Sponsored By
Connecticut Conference
This page contains everything you need to know before registering for the conference. You can receive up to 20 CEs in one weekend.
April 4 – April 6, 2024
at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Bristol, CT
Room block is active through 3/1/24. Use code AMT to book your room.
Call the DoubleTree to book your hotel room separately at 860-589-7766.
Registration & Fees
Classes are $17/CE. Registration does not include hotel and meals. Lunches are $15 pp. No guests are permitted.
Questions
Email Yvette at ConferenceAMTACT@gmail.com
Quick Links
Schedule
Classes
Presenters
Sponsors
Exhibit Hall
Social Events
Refund Policy
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
Thursday 4/4/2024
5:00pm – 9:00pm, 4 CEs each
Kim Corpus: Mental Health and Massage (lecture)
Pete Whitridge: Therapeutic Strategies for Surgeries, Scars and Burns (hands-on)
Scott Raymond: The Art & Science of Gua Sha (hands-on)
Rick Haesche: Ethics from an Eastern Perspective (lecture)
Friday 4/5/2024
8:00am – 12:00 Noon, 4 CEs each
Kim Corpus: Modern Prenatal Massage for Today’s Pregnancy, Part 1 of 2 (hands-on)
Pete Whitridge: Intro to Myofascial Techniques, Part 1 of 2 (hands-on)
Scott Raymond: Getting Comfortable Working with TMJ Dysfunction, Part 1 of 2 (hands-on)
Cupping Canada: Cupping for Lymphatics, Part 1 of 4 (hands-on)
Lunch Break, 12:00 noon – 2:00pm
2:00pm – 6:00pm, 4 CEs each
Kim Corpus: Modern Prenatal Massage for Today’s Pregnancy, Part 2 of 2 (hands-on)
Pete Whitridge: Intro to Myofascial Techniques, Part 2 of 2 (hands-on)
Scott Raymond: Getting Comfortable Working with TMJ Dysfunction, Part 2 of 2 (hands-on)
Cupping Canada: Cupping for Lymphatics, Part 2 of 4 (hands-on)
Saturday 4/6/2024
8:00am – 12:00 Noon, 4 CEs each
Kim Corpus: Covid: Understanding The Infection, Long Covid, and the Massage Therapy Adaptations (lecture)
Pete Whitridge: Myofascial Techniques for Neck, Shoulder and Hands, Part 1 of 2 (hands-on)
Cupping Canada: Cupping for Lymphatics, Part 3 of 4 (hands-on)
Lunch Break and AMTA-CT Annual Meeting
2:00pm – 6:00pm, 4 CEs each
Rick Haesche: Ethics from an Eastern Perspective (lecture)
Pete Whitridge: Myofascial Techniques for Neck, Shoulder and Hands, Part 2 of 2 (hands-on)
Cupping Canada: Cupping for Lymphatics, Part 4 of 4 (hands-on)
Class Descriptions by Educator
Scott Raymond – StrongHouse Continuing Education
Approved NCBTMB and NY State Provider
The Art and Science of Gua Sha
Course Date: 04/4/24, 5:00pm-9:00pm
CEs: 4
Course Description: During this 4-hour course you will learn: the history of Gua Sha, how to approach a client about receiving Gua Sha, post session care for the client, the indications and contraindications of Gua Sha, how to care for your tools, how to integrate this bodywork modality into a massage session, while staying within our scope of practice. Focus on applying Gua Sha to back, hips, neck, arms, and legs addressing the soft tissues including the fascia and musculoskeletal system. A gentle version can also be used a facial technique too.
Required materials: Table, face cradle, bolster, lubricant, and linens. In addition, bring class handouts, which will be distributed by email two weeks prior to the conference. Do not unsubscribe from emails from Cvent as you will not receive your handouts.
Getting Comfortable Working with TMJ Dysfunction
Course Date: Part 1—04/5/24, 8:00am-12:00pm, Part 2—2:00pm-6:00pm. Both parts required.
