2018 Dianne Polseno Scholarship 1st Place Winner Interview

Published: May 18, 2018

By Kristen Lutz
Communications Program Chair

I had the pleasure of sitting down with our 2018 Dianne Polseno Scholarship 1st Place Winner, Erin McNulty, to get to know a little more about how this award will affect her and her future practice. Erin was the recipient of $1,000 and a free year of AMTA-MA membership. Did you know we have $1,000 and $500 (PLUS A YEAR OF FREE AMTA MEMBERSHIP!) just waiting for some brilliant and talented souls to take home each year? Here's what Erin had to say about how the scholarship will make an impact on her career.

Q. How did you hear about the Dianne Polseno Scholarship?

A. I heard about the scholarship through a number of faculty at school. However, before I knew there even was a scholarship I had heard several teachers talk about Dianne Polseno and how wonderful she was.

Q. Where are you attending school and do you have a favorite class/area of study?

A. I am currently attending the Bancroft School of Massage Therapy located in Worcester, MA. The entire program at Bancroft is fantastic, but my favorite classes have been Sports Massage and Pathologies since this is my area of interest.

Q. What will be the first thing you do with your Scholarship Award?

A. Since I have not graduated yet, I imagine that the first thing I will put this award toward is the costs associated with getting my license. Additionally, I am excited and grateful to have this money to start my practice following my completion of school.

Q. How will the Award make an impact on your massage therapy practice?

A. Once I finish school I will, for the first time in my life, be entering the workforce full time. Before Bancroft I went to Ithaca College and studied Athletic Training. I am excited to pursue a career in this field while conducting my own adjunct practice of massage. Having this scholarship will help me immensely as I navigate life out of school and build a career as an athletic trainer and massage therapist, which I have been working toward for the past 5 years. In addition to the obvious financial benefit of this scholarship award, I am motivated to remain mindful and steadfast in my desire to continue Dianne’s legacy of working to advance the field of massage therapy.

Q. What would you like to say to next year's applicants?

A. I consider it a great honor to be awarded a Scholarship that is named for someone that not only benefited the profession, but enhanced the lives of those around her. Having talked with many who knew her, I have learned that Dianne was a very driven individual both in regard to her own work and the greater scope of advancing the progression of the profession. When applying for scholarship that honors such a remarkable person, take time to discover the myriad of qualities that made Dianne so special, and reflect on the qualities of her’s that you strive to emulate. 

Q. Why is it important for people to contribute to the Dianne Polseno Scholarship Fund?

A. The Dianne Polseno Scholarship Fund stands for something so special, which is why I’m beyond honored to be this year’s recipient of the award. This scholarship pays tribute to someone who loved what she did, shared her passoin with others, and worked tirelessly to advance the profession. Those who contribute to the Dianne Polseno Scholarship Fund both honor Dianne, and do something I think Dianne would love, support the energy and enthusiasm of Massage Therapy students who hope to continue the work that was so important to her. Thank you to all who have contributed to this scholarship fund. 

Read all about what Emily Brown, our 2nd place winner, had to say!