the highest standards of our profession. Stay tuned as we spotlight members who make a difference every day!

Member Spotlight February 2025

Russell Borner

Celebrating over 40 years as a Massage Therapist

Armonk, NY

For twenty-four years, Russell served as a District Manager for AT&T. After spending a month in alcoholic rehabilitation, he realized he wanted to make some significant changes in his life. Russell committed to living his life alcohol-free and discovered that he had an affinity for structured touch. After graduating from the Swedish Institute of Massage Therapy in New York, Russell started his career providing in-home massage to Westchester, Bergan, and Manhattan areas.

In 1986, Russell joined his colleague David Palmer, “the father of chair massage,” to form TouchPro International, providing chair massage training to thousands of Massage Therapists in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Israel. During that time, Russell also formed his company, International Health Systems Inc., to provide chair massage services to small & large corporate clients, including AT&T, NBC, Moody’s, W.R. Grace, and NYU.

Russell joined the AMTA in 1986 as the Director of Education and was involved with hosting one of the first massage therapist retreats in Phoenicia, NY, before the idea of AMTA having an annual state convention. Russell also served as the Co-Chairman of the National AMTA’s standard committee for several years.

This April, Russell will turn 85. He conducts a full-time practice with his wife, Candice, who is also a Massage Therapist and Esthetician. After 41 years of sobriety, Russell is passionate about advocating for Massage Therapy in the Recovery Treatment Model for Alcoholics. Russell continues to advocate for programs to the state and national AMTA boards on the subject of addiction, specifically for alcohol abuse.

Russell likes to live his life by these three principles:

1. Do what you love, and you’ll never work another day in your life.
2. Do what you love, and the money will follow because you’ll do it well enough to command whatever you need materially.
3. Do what you love, and the word “Retirement” will no longer exist in your lexicon.

The AMTA-NY chapter is proud to have Russell Borner as a member who continues to advance the art, science, and practice of massage therapy. If you know Russell, make sure to say thanks for everything he does to strengthen our profession!

Each month, we’ll recognize a member based on your nominations! To submit a nominee and explain why you think we should highlight them, contact membershipengagement@amta-ny.org. We’re looking forward to recognizing more amazing AMTA-NY members!

2025 AMTA-NY Convention “Improve Your Groove”

Early Bird Rate Ends March 10th!

Prepare for an unforgettable experience at the 2025 AMTA-NY State Convention, returning to Syracuse, NY, April 10-13 at the historic Marriott Syracuse Downtown. This is your chance to enhance your skills, network with other massage therapists, and learn groundbreaking techniques firsthand. Save $65 before the early bird rate flies away. Learn more about the convention HERE.

AMTA Awards! Is there anyone you would like to nominate?

At our annual AMTA-NY Convention, we will give out awards from your nominations. Here are the awards:



• Sports Massage Achiever Award: This award is given to openly honor an AMTA member and acknowledge their accomplishments in sports massage.
• Teacher of the Year Award: The Teacher of the Year nominee should manifest unquestionable dedication and commitment to the future and excellence of massage education. The nominee must have been a teacher for at least 5 years in the massage therapy department at an AMTA member school.
• Humanitarian Award: Awarded to acknowledge the “heart” of massage in action. The nominee must be an AMTA member who has volunteered in the larger community, such as a charity, church, or other form of community outreach.
• Meritorious Award: Awarded to acknowledge diligent volunteerism done in an altruistic manner. The nominee must be an active member of AMTA for one year. This is the highest award in the chapter and is recognized at the national level.

If you know anyone you would like to nominate for any of these awards, email our Awards chair, Edward Pacyna, at awards@amta-ny.org.

Facebook Group

If you’re on Facebook and haven’t joined our group yet, you can do so by clicking the link below. Just make sure to have your Member ID ready so we can verify that you’re a member of AMTA-NY. Thanks, and we look forward to connecting with you soon!