CEs: 8
Course Description: This 8-hour course will: Review temporomandibular, oral, and cervical spine anatomy. Create a deeper understanding of the biomechanics of the TMJ. Understand the indications and contraindications of working with the TMJ. Learn to effectively integrate new hands-on modalities for TMD into their practice. Learn to approach intraoral massage with clients following guidelines set by the state where the class is being taught. Learn to advise clients how to improve the function of the TMJ, and refer out to when no longer within our scope of practice.
Required materials: Table, face cradle, bolster, lubricant, and linens. In addition, bring class handouts, which will be distributed by email two weeks prior to the conference. Do not unsubscribe from emails from Cvent as you will not receive your handouts.
Paul Kohlmeier – Cupping Canada
Approved NCBTMB and NY State Provider
Cupping for Lymphatics
Course Date: 04/05/24-04/06/24; Part 1-04/05/24 8:00am-12:00pm, Part 2-2:00-6:00pm, Part 3 04/06/24 8:00am-12:00pm, Part 4-2:00-6:00pm All 4 parts are required.
CEs: 16
Course Description: The course will cover the fundamental principles of lymphatic system physiology and pathophysiology, providing an in-depth understanding of how it functions. We will then explore the interaction between cupping and the body, and how we can utilize this interaction to influence the lymphatic system.
Required materials: Table, face cradle, bolster, lubricant, and linens. In addition, bring class handouts, which will be distributed by email two weeks prior to the conference. Do not unsubscribe from emails from Cvent as you will not receive your handouts.
Kim Corpus
Approved NCBTMB and NY State Provider
Mental Health & Massage
Course Date: 04/04/24, 5:00pm-9:00pm
CEs: 4
Course Description: Participants will gain an understanding of the terms and classification used in mental health. Gain the basic concepts on how to approach massage when working within many aspects and diagnosis. Learn how massage can benefit the individual and support families or caregivers of those living with a diagnosis. We will discuss anxiety, depression, bipolar, PTSD, sleep disorders, perinatal mood disorders, and addictive behaviors. Scope of practice and boundaries, when to refer out when working with this population will be discussed.
Required materials: Writing and note materials. In addition, bring class handouts, which will be distributed by email two weeks prior to the conference. Do not unsubscribe from emails from Cvent as you will not receive your handouts.
Modern Prenatal Massage for Today’s Pregnancy
Course Date: 04/05/24, Part 1 8:00am-12::00pm, Part 2-2:00-6:00pm. Both Parts are required
CEs: 8
Course Description: Exploring the anatomy and physiology of pregnancy. We will explore safe draping protocols, proper positioning, keeping optimal body mechanics in side-lying, semi reclined, and supine. The importance of using correct or inclusive language and understand the current guidelines with massage in all trimesters of pregnancy. Explore common issues that occur during pregnancy. Discuss perinatal mood disorders, how massage can have an impact on clients struggling with them, their partners, and families. Look at research on benefits of pregnancy massage.
Required materials: Table, face cradle, bolster, lubricant, and linens. In addition, bring class handouts, which will be distributed by email two weeks prior to the conference. Do not unsubscribe from emails from Cvent as you will not receive your handouts.
Covid: Understanding The Infection, Long Covid, And The Massage Therapy Adaptations
Course Date: 04/06/24, 8:00am-12:00pm
CEs: 4
Course Description: This class is designed to help massage therapists gain the understanding of the cumulative effect of having covid, the effect on multi organ systems in the body, and the long-term effects of living with long covid/PASC. The U.S. Government Accountability Office in May of 2022 released that up to 23 million Americans are suffering from long covid. With these alarming numbers considerations need to be taken with the complexity of the diagnosis to understand how massage is beneficial for those living with longhaulers. Post Covid Care Centers have been created throughout the US, they are recommending integrative, functional, and allopathic medicine, along with massage to help longhaulers manage their symptoms.
Required materials: Writing and note materials. In addition, bring class handouts, which will be distributed by email two weeks prior to the conference. Do not unsubscribe from emails from Cvent as you will not receive your handouts.
