2009 Annual Convention

CONVENTION SNEAK PREVIEW!
Our 2009 Chapter Convention will be held April 2-5, 2009 in Syracuse!

Conference Registration will open right before Christmas...so stay tuned for additional updates!

Here's a rundown of the 17+ hours of professional continuing education being offered at the convention...

Advanced Myofascial Release
with Dale Perry

Dale Perry has taught massage for the past 14 years including Swedish, medical lymphatic, sports, and myofascial release and presents workshops worldwide on lymphatic facilitation for sports, injury rehabilitation, wellness, and breast health.

An Introduction to Foot Reflexology
with Wendy Coad

Foot Reflexology is a powerful, easy and convenient form of bodywork where the focus is the whole body but the techniques are concentrated on the feet alone. In this comprehensive workshop, you'll learn about the reflexology map of the body, the techniques that are used as well as how and when to apply them. There will be lots of hands-on demonstration and practice.

 

Wendy Coad, MFA, LMT, RPP, NCTMB, ARCB has been an educator for 28 years. A former Director of the American Reflexology Certification Board, she is renowned as a reflexology instructor.  For more information, visit her website at www.reflexologyprof.com. 

Business Ethics  - Shades of Grey
with Jenn Sommermann   

This course is designed to introduce participants to the concepts and values that are key to understanding the role of ethics in business.  Given the personal nature of this field, it is imperative to understand boundaries and operate within a code of ethics.   A decision making model will be outlined and attendees will participate in a collaborative learning event.  This course meets the NCBTMB's mandatory requirement for two hours of ethics in the specific category of roles and boundaries (Standard V).
 

Jenn Sommermann, B.S., L.M.T. is a sole practitioner in New York and a former owner of a successful group practice in Boston. Jenn is both teacher and chair of business department at Swedish Institute in Manhattan. In addition, Jenn consults allied healthcare providers in all aspects of business and offers continuing education in Practice Management around the country. Visit www.jennsommermann.com for more information.

 

 

How Marketing Can Help Your Business Thrive (Marketing I)
with Cary Bayer

This workshop is vital if you want to have a business in these challenging times.  It teaches the importance of having your massage business well positioned, how to develop niche markets, and publicize your work. It also holds the hand of technophobes, for whom the thought of the Worldwide Web brings such anxiety.  They'll discover that the computer and the Internet can be their friends, and learn to use them to make growing their businesses much easier.  The workshop also offers a relaxed guide to developing newsletters and websites. 

Cary Bayer (www.carybayer.com) was keynote speaker at 2006's AMTA national convention.  He's a Life Coach (140 LMT clients), CE provider, and writer (Massage Today, 14 AMTA newsletters; and eight publications for LMTs).

 

 

Geriatric Massage
with Day Break

This 2 1/2 day weekend workshop is the basis of our training program in Geriatric Massage. It offers 17 CE hours for massage therapists and qualifies for the Level 1 Certificate in Geriatric Massage. By helping participants to gain insight into meaningful work with the elderly, the therapist who likes to work with seniors is put on the path to a massage career that is emotionally satisfying without being physically draining.

 

 

Thailand Traditional Massage
with Yaron Gal Carmel 

This workshop will give you a taste of the theory and practice of Thailand Traditional Massage.  Over 2,500 years old, Thailand Massage is done on a padded floor while both practitioner and receiver are fully clothed comfortably to allow the application of deep Yoga-like stretches to the whole body.  Treat ailments using hands, elbows, feet, knees and legs.  This workshop will be informative, experiential and filled with demos, practice, energizing and limbering exercises and lots of fun. 
 

Yaron has trained in several massage therapies in Israel, Europe and the United States since the mid 1980's and became licensed in Massachusetts in 1991.  In 1995 he was certified in Thailand Traditional Massage at the Thai Massage International Center.  Further certification includes Structural Integration in 1999, often assisting such certification courses with Tom Myers.  Yaron has served on faculty at Muscular Therapy Institute in Boston and continues to offer courses around the

 

 

Introduction to Research
with Melissa Miller                                        

In this interactive workshop participants will learn about different kinds of research, how to make sense of data and explain it to your clients, and why research is important to our profession.  And…believe it or not, we will have fun.
 

