Preparing the Next Generation of Leaders
As I think about our AMTA Pennsylvania community, I’m continually grateful for the members and volunteers who bring their time, talents, and ideas to our chapter. One responsibility we have as chapter leaders is to think beyond today's work and consider who will carry that work forward tomorrow. Succession planning isn't simply about filling an open position. It's about creating opportunities for people to learn, grow, discover their strengths, and become prepared to lead when the opportunity arises.
That is something I want us to continue building within the AMTA Pennsylvania Chapter.
Volunteering with AMTA PA gives members an opportunity to develop skills that reach far beyond a particular committee or event. Our volunteers learn to work as a team, organize events, communicate with members, manage projects, participate in advocacy, solve problems, and understand more about how our chapter and AMTA as a whole operate.
Sometimes volunteering also opens a door someone hadn't considered before.
AMTA offers opportunities to serve beyond the chapter level, including national volunteer roles and ultimately service on the National Board of Directors. In fact, previous chapter leadership is one of the pathways that can help a member become eligible for consideration for AMTA's National Board.
One of our goals in Pennsylvania is to help volunteers interested in serving nationally gain the experience, skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to pursue those opportunities. We want our chapter to be a place where future leaders can begin, where experienced volunteers mentor those coming behind them, and where someone who raises their hand to help today may discover an entirely new way to serve our profession tomorrow.
Succession planning also means recognizing that healthy organizations continually make room for new ideas and new voices. Leadership should not belong to a handful of people. Part of serving well is preparing someone else to step forward.
If you've thought about becoming more involved with AMTA but aren't sure where you fit, I encourage you to reach out. You don't have to begin with aspirations of becoming a chapter president, serving on a national committee, or joining the National Board. You simply have to be willing to take that first step. We would be happy to help you find a place to begin.
Thank you for being part of our chapter and for the many ways you serve our profession. Together, we continue to build a stronger AMTA Pennsylvania Chapter because when we serve together, we grow together.
With appreciation,
Tanya Seiler, LMT
President, AMTA PA Chapter
A Pleasant Surprise About Volunteering
When you are self employed, it's hard to avoid obsessively checking your earnings reports.
Lately, though, I’ve noticed something unexpected, but I'll get to that in a bit.
My choice to volunteer with our chapter came from a litany of circumstances. Along with the desire to challenge myself professionally, I wanted to immerse myself in a community of massage therapists and connect with peers who understand the unique challenges and rewards of this profession. I'd avoided volunteering in the past, worrying that focusing on an unpaid position would detract from my earning potential—a challenge for so many in this business.
What I didn’t anticipate, and what I'm surprised to now know, is how much that community would benefit my business, too. Volunteering has pushed me outside of my normal routine, introduced me to new people, and given me opportunities to share what I do with people I might never have crossed paths with otherwise. It’s been a wonderful reminder that professional networking doesn’t have to feel like networking. Sometimes, it’s simply about showing up, contributing, and building genuine relationships.
That sense of community was especially evident at this year’s National Convention in Denver. I was excited to recognize familiar faces and hug familiar bodyworkers, while also meeting new people and beginning relationships that I hope will continue well beyond the convention. I’m already looking forward to seeing many of them again in Savannah in 2027 and Chicago in 2028!
I also came home from Denver with plenty of ideas, both for my personal business and for the AMTA community. Seeing what other chapters are doing gave me a lot to think about, and I have some really exciting things in the works to increase awareness of AMTA-PA and help more Pennsylvania massage therapists see the value of being part of our professional community.
One thing I’ve learned through volunteering is that what we put into our professional community often comes back to us in ways we don’t expect. Sometimes it’s a new connection or a new idea. Sometimes it’s a professional opportunity. And sometimes, surprisingly, it shows up on your earnings report.
I’m excited to see what the coming year brings!
Breanna Eckley, LMT
Board Member
Happy Fall fellow AMTA PA Members! News from the 2026 National Convention in Denver as submitted by your Delegates Kelly and Marqueta:
Hello all from the Mile High City of Denver!!
