AWARDS COMMITTEE CHAIR

awards@amta-ny.org
Capital District

My first career was working at a Mercedes-Benz dealership.
In 1993, I switched from metal to muscle enrolling at the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy becoming Nationally Certified and New York State licensed in 1995.

My other interests include: cooking, baking, grilling, making sausage and snack sticks, smoking meats, driving my restored 1962 Impala convertible,
exploring new destinations on the UTV, traveling and just enjoying my game room and huge outdoor fire pit with family and friends.

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Edward Pacyna has been a New York State Licensed Massage Therapist and a member of both the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork and the American Massage Therapy Association for more than 32 years. He continues his private practice in Queensbury NY and volunteers as the vendor coordinator at the annual AMTA-NY convention as well as the Awards Chair.

CONVENTION COMMITTEE CHAIR

Convention@amta-ny.org
Western New York

Alexa has been a New York State licensed massage therapist since 2022 and board certified since 2025. Her practice is located in Williamsville, NY where she specializes in swedish massage, reiki and massage, and aromatherapy massage. In addition to massage therapy she offers reiki sessions, aromatherapy consultations, and teaches holistic wellness based classes.

EDUCATION COMMITTEE CHAIR

Education@amta-ny.org
Finger Lakes

I loves to travel and be fully present with my son, watching him grow and learn. I have an endless curiosity for learning and won’t stop imagining! When I’m not volunteering or working, I am in Community with family, friends, and neighbors and enjoying food. 

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Ruth Anselm has been a NY State LMT since 2014. Her training and career began in NYC in treatment-based clinics that focused on a whole person approach. Ruth opened a private practice in Rochester, NY in 2020 and found a dream space to renovate into her vision in 2020, Root Reset: Body & Breath. She shares her success with her biggest supporters, allowing her the ability to serve as the Education Chair for the NY Chapter of AMTA since 2022. 

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE CHAIR

GovernmentRelations@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.

MEMBERSHIP ENGAGEMENT and COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE

Membershipengagement@amta-ny.org
Western Finger Lakes

Shawn Belles is an NYS LMT who has been practicing since 2010. He is the proud owner of Pain Relief Massage in Rochester, NY, where he has helped many clients with chronic pain issues. Shawn has been a member of the AMTA since 2018 and took on the volunteer role of Membership Engagement chair on the NY AMTA board in 2024. He is proud to serve the massage community and is always looking to strengthen the profession.

SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE CHAIR

Scholarship@amta-ny.org
Central New York

Jessica Evans-Kirley is a New York State Licensed Massage Therapist with more than 15 years of experience in therapeutic massage, wellness, and client care. She is the owner of be.well therapies LLC and Body-Works. Massage & Movement Therapies LLC in Oneida, New York, where she provides massage therapy, lymphatic drainage, personal training, and wellness services. Jessica serves as Chairperson of the Scholarship Committee for the American Massage Therapy Association New York Chapter and is passionate about advancing the massage therapy profession through education, mentorship, and community involvement. Her background includes work in spa, clinical, athletic, and private practice settings, allowing her to bring a well-rounded perspective to the profession.

ONLINE ELECTIONS COORDINATOR

oec@amta-ny.org
Capital District

 Jina Smith, LMT, a New York licensed massage therapist with 22 years of practice and experience in Queensbury.
As a returning member of the AMTA, I have had the pleasure of serving as the Online Elections Coordinator and am currently active on the Education and Convention committees. I truly value the volunteer opportunities available within the AMTA and look forward to continuing my involvement.