Melissa Miller is a chiropractor and licensed massage therapist. She is an instructor of biology and therapeutic massage at Finger Lakes Community College in Upstate NY.  Melissa is the Director of Research in the therapeutic massage program.

 

 

Build a $100K Massage Business in 1 hr/day (Marketing II)
with Cary Bayer

This workshop teaches the inner and outer fundamentals that are necessary to     develop a six-figure massage business.  It teaches how to use the one-hour time   segment--which you devote to clients, and which you'll learn how to devote to your business, too--to cultivate success consciousness and enthusiasm in your thoughts, speech, and actions, thereby attracting clients to you.  With that inner foundation, you'll be shown how to share yourself and your work in the world through a variety  of proven pricing, marketing, and networking programs to gain new clients, and   enlivening referrals from clients and health care professionals.  Lastly, you'll learn   the art of attracting passive income, as well.

 

 

Role and Treatment of the Iliopsoas in Back Pain
with George Russell

The iliopsoas is an important muscle in lower body function -- as well as dysfunction.  It is the main hip flexor, but also plays a major role in lower back and pelvic alignment (and pain!!).  Because it’s deep, and passes from back to front, it can be tricky to find and treat.  This course will include: anatomy and assessment of the iliacus and psoas; common dysfunctions of the iliopsoas; balance of the psoas and abdominals and how it goes wrong in exercise; manual release techniques; strengthening the psoas; assisted stretching; and simple self-stretches to know and teach your clients.

 

Dr. George Russell is a bodyworker, chiropractor, and movement specialist. He is a former professional dancer, and a long-time student of Yoga and the Pilates and Alexander techniques. Energy medicine, guided imagery, the 12 steps, and psychotherapy all inform his approach to care. Russell holds a doctorate from the University of Bridgeport and has taught at many schools and universities.

 

The Power of Breath - Recognition, Rehabilitation and Manual Treatment of Breath Pattern Disorders
with Patricia Bowden-Luccardi

This workshop is a unique and experiential in-depth study of the physical and metaphysical anatomy of the breath based on Ayuvedic, Yogic and Western Sciences. You will have an understanding of the widespread influences of incorrect breath patterns on the physical and emotional health and the musculoskeletal system. You will have the ability to recognize signs and symptoms and offer breathing exercises, neuromuscular soft tissue methods and yogic stretching. We conclude with experiential breath techniques. Clients will value your ability to address their upper body tension and the benefits they receive from effective breathing.

 

Patricia is a licensed, nationally certified massage therapist, certified NMT therapist and Kundalini Yoga instructor at Canyon Ranch Health SPA in Lenox, MA specializing in breath education. She has taught breath therapy for ten years.

  

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

with Lou Lombardo

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition that was first observed jn the early 20th Century. It has recently come to the forefront due in part to the body mechanics involved in computer use.  Although commonly diagnosed at the wrist, CTS can be traced to other areas. This seminar examines all of the causes and symptoms of CTS.  A protocol to facilitate relief from symptoms will also be presented, as well as client home care to prevent the reoccurrence.

 

Lou Lombardo is a Licensed Massage Therapist in New York State and nationally certified.  He is also certified in Orthopedic Massage through the program offered by James Waslaski. Lou has taught at the high school and collegiate levels. Retired after 33 years in education, Lou is co-owner of the Barber Hill Health & Wellness Center in Geneseo, NY and has been practicing Massage Therapy for over six years.

 

Postural Analysis for the Bodyworker 
with George Russell
This workshop will focus on the basic premises or postural analysis, observation, treatment and coaching.  The major muscles that affect and are affected by posture will be examined.  The class will culminate by observing class members’ posture – learning how observation can improve our table work and how massage can help clients improve their posture.

So you can budget for the Convention... Early Registration Rate/AMTA Member (by February 28, 2009) - $350 Regular Registration Rate/AMTA Member (after February 28, 2009) - $400 Non-Member Rate - $400 Student Rate - $250 Class Only (each 4 hour CEH class) - $85

Stay tuned for additional updates in the weeks ahead...