IN TOUCH AMTA IL Chapter Newsletter October Vol No Give

IN TOUCH AMTA-IL Chapter Newsletter October 2008 Vol. 27, No. 4 Give a Little – Get Alot at Upcoming Outreach Events Come join us at two outreach events taking place soon. The first is in Springfield, IL at the Stratton Building on Friday, October 17 – one day before the Heartland Conference at the Springfield Hilton. The other is in Chicago at the James Thompson Center on Wednesday, October 22. The Chicago event will also generate donations for the Massage Therapy Foundation. Both events coincide with this year’s National Massage Therapy Awareness Week, which officially takes place during the week of October 19-25. Outreach is a fun and easy way to be involved in AMTA-IL. The Chapter makes the arrangements and provides the supplies. Giving seated massage is a great way to raise awareness of the profession by letting people feel what massage is all about. Working with other massage therapists offers a rare opportunity to be part of a team on a mission – to promote massage therapy to the general public. Instruction on giving a 5 to 7 minute seated massage is available for those who request it. Odd jobs are also available for members wishing to take part in a supportive role. Volunteers must be AMTA professional members and have a current Illinois licenses. The Springfield event puts massage therapists in the spotlight in the State Capitol. This is super important to remind legislators and their staffs of the health benefits of massage therapy, and gives the IL Chapter a presence as a legislative force. The Inside This Issue Chicago event is in the very busy and public arena of the Thompson Center that houses shopping, businesses, and State of Illinois Departments. The general public will be offered seated massage for a donation in support of massage therapy research. (See article on MTF free internet journal on page 4.) Call or send an e-mail to the Chapter Office at 630/980-4740 or info@amta-il.org ASAP if you are interested in joining us at either outreach event, and if you are able to supply a massage chair. In This Issue... Government Relations Update License Renewal Notice Heartland Conference October 18-19, 2008 2008 Awards Recipients Convention Photos Member News 3 4 5 6 7 9 AMTA-IL In Touch October 2008 AMTA-IL Chapter 140 N. Bloomingdale Road Bloomingdale, IL 60108-1017 T: 630-980-4740 F: 630-351-8490 E: info@amta-il.org www.amta-il.org BOARD OF DIRECTORS Christopher Alvarado, President Angela Palmier, First Vice President Dylan Lott, Second Vice President Bobbe Bermann, Third Vice President Patricia Benjamin, Member-at-Large 1 Jennifer Butler, Member-at-Large 2 Michael Hovi, Treasurer Tony Bondick, Secretary COMMITTEE CHAIRS Christopher Alvarado, Governance & Government Relations Patricia Benjamin, Awards Kelly Fowler, Education Angela Palmier, Membership & Volunteer Coordinator Becky Schwoebel, Conference Coordinator Tunisia Sartin, Communications To Be Appointed, Outreach Team Coordinator PRODUCTION STAFF Patricia Benjamin, Editor Lisa DeVries, Managing Editor ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Catherine Kasper, Administrative Director Michael White, Assistant Administrative Director Lisa DeVries, Chapter Relations Coordinator ADVERTISING CONTACT Lisa DeVries, Chapter Relations Coordinator President’s Message A Time of Change Recent events have shown that institutions that we have taken for granted as being permanent and fixed may not be as solid as we had assumed. In the wake of our country’s current financial crisis, there is a general sense of insecurity and fear of what may be to come. As our nation’s leaders grapple with how to deal with the financial system and work to stave off further failures and potentially worsening markets, I’m sure that you have, as I have, begun to consider what ramifications this may have on the massage profession, for our clientele, and our own personal income. Because massage is still viewed by some as a luxury, it is possible that, in times of increasing belt-tightening, some clients may be booking appointments less often or feel the need to suspend treatments for the time being. If you work in a spa, salon, or hotel, you may feel the effects of decreasing expendable income and decreasing tourist dollars. In times such as these, it is important to be proactive but not unreasonably