Pete Whitridge
Approved NCBTMB and NY State Provider
Therapeutic Strategies For Surgeries, Scars And Burns (Mini-Session)
Course Date: 04/04/24, 5:00pm-9:00pm
CEs: 4
Course Description: Deepen your therapy skills by examining how manual therapies can positively affect scars from surgeries, trauma or burns and become an important adjunct for home care and tissue healing for your clients. The use of gentle manipulations, guided active movements, and hydrotherapies can help clients develop skills to adapt and cope with scarred and traumatized tissues. This class is designed to help you expand your knowledge about the effects of touch on the human body and explore the physical/emotional aspects of this very personal client issue.
Required materials: Table, face cradle, bolster, lubricant, and linens. In addition, bring class handouts, which will be distributed by email two weeks prior to the conference. Do not unsubscribe from emails from Cvent as you will not receive your handouts.
Introduction To Myofascial Techniques
Course Date: 04/05/24, Part 1-8:00pm-12:00pm, Part 2-2-6:00pm. Both parts are required.
CEs: 8
Course Description: The superficial tissues play an important role in our bodywork sessions. This is protocol can be used as a starting point for any massage session. Gentle pushing and pulling of the tissues can help identify restrictions and patterns of movement in the body. During this fast-paced class, we will assess the movement/restrictions of the posterior thorax, lumbar spine, and hamstrings. We will practice active and passive assessments, lengthening and broadening of the connective tissues, cross fiber frictions, and hydrotherapies.
Required materials: Table, face cradle, bolster, lubricant, and linens. In addition, bring class handouts, which will be distributed by email two weeks prior to the conference. Do not unsubscribe from emails from Cvent as you will not receive your handouts.
Myofascial Techniques for Neck, Shoulder and Hand Pain
Course Date: 04/06/24, Part 1-8:00pm-12:00pm, Part 2-2-6:00pm. Both parts are required.
CEs: 8
Course Description: This workshop explores the Responsibility Center, focusing on the scapulae, shoulder girdle, brachial plexus, cervical ligaments and mandible. We will incorporate the use of lateral positioning to access the levator scapulae, subscapularis, and the clavicular attachments. There will be an opportunity to work with the TMJ. We will highlight posture, headaches and chronic neck pain.
Required materials: Table, face cradle, bolster, lubricant, and linens. In addition, bring class handouts, which will be distributed by email two weeks prior to the conference. Do not unsubscribe from emails from Cvent as you will not receive your handouts.
Rick Haesche
Approved NCBTMB Provider
Ethics from an Eastern Perspective
Course Date: 04/04/24, 5:00pm-9:00pm, register for only one
And 04/06/24 2:00pm-6:00pm, register for only one
CEs: 4 each class
Course Description: Our regulatory bodies and industry associations have set the bar for us. The AMTA Code of Ethics, NCBTMB Standards of Practice, State Regulations and Local Ordinances are guardrails for our professional behavior and ethical business practices, but sometimes real-life situations can be murky and unclear. In this class we’ll look at our Standards, Boundaries, and our own internal landscape. We’ll discuss strategies and unique perspectives that may help in navigating the challenges you face with your clients.
Required materials: Writing and note materials. In addition, bring class handouts, which will be distributed by email two weeks prior to the conference. Do not unsubscribe from emails from Cvent as you will not receive your handouts.
PRESENTERS
Scott Raymond
Scott began his massage therapy practice in 1998 when he graduated from the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy (CCMT) in Newington, CT. His massage practice is an eclectic blend of eastern, western, and orthopedic methods of bodywork, and it is his belief that the human body is a beautiful instrument that should be finely tuned for optimum performance.
He has served as an active volunteer with the American Massage Therapy Association at the chapter and national level. It was the benefit of community service that connected him to colleagues, fueled his desire for knowledge, built his confidence, and deepened his practice.
During his first years of being a massage therapist he worked closely with massage education. He tutored entry level students at CCMT and motivated them to make learning fun and to continue being curious. Scott’s desire for teaching became stronger when he became an instructor at CCMT. After teaching Kinesiology for 11 years, he began teaching continuing education for CCMT, the AMTA CT Chapter, and The World Skin Project in which he is a founding member.
Scott became certified by the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork in 2018, became a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine in 2017 with a focus on corrective exercise.