Thank you for allowing me to represent this awesome PA Chapter.
Tuesday I participated in the Volunteer Leadership Conference (VLC) and heard a wonderful presentation on "Micro Triggers" Becoming aware of what can "set people off" or turn them away from volunteering. After lunch VLC held Office hours and I could ask questions at different stations relating to our Chapter. Lots of engaging conversations!!!
Wednesday was Assembly of Delegates (AOD) where we broke out into groups and discussed the 3 Discussion Topic Questions that were posed to AMTA Members.
1] How can massage therapists responsibly integrate artificial intelligence [AI] and emerging technology into practice while maintaining ethical standards and client-centered care?
2] Should Chapter Mandatory Deliverables as stated in Policy be revised to reflect what is important to members and what they value?
3] How can chapters more effectively utilize their Delegates throughout the year to strengthen communication between members, chapter leadership, and National, while also giving Delegates a more active role within the chapter?
We changed discussion groups for each question and I was able to hear many responses to each question. I realized how lucky I was to be a part of the PA chapter!! We are a bigger state with many volunteers and a bigger budget which really helps!
Once National gathers the discussion notes from the AOD I will provide the summary in the Balanced Body newsletter!!
I always say this, attending National Convention is a great experience and a great way to meet new life-long friends and mingle with Massage Therapists across our nation!! I have been attending for many years and it's like a family reunion every year!!!
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelly Givens, LMT
AMTA PA Chapter Delegate
AOD Meeting Highlights
Thank you all for the opportunity to represent you as a PA Delegate at the Assembly of Delegates (AOD) Meeting on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, in Denver, Colorado. It was an awesome experience, and I would like to take a few moments to give an overview of the day.
The Assembly of Delegates Meeting began with a Delegate Meet and Greet, which gave us the opportunity to check in, receive our badges, find our first seating assignment, grab a snack, and meet delegates from around the country. At 1:00 the meeting began with greetings and introductions of the coordinating team by Tami Schumacher, AODAC Moderator and Chair, and the Welcoming Address by Rick Greely, AMTA National President. Ten minutes later, there was the Call to Order, Roll Call (83 Delegates present), and the Rules of Assembly. Then we were ready to begin.
There were three topics for discussion, instead of two, since there was no agenda item to vote on. The Delegates were divided between 12 tables, with a table change after the second discussion topic. Before the discussions began, the topic was introduced by the individual or a representative of the group that submitted it. Then we were given 3 discussion questions and 30 minutes to discuss them, followed by 2 minutes per table to summarize results of the discussion.
Discussion Topic #1
How can massage therapists responsibly integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technology into practice while maintaining ethical standards and client-centered care?
Questions for Discussion
1. What ethical, professional, and scope-of-practice standards should guide AI use in massage therapy?
2. What role should AI play in the profession, and how can therapists preserve client-centered care?
3. Is there an action that you feel AMTA should consider taking regarding this proposal? If so, why?
The consensus was that AI was acceptable for administrative support, but there were major concerns about source material and fact-checking, HIPAA compliance, full disclosure to clients, and environmental effects. It was also suggested that AMTA should provide guidelines for use and offer a course in AI ethics.
Discussion Topic #2
Should Chapter Mandatory Deliverables as stated in Policy be revised to reflect what is important to members and what they value?
Questions for Discussion
1. Based on the loyalty survey data, how can chapter mandatory deliverables be better aligned with what members value and consider important? (In-person education events, local government relations activities, and in-person social events.)
2. What benefits and challenges should we consider before revising chapter mandatory deliverables?
3. Is there an action that you feel AMTA should consider taking regarding this proposal? If so, why?
Overall, the belief was that the mandatory deliverables should stay the same and that the challenges of keeping members informed, improving in-person event attendance, and chapter budgets needed to be addressed, with guidance and support from National.
Discussion Topic #3
How can chapters more effectively utilize their Delegates throughout the year to strengthen communication between members, chapter leadership, and National, while also giving Delegates a clearer and more active role within the chapter?