reactive. We each need to look at our own individual situations, and realistically appraise where we may be vulnerable and where there is opportunity. Where we need to economize and where our energy and money is best invested to secure our future in massage. continued on page 9 The AMTA-IL welcomes articles and photographs for publication. We reserve the right to edit material for space and clarification. Send email or hard copy to: Patricia Benjamin, Editor AMTA-IL In Touch 140 N. Bloomingdale Road Bloomingdale, IL 60108-1017 Email: info@amta-il.org For advertising guidelines/rate card, contact the chapter office at info@amta-il.org. Subscriptions are available to non-IL Chapter members for $12.00 per year. Contact the chapter office at 630-980-4740. Important Contact Info AMTA-IL Chapter T: 630-980-4740 www.amta-il.org AMTA National T: 1-877-905-2700 www.amtamassage.org 2 NCBTMB T: 1-800-296-0664 www.ncbtmb.org IDFPR (Licensing) T: 217-785-0800 www.idfpr.com DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE: DECEMBER 1 AMTA-IL In Touch October 2008 Rockford & Collinsville Enjoy Classes Close to Home Continuing education was brought to Rockford (July 27) and Collinsville (August 10) this summer in two highly successful regional events. These classes drew 50+ participants each for a day of 6 hours of continuing education and networking. The morning session revealed the keys to a long and successful career in massage therapy such as finding your niche, making connections with other professionals, and getting the resources you need to grow your practice. Ethics was the afternoon topic. Registrants appreciated the opportunity to get quality continuing education close to home to fulfill licensing and recertification renewal requirements. Instructors were Christopher Alvarado and Angie Palmier in the morning, and Mike Hovi or Patricia Benjamin for ethics in the afternoon. If you would like to see more continuing education in your area, let the chapter know by calling or e-mailing your thoughts to the Chapter office. Local Ordinances to be Evaluated AMTA-IL Chapter is committed to changing local ordinances that unlawfully restrict massage therapy practices through business regulations. Some communities, such as Elk Grove Village, have put restrictions in place as reported previously in this newsletter (see April 2008 In Touch, p.5). However, according to the Illinois Massage Licensing Act “the regulation and licensing of massage therapy is an exclusive power and function of the State.” (Section 55) The IL Chapter, with support from national AMTA Government and Industry Relations, has retained a lawyer to evaluate the grounds for attacking the legality of such restrictions. The Chapter will be pursuing counsel’s recommendations as soon as the evaluation is completed. Look for more updates on these activities as soon as they are known. If you live in, or are aware of, a community that you feel is unfairly or illegally restricting the legitimate practice of massage therapy, please contact the Chapter Office: AMTA-IL 140 N. Bloomingdale Rd. Bloomingdale, IL 60108-1017 630/980-4740 info@amta-il.org 3 AMTA-IL In Touch October 2008 Student Case Report Contest Introduction The Massage Therapy Foundation is delighted to invite all massage therapy students to participate in the Student Case Report Contest. The contest, with school support, fosters an opportunity for students to develop research skills by conducting their own research case study in which they will summarize the results in the format of a professional research paper. Cash and publication recognition will be awarded to students submitting the top reports. This educational opportunity could also provide research acclaim for host schools. Submission Deadline: March 2, 2009. The Case Report A well-written scientific report explains the scientist’s goal for doing an experiment, the experimental design and execution, and the meaning of the results. A beautifully conducted study will lose much of its value if it is not presented in a succinct and coherent manner. Therefore, scientific papers are written in a style that is intended to be clear and concise. The purpose is to inform an audience about an important issue and to document the particular approach they used to investigate that issue. Not sure where to begin? Attend the How to Write