Presidents Message from the Annual Conference 2025 in Massanutten, VA
It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with students, graduates, seasoned professionals, and the many supporters who keep our field thriving. We showed up this year with a clear intention and a drive to create a truly positive impact.
I’m delighted to welcome Sheila Alexander, Matt Maggio, Emily Roels, and Demara Stamler to our Virginia Chapter Family of Instructors. Each of them brings their unique gifts to enrich the body of knowledge we’re so fortunate to have here in Virginia.
Our theme this year, Educate, Advocate, Communicate, perfectly captures what we set out to do—and what we’ll continue to carry forward.
And woven through it all is this year’s special motto:
From the Blue Ridge to the Bay. Your Voice. Your Growth. Your AMTA VA.
It reminds us that wherever you are across Virginia—whether nestled in the mountains, close to the coast, or anywhere in between—your voice matters, your professional growth is our shared mission, and together we are AMTA Virginia.
April Battle followed her heart to nurture our new professionals, while Brandi Bovell designed a continuing education class that empowers therapists to diversify their businesses. These are exactly the kinds of guiding actions we want to spotlight for our Virginia members.
All of this expands on AMTA’s mission:
To serve our members while advancing the art, science, and practice of massage therapy.
So when you head back to your practices, your schools, your businesses, or your communities, hold tight to the energy and insights from this gathering. Share them. Let them take root and grow. We truly thrive because of each other, and that’s what makes this community so powerful.
Every time I take part in these events, I walk away inspired. Inspired to learn from all of you, to stretch myself, and to grow—not just as a professional, but as a person.
A special thank you to Massage Envy, who sponsored our Mid-Atlantic Conference in 2022. Their support helps build bridges, welcoming Massage Envy therapists into our AMTA community. I’ve had the joy of volunteering with this chapter for 18 years, and I see again and again how these connections strengthen us all.
Looking ahead, I encourage you to find new ways to connect—whether with our chapter board or with fellow practitioners in your local area. Being part of this association opens doors to resources and opportunities you might not have explored yet.
A little history to ground us: AMTA chapters were created to serve members, fostering positive culture and experiences through networking, education, communication, and advocacy. On August 5, 1949, at the 4th National AMTA Conference in Arkansas, the Virginia Chapter officially received its charter.
Today, the board is energized by your interest and enthusiasm. We can’t wait to see you at future events—let’s keep growing together! 🌸