Shortly after Scott founded StrongHouse Continuing Education in 2017, he was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis, and his focus shifted from a full-time massage practice to continuing education. StrongHouse Continuing Education is founded on the belief that a strong educational foundation develops a deep and vibrant massage practice.
Paul Kohlmeier
Paul is a Registered Massage Therapist and Registered Acupuncturist, Paul Kohlmeier is an experienced and skilled massage therapist who is also trained as a Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbalist. Graduating with a Physical Education degree from the University of Manitoba, Paul went on to obtain his Diploma in Massage Therapy from Wellington College and Diplomas in both Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from the Hua Xia Acupuncture and Herb College of Canada. Paul has a wealth of information looking for ways to get out of his head…which has led him to teaching and lecturing over the last 15 years.
Paul is a self-proclaimed research geek having participated in the World Fascia Congress, IN-CAM and the Massage Therapy Foundation Research Conference and loves bringing everything he learns into the treatment room as well as the classroom.
Being trained in both Massage Therapy and Chinese Medicine, Paul has a unique ability to speak to the two different bodies of knowledge. He takes a decidedly different approach, working towards an explanatory narrative that represents current thinking and science, as well as adding a feedback-based model of explanation that includes a patient-directed approach.
Pete Whitridge
Pete Whitridge has been a licensed massage therapist since 1988. He teaches his Myofascial Components of Pain workshops, the Florida required classes, business building classes, and research literacy classes throughout the country. Pete completed a four-year term on the Florida Board of Massage Therapy, serving two years as Chairman. Pete has been a faculty member at massage schools around the country including; Gainesville, FL, Melbourne, FL, Costa Rica, Des Moines, IA, and Asheville, NC. He is a frequent speaker for AMTA and FSMTA chapter meetings, as well as, AMTA, FSMTA, and FCA national conventions. Pete has received multiple awards for his service to the profession (2004 and 2016).
Pete is a founder and past president of the Alliance For Massage Therapy Education (AFMTE). He has dedicated his career to helping establish high standards in massage therapy education. He currently serves on the Probable Cause Committee (PCP) for the Florida Board of Massage Therapy and is an Accrediation Team Leader for COMTA, the Commission on Massage Therapy Accrediation.
He lives in Fort Pierce, FL with his wife (and editor) Lee.
Kimberly Corpus LMT, CBE, CPMS, Doula, PNL Doula
Kim Corpus is a LMT with almost 25 years of experience and has a private practice in Rochester, NY. She is an international educator teaching for companies like Elements Massage, Inc., and organizations like NY Massage Alliance, and the AMTA chapters in NY and GA. She is a published author on the topic of adapting massage. She consulted and collaborated with Elements Massage Inc., to create their pregnancy massage training, practices, and protocols. She has served on the BOD with The Society of Oncology Massage and has volunteered with AMTA NY in several positions. She creates protocols for exclusive spas, and helped create and implement the Integrative Massage Program at Crouse Hospital in Syracuse, NY. While at Crouse she worked with the prenatal, postpartum, and antepartum patients as well as helped integrate and utilize massage to support patients living with a mental health diagnosis. Kim currently travels and provides continuing education in the field of massage therapy by teaching MT’s how to safely adapt massage for special populations like pregnancy, infants, pediatrics, mental health, trauma, bariatrics, oncology, palliative, and post covid patients living with PASC/Long Covid. In 2021, she contracted Covid and is now living with PASC/Long Covid going through this painful life changing journey, she discovered the need in the field of MT to understand the infection and beyond. She currently is lecturing and teaching on how to safely approach and adapt massage for those living with the different long term multi-systemic effects of the covid infection.
Kimberly Corpus LMT, CBE, CPMS, Doula, PNL Doula
Specializing and Educating in the areas of Special Populations, Pregnancy, Infant, & Pediatric Massage
Approved Provider with NCBTMB
Rick Haesche
Rick was first introduced to Thai Massage while at the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy. After his graduation in 1994 he began attending Thai Massage workshops in the US. In 1997 he traveled to Thailand to immerse himself in the culture and the art of Thai Massage, and started teaching introductory workshops a few years later. Rick held Faculty and Administration positions throughout his tenure at CCMT (1993-2005), and is the former Owner/Director of The Bodymind Center for Thai Massage in Newington CT (2008 – 2022). In 2023 he became Wellness Counselor, and offers instruction, coaching and mentoring. Rick lives in rural Connecticut with his wife Tina – also an LMT, their two daughters, along with pets, plants, and poultry.