a Case Study and/or How to Read a Research Paper on October 18 and 19 at the AMTA-IL Heartland Conference in Springfield to gain insights for getting your case report started. (See details on page 5). Further information regarding the case reports guidelines, structure and the schools/supervisors role during the process, visit http://www.massagetherapyfoundation.org/contest.html. Massage Therapy License Renewal Open Renewal Deadline: December 31, 2008 License renewal is now open for massage therapists in the state of Illinois. Review the License Renewal Readiness Checklist below to help you prepare your license renewal: p Current name and address on file with Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). p 24 hours of approved continuing education (including 2 hours ethics). p $175 renewal fee. p Watch for renewal materials in the mail and/or check the IDFPR web site at www.idfpr.com (available now) for online renewal instructions. Are you short on continuing education, especially ethics hours? Consider attending the 2008 Heartland Conference in Springfield, IL on October 18-19). One or two day registrations are available. See notice on page 5. All current massage licenses will expire on December 31, 2008. Chapter Donation Supports MTF The annual dollar-per-member donation from the IL Chapter ($3,593) was presented to the Massage Therapy Foundation (MTF) at the AMTA Convention in Phoenix in September. This year at MTF the is especially exciting since they have launched a free on-line peerreviewed research journal, the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork: Research, Education and Practice (IJTMB). You can also sign up for a monthly e-newsletter from MTF at www.massagetherapyfoundation.org. 4 AMTA-IL In Touch October 2008 AMTA-IL Heartland Conference Education w Welcome Reception w Exhibits Saturday, October 18 8:30am-5:00pm wAnatomical Features, Assessment & Treatment of Iliotibial Band Syndrome (Clint Chandler) w How to Write a Case Study (Jerrilyn Cambron) wLegal or Ethical? Clarifying Dual Relationships & Boundaries (Mike Hovi) Sunday, October 19 8:30am-4:00pm w Palpatory Anatomy of the Cervical Spine/Massage Manageme nt of Tension-type Headaches (Clint Chandler) w How to Read a Research Paper (Jerrilyn Cambron) w Ethics Discussion Panel (Cheri Monterastelli) w Schools If your schedule permits, please consider joining us for a preconference event on Friday, October 17: Massage Therapy Awareness Day (see cover story on page 1) Stratton Building - State Capitol (about 1 mile from conference hotel) 9:00am - 3:00pm AMTA-IL Board of Directors Meeting Hilton Springfield 7:00pm -9:00pm Forum: Creating Community Between Illinois Massage Therapy Programs and the AMTA-IL Chapter (Christopher Alvarado, Angela Palmier) Onsite and walk-in registrations are welcomed. For more information, call 630/980-4740 or visit www.amta-il.org. Contact the Chapter Office if you would like to share a ride to Springfield. Leave your name, telephone number, travel schedule and originating destination. 5 AMTA-IL In Touch October 2008 Award Recipients – Source of Inspiration The following 2008 Illinois Chapter Awards recipients are sources of inspiration and role models for the profession. Their efforts have benefited the entire profession in Illinois. Chapter Meritorious Award Allison Ishman Allison Ishman of Naperville, IL received her Chapter Meritorious Award at the AMTA Convention in Phoenix in September. Allison was chosen this year to acknowledge her long standing commitment and broad range of contributions to the massage therapy profession in Illinois. She has served in leadership positions in the AMTA, as well as maintaining a thriving practice in the Chicago suburbs. She is an educator and innovator developing her own approach called Fascial Link Therapy. Allison was also in the forefront of efforts that led to passing the IL Massage Licensing Act in 2002 Employer of the Year: Small Business Woodhouse Day Spa Employer of the Year Award recognizes businesses providing outstanding employment opportunities for massage therapists in Illinois. Woodhouse Day Spa in Algonquin, IL offers generous benefits to its massage therapist employees, and provides a place for rejuvenation of clients and staff alike. One massage therapist who works there says: “I feel like a peaceful healer walking in the