PRESIDENT

President@amta-ny.org
Capital District

If you can't find me, I'm probably outside talking to my chickens, admiring the moon, or convincing a crow that we're friends. I've always felt a deep connection to nature and consider myself an eclectic witch at heart—following the seasons, listening to the whispers of the woods, and finding a little magic in the everyday. Bright colors make me happy, and you'll never catch me wearing matching socks. Life is far too short for matching socks!

Believe it or not, I used to prefer blending into the background. These days, serving as President has nudged me into the forefront, and I've discovered it's not such a scary place after all. I like to think my parents' love of theater finally found its way into me. When I'm not working, you'll find me lifting heavy things for fun, baking sweet treats for my family, or happily collecting fresh eggs from my feathered ladies.

Before massage therapy, I spent many years as a stay-at-home mom and proud Navy submarine wife. In 2010, a lifelong friend told me I should become a massage therapist because I "had the personality for it." It sounded just crazy enough to try. Not long after, my husband retired from the military, our family traded Connecticut for New York, and I headed back to school. Nearly a decade later, I'm still grateful I listened to that little nudge. Today, I have the joy of helping people feel more at home in their bodies through my private practice in an acupuncturist's office—a career that feels a bit like magic itself.

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Jennifer Niemi is a New York State Licensed Massage Therapist who began her career in Connecticut, where she worked with the Connecticut Sun WNBA team. Seeing the positive impact massage therapy had on athletes inspired her passion for helping others experience the benefits of therapeutic massage. After her husband's retirement from the U.S. Navy submarine service, Jennifer and her family relocated to New York, where she obtained her New York State massage therapy license. When she is not working with clients, she enjoys strength training, caring for her chickens, and spending time with her family.

SECRETARY

secretary@amta-ny.org
Western New York

Kelly Cartus began her journey as a LMT in 2010. She is NYS Licensed, National Board Certified, and she has National Certifications in Sports Massage and SportStretch USA, among others. Kelly has worked in many different arenas within the profession, but since 2022 has been the sole proprietor of 'Simply Massage-WNY'. Kelly has been an AMTA member and a strong supporter of Massage Therapy Foundation for most of her tenure as LMT. In both, she has volunteered her time and talents. She has fundraised for MTJ, and in AMTA-NY, she served as Delegate for one term; currently she is in her second term as Secretary of the AMTA-NY Executive Board. In her spare time, Kelly is a long-time runner, loves to read, and enjoys spending time with her husband, their collective children, and grandbabies. 

FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATOR

finance@amta-ny.org
Western New York

Melanie R. Olivieri has been a Licensed Massage Therapist in NYS for the last 15 years and has been an AMTA volunteer almost since she graduated. She is currently serving as the New York Chapter Financial Administrator.  She is an Independent Contractor at Body Essential Wellness Center in Williamsville, NY, focusing on providing massage for clients with medical issues be that short-term injury recovery, post-op care or working with chronic illnesses as well as being a NYS Registered Nurse, Reiki Master and Transformational Life Coach, co-owning Collaborative Growth Coaching. Melanie is specially trained in Oncology massage, Lymphatic Drainage and Migraine management and incorporates whichever techniques will best serve her clients. She believes that massage is medicine, be the issue physical pain, emotional strain or mental stress and strives daily to help her clients live their best lives. She loves supporting her clients, the massage profession and other massage therapists by helping to educate both the public and medical professionals on how best massage therapy can help each individual.

BOARD MEMBER

boardmemberMRiveraPlacido@amta-ny.org
Hudson Valley

Marisol Rivera-Placido, MS, LMT,  is a Licensed Massage Therapist (NY/NJ), NASM Certified Personal Trainer, and private practice owner with a Master’s in Applied Sport Science. In addition to running her business, she serves the Track & Field, Football, and Swim & Dive teams at the United States Military Academy and volunteers as a Board Member and Government Relations Chair for the AMTA-NY Chapter. As an accomplished endurance athlete—having completed six marathons, two 50ks, an Ironman, and 13 years of functional fitness training—Marisol leverages her firsthand competitive experience to help athletes optimize their health, recovery, and performance.

BOARD MEMBER

BoardMemberNBodkin@amta-ny.org
Capital District

Nicholas Bodkin is a New York State Licensed Massage Therapist with over 24 years of clinical experience. He is the co-owner of Massage Works, LLC in South Glens Falls, NY, where he integrates hands-on care with a commitment to evidence-based practice.
A professional AMTA member for 20 years, Nicholas currently serves on the AMTA-NY Chapter Board, drawing on his prior experience as an elected local government Trustee and Mayor, he is passionate about protecting the scope of practice for all LMTs, advancing research, and strengthening the profession across New York State.