Being on a Board-and what that means for you

Why I Volunteer with AMTA — and What It Means for You

Many of you know me as your massage therapist, but you may not know that I recently stepped into a new role as a volunteer with the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). AMTA is the largest nonprofit professional association for massage therapists in the United States. It advocates for our profession, provides continuing education, and helps ensure that massage therapy is represented and respected in healthcare conversations across the country.

I’ve thought about volunteering with AMTA since I was a student 11 years ago, and this year I finally did. At our Pennsylvania annual meeting, I signed up to serve on the state board, and I was honored to be welcomed in. Very quickly, I realized this role wasn’t just about meetings and planning — it was about connecting with others who are just as committed as I am to advancing our profession for the benefit of both practitioners and clients.

In August, I had the chance to attend the AMTA’s Volunteer Leadership Conference, and it completely enhanced my perspective. I met leaders from across the country, all working hard to ensure that massage therapy remains a strong, respected, and growing profession. We discussed challenges, shared solutions, and focused on succession planning — the idea that our profession needs future leaders ready to step up so progress never stalls.

Attendees grab their seats as we prepare for the volunteer leadership conference in Dallas.

You may wonder: why does this matter to you as a client? Because when our profession is strong, organized, and forward-thinking, it means better outcomes for you. It means that your massage therapist is supported by evidence-based education, ethical standards, and a thriving community of professionals dedicated to client care. It means your therapist is part of an industry that is respected in healthcare and protected by strong advocates at the state and national levels.

For me personally, volunteering has been enriching and energizing. It’s given me fresh ideas, new skills, and deeper connections with leaders in massage therapy across the country. And every bit of that pours back into my practice and the care I give my clients.

So while AMTA work happens behind the scenes, I want you to know that it’s one more way I’m committed not just to the work I do in the treatment room, but also to the future of our profession — and to you, the clients who trust me with your care.

Pennsylvania attendees preparing to enjoy a Steak dinner, when in Texas, do as the Cowboys do!