door and out of the door at the end of each day.” Rookie of the Year Jean Beckley Rookie of the Year is an award given to recognize a recent graduate who has shown outstanding achievement in successfully establishing a massage therapy practice. Jean Beckley of Fox River Grove, IL graduated from Cortiva – Chicago School of Massage Therapy in 2007. She has established a successful practice at a community center in Arlington Heights, and is an instructor in training at Cortiva. Distinguished Service Amy Malloy The Distinguished Service Award is given to a volunteer who has stood out from the crowd in terms of their contributions to the chapter in the past year. Amy Malloy of Wilmette, IL was chosen in recognition of her initiative to jump start the chapter’s meet-ups program. Meet-ups are the newest and most exciting opportunity for members to socialize and network in an informal setting. Call for Nominations for 2009 Awards Do you know a massage therapist, employer, or someone else who deserves recognition for their contributions to the profession in Illinois? Look for information about the awards and nomination instructions on the chapter website at www.amta-il.org. 6 AMTA-IL In Touch October 2008 Illinois Chapter members enjoy the AMTA Convention in Phoenix, September 18-21. Over 75 massage therapists from Illinois registered for the convention. The Annual Chapter Breakfast was a social and nutritional success. 7 AMTA-IL In Touch October 2008 Animated Session Rocks HOD in Phoenix – IL Victory By Jane Neumann, AMTA-IL 2008 Delegate AMTA- IL representatives came delegates took their job seriously, home from the though, discussing r e c e n t w h e t h e r convention in shortcomings in Phoenix with research studies a victory after relied on or nuances the House of of language would Delegates p r o v i d e ( H O D ) opportunity for passed the adversaries to Illinois attack AMTA proposal to cl a i m s a b o u t m a k e massage. As a adherence to result, one proposed state licensing statement was la w s a defeated by a close requirement margin. for AMTA Pr f s i n l membership. The Two recommendations passed by the oesoa HOD came al v t i y a , a i HOD related to bylaw changes for ie hs er s t d b t d p s t o s a e ents and length of terms and term limits for eae oiin ttm p o o e b l ws c a g s i o e o delegates. Indiana sought to eliminate rpsd ya hne n n f the most anim a e s s i n i any limit on length of service for a td esos n memory. delegate, while Connecticut wanted language allowing for variation from one state to another on how long a delegate may serve. The national board also took up this issue in its meeting earlier in convention week, voting to publish for member comment a bylaw change which would make the delegate term two years rather than one and limit an individual to three consecutive terms, in order to strike a balance between continuity and encouraging chapter involvement of new volunteers. The national board will accept comments from members on this proposed bylaw change until March 2009 and also will consider at its December meeting the two alternative proposed bylaw changes recommended by the HOD. ...the HOD passed the Illinois proposal to make adherence to state licensing laws a requirement for AMTA Professional Membership. The HOD consi e e more posi i n drd to sae t t ment t a e e b f r . T e s hn vr eoe h t r es a e h e t t ment a o t da s r t e s dpe set h efficacy of m assage for posto e a i e p i r l e , f r n wborns prtv an eif o e a d a p r o a wel n s p o r m. n s at f les rga These statement , w i h t e r s t hi spotn rsac suis nw uprig eerh tde, o become materi lt ea s c a i nc n a h soito a provide in response to medi a requests or use in legislative tsi e t mony or other public appearances on behalf of the AMTA. The HOD debat o t e p o o e e n h rpsd sae t t ment were expected by some s to be brief and result in quick aoto o ec pooa,alo dpin f ah rpsl l f whi hs u d dlke“M om and appl c one i e pi on first reading. The 140 e” Left to right (front): Pat Malone, Jane Neumann, Steve Albertson, (back) Cynthia Javurek, Robin Lovejoy. 