The Connecticut Chapter of the American Massage Therapy Association -- serving the Massage Therapist & the Public

Shirley Cooper

With the election of Scott Raymond to the position of President of the CT Chapter it places Shirley Cooper in an unusual position. One that she had not experienced for over 20 years: not being a member of the CT Chapter Board of Directors. Over the years Shirl has held almost every position on the board, including four terms as president! She has given a tremendous amount of time and energy to the chapter and has put her footprint or 'handprint' on many many things. Our Chapter owes her a great big thank you. In addition we gave her a 'going off the board gift". A new laptop computer so she can continue to stay involved and intouch with all of us!

 

BILL GREENBERG

Bill Greenberg receive the first ever CT Chapter Distinguished Service Award. Bill has been involved with the CT Chapter for over 20 years. He has held numerous board positions including Chapter President and was one of our key players in facilitating licensing in CT. Bill has never stoped being involved. He remains active in chapter activities as well as currently holds the position of Vice President at the National level. Bill Greenberg sets the standard for distinguished service in the CT Chapter.

DEBY VAN OHLEN

Deby Van Ohlen, as chair of the Community Services Massage Team committee has dedicated her energy toward taking ‘Great Idea’ and turning it into a successful reality. Deby’s significant contributions to this success include public relations, event planning and coordination and participation as well as the development and delivery of training to the Community Services Team Leaders and members. It is with great pleasure that we presented this year's Outstanding Committee Member Award to Deby Van Ohlen.

THE LEGISLATIVE MASSAGE AWARENESS WEEK TEAM

(Kerri Sipala, Pat Schimchick, Dan Deloge, Karen Jensen, Matt DiMichele, Carol Radzunas and David Pipeling)

This year the Outstanding Committee Award was presented to the National Massage Therapy Awareness Week Committee. Though we have a number of committees making very significant contribution, this committee stood out not only for their achievements but due to the fact that the committee with the exception of the committee chair, was comprised of members whose average time in practice was about 9 months! These dedicated committee members stepped up, organized and coordinated the events and brought massage to 7 Universities and colleges throughout the state during National Massage Therapy Awareness week. It was our pleasure to present the Outstanding Committee Award to David Pipeling, Karen Jensen, Matt DeMichele, Pat Shimchick, Kerri Sipala, Dan DeLoge, Carol Radzunas.

 

LEE STANG

This year, we recognize an individual whose dedicated service to the AMTA, the CT Chapter and the community at large is nothing short of remarkable. Whether in the role as CT Chapter President, leading the CT Chapter Delegation, Sports Team Member, or small acts on behalf of an individual, Lee clearly demonstrates her genuine interest and unrelenting commitment to Community Service. Lee has been an active participant in every committee’s events and her enthusiasm and dedication has inspired others toward community service involvement. It is with pleasure and gratitude that we present this Community Service Award to Lee Stang.

SCOTT RAYMOND

This year's President's Award was presented to Scott Raymond from outgoing president Lee Stang. Given to a person of the president's choosing Lee announced that Scott more than deserved this award this year for his support and increased involvement with everyday happenings of our chapter. Scott was always there whenever Lee needed assistance on a project or needed someone to pick up the ball and run with it. This type of support is key for a chapter president. Congratulations Scott on an award well deserved!

BRIDGET HEALY

The Friend of the CT Chapter Award is a new award which has been created to recognize friends or family of CT Chapter members for their significant contributions to our chapter. It expresses our appreciation to folks that often work behind the scenes, putting in a great deal of time and effort, individuals who typically get a thank you but not much recognition. It was our pleasure to award this first ‘Friend of the CT Chapter Award’ to Bridget Healy, who over the last four years she has helped with the sports team, community service team and MERT. She’s put together PowerPoint presentations, collated materials, reworded flyers, picked up supplies, etc.etc.etc.!

 

LISA TORRE

Another first time ever CT Chapter Award, the ‘Law and Order Award’ was presented to Lisa Torre in recognition of her dedication to enforcing the laws protecting the legitimacy of the massage therapy profession. Lisa has almost single handedly shut down two illegal chair massage businesses. She has over the past number of months dealt with police, health department personnel –state, regional and local, CCMT and AMTA. She has been challenging nail salons and spas in her area to make sure they are operating under the current regulations and she fires up others with her passion for the subject. It is for this reason that we are presenting her with our first ever Law and Order

 

 

KAREN, LINDA, DEANNA

Congrats to our 20 year members!

Certificates of Appreciation

Any number of these certificates can be awarded for outstanding service to the chapter in various situations or programs.

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JOANN PARADY

for her continued excellent work as Chapter Treasurer and Secretary. She is now "just" the Chapter's Treasurer, as new AMTA rules have split the previous dual role into separate roles Treasurer and Secretary. Jennifer DiDomizio is our new Chapter Secretary!

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CHALEEN BLOETHE-ABELY &

JOANNE MIELE

For all the work they do to develop, oversee and maintain the excellent Education Program of the CT Chapter.

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MARILYN HOLT & BERYL WRIGHT

for their hard work at website maintenance and the newsletter.

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MAUREEN STOTT

For her hard work and dedication to the Ambassador Program

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LAURA STEVENSON-FLOM

for her diligence and enthusiasm as the Sports Director, bringing our team to national prominence!

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PETER PROTO

for his leadership and dedication as Membership Director.

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JUDI OHRT

for her enthusiasm and hard work as 3rd Vice President in coordinating and disseminating these awards to so many in this Chapter!