Questions for Discussion
1. How can chapters establish consistent, year-round structures that enable Delegates to gather and share meaningful, member-informed perspectives?
2. What shared expectations or best practices should AMTA develop to ensure Delegates are effectively integrated into chapter operations beyond the annual AOD meeting?
3. Is there an action that you feel AMTA should consider taking regarding this proposal? If so, why?
There were a variety of ways that each table felt they could become more involved in the local chapter, but no one seemed to know what the Delegate job entailed, and neither did their state boards. Every table stressed a need for Delegate training, not just the handbook, preferably in-person.
Take Aways
As a first-time Delegate, I was amazed at how well the discussion went and how similar our needs and concerns are across the nation. I was pleased with how they placed us in our discussion groups; we came from different regions, different state demographics, and different chapter sizes. Everyone was pleasant, respectful, and ready to work together while representing their people back home. It was also nice that each table was assigned an observer to help us stay on track because once we started talking, the time flew by.
Respectfully Submitted,
Marqueta Aiken, M.A., B.S., L.M.T.
Event Chair, AMTA PA Chapter Delegate
Upcoming Educational Events
Mandated Reporter Training
Link to a free Mandated Reporting Class.
Join us on October 25, 2026
Educational Events in Both Sides of the Commonwealth!
Regional Meetup and Continuing Education in Erie, PA
Forearm Massage: Save Your Hands!
Presented by Buddy Hammonds, LMT
NCBTMB Approved Provider #1000905
8 Continuing Education Credits
ABOUT THE COURSE
Continue doing great work without overtaxing the delicate joints of your hands.
In this hands-on workshop, massage therapists will learn how to deliver a full-body massage using the forearms as the primary tool. The course is designed to support career longevity by teaching practical, sustainable techniques that reduce strain on the hands while still providing effective, high-quality bodywork.
The workshop will cover:
Proper body mechanics when working with the forearms.
Forearm techniques for providing a head-to-toe massage.
Ways to reduce stress on the hands and delicate joints.
Strategies for building a more resilient and sustainable massage practice.
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Buddy Hammonds brings a unique and diverse background to the classroom. Before beginning his career in massage therapy, he toured nationally as a professional singer, dancer, and aerialist—experiences that gave him a deep understanding of movement, discipline, adaptability, and the physical demands placed on the body.
His massage therapy career led him into spa management in New York City, where he developed experience in business operations and leading multidisciplinary teams. Today, Buddy works in global wellbeing and mental health at Google and is also a certified professional coach and RYT-500 certified yoga teacher.
Throughout every stage of his career, teaching, coaching, and empowering others have remained at the heart of Buddy’s work. He combines practical expertise with an engaging, supportive teaching style that helps students build both skill and confidence.
We’re thrilled to bring Buddy to Erie and give local and regional massage therapists the opportunity to learn from such a talented and well-rounded educator.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ATTENDEES
Registration begins at 8:00 a.m.
Class begins promptly at 8:30 a.m. and concludes at 5:30 p.m.
A one-hour lunch break will be held from 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Lunch will NOT be provided.
Each attendee must bring their own massage table.
LOCATION
Arcadia Hall — Basement Level
Downtown Erie’s historic event venue
Regional Meetup and Continuing Education in Philadelphia, PA
The Ethics of Athletics (2 CEs)
Sports Massage Beyond the Technique: Pre and Post (6 CEs)
Presented by Christopher Deery, LMT, NCBTMB
Event Highlights:
Earn 8 CE Credits in Sports Massage in a serene natural setting dedicated to self-discovery and personal achievement.
Expert Instruction with Christopher Deery: Learn from an instructor who masterfully blends clinical reasoning, hands-on application, and engaging discussion.
Key Takeaways: Build your confidence, sharpen your assessment skills, and learn to deliver more thoughtful, effective care.
FEATURED INSTRUCTOR
Christopher Deery, LMT, BCTMB
With nearly 30 years in practice and a history of leadership in the massage profession, Christopher Deery brings a unique blend of clinical expertise, research literacy, and educational excellence to every class he teaches.