8 AMTA-IL In Touch October 2008 MEMBER NEWS Heather O’Leary Awarded Research Grant Heather O’Leary, LMT, CIMI, clinical massage therapist for Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago, was recently awarded a Community Service Grant from the Massage Therapy Foundation. The proposed project is titled: Increasing Mother-Infant Interaction, Decreasing Depression: Teaching Infant Massage to Mothers with Symptoms of Postpartum Depression. The program will help mothers by decreasing depression and stress associated with having a new baby, by creating a healthy mother-baby bond, and by supporting a healthy lifestyle for the child. It is also hoped that this program will reverse some of the early effects of Postpartum Depression. This program will work in conjunction with the standard medical management of PPD symptoms for each patient. The mothers will meet with a Certified Infant Massage Instructor for instruction once a week for 5 weeks. They will be assessed before and after taking the class using Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale to measure the effects of performing infant massage on PPD. Additionally, each client will complete a Baby Bonding Survey, which will measure the mother’s perception of infant massage and the effects they perceive on the mother-baby relationship. This yearlong program is slated to start in September of 2008. If you have any questions or would like more information on this program, please contact Heather O’Leary, LMT, CIMI at holeary@schosp.org or 773-878-8200 ext. 7340. [Note: Heather received the IL Chapter award for her contributions to massage in integrative medicine in 2006.] PRESIDENT- continued from page 2 Rest assured that the massage profession has established itself and is not going away. There is a significant core clientele that view massage as a health and wellness necessity and not just a luxury. Know that, while the financial times may be stressful, many will be looking to us as a way to combat the stress they are experiencing. From the client’s point of view, what better way to do that than to take some time for yourself and get a massage? The AMTA is on firm footing and will be here, as it has always been, to support and help you in this time of change. Although the AMTA’s financial position has been affected by the economic changes (as have all institutions), the AMTA is in fine position to carry out its services and responsibilities to you, the members. Ultimately, the profession of massage therapy will be fine as we move into the future, no matter the duration of the current difficulties. Think of investing in massage as you would investing in the stock market – look at the long-term upward trend as opposed to the daily, monthly, or yearly fluctuations. We are in it for the long-haul. IL Chapter Rates High in Member Satisfaction Members rated the IL Chapter highly on several measures in a recent loyalty survey conducted by AMTA. Overall quality of the IL Chapter was rated very good or excellent by 80% of members – up from 72% the previous year. 78% also gave high ratings to being heard and respected for their opinions. Other areas with high satisfaction included giving back to the community (75%), leadership development (71%), continuing education opportunities (70%), and government relations (70%). If good to excellent ratings were considered, 90-98% of members who completed the survey voiced general satisfaction with the IL Chapter in 2007-2008. This study places Illinois amongst the Chapters with the highest satisfaction ratings in the association. 9 AMTA-IL In Touch October 2008 AMTA-IL Welcomes New Members June Richard S. Arceo Dianna Baker Michael D. Bakos Jennifer Behm Linda V. Benjamin Kimberly Biggs Fernanda Cabellon Cheryl Cahill Elizabeth Campisi Andrea Marie Carl Erica L. Carlson Aileen Chikos John Jacob Coleman Elizabeth A. Czarny Tina Drobilek Sharon Dyon Yvonne M. Glasscock Wendy Goetz Patrick Grandt Kelly Hardt John P. Jacobs Margo L. Jenkins Sarah Jones Lori A. Kedzie Sylvia Knap Joan E. Krug Mary C. Kuempel Amber Lein Jolanta Lizak Loretta LoGrasso Ann Lucchesi Nicole V. Marston Carlos Ignacio Matos Daniel McDermott Teri Miller Margaret Millette Claudia A. Miscinski Robin O’Brien Nicki Payne Yamilet Pina Renee M. Posdal Adam K. Radetski Petya G. Reyes Wendy Rodriguez Rebecca Schultz Becki Seely Krista D. Smith Camelia Spatacean Shelli A Stover Faye S. Tackett Alexandra N. Urban Michelle M. Weis Abby West Andrew M. Winters Robert Zelesko July Autumn Alls Felipe Altamirano Sarah B. Ander Kristen Bacon Julie A. Barbee Amanda N. Barbolla