REFUND POLICY
A refund of 50% of registration fees is given if we receive an email (ConferenceAmtaCT@gmail.com) by February 28, 2024.
Any person cancelling before the start of the conference because of COVID or illness will receive a 100% refund.
Any person leaving the conference due to illness will receive a prorated refund.
All other requests will be reviewed by the CT Board of Directors (BOD) at the next CT BOD meeting, which occurs in June.
SPONSORS
At its core, the Massage Envy network is a community of skilled wellness professionals like you that share one purpose: helping people feel their best. Whether you’re a recent grad or an experienced professional, a Massage Envy franchised location is the place where better careers begin. So many reasons to join the team:
- Safe, therapeutic and healing environment
- Flexible hours
- Great earning potential
- Devoted clientele
- Supportive environment
- Employee wellness and self-care programs
- FREE ongoing training and CEUs
- FREE AMTA Membership
Based at the StrongHouse Studio in Southington, Connecticut, StrongHouse Continuing Education (SHCE) provides dynamic in-person and live streaming continuing education for massage therapists across the country.
The team at StrongHouse is committed to supporting massage therapists by offering an interactive and thought provoking education experience. They believe continuing education and research are essential to evolve and expand our industry. They blend their experiences together to develop a curriculum that supports and enhances many styles of practice and celebrates the art of the individual therapist. This allows attendees to take what they need back to the table and their unique practice. The team learns something new with every class too!
We are stronger together.
Squeeze Massage, a massage therapist employer, is opening their newest location in Westport, CT in the summer of 2024! Squeeze massage therapists do more than just relieve stress and tension; they are an integral part of The Feel-Good Revolution, which values human touch as a step towards a kinder, more empathetic world.
At Squeeze, they see their therapists as the experts and allow you the freedom to make each massage your own, and they are determined to team up with the best professionals in the area. With competitive pay, a nurturing work environment, and benefits tailored to your needs, they want you to feel secure, valued, and empowered. To apply and check out what their team is saying, visit: www.squeezemassage.com/careers.
EXHIBIT HALL
Exhibit Hall Hours
Friday, 4/5/24, 12:00-2:00pm and 4:00pm-7:30pm
Saturday, 4/6/24, 12:00-2:00pm
There is no fee to view the exhibit hall. You MAY visit the exhibit hall without attending the conference. You DO have to register on site, so please go to the Registration desk to check in. Name badges are required on site.
Exhibitors
Cupping Canada
Massage Envy
StrongHouse Studio
Squeeze Massage
IMT Wellness
Linda MacConnell, Somatic Movement Educator
Purple Goddess Crystals
Barefoot Massage
Joy Gaffney, Soul Light Connection
SOCIAL EVENTS
Friday 4/5/24 & Saturday 4/6/24
Selfie Booth available in exhibit hall
Have some fun with chapter members taking selfies with provided props and backdrop
Friday, 4/5/24
6:00pm – 7:30pm – Reception with light food
6:15pm – Bingo
Saturday, 4/6/24
11:00am – 3:00pm – Jessica Zolciak -Photographer
Jessica returns again to our exhibit hall to provide a valuable service to any massage therapist needing a professional headshot. She will be available for appointments (first come, first served) on Saturday, April 6, from 11-3. Feedback from last year was that she made the process very enjoyable. Attendees pay $25 directly to Jessica on-site and will receive both a high resolution and low resolution digital image.
You MAY visit the exhibit hall without attending the conference. You DO have to register on site, so please go to the Registration desk to check in. Name badges are required on site.
Find her on Facebook (Jessica Zolciak Photography) or Instagram @jessicazolciakphotography)
1:00pm – 2:00pm – Chapter Annual Meeting