2025 Assembly of Delegates Report
Submitted by Assembly of Delegates Advisory Committee (AODAC)
Introduction:
This report outlines events from the 2025 Assembly of Delegates meeting and has been prepared for Delegates and the AMTA National Board of Directors. It includes a summary of the Discussion Topic Proposals that were approved for this meeting’s agenda. This report also outlines suggested considerations for the AMTA National Board of Directors related to the proposals.
General information:
The AMTA Delegates held their annual business meeting preceding AMTA National Convention in Dallas, TX on Wednesday, August 20 from 1:00-4:30 pm.
Eighty (80) delegates were present at roll call. Delegates were seated at 10 round tables to facilitate productive discussion, and ten (10) non-delegate facilitators were assigned to those tables to assist during the round table discussions. Delegates were invited to speak publicly about report outs, commentary, and questions. Two (2) Discussion Topics were presented to delegates for discussion and comment.
Tami Schumacher, Assembly of Delegates Moderator and Chair was unable to attend the 2025 meeting. As such, Assembly of Delegates Advisory Committee member Tim Lisbon served as the temporary Moderator for the 2025 Assembly of Delegates meeting.
Discussion Topic
Trauma and Massage Therapy
Aubrey Oiler, NV Chapter
1. What are the ethical considerations when working with clients who disclose trauma (or those whose bodies reveal trauma responses), and how can standardized education help therapists navigate these delicate moments with care, efficacy, and professionalism?
2. How might a deeper understanding of trauma change the way massage therapists choose modalities/techniques, build rapport, communicate boundaries, and create safe environments for clients?
Discussion Overview
Trauma is an important consideration for massage therapists, but approaches must respect scope of practice. Training should focus on recognizing trauma responses, creating safe spaces, and knowing when to refer clients to other professionals.
Education & Standards:
• Most groups agreed that trauma should not be a licensure requirement but should be included in massage school curricula (ethics, pathology, client communication) and as CE options.
• There is concern about lack of national standards. AMTA could explore offering continuing education in this area.
• Some emphasized avoiding the term “trauma” as it may be overly charged, frame it instead as physiological or stress responses.
Boundaries & Ethics:
• Therapists should not attempt to treat trauma directly, but should practice effective communication, intake/assessment, and referral when needed.
• Discussion highlighted the importance of differentiating massage therapy from mental health therapy.
• Priority remains “do no harm”—hold safe space, stay calm, listen, and respect state reporting laws.
Implementation Ideas:
• Develop clear definitions and frameworks for how trauma education fits into massage. • Centralize state-by-state requirements/resources for mandated reporting.
• Consider layering education: basic skills for students, advanced training for post-graduate therapists.
Next Steps
In the Trauma and Massage proposal, the author’s end goal was to “create a progressive and goal oriented conversation that spurs the unanimous decision to ensure trauma education is a requirement for all therapists nationwide.”
Based on the discussion and input from the Delegates, the AMTA National Board should consider directing AMTA staff to create continuing education related to Trauma Education.
AMTA has already shown commitment to this population by supporting research around Massage for PTSD and Trauma. Click here for link.
Discussion Topic
Peer to Peer Mentorship
Ariana Will, WA Chapter
How can AMTA revitalize its mentorship program for massage therapists?
1. What would a successful, AMTA-supported peer-to-peer mentorship program look like across different chapters or regions?
2. In what ways could mentorship relationships be structured to support professional development and potentially qualify for CE credits?
Discussion Overview
Delegates exuded strong enthusiasm for improving mentorship. Many felt it is underutilized, under advertised, and one of AMTA’s greatest opportunities to strengthen community and member value.
Program Structure:
• Calls for clarity on vetting mentors, matching mentors/mentees (by modality, skills, goals, or region), and establishing accountability.
• Some preferred the term “peer-to-peer” instead of “mentorship” to avoid hierarchy and suggested flexibility: options for casual connections (coffee chats, Zoom calls) as well as more structured mentorships.
Visibility & Accessibility:• Mentors could be both mentees in other areas, allowing two-way relationships.
• Many Delegates did not know the current Mentorship program existed or how to access it. Visibility could be improved on the website, in emails, and at conventions.
• Suggestions included: dedicated website tabs, database with searchable profiles, icons on member names showing mentorship specialties, social media groups, and testimonies.
Incentives & Support:
• Ideas included CE credits, stipends, recognition at conventions, and benefits for mentors. • A “mentor day” at convention, with networking tables and sign-ups, was widely supported. • Toolkits for new graduates were suggested to ease transition from school to practice. Collaboration & Expansion:
• Schools, chapters, and national AMTA can coordinate more closely. A “welcome packet” for schools could include mentorship info.
• Consider expanding beyond massage-only mentors—business, finance, and legal professionals could offer valuable guidance.
Long-Term Vision:
• Create training and support for mentors.
• Develop a national searchable mentorship/peer-to-peer database.
• Start small with pilot programs, then expand in phases.
Next Steps
In the Peer-to-Peer Mentorship proposal, the author’s stated goal was “to gather feedback and ideas from delegates that can inform the revamping of a structured, AMTA-supported mentorship program that is accessible, sustainable, and beneficial to both new and experienced massage therapists.”
Throughout the discussion, Delegates expressed strong interest in the concept of a more intentional and well-supported mentorship model within AMTA. Many shared that mentorship plays a vital role in professional growth, helping new therapists to transition successfully into the field while also providing experienced practitioners with opportunities to give back, refine leadership skills, and strengthen their connection to the profession.
Based on the feedback received, the delegates feel the AMTA National Board and pertinent AMTA staff should consider revisiting and revitalizing the current AMTA Mentorship Program.
This could include assessing its structure, accessibility, and alignment with member needs, as well as exploring ways to reintroduce and re-market the program to ensure broader awareness and engagement across chapters and among members. A refreshed, well-communicated mentorship initiative could serve as a powerful member benefit—building community, supporting career longevity, and fostering a culture of shared professional growth throughout the association. Click here for the Find Mentor page.
Key Takeaways Across Both Topics
1. Start Small, Build Strong Foundations: Whether addressing trauma training or mentorship, delegates urged AMTA to implement structured, manageable first steps.
2. Stay Within Scope: Both discussions emphasized ethical boundaries—massage therapists should recognize their limits and collaborate with other professionals.
3. Improve Visibility & Access: Delegates want clearer communication and easier access to mentorship and trauma education resources.
4. Leverage Community: Peer-to-peer support and trauma-awareness both reflect AMTA’s mission of advancing massage therapy through education, networking, and ethical practice.
Summary
The 2025 Assembly of Delegates meeting was remarkably successful. 94% of delegates gave a top box rating to the question, “How effective was the Assembly of Delegates Meeting in fulfilling its stated purpose?”
The Assembly of Delegates is a group of elected chapter members whose purpose is to provide input on items of interest for the Association as it relates/impacts their state, as outlined by policy.
The ongoing discussions are dynamic and inclusive, ensuring that all delegates can actively participate and express their views both in person and within the Delegate Community Discussion on the HUB. Submitted by,
Tami Schumacher, Moderator and Chair
Assembly of Delegates Advisory Committee
AODAC Members:
Debra Gallup, South Carolina
Kim Gregorzek, Rhode Island
Erin Fichtel Hewitt, Minnesota
Timothy Lisbon, West Virginia
Colleen Leeders, AMTA Staff Liaison