Amanda S. Borosak Nicole E. Bradford Jenna B. Browder Amanda Carson Jamie Clark Yvette Clay Mei Dai Laura Dickinson Keith Edwards Rosa I. Flores Tura Jovan Foster Victoria A. Gambino Sam Shi Qun Gao Soraida Garcia Andria M. Gibson Rickie M. Griffith Sarah Hall Omara Herbert-Hels Joseph Hill Emily Hoff Deborah F. Howard Tammy L. Hoyt Mark Hudak Raminta Joyniene John E. Julian Monika Kedzior Anne E. Kelly Nicole R. Korolishin-Naidow Christine P. Lamprea Jeremy R. Landers Sarah M. Lashley Catherine M. Lee Ki Tae Lee Beatrice C. Martinez Alyssa McDaniel David Meraz Charles M. Miller Melissa A. Miranda Alexandra Mlynarczyk Nima Moallem Amanda Montano Yolanda S. Moore Sherry Nelson Cassandra Perez Lemuel Posley Javier Quinones Rachel R. Richardson Kristina Rodriguez Amy Rolinskas Elizabeth R. Sankarsingh Emily J. Seay Eleni Spyropoulos Kurt Stomiany Amber C. Strum James M. Stubbs Alla Trepelkina Sarah White Terree L. White Sharon L. Wilson Geniveive A. Yeater August Jennifer Abella Jesse Ames Tamara L. Atchley Betty A. Banks Tamika Banks Julie Bennett Lisa Boettcher Casey Bolinger Andrea A. Brablecz Kathleen A. Camp Flora Carbajal Stacey M. Chapa Tara Chillis Ryan Doyle Carol Fairchild Sherry A. Firebaugh Luis A. Garcia Jennifer Geist Patrizia Giovine Joanne Graham Katrina Guthrie Amanda K. Hammond Jenelle Harden Clyde B. Harvey Karen Heyden Judith Hibicke Rita Hickman Melissa Holmes Joseph Jablonski Sarah Kedrowski Wendy L. Kittinger Cheryl L. Klemmer Kermaria Knox Marisol Kurian Renease Little Connie J. Love Robyn Malacek Kimberly Miller Katherine Niepoetter Anita Okopski Mateusz Ozog Ibelis Ramos Teresa Rixie Laura Salinas Rachel Samuels Elizabeth Sauget Kristin Scharnhorst Scott D. Shields Nicole Slapnicker Erik Solner Jean E. Sotos Wendi G. Spence Victoria Stewart Carla Underwood Shanah Valentino Amanda L. Wanless Nicole Yates Natalie Zambrano 10 AMTA-IL In Touch October 2008 U Important Message: Continuing education advertised in In Touch may or may not be approved for fulfilling the Illinois license renewal requirement. See your yellow MLA Booklet (pages 38-43) or search www.idfpr.com for Rules regarding continuing education for Illinois license renewal. Twenty-four (24) hours of continuing education are required at each renewal, including 2 hours of ethics. CHINESE FACIAL MASSAGE Monday, November 3, 2008 w 9AM - 4PM $169 INCLUDES LUNCH INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE Tuesday, November 4, 2008 w 5:30 PM — 9:30 PM $99 FIJIAN MASSAGE, POSTERIOR Sunday, November 2, 2008 w 9AM — 6PM $189 INCLUDES LUNCH 6 CE 4 CE 8 CE Lolita Knight, Instructor, 35 years massage experience, NCBTMB #307-802-00 since 2001. Contact Lolita for details on 785-806-3622. www.fijianmassage.com Venue: Elgin Community College 1700 Spartan Dr, Elgin, IL 60123 Registration with Deborah Keisler 847-214-7203. 11 AMTA-IL In Touch October 2008 Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage Training Hands hurt? Do your clients love deep tissue massage, but you’re sore after working? Discover the art of barefoot massage with Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy® continuing education classes in Michigan. In just 3 days, learn how to transform your sessions to “the deepest, most luxurious massage on the planet” and earn 25 CEU’s. For more information, visit www.bcstoneworks.com or call Cindy at 269/569-1311. Make More $$ & Get New Clients. Insurance Billing Seminar Oct 29th Oakbrook IL or Home Study Course (24 CE’s & 3 Free Ethics CE’s). www.massageinsurancebilling.com. Vivian M. Mahoney 865-436-3573. NCBTMB approved provider #046055-00. 12 AMTA-IL In Touch October 2008 13 AMTA-IL In Touch October 2008 14 AMTA-IL In Touch October 2008 15 In Touch 140 N. Bloomingdale Road Bloomingdale, IL 60108-1017 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Palatine P&DC, IL Permit No. 7052 October 17 AMTA-IL Outreach Event Stratton Building – State Capitol Springfield 17 AMTA-IL Board of Directors Meeting Hilton Springfield - Springfield Heartland Conference Hilton Springfield - Springfield National Massage Therapy Awareness Day Fundraiser James Thompson Center - Chicago January (2009) 13 Member Meet-up Ridgeview Grill - Wilmette March 10 Member Meet-up Ridgeview Grill - Wilmette May 12 17-19 Member Meet-up Ridgeview Grill - Wilmette 22 November 11 Member Meet-up Ridgeview Grill - Wilmette