A graduate of the Massage Therapy Institute of Oklahoma and national educator, Christopher spent nearly 20 years providing massage therapy services through contracts with Oklahoma State University and the University of Tulsa, working as an integral member of the sports medicine team alongside certified athletic trainers and osteopathic physicians. His experience includes training room care, event coverage, team travel, and working with PGA professionals, WWE talent, and competitive athletes of all ages.
As co-founder of Anatriptic Alchemy with his wife, Xerlan, Christopher develops and teaches innovative, evidence-informed continuing education in sports massage, pain science, and advanced manual therapy. His classes blend clinical reasoning, hands-on application, and engaging discussion, helping therapists build confidence, sharpen assessment skills, and deliver more thoughtful, effective care.
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Class Descriptions:
Sports Massage Beyond the Technique: Pre and Post
Most athletes do not need to be “fixed.”
They need someone who understands what 18 miles of pavement, dehydration, cumulative fatigue, nervous system overload, and relentless repetitive movement actually do to the human body.
This class moves beyond the old-school “sports massage checklist” model and into something far more useful: understanding the athlete in front of you.
Using the philosophy and framework from Sports Massage: Beyond the Technique, this course teaches massage therapists how to approach pre and post-event care through the endurance paradigm, especially for runners ranging from weekend 5K participants to marathon athletes.
You’ll learn:
Why aggressive work before an event can sabotage performance
Why post-event soreness is often neurological and metabolic, not just muscular
How hydration, stress, sleep, heat, pacing, and psychology alter tissue presentation
What the endurance athlete’s nervous system is actually asking for
How to adapt pressure, pacing, positioning, and intent based on timing and fatigue
And yes, there will be hands-on work. Lots of it.
No magic strokes. No “sports massage secrets.” Just smarter reasoning, better observation, and practical approaches that make sense in the real world.
The Ethics of Athletics
This class will examine the specific ethical issues surrounding the dynamic world of sports medicine, from dealing with athletic personalities regarding injury and codependency, understanding hierarchy in the training room, teamwork among the sports medicine team to considerations including NCCA compliance and appropriate referrals. This is a great course for Massage Therapists who currently practice sports massage, or want to investigate the panorama of massage in the athletic realm. Lecture and discussion.
Event Highlights:
Earn 8 CE Credits in Sports Massage in a serene natural setting dedicated to self-discovery and personal achievement.
Expert Instruction with Christopher Deery: Learn from an instructor who masterfully blends clinical reasoning, hands-on application, and engaging discussion.
Key Takeaways: Build your confidence, sharpen your assessment skills, and learn to deliver more thoughtful, effective care.
AGENDA
Sunday, October 25,2026
8:00am-8:30am
Registration
8:30am-10:30am
The Ethics of Athletics (2 CEs)
12:30pm-1:30pm
Lunch will be provided.
(A variety of sandwiches, cold salads like potato and macaroni, assorted cookies, and beverages.)
10:30am-5:30pm
Sports Massage Beyond the Technique: Pre and Post (6CEs)
WHAT TO BRING.
Participants work 3 to a table, that way each person has a chance to watch and reflect.
Each person should bring
a massage table*
a large towel
their medium of choice
an open mind
questions
Face cradle covers will be provided for the class.
We encourage a willingness to mingle so no static groups... (cliques) We like to create a safe space for all participants.
* 1 in 3 attendees will need to bring a massage table,
LOCATION
The Discovery Center
Please note that The Discovery Center has a parking area with 40 spaces on site and ample parking on the surrounding street. For those individuals bringing massage tables or who have difficulty walking, a Discovery Center employee will be available for transport from the parking lot to The Great Room where classes will be held.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations received at least 30 days prior to the class: Full refund. Due to the costs of rentals, supplies, and speaker fees, if cancellations are received within 2 weeks prior to the class, there will be no refund - between 30 days and two weeks, there will be a 50% refund. Cancellations must be either written or via email. The Board reserves the right to amend or waive this policy in documented emergency situations.
QUESTIONS
Email:Pennsylvania@amtamassage.org
Phone: (570) 507-5720
